ON THE ROAD 2010-2011

"APTCOO" -- well worth every penny donated, trust me!

2011-05-21T16:19:00.004+01:00

At the start of season 2010-2011, I asked Kev if he thought we should try and add a little something to the “On The Road” blog by finding a local charity to support. Kev readily agreed and the format of £0.15 per goal was decided – with any goal-less games to count as £0.50 each. APTCOO was decided upon after our friend Rob Hornby had mentioned the great service they provide for children and their carers.

Last season we managed 109 games, with a goal tally of 393 with 9 goal-less games. That would have raised £126.90 based on the above formula.

Season 2010-2011 saw us make the extra effort, and our total of 154 games was, in all honesty, far more than we had planned. There were 662 goals scored and four goal-less games meaning the total should have been £202.60. Not bad at all.

Chris “Tall-Lad” Dent ( can you guess why his nick-name is tall-lad?) gave us the first “other” donation at the Heanor v Graham St Prims game in September 2010, and after I mentioned this in the match blog entry, interest grew. Throughout the season, we were handed contributions by a variety of friends, old and new, fellow hoppers old and new, and a multitude of others.

One special donation needs a mention : the total at the turn of the year was already at £185, then Alan Avery at Unity FP doubled it – just like that! So we entered the new year with a running total of £370.00 !!

After the poor December when we only managed four games due to the very inclement weather, we really went for it, and as mentioned previously ended up going to 154 games in total, notching up 662 goals. "Other" contributions in the end, totalled £647.40.....

So, with the total at £850.00, I contacted APTCOO to arrange to present them with a cheque. We were invited to their premises on Saturday 21st May, and were given a very warm welcome by Deb Jones and Megan Wheat.

Deb gave us a tour of the facility and we were duly invited to have a go at drumming – not being very musical, I declined, but Mrs. Kev had a right old bash !!

A photographer from the Chad turned up, and organised a group pic – could have done without me in them though .. I’m not the most photogenic person you’ll ever meet!! Having said that, this hasn’t been about me, or Kev, it’s been about APTCOO and the children and parents who really can say that they have “A Place To Call Our Own”

Well, that's it then....the season's done - we never expected to be handing over such a fantastic amount to APTCOO, but the thought that there were so many people prepared to part with their hard-earned for a charity they had probably never heard of, makes you think that the world isn't such a bad place after all....

Will we do this again next season? I don't think so ....how the hell can we top this?

One more big THANK YOU to those who donated to the charity

On a more selfish note - ontheroad2010-2011 clocked up 100 hits a day throughout most of the season -- thanks for your continuing interest!!!

See you next season - "ontheroad2011-2012"

Hucknall Rolls Leisure 1-3 Boots Athletic

2011-05-17T22:52:00.002+01:00

Tuesday 17th May 2011 -- NSL Senior Cup final

Usually a good turn out for this end of season Cup final - no exception on this occasion with well over 200 present and head-counted!!

This was ostensibly our final game of the season - may take in the rearranged Notts F.A. Saturday Junior Cup final next Wednesday, but won't be blogging it.

Brian Dennett accompanied us again tonight, but we spent the game in the company of the66pow blogmeister Rob Waite - always a pleasure and always a laugh or two to be had when Rob joins us. Rob is a Hearts / Mansfield Town / Worksop Town fan from the People's Republic of Retfordshire, a small county near Yorkshire.....

The game saw Rolls take on League Champions Boots - Boots actually ground share with Rolls at Watnall Road, so it was landlords v tenants.....

Boots took the lead on 20 minutes after their no. 11 TOMMY KEMP was allowed time to control and turn before firing past Neil Waters in the Rolls’ net. Athletic doubled their lead a few minutes later, this time PATRICK BAKONE taking advantage of some slack marking, running at Waters and slotting home. H-T 0-2

Rolls pushed hard from the restart in an effort to reduce their arrears. Their pressure paid off 10 minutes into the half when Boots’ no. 7 ( free advertising?!! ) NATHAN HODGES headed into his own net after a frantic scramble in front of goal.

With Rolls pressing hard, and Boots looking a little ragged and losing some discipline, the spectre of extra time loomed large again – and after what happened at Clipstone last week we were not counting any chickens as we headed for the exit.

KEV WALKER eased our squeeky bums by lobbing Waters in the 91st minute to secure the victory, and see Boots complete a league and cup double. F-T 1-3

Admission £3 inc programme

Attendance – well over 200

Bulwell Town 1-3 Bentley Colliery

2011-05-14T20:43:00.005+01:00

Saturday 14th May 2011 - CML Premier Division

Second part of our double-header saw us at Bestwood Miners Welfare Gound again to see Bulwell Town take on League runners up Bentley Colliery. We were at Bulwell's previous game when they beat Welbeck Welfare 6-0, but Bentley are a different proposition entirely!

We had to wait 29 minutes for the first goal, a penalty converted by centre-half MATTY BROWN.

Right on half-time, Bentley's no. 9 MARK RICHARDSON cut in from the left and curled a beauty past Bulwell keeper Alex Smith. The ball ended up in the far corner of the goal and there was absolutely nothing the keeper could do to save. H-T 0-2

The visitors went further ahead on 57 - LEE TILLEY cutting the ball home with the outside of his foot after keeper Smith had blocked his initial effort. Bulwell's ELLIOT CHRISTIE headed home Jamie Coup's overhead kick on 69, but the goal was to prove only a consolation as the game fizzled to a close. F-T 1-3

Bentley received their runners-up mementos after the game, presented to them by League Chairman Frank Harwood.. the video is a bit shaky, but Kev had had a hard day doing it himself !!!!

Admission £2

Programme £1

H/C 22

One more game to go ...the NSL final on Tuesday - then we are off to APTCOO on Saturday to present a cheque to the value of £850.00 !!!!! More on this later....

Basford United 3-1 Wollaton

2011-05-14T16:09:00.010+01:00

Saturday 14th May 2011 -- Notts Senior League Senior Division

This was Basford's final NSL game, they applied to join, and have been accepted into the Central Midlands Football League for next season. Wollaton just needed a point to secure second place behind champions Booots Athletic, while United had to win to grab the runner-up spot.

Basford's General Manager Chris Monroe's pre-game preperation didn't seem to be too ideal,he spent the final few minutes before the kick off marking out the pitch!

Accompanied by Mr. Dennett for this game, company for me as Kev was busy doing it himself!!!!! A bitterly cold wind blew across the Greenwich Avenue pitch, making the afternoon less than comfortable.

The home team took the lead on 15 - their no. 7 flicked the ball past a defender and raced into the area before crossing to the far post where CONNOR CARTER was on hand to slot home. After 38 minutes, the Basford keeper did well to keep out a fierce drive from Wollaton no.10 Austin Wallace. H-T 1-0

On 54, a neat ball by Zeke Jenkins found Carter who in turn found Craig McCaffrey - but the no. 11's effort crashed off the foot of the post. DAMIEN RENNICKS fired home from the spot midway through the second half, then CRAIG McCAFFREY did find the net - arriving first at the near post on 79 to flick home. AUSTIN WALLACE grabbed a late consolation for Wollaton on 82, hitting a 20 yard shot the flew through a crowd of players and past the unsighted keeper. F-T 3-1

Basford end their final season in the NSL as runners-up.

No admission or programme - h/c 30

Saturday 14th May 2011 - games

2011-05-14T12:03:00.001+01:00

CML Supreme
Kinsley Boys 0-1 Kirkby Town
Sheff Parramore 2-1 Bilworth Welfare (12:45pm)

CML Premier
Bulwell Town 1-3 Bentley Colliery (5:30pm)

NSL Senior
Basford United 3-1 Wolllaton (1:00pm)
Bulwell 1-3 Clifton ( at Green Lane ko 1:00pm)
Gedling SB 3-1 Kimberley MW ( at Digby Street ko 1:00pm)
Keyworth United 1-1 Boots Athletic (1:00pm)

Blogger acting a little strange...

2011-05-14T09:48:00.001+01:00

Blogger have been apologising left,right and centre after an "upgrade" screwed up over 13 million blogs! Posts went missing, links were corrupted and data lost... I am pleased to say that all seems back to normal now!!

Attenborough 2-0 Dunkirk Reserves

2011-05-11T21:55:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 11th May 2011 -- Notts F.A. Intermediate Cup final, played at Hucknall Town FC

Not a lot to write about -- Attenborough play in the NSL Senior Division, while Dunkirk Reserves are members of CML Reserve Supreme Division. Met up with my good friends from the F.A. again, Mick Kilbee always welcomes me to the Notts F.A. finals, and Mick Connelly always has a cheerful smile as he takes your money on the gate! On this occasion, Mick allowed me in as a guest of the F.A. - so I will gladly donate the £2 to APTCOO on Notts F.A's behalf.

After the usual formalities, the teams kicked off and ......well, not a lot happened really! One header flew over as Attenborough pressed, the no. 11 Liam Slater had a couple of tame efforts saved by Dunkirk keeper Jake Want. Slater almost broke the deadlock half way through the first period, but his speculative 30 yard lob just cleared the Dunkirk bar... H-T 0-0

Liam Slater

Header flies over

Went into the Hucknall Town office for a coffee during the break - many thanks to General Manager Dave Green for the hospitality - another new friend made this season.

Attenborough took the lead on 52 when STEVE OLDHAM beat Want to the ball at the far post - although the no. 9's header was blocked, he still managed to lash home the loose ball from close range.

Both sets of players then decided to make Referee Sean Richardson's life a misery - some bad challenges, bad attitude and bad language not helping the official. JORDAN RUCK added the second for Attenborough on 68, beating the off-side trap and racing in at goal before sliding the ball past Want. The protests were long and stupid - the goal had been given - get on with it!!!!

Dunkirk's skipper (no.6) had been cautioned earlier in the game, but he wasn't about to keep quiet and duly received a second yellow and the red followed.

Nothing else written down and nothing else springs to mind .....finished 2-0

Admission £2 ( donated to APTCOO) inc programme

H/C 120

Mattersey 4-3 Rainworth Rangers

2011-05-10T22:45:00.006+01:00

Tuesday 10th May 2011 – Notts F.A. Minor Cup final - played at Clipstone Welfare FC

Mattersey play in Gainsborough & District League Div 1, while opponents Rangers ply their trade in the MAA. These Leagues are both relatively unknown to me, so no idea what to expect. Turned out to be a decent enough game, with a twist at the end of 90 minutes, as well as a contender for goal of the season!

Rangers went ahead in the 5th minute thanks to their no. 10, but Mattersey drew level through their no. 10 seven minutes later. H-T 1-1

Mattersey’s no. 9 scored from a cross on 69 after being left alone in front of goal, then on 85 we thought it was all over when Mattersey were awarded a penalty that the 9 jacket duly converted. As we all gathered by the exit to make a quick getaway, the Rangers no. 25 slammed home from the edge of the box – timed this at 90 + 5 minutes, although only 4 had been signalled by the 4th official. 60 seconds later there was a collective groan from Mr. Waite, Mr. Cook, Mr. Dennett and yours truly when the Rangers' no. 15 rifled home to level the scores. F-T 3-3

Penalties weren’t needed though on this occasion, as the Mattersey no. 16 STEVIE OWENS grabbed a superb winner in the 103rd minute. Right on the edge of the box, the sub held off challenges from three Rangers defenders, turned and unleashed a curling effort that flew into the top corner. What a strike … seen a lot of goals this season, but that will take some beating, made even more sweet as it turned out to be the winner. F-T 4-3

Admission £2 inc programme

H/C depends on when you counted really – 60 – 80 best estimate..

Bulwell Town 6-0 Welbeck Welfare

2011-05-09T21:50:00.007+01:00

Monday 9th May 2011 – CML Premier Division

Our first visit to the Bestwood Miners Welfare ground – adequate is probably the best word to describe it.

Basement club Welbeck could only muster 10 players, and one of them had both legs was strapped up! Bulwell had the bare 11 as both teams struggle to complete the 2010-2011 season.

Serial hopper Aggedor was present along with Mr. Mac and Brian “he gets everywhere” Dennett. Brian did purchase the half-time drinks though, but the lady behind the counter hadn’t seen a white fiver before …and I’m sure Britannia actually blinked when Brian opened his wallet !!

Welbeck did well to hold out until 8 minutes before the break, with keeper Tom Chambers making a few good saves. The keeper could do nothing about the 25 yarder that no.6 DAVE SIMPSON fired past him to open the scoring. 60 seconds later the lead was doubled, and a cracking goal it was too. Left back Justin Edwards Clarke pinged a ball 50 yards diagonally across the pitch that found JAMES DUFFY, and as Chambers rushed out to try and block any shot, the no.7 calmly hoisted the ball over him into the net. The third came on 44, the Bulwell no. 10, LLWELLYN NOLAN scoring at the far post after a mad scramble H-T 3-0

Bulwell added their fourth on 48, Edwards Clarke crossed from the left and although the 10 shirt headed well, his effort hit the bar and bounced straight onto his strike partners head and into the net - ASHLEY SOUTHALL on the scoresheet, but he knew very little about it!

Welbeck went close with a free-kick, but in they had hardly anything to offer as an attacking force.

We had to wait until the 87^th minute for the next goal, Duffy’s corner headed powerfully home by the LENFORD JENKINS. Five became six on 90, when no. 8 shirt, YOANDRY DEPASS ran into the box and rounded Chambers before slotting home. F-T 6-0

Admission £2

Programme £1

H/C 25

Tuesday -- off to Clippo for the Notts F.A. Saturday Minor Cup final

Yorkshire Main 2-2 Kirkby Town

2011-05-08T19:31:00.006+01:00

Sunday 8th May 2011 -- CML Cup final

“Wheelchair” Trev Williams was in the car park when I arrived at North Street, and once inside the ground, met up with Rob Waite, Adam Barlow and Mick Cook. Richard “Wanderer” Lane was selling programmes, Hazel Hornby raffle tickets while Brian Dennett strutted his stuff in his Sunday best…

Mr. Waite bought his Sunday lunch – looked great – but the small (!) portion didn’t last very long!!!!!!!!

This is the CML flagship final – but this game was a bit dull for the most part. Livened up a bit in the 40th minute when Chris Hanson decided he didn’t like the challenge of Kirkby’s Kieren Watson and gave the striker a smacking! Straight red for the Main no. 3. H-T 0-0

Main went ahead on 48 after Referee Sean Richardson decided that Tom Holmes’s challenge on Adam Watson was illegal and punishable by the award of a penalty. A bit of a strange decision as the full back clearly won the ball cleanly and fairly. CURTIS WALKER didn’t care – he stepped up and blasted the ball past Louis Sprigg to give Main the lead.

SAM HOLMES restored parity on 66, curling a beauty past Ward from 25 yards. Kirkby failed to take advantage of their extra man for the remainder of the half, and we were into the dreaded extra-time…F-T 1-1

KIERAN WATSON put Kirby in front in the 100th minute – he was allowed to run at goal with no-one picking him up, and the striker made no mistake sliding the ball home.

The equalising goal on 113 was a stunner from the prolific ADAM WATSON. Ricky Starbuck tried to carry the ball out of defence, but Watson robbed him and raced to the near post before hitting a vicious strike past Sprigg. Great goal, but poor defending from Kirkby.

Main had another player dismissed with 4 minutes of extra-time to be played – think it was no. 4 John Tunney, but he’d taken his shirt off before he left the pitch, so can’t be sure. Main held on and we entered the lottery of penalties.

Kirkby missed their first three kicks, while Main missed two with only Adam Watson netting. A poor shoot-out ended with MARK COOPER scoring Main’s 6th after Kyle Ludlow had put his effort out of the ground.

So Yorkshire Main win 3-2 on pens…and complete a hat-trick of cup successes after their Floodlit cup triumph over Southwell City and their 9-0 demolition of Edlington Town in the Doncaster Cup.

Admission £4

Programme £1

Attendance ?

Hasland Devonshire 1-2 White Swan Bolsover

2011-05-08T13:43:00.012+01:00

Sunday 8th May 2011 -- Derbys F.A. Sunday Senior Cup final.

Played at the Lees Lane home of South Normanton Athletic.

Invited to attend this game by White Swan skipper Ben Newman. Ben had recently contributed the the APTCOO fund, and this visit was a sort of thank you to him. Had a half-hour in Jamie Renshaw's company as well, another APTCOO contributor.

A few of the White Swan team were in action on for Pinxton on Saturday - James Senior and Liam Collins, along with Ben and Matin Newman. Ant Lynam started up top for Hasland - and with Asa Ingall, Lee Clay and Dale Crowder also in their line up, it was easy to see why they were strong favourites to win this encounter.

With Kev feeling a bit off, I was on my own again, but with fellow hoppers Chris and John as company, I wasn't exactly "Billy - No-mates" on this occasion.

The game was far from a classic, but Hasland were creating the better chances early on, so when Swan went ahead on 12 it was totally against the run of play. Senior tried a shot from an acute angle running in from the left, and although the effort was missing the goal by a fair distance, STEVE JOHNSON was alert enough in the 6 yard box to prod past Jason Gough in the Hasland goal.

The lead lasted only 3 minutes though - and you had to feel for Swan keeper Sam Ward who did well to block a shot fired in from the left - but DANNY KIRKLAND was quickest to react in the 6 yard area and swept home at the far stick.

Hasland pressed hard, but a combination of good defending and last ditch clearances by the Swan, kept things level. The scores stayed level until the 43^rd minute when NEIL ASHLEY ran in from the left and unleashed a 25 yard screamer that was past Gough before he could react. H-T 1-2

The second half was played more or less in White Swan's half, and Ward had to be alert on several occasions as the Hasland front line pressed for the equaliser. It never came though, and White Swan duly collected the Sunday Senior cup ..... F-T 1-2

Admission £2 inc programme
H/C 100 +

Pinxton 2-3 Blidworth Welfare

2011-05-07T19:21:00.005+01:00

Saturday 7th April 2011 -- CML Supreme Divison

Eagerly awaited CML Supreme Division clash betwee two of the league top teams. Blidworth needed to win this game to ensure they will go to Sheffield Parramore next Saturday just needing a point to win the title. Any other result would see then going to the Don Valley needing to win.

Pinxton were without Kieren DeBrower and Craig Housley, but welcomed back Arron Brady who partnered Jay Cooper up top. Blidworth’s top marksman, Dean Rick was missing, and midfielder Jason Edwards also didn’t make the trip.

It was a fairly low key first 20 minutes or so, a period where the teams were trying to adapt to playing in a field of dandelions. Carl Haslam did have a header that made Pinxton keeper Dave McCarthy tip over, but we had to wait until the 23rd minute for the first goal.

The Pinxton off-side trap was sprung by SIMON ELLISON who raced through and calmly chipped McCarthy from 20 yards. The ball bounced down off the underside of the bar, but ended up in the net giving Blidworth the lead.

Pinxton upped their game after conceding, and were deservedly on terms on the half-hour mark. A superb, deep cross from the left by Jamie Renshaw picked out JAY COOPER at the far post who had the simple task of nodding past Jason Fisher in the visitors’ goal.

McCarthy had to be alert after 35 minutes, tipping over a powerful Haslam header, but the pacy winger was on the scoresheet 5 minutes later – Ellison going the donkey work before laying the ball into the path of CARL HASLAM who made no mistake from 10 yards.

The lead lasted barely 4 minutes though as BLAKE VINCENT rifled home after Brady had spotted him in space on the edge of the box.

The game turned a little nasty in first half stoppage time. Pinxton’s skipper Fraser Thomas challenged for the ball with Rickie Chambers, but missed his kick and bundled the Blidworth player over. Chambers saw the red mist and lashed out at Thomas. Then Renshaw got involved – then Simon Ellison also made his presence known, it then became a mass brawl as other players raced in. Joe Riley apparently struck out at one of the Blidworth players and when Referee Nick Hopton had quietened things down a little, Chambers and Riley were both dismissed. H-T 2-2

The second half began slightly subdued, and it took a while for the players to get back into their rhythm. Pinxton were the first to get their game going and on 65, Josh Parker fired a ball in from the right that James Senior headed just wide. Cooper then had an effort well saved by Fisher, and seconds later Brady forced Fisher to tip over a fierce drive.

Steve Carty had the ball in the net on 79 for Blidworth, but had strayed off-side and the effort was ruled out. It was the visitors who left the Welfare Ground with all the points though, and the goal was worthy of winning any game.

We had just entered the 1st minute of added time when CARL HASLAM received the ball with his back to goal and turned into the box. He controlled superbly, beating both Parker and Thomas before firing past McCarthy. Superb goal, although Haslam may regret removing his shirt in celebration as Mr. Hopton went by the rules and booked him! F-T 2-3

Cracking game – best we have seen for a while …

More cash received for APTCOO – thank you Sue Goodman ( Mrs. Kev), and to neighbour Nathan Smith for your contributions.

Sue has had to put up with a lot this season – we have taken in so many games it’s a wonder that she is still on friendly terms with either of us!!

Admission £2

Programme – sold out

H/C 60+

8 games to go..........

2011-05-06T17:37:00.004+01:00

More for me as an "aide memoire", but also for anyone who wants to say hi to the "Bearded wonder" and the Daft-Lad" before the season ends!!!

7th May
Pinxton v Blidworth Welfare
CMFL Supreme Div
Venue Pinxton Welfare ko 3pm

8th May
Hasland Devonshire v White Swan (Bolsover)
Derby Sunday Senior Cup final
Venue South Normanton ko 10:45 am

8th May
Yorkshire Main v Kirkby Town
CMFL Cup final
Venue Alfreton Town ko 3pm

9th May
Bulwell Town v Welbeck Welfare
CML Premier Div
Venue Bestwood Miners Welfare Ground ko 6:30pm

10th May
Mattersley (Sat) v Rainworth Rangers
Notts F.A. Saturday Minor Cup final
Venue Clipstone Welfare ko 7:30pm

11th May
Attenborough v Dunkirk Reserves
Notts F.A. Saturday Intermediate Cup final
Venue Hucknall Town ko 7:30pm

14th May
Basford United v Wollaton FC
NSL Senior Divison
Venue Greenwich Avenue ko 3pm

17th May
Hucknall Rolls Leisure v Boots Athletic
NSL Senior Cup final
Venue Arnold Town ko 7:30pm

Saturday 7th May -- games

2011-05-06T17:02:00.003+01:00

F.A. Trophy Final
Darlington FC 1-0 Mansfield Town FC (AET)

EMCL
Anstey Nomads 1-5 Borrowash Victoria
Barrow Town 3-3 Bardon Hill
Greenwood Meadows 2-0 Ibstock United
Gresley FC 1-0 Gedling MW -- attendance 651 !! Gresley are champions
Hinckley FC 2-2 Radford FC
Holbrook Sports 2-1 St. Andrews
Holwell Sports 0-6 Radcliffe Olympic
Thunby Nirvana 2-0 Blackwell MW

CMLS
Dronfield Town 3-2 Clipstone Welfare
Kinsley Boys P-P Ollerton Town
Pinxton FC 2-3 Blidworth Welfare
Westella & Willerby 2-3 Harworth CI

CMLP
Bulwell Town P-P Bentley Colliery
Easington United P-P Welbeck Welfare

NSL Senior Div
Awsworth Villa 0-2 F.C. Cavaliers
Basford United 1-0 Boots Athletic
Bulwell FC 1-0 Kimberley MW
Notts Police 2-9 Wollaton FC

Ilkeston FC Academy 3-2 Stafford Rangers Reserves

2011-05-04T22:57:00.003+01:00

Wednesday 4th May 2011 – Central Conference Cup final

Played at Ilkeston – not really a very neutral venue for a final !

Kev couldn’t make it, and I was going to just go and watch and not bother with a blog entry - but I still took notes of goalscorers and times, so may as well pass them on!

Ilkeston were looking for a league and cup double, but judging by their first half performance they looked to have no chance of achieving that! They squandered a few chances and had two efforts cleared off the line, but went behind on 26 when the visiting no. 8 MARSDEN ( I think) bundled home from close range. I was with “Wheelchair” Trev Williams and his pal – we spent quite a lot of the first half looking at aircraft contrails – that’s how entertaining the first half was. H-T 0-1

The second half was much better – Ilkeston seemed to have gained a couple of gears and were a couple of yards quicker all of a sudden. They were on terms with just 6 minutes of the second half played – a cracking cross from the left met by RYAN WILSON who headed powerfully home from 8 yards.

The home team took the lead on 61, when a looping header from ANDREW OSEI-SIRIBOUR caught Rangers keeper Turner flat-footed and ended up in the back of the net. Just 60 seconds later, TYRELL WAITE chased a ball into the box, and when Turner dived over it, the big no. 9 smashed into the net from a really tight angle. Terrific finish!

Rangers threw on their subs, both big lads, and the game swung back their way as the home team decided to try and hang on to what they had. Rangers reduced their arrears on 90, when their no. 10 SMITH fired home at the far post, then Ilkeston had to thank their keeper Luke Edge in stoppage time – he pulled off a breath-taking save from a 25 yard bullet shot that looked a goal as soon as it was struck. The keeper reacted quickly to dive and tip the ball over the bar – the resultant corner was cleared, the ref blew for full time and the double was done! F-T 3-2

Admission £4

No programme

Attendance -- not known at the time of writing

Carlton Town 1-6 Eastwood Town

2011-05-03T22:52:00.008+01:00

Tuesday 3rd May 2011 -- Notts F.A. Senior Cup final

Well, what a shambles! The first time that we have been to Field Mill for the final of the Notts F.A. Saturday Senior Cup, and the powers that be at the F.A. must be a bit red-faced as regards the actual organisation shown by their hosts.

Only one turnstile open – and when we arrived at 7:15pm, the queue was half way down the West Stand…..another door was opened with seconds to go before the kick off, but quite a few people missed the start of the game. Added to that - there were no snack bars open and on a bitterly cold night, a coffee would have gone down a treat….

Sat with good friends and fellow bloggists, Rob Waite and Adam Barlow. We were joined at the break by facebook friend and Stags devotee Mel Furness….I suspect photographer Dan Westwell has a pic of us all that will no doubt grace the social network !!

The pitch at Field Mill is far superior to the one at Meadow Lane, but the organisation at Mansfield was poor and hopefully, bad pitch or not, we will be back in Nottingham for next season’s F.A. showcase event.

Finished 6-1 to Eastwood – a score that was achieved with the Badgers hardly shifting into third gear….not that Carlton were bad – just the gulf in class was so evident that the score could have been 9 or 10 ….

LINDON MEIKLE began the goal fest on 15, when he fired past Danny Marshall after he latched onto a ball played to him through the middle of the Carlton defence.

CURTIS SHAW levelled three minutes later, hammering home a sweet volley from the edge of the box after he was picked out by Ricky Gardner. Four minutes later Eastwood were back in front – a long throw from Adrian Hawes volleyed home by DAVE HAGGERTY, who somehow reached the ball through a ruck of players. H-T 2-1

The Badgers increased their lead with 8 minutes of the second half played, LEE STEVENSON prodding home at the far stick after the Millers failed to deal with a goal mouth scramble. On 63, LINDON MEIKLE was on the mark again – finishing at the second time of asking after Marshall had done well to block the striker’s initial effort.

After 76 minutes, ADRIAN HAWES rose well to head powerfully home from corner, then right on full-time PETER KNOX found acres of space in the box and made no mistake from close range. F-T 6-1

Admission £5
Programme £1
Attendance ?

Kirkby Town 3-1 Dronfield Town

2011-05-02T18:09:00.007+01:00

Monday 2nd May 2011 -- CMFL Supreme Division

End of season game – both teams seemed to be merely fulfilling fixture obligations – although some the Kirkby players may have had an agenda in trying to impress Manager Dave Winter, looking for a place in the squad for next Sunday’s CML Cup final.

A bitterly cold wind met us as we entered the ground – along with fellow Kempsterites Fredkirkbytown and Pontecarlo (aka Eddie)! There is a lack of fixtures Nationwide, and Eddie took this opportunity to make his first visit to the Summit Centre.

The Dronfield team was well below full strength – and no subs were named. Kirkby looked to have fielded a strong-ish team, athough their only named sub was Manager Winter.

Mr. Dennett was also in attendance, but Kirkby must be a little disappointed with the turn out – Eddie head counted only 39, and this decreased steadily to just over 20, as the less than thrilling second half and the freezing cold took their toll…………

We took up a position next to the stand in the hope of finding a bit of shelter, but the blinding sun and howling wind combined to make it a very uncomfortable afternoon.

Dronfield took the lead on 12, when SCOTT AUSTIN fired home from 15 yards after the home defence allowed him too much time and space.

Kirkby were level after 28 minutes had been played, MARK CARTER hammering home at the second attempt after his original shot had rebounded off the post.

With just two minutes of the half remaining the home team were ahead, this time a ball in from the right by Carter neatly flicked home by CARL RUSSO.

90 seconds later Kirkby added their third, MARK “Butch” WALTERS netting at the second attempt after his first shot was blocked by Dronfield keeper Richard Henson. H-T 3-1

Not a lot happened in the second half, and as the sun dipped lower and the temperature continued to drop, the notepad stayed firmly in my pocket. Henson did pull off a great diving save from the Kirkby no. 9 on 66, but that was it as far as noteworthy action goes.

Joined with about 20 minutes to go by facebook friend and hopper Chris Bedford – his first act was to hand me a donation to APTCOO ….. as per usual when this happens, I am lost for words – so I hope “thanks, Chris” will be sufficient.

Chris was hoping to get the Church Warsop / Pinxton game in as well as the Kirkby game, but the 1pm kick off at the Alley was changed to 2pm, meaning he could only get to the Summit Centre with three quarters of the game already played. F-T 3-1

Pontecarlo asked if we could drop him at Kirkby Station - I had to admit I had no idea where the Station was and I only live 5 miles away!! Kev and Eddie between them explained where the station was, but I still drove straight past the entrance! Managed to park just a few yards up the road, leaving Ponte with only a short walk...

Admission £3

Programme£1

H/C ( Pontecarlo) 39

Tuesday – Notts F.A. Senior Cup final between Carlton Town and Eastwood Town at Field Mill.

Monday 2nd May - games

2011-05-02T13:12:00.002+01:00

NCELP
Long Eaton United 3-3 Pickering Town

CML Supreme
Church Warsop S & SC 1-0 Pinxton
Clipstone Welfare 0-6 Westella & Willerby
Kinsley Boys 1-0 Blidworth Welfare
Kirkby Town 3-1 Dronfield Town
Ollerton Town 2-2 Harworth CI

CML Premier
Thorne Colliery 2-1 Nottingham United
Welbeck Welfare v Yorkshire Main (5pm)
Whatton United 4-3 Bulwell Town

Rolls Royce Leisure Villa 2-1 Trentside

2011-05-01T13:22:00.002+01:00

Sunday 1st May 2011 -- Notts Sunday League Premier Premier

No admission, no programmes, no Kev, no pics!!

Spent most of the game in the company of Mr. Eddie Pidduck, who was assessing Referee Mark Larvin's performance. I have never watched an assessor in action before, and when Eddie explained what he was looking for in Mark's game - the details / minutiae that have to be noted - it's a real eye-opener.

Eddie also mentioned that he was involved in an incident earlier in the season that saw a player suspended until December 2011. The player in question was actually at this game - Kev and I have seen him play many times - a cracking player who apparently lost his head and is now paying the penalty.

The game was, in all honesty, very poor. Trenside were 2nd in the table before kick off, and needed to win to keep up their challenge on Clumber. RRLV sit next to bottom, but it was not easy to see which team were the high flyers and which the strugglers.

Trenside had enough chances, but some woeful finishing saw us enter the 40th minute all square. Then the visitors no. 11 ( RORY FRANCIS?) fired home from the edge of the box, and we thought the the flood gates were about to open. That didn't happen. The half ended 0-1, and within 5 minutes of the restart, the home team were level - their no. 7 "Damo" netting after being played in from midfield. The same player gave Villa the lead on 55, lobbing the keeper from 15 yards out. Trentside tried their hardest to get the equaliser, but frantic defending and some good keeping meant that the game ended 2-1

Monday -- Kirkby Town v Dronfield Town

Pinxton 3-2 Nettleham

2011-04-30T18:25:00.064+01:00

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

2011-04-30T14:08:00.002+01:00

Link to Spring newsletter

New logo...

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

2011-04-29T17:28:00.000+01:00

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

2011-04-29T16:52:00.005+01:00

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

2011-04-28T23:16:00.001+01:00

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

2011-04-27T22:55:00.018+01:00

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

2011-04-26T23:05:00.005+01:00

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

2011-04-25T18:28:00.006+01:00

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

2011-04-25T08:54:00.003+01:00

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

2011-04-24T13:57:00.006+01:00

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

2011-04-23T18:07:00.037+01:00

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

2011-04-22T13:34:00.006+01:00

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

2011-04-21T23:11:00.008+01:00

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

2011-04-21T06:47:00.000+01:00

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

2011-04-20T22:48:00.025+01:00

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

2011-04-20T18:12:00.003+01:00

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

2011-04-19T22:58:00.034+01:00

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.

Tuesday 19th April - games

2011-04-19T06:48:00.005+01:00

BSP
Mansfield Town 0-2 Grimsby Town

BSN
Stafford Rangers 0-2 Eastwood Town

NPP
Matlock Town 4-2 Nantwich Town

NP1S
Newcastle Town 3-0 Glapwell
Romulus 3-0 Rainworth MW

NCELP
Arnold Town 3-4 Scarborough Athletic
Tadcaster Albion 3-0 Long Eaton United

EMCL
Anstey Nomads 0-3 Gedling MW
Graham St Prims 2-1 Thurnby Nirvana
Greenwood Meadows 1-1 Bardon Hill
Radcliffe Olympic 0-2 Gresley

CMLS
Kirkby Town 0-2 Blidworth Welfare ( 6:30pm )

CMLP
Bulwell Town 0-4 FC 05 Bilsthorpe

NSL Senior Division
Awsworth Villa 4-1 Bilborough Pelican
Basford United v Attenborough
Boots Athletic 2-1 Wollaton
Cotgrave Welfare 2-0 F C Cavaliers
Linby CW v Kimberley MW
Notts Police v Gedling Southbank

North Mids U19 League Cup Final
Matlock Town v Radford FC ( at Long Eaton United)

AFC Kimberley 1-1 Erewash Hotel

2011-04-17T15:04:00.003+01:00

Sunday 17th April 2011 -- Long Eaton Sunday League Division 4

A lovely sunny morning at the Stag Ground - the car park was full, but we were invited to drive into the ground by Mr. and Mrs. Critchley.. so parked at the back of the stand - as far away from the action as possible. Graeme's advice - he had seen the players shooting in during the warm up!!

We were invited to this game by Ant Watkinson - it was hoped that AFC's final league game of the season would see them secure promotion from Div 4 to Div 3. To ensure this happened AFC had to win, but after just 64 seconds the home team were behind when the Erewash no. 16 raced through unapposed to fire past stand in keeper Andy Alton (?).

Gary Pickering brought out a great diving save from the Erewash keeper on 27, but 2 minutes later the keeper had to face a spot kick after Pickering was upended whilst on his way to goal.

Good save keeper!

Penalty!

VAUGHAN CROMPTON gave the keeper no chance from the spot, bringing the scores level. Chris Ryan had a hit and hope effort that crashed off the Erewash bar as the half drew to a close. H-T 1-1

We were joined by Gedling MW photographer and great friend Tony Hay and daughter at half time - always gives Kev an inferiority complex when he sees the size of Tony's equipment!

Tony had offered to take a few celebration shots, and if Vaughan Compton had have had his radar working, Tony would have been only too happy to oblige. Compton was guilty of squandering 4 or five golden chances - one of which I reckon I would have scored. Perhaps a little unfair as the visiting keeper blocked well on three occasions. Mind you, he's a big lad. Ever wondered what Rob Waite does on Sunday mornings? Wonder no more!

So, it ended 1-1, and with Grange Park winning, it means AFC have to hope Streamline.net can get something from their visit to Grange Park next Sunday, although that looks very unlikely - Streamline have played 20, drawn 3 and lost the other 17. League table.

Local paparazzi !!

Admission and programme free.

H/C 12 at kick off time + a few more as the game progressed.

Pinxton 9-1 Sutton Town AFC

2011-04-16T18:28:00.038+01:00

Saturday 16th April 2011 -- CML Supreme Division

After watching Sutton on Wednesday, you had to wonder what free-scoring Pinxton would do against the struggling Snipes. With Peter Stubley alongside Craig Housley up top for Pinxton, we expected a goal feast, and they didn't disappoint.

Teams:

Pinxton: McCarthy, Thomas, Evans, Riley, Renshaw, Senior, Parker, Debrower, Stubley, Housley, Cooke. Subs: M Newman, Davies, Cooper.

Snipes: M Spencer, J Spencer, Phelan, Vardy, Smith, Wood, Gilbert, Towsend, Bonser, Fisher, Gregory. Sub: Ireson.

Shake!

At half past two, Sutton only had 7 players, but managed to scrape together a full team by kick off time. Ben Newman made a donation to the APTCOO fund as he stopped to say hello - thanks Benjamin, much appreciated.

Benjamin Newman

It took just 4 minutes for the home team to open their account - a flick header by WAYNE COOKE bounced in front of Snipes' keeper Matt Spencer, and he watched in horror as the ball flew over his head into the net.

Oops!

JAMES SENIOR drove the ball hard into the net to bag the second Pinxton goal on 8 - the set up ball from Stubley meant Senior never had to break stride.

Josh Parker hit a great ball in from the right in the 17th minute, and when it eventually fell to CRAIG HOUSLEY, the big man took time to pick his spot before lashing the ball past Spencer and three defenders on the line....

Housley lashes home Pinxton's third

Stubley set up the fourth, laying the ball into the path of CRAIG HOUSLEY who drove home from 20 yards. 60 seconds later KIEREN DEBROWER collected the ball in midfield and ran at the Sutton goal before firing an unstoppable shot past Spencer.

On 37, Debrower played a superb ball into the path of JOE RILEY, and the defender controlled brilliantly before slamming home from 15 yards. H-T 6-0

Riley on the mark

One or two "chuckle" moments in the half ... Senior taking a corner, but kicking the corner flag instead of the ball -- Scott Fisher falling in a heap with no-one within 20 yards of him - and Fisher again - having to be instructed how to restart the game after a goal had been conceded!!

A series of early corners lead us to believe we would witness a double-figure tally from Pinxton, but Sutton were a little more organised, and it took a fluke goal to add to the total for the home team. A quick corner from the left by Cooke, found JAMES SENIOR who launched the ball at goal, and watched with us in disbelief as his effort caught Spencer unawares and ended up in the back of the net.

Cross/shot from Senior ( not in shot) that beat Spencer

PETER STUBLEY scored the goal his play deserved on 63, a ball in from Debrower met superbly on the volley some 6 yards from goal. The unthinkable happened in the 70th minute, Sutton scored! A run at goal followed by a shot from ADAM BONSER that beat McCarthy all ends up.

Bonser scores for Sutton!

The final goal came two minutes later - a corner from the right headed across the goal by Housley to where JOSH PARKER was waiting to rise like a salmon to head home. F-T 9-1

Admission £2

Programme £1

H/C -- varied throughout the game, but it seemed a lot of the village had turned out for this one -- well over 100 counted ....

Saturday 16th April -- games

2011-04-15T06:43:00.012+01:00

BSP

Mansfield Town 0-0 Luton Town

BSN

Eastwood Town 1-1 Stalybridge Celtic

NPP

Hucknall Town 2-2 Matlock Town

NP1S

Carlton Town 0-0 Rushall Olympic

Grantham Town 2-1 Belper Town

Shepshed Dynamo 0-5 Glapwell

Spalding Town 0-3 Rainworth MW

MFA

Dunkirk 3-2 Malvern Town

NCELP

Long Eaton United 2-0 Liversedge

Winterton Rangers 2-1 Arnold Town

NCEL1

Teversal 7-1 Brodswprth Welfare

EMCL

Anstey Nomads 1-0 Graham St Prims

Bardon Hill 1-0 Radford FC

Borrowash Victoria 0-0 Heanor Town

Gedling MW 3-2 Ellistown

Greenwood Meadows 2-1 Blackwell MW

Radcliffe Olympic 2-2 Hinckley FC

CML Cup

Kirkby Town 2-1 Dronfield Town

CMLS

Calverton MW 1-1 Southwell City

Clipstone Welfare 0-7 Newark Town

Kimberley Town 0-1 Parkhouse

Ollerton Town 0-3 Kinsley Boys

Pinxton 9-1 Sutton Town AFC

Westella & Willerby 2-0Church Warsop S & SC

CMLP

Nottingham United 0-1 Hutton Cranswick United

Thorne Colliery 5-2 Bulwell Town

Welbeck Welfare 1-6 FC 05 Bilsthorpe

NSL Senior Division

Basford United 0-3 Clifton

Bilborough Pelican 2-4 Wollaton

FC Cavaliers 0-4 Boots Athletic

Hucknall Rolls Leisure 2-2 Awsworth Villa

Kimberley MW 2-1 Gedling Southbank

Linby CW 2-7 Keyworth United

Stags 2-0 Baff City

2011-04-14T23:03:00.005+01:00

Thursday 14th April 2011 - Blue Square Bet Premier

Free-bee !!!

Decide to go to this game as it was only a fiver admission - not ashamed of being tagged a cheapskate!! It got even better for us, although not for the club, as a Stags fan of long-standing gave us two comp tickets as we headed to the turnstiles.

After all the games we have been to this season, we have no qualms about getting in to one game for nothing!

Walked in the the QLE and immediately received a text " up here " from Rob Waite! Up here, as it happens, was two rows from the top of the stand.... like climbing bloody Everest it was, and no doubt his blog will contain the pic and Kev and me half way up - and all with no Sherpa Tensing!

Always great to be in Rob's company - I like laughing, and Rob is something of a comedian ...as those who know him will testify!!

The game was poor for the first hour, but you could sense a goal was coming as the Stags had added a bit of urgency to their game and at least looked a little threatening. On 62 CONOR HIGGINSON managed to squeeze the ball past the Bath keeper at the thrid time of asking. KYLE NIX smashed home a superb free-kick soon after, but then it was back to how it all began, and both Kev and me breathed huge sighs of relief as the Ref blew the final whistle. F-T 2-0

Had a chance to have a bit of a chat to James Palmer and Mel Furniss - we used to go all over the country when I was a "proper" Stags fan -- many moons ago......

Kev caught the Nix free-kick on video...click here to have a look ( facebook video) . Rob caught us on camera....link to the66pow

Admission - nowt

Programme - didn't bother

Total outlay ..... £0.30 for the charity!

Stags v Bath City

2011-04-14T17:33:00.001+01:00

Not too bothered about this - the result will be on t'telly, there will be reports on the MTFC and Baff websites....so only need to be a paragragh or two later.. whooo -- hoo!!!!

Sutton Town AFC 0-5 Newark Town

2011-04-13T22:43:00.015+01:00

Wednesday 13th April 2011 -- CMFL Supreme Division

Kev was not feeling too well, so he decided to give this a miss. I was met inside the ground by Richard Lane and his son Rick. Rick takes a lot of notes - then Richard writes a match report for the Newark Advertiser. Also joined by Rob Hornby, still cheerful despite his latest health set-back. He's on crutches at the moment due to an injury sustained last week.

Sunglasses at the ready!!!!

The Lanes!

It took Newark 23 minutes to open their account against a very inexperienced Sutton team, and without being exact, I reckon it was about their 23rd chance! Miss after miss after miss - some so bad it was unbelievable. It was centre-half LUKE PARSONS who netted, after Ginnelly picked him out 12 yards from goal. The visitors added their second right on the stroke of half-time, Zico Grinion sliding the ball to BEN PORTER who turned and fired past Matt Spencer in the home goal. H-T 0-2

Good friend Danny Bryant came over to stand with me for the second half, and handed me a very sizeable donation for the APTCOO charity, in memory of his son Ashley Wakelin, who was so tragically taken from us 6 months ago. Many thanks, Daniel ... terrific.

BEN GINNELLY added Newark's third soon after the restart, then on 63 Stuart Franks hit a neat ball through the home defence for BEN PORTER to go one-on-one with Spencer - and the no. 11 made no mistake.

PORTER completed his hat-trick in the 68th minute, and then asked to be replaced! Sutton had a go for the remaining 20 minutes or so, but Craig Lamb in the Newark goal was never seriously troubled. F-T 0-5

Tempers frayed a little as the game went on, but young Referee Andrew Dallison did a good job of calming things down and looks to be a fine prospect...

Admission £3

Programme £1

H/C at kick off time 25, by the final whistle there were maybe 35 present.

Thursday - Stags v Bath City -- only going because it's a fiver to get in!

Wednesday 13th April -- games

2011-04-13T18:05:00.001+01:00

NP1S
Carlton Town 2-0 Sutton Coldfield Town

EMCL
Bardon Hill 1-4 Heanor Town

CMLS
Dronfield Town 3-5 Sheffield Parramore
Kirkby Town 3-1 Harworth CI ( to be played at Harworth CI)
Southwell City 0-1 Pinxton
Sutton Town AFC 0-5 Newark Town

CMLP
AFC Hucknall 4-1 Bulwell Town

NSL Senior Division
Bilborough Pelican 4-2 Clifton

Blidworth Welfare 5-1 Kinsley Boys

2011-04-12T22:25:00.036+01:00

Tuesday 12th April 2011 - CML Supreme Division

Our original game was supposed to have been Long Eaton v Bridlington Town, but when the Blidworth v Kinsley Boys game was switched to the same night, and with our Referee friend Rob Townsend in the middle, we decided Blidworth may be a better option and so off we went to the Welfare Ground. Long Eaton finished 0-0 !

Trev "Wheelchair" Williams was on the gate, and told us he was at the Worksop / Kendal game last night. Rob Waite had already said the game was rubbish, and Trev backed up his opinion. When we met Richard "Wanderer" Lane, he told us he'd also been to Worksop . he also said it was rubbish! Glad we didn't do that game!

Shake!

Kev took a few pics and then found the video function of his camera, and recorded several clips of the game. Made him chuckle when me and Richard were caught out .. we only wanted to know the model of the camera.....

The game was just 16 seconds old when Blidworth took the lead! Great interplay between Dean Rick and JAY EDWARDS ended when the midfielder showed neat control and fired past Ricky Watson in the Kinsley net.

Edwards ( out of shot) nets after just16 seconds!

It could have been 2-0 on 22, but finding himself one-on-one with Watson, Carl Haslam tried to lob the keeper, only for the effort to crash off the bar and out to safety. H-T 1-0

Any thoughts of this game ending 1-0 evaporated inside the first minute of the restart, when CARL HASLAM collected the ball from a Rick flick on and rounded the keeper before firing home from a tight angle.

Rick saw his free-kick well saved by Watson soon after, but the keeper blotted his copy book on 54, tripping Haslam in the box, giving Ref Townsend no choice other than to award a penalty. DEAN RICK tried a delicate chip from the spot, allowing Watson the chance to parry. Rick was first to react though and lashed the loose ball home from a couple of feet out.

Rick shot well saved

Rick scores at the second attempt!

It was 4-0 in the 58th minute, that man Haslam again the creator, his cross from the left rifled home by SIMON ELLISON. 4 became 5 on 64, another Haslam cross from the left, another drive past Watson, this time from DEAN RICK.

Ellison lashes home the fourth Blidworth goal

Rick buries the fifth!

LIAM HALLER scored a consolation goal for Kinsley after 73 minutes, prodding home after Blid worth keeper Paul Stanhope had fumbled an attempt to collect a free-kick. The visiting no. 8 was dismissed in the final minute of the game, after a reckless challenge that saw Rick hobble from the field of play. F-T 5-1

This was the Blidworth we saw early in the season, Haslam back to his best and his team mates taking full advantage of the winger's undoubted talents.

Admission £3

Programme £1

Attendance 40 (h/c)

Tuesday 12th April -- games

2011-04-12T06:40:00.001+01:00

BSP
Mansfield Town 1-1 Barrow

BSN
Eastwood Town 4-2 Alfreton Town Att 1112 !

NP1S
Barwell 1-0 Belper Town
Glapwell 1-0 Stamford

NCELP
Long Eaton United 0-0 Bridlington Town

NCEL1
Worsborough Bridge 2-1 Teversal

EMCL Cup
Rdcliffe Olympic 1-0 Barrow Town

EMCL
Gedling MW 2-1 Holbrook Sports
Hinckley FC 0-0 Borrowash Victoria
Holwell Sports 4-1 Gedling Town
St. Andrews 1-1 Graham St Prims

CMLS
Blidworth Welfare 5-1 Kinsley Boys

NSL Senior Division
Attenborough 3-0 Awsworth Villa
Boots Athletic 2-1 Keyworth United
FC Cavaliers 1-0 Kimberley MW
Gedling Southbank 4-2 Hucknall Rolls Leisure

Monday 11th April results

2011-04-12T06:34:00.000+01:00

Evo-Stik Premier
Ashton United 3-1 Matlock Town
Bradford PA 6-0 Hucknall Town

Real Empire FC 5-0 Stratford Haven Reserves

2011-04-10T13:58:00.010+01:00

Sunday 10th April 2011 -- Notts Sunday League Senior Division 3

Champions!!!

We have been asked to cover an AFC Kimberley Town game, and although Kev wasn't available, I had every intention of going to the Stag Ground - until I saw this fixture! Real Empire needed a win to secure the title, and I couldn't resist the chance of seeing a Hucknall team enjoy success.

Played on a rock hard, typical end of season park pitch, both teams failed to inspire in the first half-hour. The home team finally cracked the visitors defence on 31 when their no. 10 was played through on goal and smashed the ball past the Haven keeper. 2 minutes later it was 2-0 when no. 7 "Johhny B" prodded home after a shot had come back off the post. H-T 2-0

Johnny B celebrates after netting the second Empire goal

On 53, the no. 10 was on the scoresheet again firing home through a crowd of players after a mad scramble in the box. A well taken penalty saw 3-0 became 4-0 on 63, and Johhny B rounded it all off on 90 with a splendid flick past the keeper at the near post. F-T 5-0 --- congratulations Real Empire FC !!

3-0

4-0

Will try and get to the Stag Ground next Sunday when AFC Kimberley take on Erewash Hotel.

Public park, so no admission and impossible to do a head count!

Couple of cropped pics :

Great leap!!

Keepers!!

Matlock Town 0-1 Bradford Park Avenue

2011-04-09T21:01:00.013+01:00

Saturday 9th April 2011 -- Evo-Stik Premier Division

What a great afternoon ! We ventured into the Derbyshire dales to see Matlock Town entertain Bradford Park Avenue, although "entertain" is stretching it a bit! We were invited to the Reynolds Stadium by Kev's workmate and Matlock Town fan/volunteer helper, Phil Mumby - and Phil had arranged that we could get into the game as guests of MTFC, with the entrance money going to the APTCOO charity. So, another £16 added, and when Matlock match Secretary Ian Richardson stuck a quid in my hand it took the total to £690.00, without a ball being kicked in anger !!

Phil took the time between matchday duties to show us the brand new facilities at Causeway Lane. The new bar is very inpressive and can accomodate up to 500 people. At this game it was very, very well used! At half-time, Phil was behind the bar with three others, and they were all kept extremely busy!

Busy, busy!

We very rarely partake in matchday food, but the 1:30pm start meant I'd gone without dinner -- chose a steak and kidney pie and peas - very economical and very nice at £1.60, although the crust was a little too well done! As the pies were being consumed, the players came out and Kev had to do a double shuffle, pie tray on the deck and camera out for the introductions!

Shake!

Said hi to our friend and Assistant Referee Hriso Karaivanov, and then "Tall-Lad" Chris Dent had a quick word. So a gloriously sunny day, fantastic setting, a great drive in, decent snap, great company - just a shame the fooball let us down! It wasn't good!

Both teams had play-off asprirations before kick off - looks like Matlocks chance may have gone now. Defences were on top all throughout the first half, with chances at a premium. H-T 0-0.

Matlock's best chance of the second half fell to Paul Sykes, but he fired well wide when it looked easier to score. Even when Matlock introduced their talisman, Ross Hannah into the game it made little difference - the hit-man hardly had a kick during the half-hour or so he was on the pitch. Avenue had a couple of half-decent chances, but Adam Sollitt had very little to do. Until the 81st minute that is - when he had to pick the ball out of the net after AIDEN SAVORY had converted from the penalty spot. Definate penalty awarded after Sykes had brought down Matty James, although obviously the Town faithfull thought different! F-T 0-1

Savory trickles the ball past Sollitt

So we said our goodbyes and headed off across the cricket pitch to the car, and were home by 5:30pm, despite the best efforts of some doddery old bugger in front of us, who enjoyed weaving all over the road, but clearly didn't enjoy going above 20mph!!

Kev took 70 odd pics - you can view them on facebook by clicking here

Admission £8 - kindly donated to APTCOO by MTFC
Programme £1.50 - decent read
Attendance - 395
Pukka pie and peas -- at £1.60 well worth it!

Notts F.A. Cup Final dates, teams and venues

2011-04-08T18:57:00.015+01:00

Sunday Intermediate Cup

Thursday 7th April Arnold Cross Keys 5-1 BFC Joiners Arms
Kirklington Road, Rainworth KO 7:30pm

Sunday Senior Cup
Wednesday 27th April
Clumber 1-2 Chesterfield Arms
Bill Stokeld Stadium, Stoke Lane, Carlton KO 7:30pm

Sunday Junior Cup
Thursday 28th April
Charlton Arms 1-3 Notts Medics
Eagle Valley, Arnold KO 7:30pm

Saturday Senior Cup
Tuesday 3rd May
Eastwood Tn 6-1 Carlton Tn
Field Mill, Mansfield KO 7:30pm

Saturday Junior Cup
Wednesday 4th May
Keyworth Utd Res A-A Magdala Res
Bill Stokeld Stadium, Stoke Lane, Carlton KO 7:30pm

Women's County Cup
Thursday 5th May
Nottm Forest 2-1 Nottm Forest Res (AET)
City Ground, Nottingham KO 7:30pm

Saturday Minor Cup
Tuesday 10th May
Mattersey (Sat) v Rainworth Rangers
The Lido,Clipstone KO 7:30pm

Saturday Intermediate Cup
Wednesday 11th May
Attenborough v Dunkirk Res
Watnall Road, Hucknall KO 7:30pm

Sunday Minor Cup
Thursday 12th May
Arnold Old Boys v Clifton Dynamo
Ron Steel Sports Ground, Dunkirk KO 7:30pm

Saturday 9th April - games

2011-04-08T08:00:00.001+01:00

BSP
Hayes & Yeading 4-0 Mansfield Town

BSN
Redditch United 0-6 Eastwood Town

NPP
Hucknall Town 2-2 Burscough
Matlock Town 0-1 Bradford PA

NP1S
Barwell 1-2 Carlton Town
Belper Town 1-1 Lincoln United
Glapwell 3-5 Rushall Olympic
Rainworth MW 0-1 Goole AFC

MFA
Tipton Town 1-1 Dunkirk

NCELP
Arnold Town 3-3 Matlby Main
Thackley 0-0 Long Eaton United

NCEL1
Louth Town 4-1 Shirebrook Town
Teversal 0-3 Glasshoughton MW

EMCL
Bardon Hill 2-1 Radcliffe Olympic
Blackwell MW 1-4 Anstey Nomads
Ellistown 1-5 St. Andrews
Graham St Prims 0-0 Ibstock United
Greenwood Meadows 1-1 Borrowash Victoria
Gresley FC 5-0 Barrow Town
Hinckley FC 0-1 Heanor Town
Holbrook Sports 7-1 Gedling Town
Holwell Sports 1-3 Gedling MW
Radford FC 2-4 Thurnby Nirvana

CMLS
Church Warsop S & SC 2-3 Sutton Town AFC
Dronfield Town 1-1 Calverton MW
Kimberley Town 0-5 Blidworth Welfare
Nettleham 1-3 Kirkby Town
Newark Town 3-1 Harworth CI
Parkhouse 2-1 Clipstone Welfare
Sheffield Parramore 7-1 Pinxton
Southwell City 1-2 Kinsley Boys
Westella & Willerby 1-2 Ollerton Town

CMLP
Bulwell Town 1-0 Whatton United
Easington United 0-3 South Normanton Athletic
Welbeck Welfare 2-11 Kiveton Park
Yorkshire Main 8-0 Nottingham United

NSL Senior Division
Attenborough 6-0 Linby CW
Boots Athletic 5-0 Bilborough Pelican
Clifton 1-2 Gedling Southbank
FC Cavaliers 3-1 Cotgrave Welfare
Hucknall Rolls Leisure 0-2 Wollaton
Keyworth United 1-1 Bulwell
Kimberley MW 1-2 Awsworth Villa
Notts Police 1-1 Basford United

Arnold Cross Keys 5-1 BFC Joiners Arms

2011-04-07T22:56:00.003+01:00

Thursday 7th April 2011 -- Notts F.A. Sunday Intermediate Challenge Cup Final

EMPAL Div 1 leaders Cross Keys took on BFC Joiners Arms who are currently second in Gainsborough Sunday League Div 1. Venue was Kirklington Road, home of Rainworth MW.

Met Fred Kirkbytown and "Bury fan" Paul inside the ground, and were with them throughout the game - good company adds a lot to the evening....

Said hi to Rob Townsend, Peter Craggs, John Waterall, Mick Connelley, then Cross Keys player Mike Banister and his dad came and said hello. Mike was cup-tied for this game, but was kind enough to put names to the Cross Keys numbers. Thanks Mike!

With Arnold having a star studded line up, we expected a few goals - and we were not disappointed.

Arnold team: Wheat, Ward, Murdock, Soar L, Soar D, Moore, King, Green, Bignall, Carter C, Hawkridge. Subs: Jefferies, Hawkins, Carter J.

After the usual sparring, the games first goal arrived on 6 when CONOR CARTER slotted home from the corner of the 6 yard area.

Conor Carter slots home the first Keys goal

Two minutes later Terry Hawkidge played in a superb through ball, and without even breaking stride, RYAN KING lashed the ball past the BFC keeper. Despite going 2 down so early in the game, BFC tested the Arnold defence on several occasions, but they couldn't add the finishing touch that some of their play deserved.

Ryan King leaves the keeper stranded

Cross Keys added their third on 42, a rasping 22 yarder from TERRY HAWKRIDGE that was in the net before keeper Goodall could react. H-T 3-0

On 57, CONOR CARTER turned well inside the box and fired home after good work by Hawkridge, then 6 minutes later BFC reduced the deficit when skipper SIMON BREWSTER finished well at the far post.

The gap was back to four after 72 minutes though, ALAN JEFFERIES converting from the spot after Carter had been upended in the box. Not much more to add - 5-1 , game over.

Jefferies nets the fifth from the spot

Admission £2 inc programme

Fred H/C 100