New Year fixtures

Nothing below step 4 on New Years Day

BSP
Grimsby FC 2-7 Mansfield Town

BSN
Alfreton Town 2-2 Eastwood Town

NPP
Stocksbridge Park Steels 1-0 Hucknall Town

NP1S
Belper Town 2-3 Sheffield FC
Rainworth MW 2-2 Carlton Town
Spalding United 0-2 Glapwell

Monday 3rd January

BSP
Mansfield Town 0-1 Altrincham

BSN
Eastwood Town 2-2 Boston United

NPP
Hucknall Town A-A Buxton FC

NP1S
Carlton Town 0-3 Belper Town
Glapwell FC 3-0 Kidsgrove Athletic
Newcastle Town 4-1 Rainworth MW

NCEL1 Teversal 1-1 Shirebrook Town (1pm)

EMCL
Balckwell MW 1-7 Holbrook Sports
Gedling MW 4-0 Radford FC
Graham St Prims 0-3 Radcliffe Olympic
Heanor Town 2-2 Borrowash Victoria

MFA
Dunkirk 6-2 Friar Lane & Epworth

CMLS
Blidworth Welfare 5-2 Southwell City
Calverton MW 0-3 Nettleham
Clipstone Welfare P-P Church Warsop S & SC
Kinsley Boys P-P Pinxton FC
Newark Town 3-0 Kirkby Town
Ollerton Town P-P Kimberley Town
Sutton Town AFC 0-2 Harworth CI

CMLP
Nottingham United 8-0 Welbeck Welfare
Thoresby CW 2-2 Bulwell Town
Whatton United 1-4 South Normanton Athletic

Radford FC 0-3 Gedling MW

Thursday 30th December 2010 -- EMCL

Before I begin to write about the game, I have to say thank you very much to Radford Assistant Manager Paul Rawden for his donation to APTCOO. Thank you very much to Tony Hay of Gedling MW for his donation to APTCOO. Thank you very much to bloggist supremo "Sticky Palms" Nick Palmer for his donation to APTCOO. Total donations to the charity from our football friends now total over £85.00. I have to add that none of this was expected, and none was asked for -- geniune donations from genuine, caring people. At the end of the season, it is hoped that I can persuade APTCOO to place the list of contributors on their website - fingers crossed.

This was our first ever visit to Selhurst Street, and thanks go to Radford Secretary Simon Matters for inviting us, and for reserving us a space in the car-park right next to the turnstile. The strange thing was that as we pulled up, a very nice gentleman moved the cones allowing Kev to park, but as we had never been to Radford previously, how did he know who we were?

Neil Laughlin and Steve Reading were ensconced in the bar, and had been since 6:30pm apparently!! Mike Hay kindly let me have the teams, and after a few minutes of trying to decipher my scribble, I think this is how the teams lined up:-

Radford: Lycett, Reedman (c), Bonnick, Andrews, Abbis, Guerbaouy, Campbell, Hogg, Attenborough, Gordon, Caulton. Subs : Gray, Catwell, Millar, Wolley, Drake.

Welfare: Cherry, Corrigan, Smith, Hayes, Nightingale (c), Hall, Roberts, Payne, Cox, Brown, Ibrahim. Subs: Greenhalgh, Frost, Westwood, Winfield, Walker (k).

Paul Rawden (centre)


Shake!

Radford were looking to avoid a 10th straight league defeat, and almost took the lead in the very first minute when Luke Attenborough raced through on goal, only to see his charge halted by Welfare keeper Ross Cherry.

At the other end, Barry Paine saw his 5th minute header well saved by Darren Lycett, and as the ball was played up field, Daniel Hogg won a corner for the home team. Welfare skipper Corey Nightingale headed clear from the set-piece.

The visitors took the lead on 18 when DANNY ROBERTS met a cross from the right with a well placed header that Lycett could only wave bye-bye to as it went past him and into the corner of the net.

Radford were forced into a change soon after with Marlon Catwell replacing Campbell - a rash challenge leaving the youngster lying in a heap on the deck, ensuring he took no further part in proceedings. Gedling replaced a clearly struggling Cox with Greenhalgh - a more than able substitute as it transpired!

The home team continued to take the game to Welfare, but most attacks seemed to falter 20 yards from goal. They didn't lack ideas, but there was no way past the visitors back line. H-T 0-1

Nick Palmer came and had a word at half-time while Kev was getting the drinks in. Nick is the master of the blog - an inspiration to us all in "blog-world"!! His Groundhopper blog is always a good read...

We relocated to behind the Radford goal for the start of the second half, and were rewarded with two goals! Most unusual for us -- we would normally be the wrong end, trying hard to decide who had scored from over 100 yards away!

As it was, Gedling forced a corner from the restart, and when Luke Smith fied the ball in, it flew straight across the face of the goal, missing everyone - but unfortunately for Radford they had left BEN GREENHALGH on his own at the far stick, and the striker had an easy prod home.

 

Greenhalgh sets himself up to side-foot home

So, Radford two-nil down, but with plenty of time to try and salvage something from the game - until they were undone by a piece of magic from Liam Corrigan on the hour mark. The defender received the ball inside his own half and ran at the Radford back line. And then ran, and ran - then as he was bearing down on goal, he unselfishly stroked a superb pass to BEN GREENHALGH who opened his body before curling a beauty left footed past Lycett into the far corner. What a goal - well worth the admission fee!!

Lycett made a cracking finger tip save from Payne on 66, but both Referee and Assistant missed the touch and awarded a goal-kick. No recognition for the save, but I am sure most keepers would settle for the goal-kick any time!

In the 75th minute, Greenhalgh fluffed a great chance to complete his personal triple, but fired wide - unfortunate for the striker as he was carried from the field soon after. Welfare had played all their subs, so finished the game with only 9 outfield players. Even so, Cherry was not unduly troubled by the Radford attack, and the Plains Road outfit went home with all three points. F-T 0-3

The pitch was heavy, but it played really well, and hardly cut up at all. The return fixture is scheduled for Monday, but is in some doubt as the Plains Road pitch is still frozen underneath the surface.

Admission £4 

Programme £1.20 -- very good read

Attendance 88

MOM Danny Roberts

Tea £0.50 proper mug - coffee £0.60 proper mug - both went down a treat

Saturday - Rainworth MW v Carlton Town, weather permitting!

A game of three halves?

According to Kev it was!! Thursday 30th December 2010

Station Hotel v Hucknall Tn U18's

(Notts Sunday League Premier 2 v Notts Youth League U18 Div 2)

Hucknall Tn U18's v Hucknall Town Res

(Notts Youth League U18 Div 2 v Notts Senior League Div 2)

Hucknall Tn Res v Station Hotel

(Notts Senior League Div 2 v Notts Sunday League Premier 2)

Three x 45 minutes - ensuring the teams all got 90 minutes. Well that almost worked, anyway! The condition of the pitch was so bad that the third segment was trunkated to just 25 minutes...

Muddy ell!!

The first portion of our afternoon's entertainment had already kicked off when we arrived at Watnall Road at 12.20pm, and the U18's were 1-0 up. Station levelled before going behind again to a cracking looping header, then netted just before the break to make it 2-2.

The second helping was fairly even, the NSL team winning 2-1. Goals on 20 and 38 for the Ressies with the U18's replying from the spot just before the end.

The third game was nothing more than a training excercise, a penalty and an own goal deciding it in Station's favour. For this final "game" there were no linesmen, the NSL team had only 10 players, and the Ref had gone home!! The sub ref called a halt after only 25 minutes, thank God. Just me and Daft Lad had stayed to the end, and that was only because we were giving Hucknall's Glenn Garfield a lift home!

Main course will be served later...Radford v Gedling MW at Selhurst Street ko 7:45pm

FOOTBALL! It's back!! AFC Hucknall 4-2 Harworth CI

Wednesday 29th December 2010 -- Central Midlands League Challenge Cup R1

After a bleak few weeks, we were finally able to get "on the road" again - well only just on the road, because Hucknall's Watnall Road ground is barely a five minute drive from home!!! Had a really good evening in some cracking company - although after 45 minutes a blank scoreline left us hoping the teams would give us a better second half, especially after paying £4 to get in. They did! 6 goals, a bit of handbags and a missed penalty... marvellous!

The teams observed a minutes silence prior to kick off in memeory of Mr. Tom Brogan who passed away on Christmas eve. Tom was secretary at Harworth for over 30 years.

We met up with facebook friend and fellow hopper Chris Bedford - then Rob Hornby appeared ghostly out of the mist and introduced us to a couple from Germany. Serious hopping is that!!

Spent the first half standing next to the dugouts, in the company of Steve Reading and Neil Laughlin. Neil kindly donated cash to the APTCOO fund - much appreciated ....

Not a very eventful first period - we had a bit of a wander at the break moving to stand behind the Watnall Road goal - and wouldn't you know it the second half was only 8 minutes old and AFC were 3-0 up and all the goals in the Salterford Road end - the end opposite to where we were situated!!

MAX WRIGHT was the first to net on 49, prodding home from close range. JAKE FISHER was allowed space on the far post to slot home 2 minutes later, then WRIGHT was also allowed room at the far post to stab home his second on 53.

Harworth pulled one back in the 64th minute, their no. 12 rifling a shot at goal that AFC keeper Hadlee Dunn could only parry into the roof of the net. AFC added their fourth after 80, FISHER appearing to beat the Harworth back line twice before smashing the ball across the visiting keeper.

Very pleasant evening - warm, damp and a bit misty - it was just good to get a game in. Only our third game this month!! Thanks for the company, Steve, Neil, Chris, Rob et al......a most enjoyable night!

It was 4-2 soon after, the Harworth no.10 on hand to nod home from 6 yards. They had a chance to make the last few minutes a bit nervous for AFC, when referee Harry Hawkins awarded them a penalty after Wayne Duik pulled down a Harworth player in the box. 'Keeper Dunn saved the spot kick with his legs, and just seconds later Mr. Hawkins blew for full time. F-T 4-2

This result could see AFC getting team of the month award -- they beat Supreme Division leaders Pinxton a couple of weeks ago and this was another Supreme division scalp - any other team better that in December???

Admission £4

H/C 35

Programme £1

More football before the month end -- Hucknall Town Ressies are playing Thursday dinner and Radford take on Gedling MW in the evening.

End of December fixtures

Monday 27th BSN Eastwod Town P-P Alfreton Town NPP Hucknall Town P-P Worksop Town NP1S Glapwell P-P Rainworth MW Leek Town P-P Belper Town NCELP Lincoln Moorlands P-P Arnold Town NCEL1 Teversal P-P Shirebrook Town ( ko 1pm) EMCL Borrowash Vics P-P Heanor Town Holbrook Sports P-P Blackwell MW Tuesday 28th CML Supreme Clipstone W P-P Newark Town Ollerton Town P-P Church Warsop S & SC Pinxton P-P Sutton Town AFC Wednesday 29th CML Cup AFC Hucknall v Harworth CI Thursday 30th EMCL Radford v Gedling MW CML Supreme Kimberley Town P-P Kirkby Town

Result - but not on the pitch!!

Back in November, we asked for people to visit the Nat West Community funding website and place a vote for the charity APTCOO.

£5000 had been allocated to three local charities, with the highest vote earner receiving £3000.00. It has just been announced that APTCOO received the most votes and are set to receive £3000.00 from the fund. The Natwest site has all the details Type in postcode NG18 5NF and choose the Sutton & Kirkby branch to check out the results. Thanks to everyone who voted for APTCOO - marvellous result!

Saturday 18th December - non-league games

NONE SURVIVE THE FREEZE F.A. Vase Dunkirk P-P Ashington BSN AFC Telford P-P Eastwood Town NPP Ossett Town P-P Hucknall Town NP1S Belper Town P-P Sutton Coldfield Town Lincoln United P-P Carlton Town Market Drayton Town P-P Glapwell Rainworth MW P-P Loughborough Dynamo NCELP Arnold Town P-P Hallam Long Eaton United P-P Pickering Town NCEL1 Bottesford Town P-P Teversal Louth Town P-P Shirebrook Town Derbys Senior Cup Gamesley P-P Borrowash Victoria EMCL Anstey Nomads P-P Radford FC Bardon Hill P-P Radcliffe Olympic Blackwell MW P-P Gresley FC Gedling MW P-P Holbrook Sports Gedling Town P-P Hinckley FC Graham St Prims P-P Heanor Town Greenwood Meadows P-P Holwell Sports CML Challenge Cup Bulwell Town P-P Nettleham Welbeck W P-P Ollerton Town Westella & Willerby P-P Nottingham United CMLS Blidworth W P-P Sutton Town AFC Calverton MW P-P Kirkby Town Dronfield Town P-P Clipstone W Newark Town P-P Harworth CI Pinxton FC P-P Kimberley Town Southwell City P-P Kinsley Boys CMLP AFC Hucknall P-P Bentley Colliery Phoenix P-P South Normanton Athletic NSL Senior Division Awsworth Villa P-P Basford United Bilborough Pelican P-P Notts Police Boots Athletic P-P Forest Town Bulwell P-P Clifton FC Cotgrave W P-P Kimberley MW FC Cavaliers P-P Wollaton

Blidworth Welfare 3-2 Thoresby Colliery

Wednesday 15th December 2010 - CMFL Cup 1st round replay.

 

Second game in two days - and it has to be said a heck of a lot better game than the last one! High flying CML Supreme Division Blidworth put out a strong team against their Premier Division opponents - although the Edwinstowe outfit battled right until the final whistle in an effort to at least take the tie into extra time.

Not many people bothered with this game, despite the recent lack of fixtures, but those who did make the effort were rewarded with a decent game.

Thoresby went ahead against the run of play in the 20th minute, ROSS THORNDYKE powering home a near post header from a corner. The lead lasted barely five minutes though - STEVE CARTY providing a cracking finish from 15 yards after latching on to Tom Mallinson's superb through ball. Welfare took the lead on 34 when Carty played the ball across the goal from the left and found SIMON ELLISON who was on hand to tap home from a couple of yards out. The Newark connection was at this point really getting to "Wanderer" Richard Lane because Mallinson, Carty and Ellison were all once Newark players!!

The Blidworth third goal was a joy to behold! Ricky Chambers ball out of defence found CARL HASLAM who raced into the box, showed two defenders one way before slotting the ball home the other... marvellous goal from the enigmatic winger. H-T 3-1

The second half saw Malinson and Haslam subbed, and this seemed to give the visitors heart, and they pressed forward trying to get back into the game. When Lee Bowler tripped a Thoresby player in the box on 63, Referee Mr. Abbott had no option other than to award a penalty and JAMES SCOTHERN made no mistake from the spot.

Thoresby battled hard to try and level the scores, but the home team held on and progress into the next round. F.T 3-2

Admission £3

H/C 35

Programme £1

Back to Blidworth on Saturday - league match v Sutton Town AFC ( weather permitting)

Pinxton 0-1 AFC Hucknall

14th December 2010 -- CML Floodlit cup

At last! December has been a blank so far with all our planned games falling foul of the weather. Hoped for a better game as we got back "On The Road", but this was a dreary affair with little or no football on show from either team.

Pinxton are currently top of the CML Supreme Division, but looked less than convincing against their CML Premier Division opponents.

The only goal of the game came in the 50th minute when Pinxton's defence allowed JAKE FISHER to prod over the line from just a few feet out. The ball should have been cleared, but the striker took full advantage and his strike sends the Hucknall team into the next round and a tasty tie with Blidworth Welfare.

Sat with league Registrar Rob Hornby for the majority of the game - but had a chance to grab 10 minutes with new Shirebrook boss Rudy Funk at half-time. Alway very interesting talking to Rudy - and it is a shame that after over 5 years of hard work at Rainworth, their parting of the ways seems to have been less than joyful. Just me reading between the lines - I have no axe to grind with Rainworth.

Met up with new AFC matchday secretary Danny Staley - Hucknall Town were well represented with Chairman Dave Gamble, Secretary Tony Knowles and 1st team manager Tommy Brookbanks all in attendance. Also grabbed a word with new Sutton Town AFC boss Daz Bailey.....he is really looking forward to the challenge of getting the Snipes back on track and away from the lowly league position the club finds itself in at the moment.

Admission £2

Attendance H/C 40

Weds - Blidworth v Thoresby Colliery

Tuesday night football !!

Tuesday results F.A. Trophy 1st Round Replay Eastwood Town P-P Rushden & Diamonds Worksop Town 0-5 Mansfield Town NP1S Rainworth MW 1-2 Grantham Town Romulus P-P Carlton Town NCEL1 Teversal P-P Hemsworth MW Derbys F.A. Senior Cup Buxton 3-0 Long Eaton United Matlock Town 1-2 Glapwell CML Floodlit Cup South Pinxton 0-1 AFC Hucknall CML Supreme Calverton MW 2-3 Clipston W

Any games left? No!!!!

Glapwell P-P Shepshed Rainworth MW P-P Spalding Utd Teversal P-P Brodsworth W South Normanton Ath P-P Thorne Colliery 3pm Basford Utd P-P Hucknall Rolls 2pm Boots Athletic P-P Keyworth Utd 2pm Kimberley MW P-P Forest Town 2pm Saw this on the Boots Athletic website.... "I was disappointed to hear today's games were called off and couldn't help but pine for the good old days when men were men and the sheep got nervous. In any cold snap, such as the one we are now experiencing, the local magistrate, who doubled as referee for all home games in his parish, would prepare for a game on snow by soaking the match ball overnight in the blood of a local virgin so it could be seen clearly in the snow. I suppose a modern day equivalent would be a girl who hadn't been spit-roasted yet. "The Team managers would trawl the local orphanages collecting up the waifs and strays. They would all be promised a shiny new half-penny for clearing the lines using their bare hands but,as this was before the time of Esther Rantzen and childline, they were usually only allowed to dip their hands into the coal brazier afterward instead. "Both sides would gather in the village hall where, they would be given for their pre-match warm-up which invariably consisted of a pint of mulled ale and ten Woodbines. Games were played for seven hours each way by which time the nail-in studs were driven deep into the soles of your feet, but our love of the game was such that you didn't complain, you kept a stiff upper lip and toiled on manfully. "Half-time consisted of a pint of warmed bull's blood, a handful of roast chestnuts off the brazier and a rousing sing-song. Then it was back into action with sleeves rolled up and socks round the ankles. There were no such things as fouls, if you had your leg broken, you were expected to firmly shake the hand of your opponent and then, after a pat on the back from the skipper, resume play in a committed and tigerish manner. At full time we were led by the skipper, usually named either Chalky, Nobby or Ginge, down to the pond on the village green where, after he had broken the ice, we would clean the blood and snot of our bodies. Then it was off to the local tavern where we were plied with fine local ales and pigs trotters, before heading off to the pit for a seventeen hour shift." Payney

Aah,, the good old days......

Saturday 11th December - non-league games

Although a thaw is forecast, I foresee a lot of games being called off - I imagine most pitches are still under a blanket of snow and may not be clear of the damn stuff in time for Saturday's games.

Our scheduled game is at Selhurst Street to see if Radford can end their losing streak against high-flying Bardon Hill. This looks highly unlikely as Bardon are currently lying in 4th spot in the EMCL table having won 10 and drawn 2 of their 17 league games played, while Radford have won only 2 of their 14 league starts, and have failed to take a single point from the last 9 games. Still, as someone once said " it's a funny old game" - you never know..........

F.A. Trophy 1st Round

Rushden & Diamonds 1-1 Eastwood Town

Worksop Town P-P Mansfield Town

F.A. Vase 3rd Round

Dunkirk P-P Ashington

NPP

North Ferriby United P-P Hucknall Town

NP1S

Belper Town P-P Grantham Town

Glapwell P-P Shepshed

Rainworth MW P-P Spalding Town

Rushall Olympic 2-1 Carlton Town

NCELP

Hallam P-P Arnold Town

Pickering Town P-P Long Eaton United

NCEL1

Teversal P-P Brodsworth W

EMCL

Anstey Nomads P-P Graham St Prims

Barrow Town A-A Greenwood Meadows ( Barrow's Ash Bignall suffered a broken leg on 50)

Blackwell MW P-P Ibstock United

Ellistown P-P Gedling MW

Heanor Town P-P Gedling Town

Radford P-P Bardon Hill

Derbyshire Senior Cup 3rd Round

Gamesley P-P Borrowash Victoria 1:30pm

CML Supreme Division

Blidworth W P-P Nettleham

Clipstone W P-P Westella & Willerby

Harworth CI P-P Calverton MW

Kimberley Town P-P Church Warsop S & SC

Kirkby Town P-P Pinxton

Newark Town P-P Southwell City

Ollerton Town P-P Kinsley Boys

Parkhouse P-P Dronfield Town

Sutton Town AFC P-P Sheffield Parramore

CML Premier Division

Bulwell Town P-P AFC Hucknall

South Normanton Athletic P-P Thorne Colliery

NSL Senior Division

Basford United P-P Hucknall Rolls Leisure

Bilborough Pelican P-P FC Cavaliers

Boots Athletic P-P Keyworth United

Cotgrave W P-P Notts Police

Kimberley MW P-P Forest Town

Wollaton P-P Clifton FC

Any hope this weekend?

I wonder if there will be any games played this coming weekend? Still freezing in Hucknall at the moment, but the forecast, according to Sally Pepper on BBC East Midlands today is "getting less cold"! --- how ambiguous can you get!! Just seen the draw for the Notts Senior Cup ... some good ties. Blidworth must be very happy - Hucknall at home - terrific game in prospect at the Welfare Ground. Week Commencing 31-1-2011 Southwell City vs Carlton Town Dunkirk vs Boots Athletic Retford United vs Eastwood Town Wollaton vs Forest Town Gedling Miners Welfare vs Rainworth Miners Welfare Blidworth Welfare vs Hucknall Town Kirkby Town vs Arnold Town Ollerton Town vs Gedling Town or Radcliffe Olympic/Greenwood Meadows

Nothing to write about....

Sorry that this blog is not being updated as regularly as it should be .....there is no "On The Road" football to report on, just "On The Road" misery....

Why, oh why does this flippin country come to a grinding halt when we get snow. OK - I realise that the amount of snow just recently has been unusual, but all the roads are truly knackered -- and is there a gritter to be seen? Also, over 350 schools in Nottinghamshire are closed - they never closed them when I was at school. Even in the winter of '63 when it was so cold the bloody sea froze, we had to go to school.....and let me tell you, that was a very, very cold winter.

So, no non-league football because there is snow on the pitches. We used to clear the lines and play with an orange ball when I were a lad... have we all gone soft? Snoods, gloves, ladies tights -- whatever next, players running around wrapped in duvets? I have just been bought some long johns by my travelling buddy Kev, but now his wife wants me to model them for her! Believe me Sue - me in them long johns is not a pretty sight..you know the old saying about "looking like a bag of shit tied in the middle"? That's me!!!! A body that's only suitable for radio!!! So -- we wait for the thaw.....and hope that we are soon back " On The Road" and our visits around the local grounds can resume. Last year we lost almost three weeks after Christmas, here's hoping that doesn't happen again.

Saturday 27th November - write off!!

After a few nights of severe frost, then several inches of snowfall on Friday night, most clubs were left with no option other than to call their games off.

Nottingham United v South Normanton Athletic is the exeption as they play on an the all weather pitch at Gresham Pavillion. Decided not to go to this although the reverse fixture in September was 9-3 to Normo!

Not going out gives me a chance to review the season stats so far :-

APTCOO - we were hoping to raise £120.00 for this Mansfield based charity, by donating £0.15 each for every goal we chalk up on our travels. That would mean we need 400 goals over the whole season. So far the total is 315 goals and we have only had one goal-less game (£95.50) -- with 6 months of the season still to go £200.00 should be achievable! It has to be said as well, that a lot of people have donated a fiver here, and a few quid there (£55.25) - and at the end of November, the grand total is £150.75 !! Well done and thanks to everyone who has contributed. Football Stats - (don't look if you hate stats)

Games been to : 67 (last season at this time, we had been to 51)

Goals : 315 (last seasons total goals at the end of May was 398)! Average : 4.701

Home goal average : 2.22

Away goal average :2.15

Scoreless games : 1

Highest aggregate : 12 ( South Normanton Ath 9-3 Nottm Utd -- Carlton Res 11-1 Teversal Res ) Grounds visited : 27 Most visited :

Blidworth Welfare x 9 Arnold Tn x 5 Heanor Tn x 5 Kimberley x 5 Sutton T AFC x 5

Saturday 27th Nov 2010 - non-league games

BSP Wrexham v Mansfield Town GAME ON BSN Workington Town P-P Eastwood Town NPP Hucknall Town P-P Burscough NP1S Belper Town P-P Newcastle Town Glapwell P-P Leek Town Rainworth MW P-P Grantham Town Romulus P-P Carlton Town NCELP Brighouse P-P Long Eaton United Tadcaster Albion P-P Arnold Town NCEL1 Shirebrook Town P-P Staveley MW Teversal P-P Barton Town Old Boys EMCL Anstey Nomads v Greenwood Meadows Blackwell MW P-P Ellistown Borrowash Vics P-P Radford Gedling MW P-P Gresley FC Gedling Town P-P Graham Street Prims Holbrook Sports P-P Radcliffe Olympic St. Andrews P-P Heanor Town CMLS Clipstone W P-P Kinsley Boys Kimberley Town P-P Blidworth W Kirkby Town P-P Southwell City Newark Town P-P Calverton MW Pinxton P-P Westella & Willerby Sutton Town AFC P-P Church Warsop S & SC CMLP FC05 Bilsthorpe P-P AFC Hucknall Nottingham United v South Normanton Athletic ON MFA Malvern Town P-P Dunkirk

Calverton U19's 1-4 Unity Football Project

Thursday 25th November 2010 - North Midlands U19's League Division 2

Desire, commitment, discipline, effort, attitude - add to this talent by the shovel full and you have the Unity Football Project. Unity began life in 2005 in an effort to help control gang violence, territorial rivalry and reduce youth offending, and this current crop of players are a credit not only to themselves, but also the league, their management team and their followers.

Fellow bloggist Rob Waite had praised Unity and said I had to go and have a look sometime. With Kev absent without leave, I nearly didn't bother. Really pleased I did - not only because of the 5 goals (more charity dosh), but because the quality of play at this level rarely fails to please.

Quick word about Calverton because they looked good as well, and they played their part in this game, but in the end the Unity quality told and 4-1 was probably just about right on the balance of play. Not only was I impressed with the Unity team, their coach, Alan Avery, was a treat to listen to. Encouraging, reminding, coaxing and also having a laugh when needed - what a breath of fresh air after some of the antics we see week in, week out at senior level.

Alan came over for a chat before the second half began - he is really enthusiastic about this project and after I complimented his team on their play, he intimated that they hadn't performed anywhere near as well as they can! Looks like another Unity game needs pencilling in !!

I know none of the players from either of the teams, so can't write a match report as such. I can report that Calverton took the lead after just 28 seconds - a ball into the box catching a Unity central defender facing his own goal - as he tried to intercept he suceeded only in hitting it past his own keeper. Unity applied immediate pressure and had one effort cleared off the line and saw a shot crash off the bar.

Unity regained parity in the 5th minute, a great individual run and dribble by their no.10 BLAIR ANDERSON , culminating with a low drive that flew across the Calverton keeper before nestling in the back of the net. More pressure saw the visitors take the lead in the 17th minute - this time a corner flicked on at the near post, leaving CONOR CROFT a simple tap in from close range. H-T 1-2

Went to the car at half-time to get warm - it was a cold night, with a biting breeze that opened up the nasal sluices a treat! I have recently become the owner of a BlackBerry phone - and I managed to post the half-time score on facebook - me and technology -- best mates!!

Unity increased their lead on 58, substitute no.16 TYRONE ( last name not known) sliding in to beat the home keeper to the ball. They saved the best till last though. With four minutes to play, the ball was played to CONOR CROFT on the edge of the box - he took aim and rifled the ball right into the top corner .... a cracking goal to end proceedings. F-T 1-4

Special mention for Referee Scott Mason. Another of the young crop of officials that abound at the moment. Scott had a very good game - as did his Assistants. It has to be said though that their jobs were made easy thanks to the attitude and discipline showed by both teams - even on a difficult, slippy, skating rink of a pitch.

Thanks to Marc Williams of Gedling MW for the goalscorer info - via Unity striker Elliot Atkin

Admission £2

Programme £1

H/C 30

Pinxton v Westella on Saturday, weather permitting.....

Gedling Town 5-2 Radford FC

Wednesday 24th November 2010 -- EMCL Missed our scheduled Tuesday night game, but hastily fitted in this EMCL league game. Gedling have gone through much upheaval recently, and the new Chairman's programme notes just about say it all...(click to enlarge)


 

Tonight the Ferrymen entertain struggling Radford FC. Gedling think they have had it bad! Radford have lost their last nine games on the spin, and have only won 7 of their last 90-odd games! It's credit to the club that they have kept going, and long may they do so.

Had a chat to Radford Secretary Simon Matters just after the game had kicked off -- he kindly donated a fiver to the APTCOO fund - but on condition we visited Selhurst Street sometime in the near future. So, we have opted for December 11th v Bardon Hill - save us a car-park space Simon! We have been meaning to visit Radford for ages, but Simon's donation gives us that added incentive.

We have been to Gedling Town on many, many occasions, and duly made our way up the dirt track to the turnstile - only this was locked and we were instructed to go to another entrance just off the car-park. There were signs pointing to that entrance, but I only noticed than on the way back! And that was after I had attempted a shortcut to the car-park and ended up having a right good old fight with a bramble hedge!! It trapped my hat, grabbed my scarf and scratched legs and hands!! Ouch!!

Paid the £3 to get in and bought a programme that was simply an outer cover with a folded A4 sheet inserted ...poor value for £1, but understandable when the club is in a state of flux.......

The game was not a classic by any means, but it was the visitors who had the better early chances, forcing
the Gedling keeper into action on a couple of occasions in the first 15 minute. Radford actually took the lead on 22, when their no.7 was played in at the edge of the box and slammed the ball home.

Gedling were level on the half-hour mark - former Mansfield Town youth player CALLUM LLOYD firing across Radford keepr Darren Lycett from 18 yards. H-T 1-1

Had a wander around the ground during the break - it was a bit strange because there was no-one else to be seen, other than a couple of subs having a kickabout on the pitch. The tea bar must have had a few customers, but because of previous unsavoury cuppas, we didn't bother.

Gedling's NATHAN SCOTT was gifted a goal on 70 when the visiting no. 6 nodded the ball straight to his feet in the area. The home striker gleefully smashed the ball past Lycett from 15 yards. The home team were awarded a penalty in the 77th minute - a needless trip giving the Referee no option other than to award the spot-kick. Lycett saved the initial effort then recovered quickly to save again as the ball ran loose to a Gedling player. The keeper couldn't do anything with the third shot though, NATHAN SCOTT rifling the ball home through a ruck of players, much to the dismay of Radford bosses Garmston and Rawden who couldn't quite believe that their defence had failed to react and clear the danger.

With two minutes to play, GARETH ELLIS was given time and space to hit an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net to increase the home teams lead, but from the restart the Radford no. 10 received the ball 18 yards from goal and calmly stroked it past the home keeper. Two minutes into stoppage time, AARON LARGE netted again for Gedling as the Radford defence went to sleep. F-T 5-2

As I said earlier, this was not a classic, and both teams need to improve dramatically - the drop form the EMCL to the CMFL can prove to be expensive with the extra travelling involved. Going from Nottingham to Leics and Derbys in the EMCL is not too bad, but travelling to places like Hull, and visits to South Yorkshire can be a severe drain on club finances.

Admission £3

Programme £1 ( the Chairman's notes had to be the only reason you would pay for this production)

Attendance 25

Supposed to be at Calverton U19 v Unity next, but depends on how cold it gets. Failing that, Pinxton v Westella on Saturday.....

Green Dragon 2-2 T8's

Sunday 21st November 2010 -- Notts Sunday League Premier One.

Hucknall derby - just a quick walk (again) to the local park and we were quite chuffed that we decided to take in this match, as the teams put on a very creditable game of Sunday League football. T8's are currently top of the Premier One division and suffered their only defeat of the season last time out at Carlton Top Spot. Dragon started the season well enough, but struggle to put out a settled team week in, week out, hence their mid table berth.

After just 22 seconds, Dragon no. 11 Kane Matthews saw his 20 yarder hit the bar, but T8's recovered well and took over control of the game. ANDY START put the "visitors" ahead on 12, a neat acrobatic volley at the near post from a ball in from the right. "Visitors" is a bit of a strange term to use when referring to T8's, who actually play their home games on the adjoining pitch!

Start missed a sitter just seconds after he had scored, firing well over from just a couple of yards out. T8's went further ahead on 43 when HARRY ALLEN headed home at the near post from a well rehearsed long throw routine. Referee Malc Cassidy added a few of minutes of stoppage time, and it was in the second minute of this added time that Dragon pulled one back, their no. 2 shirt ASHLEY EVANS hitting a neat curler past the T8's keeper from 15 yards. H-T 1-2

Entertainment at the break was provided by Kev and his dog, Whiskey. The huge pooch chases after a ball like a cheetah chasing an antelope,,,, really funny until he decided to wipe his mouth on my jeans - the dog I mean, not Kev!!

Dragon looked the more likely to score as the second half progressed, but it took them until the 79th minute to level, KANE MATTHEWS stabbing home from close range after the T8's defence failed to clear from a free-kick fired into the box. With the temperature dropping and the chill breeze biting, we were hoping Mr. Cassidy would not add too much stoppage time to this half - thankfully only 2 minutes were added and we left thinking that the draw was a fair result. F-T 2-2

Heanor Town 9-0 Anstey Nomads

Saturday 20th November 2010 -- EMCL

Back at the Town Ground again. We're not too worried about re-visits to grounds - if a team is playing well, then why not go to watch them? We arrived slightly early, but that ensured we had a good parking space just down the road from the ground.

Heanor moved to second place in the league table after this result, and although mid-table Nomads put up a half decent fight of it for the first 20 minutes, as soon as Heanor scored quite a bit of that fight disappeared.

Heanor joint boss Glenn Kirkwood had a few words with us prior to the kick-off - apparently he reads this blog and follows "ontheroad" on twitter. As soon as I get the hang of my new Blackberry phone, I hope to be able to update twitter while at games - but that is for the future....

 

Here we go!!

   

 

Heanor management team : Craig Hopkins and Glenn Kirkwood

Nomads boss Andy Miller

Lions' keeper Mark Frost had promised a fiver to the APTCOO charity recently, and before the game kicked off, he duly delivered. It has to be said that both Kev and myself are amazed at the way the charity fund has grown over the few short month's since it was first proposed. We have known "Frosty" for a couple of years now and not only is he a great keeper, he is a real gentleman. His fiver along with the nine goals scored, saw the APTCOO fund go to over £140 !!

Anstey started the game really well, and easily snuffed out any early Heanor forays forward. Mind you, the Nomads defenders are huge - but when Heanor eventually worked out that keeping the ball on the ground was the better option than pumping high balls into the box, the game changed dramatically. Heanor can consider themselves lucky not to concede in the 8th minute when a terrific ball in from the right was met by the head of Wesley York - unfortunately the effort flew wide of the post with Frost looking on...

 

York - so close!!

It took until the 21st minute for Heanor to breach the Anstey defence, the the home team grabbed three in a sparkling five minute spell. The first came from some neat play that saw the ball played to the feet of debutant ROB GILL. The well travelled striker gathered well before sending a fine curling drive past Stefan Joyce in the Nomads' net. The second goal was scored by NATHAN BENGER. The former Matlock Town man dispossessed an Anstey defender, raced at goal and gave Joyce no chance with the finish. The third goal had eveyone applauding - it really was special.

LEE ASKHAM won the ball on the half-way line and ran straight through the visitors defence before depositing the ball into the back of the net. A real wonder goal from the talented winger.

It should have been 4 on 39, but Gill uncharacteristically prodded wide after Ryan Cancellara had played him in on goal. Anstey had a great chance to reduce the arrears three minutes before the break, but unmarked striker Darren Taylor fired well over when York's cross from the left picked him out. H-T 3-0

 

Gill slots home the first

Benger the second



Askham the third

Rob Gill shaking hands with his best mate!!

The second half was only two minutes old when Gill hit a hammer of a shot that cannoned of the angle of bar and post. Four minute later the Lions went further ahead - a clearance by Frost headed on by Gill to NATHAN BENGER who hit a real bullet of a shot past Joyce from 22 yards. The shot was hit so hard that keeper Joyce never moved a muscle as the ball flew past him. ROB GILL made it five on 63, chipping the keeper from 15 yards, then it was six when BENGER was tripped in the box three minutes later, the hitman despatching the spot kick to complete his hat-trick.

Benger's penalty makes it 6-0

DAN WILLIAMS scored on 74 after coming off the bench to replace Benger, then WILLIAMS added another after Gill unselfishly picked him out 12 yards from goal. It was fitting that GILL claimed his personal treble in the 88th minute - the big man's first game for his new team was a man of the match performance - looks to be a great signing for the Lions. F-T 9-0

Admission £5
Attendance 109
MOM - Rob Gill

Saturday 20th November - non-league games

BSP Mansfield Town 3-2 Hayes & Yeading F.A. Trophy Eastwod Town 2-0 Cambridge City Notts F.A. Senior Cup Blidworth W 2-1 Clipstone W Calverton MW 2-4 Ollerton Town Kimberley MW 0-3 Boots Athletic Wollaton 4-3 Hucknall Rolls Leisure NPP Hucknall Town 0-3 Marine NP1S Barwell 1-0 Glapwell Brigg Town 1-1 Rainworth MW Carlton Town 3-1 Stamford Kidsgrove Athletic 4-2 Belper Town NCELP Arnold Town 2-2 Winterton Rangers Liversedge 0-1 Long Eaton United NCEL1 Handsworth 2-1 Shirebrook Town Teversal 1-1 Worsborough Bridge EMCL Bardon Hill 4-2 Blackwell MW Ellistown 1-0 Gedling Town Gedling MW 7-1 St. Andrews Gresley FC 4-0 Borrowash Victoria Heanor Town 9-0 Anstey Nomads Hinckley FC 4-3 Greenwood Meadows Ibstock United 1-0 Graham St Prims Radcliffe Olympic 2-1 Thurnby Nirvana Radford FC 1-2 Holwell Sports CML Cup Dronfield Town 5-0 Southwell City Hutton Cranswick 3-6 Kirkby Town Westella & Willerby p-p Nottingham United CML Supreme Division Church Warsop S & SC 2-3 Newark Town Sheffield Parramore 4-1 Kimberley Town Sutton Town AFC 1-3 Pinxton FC CML Premier Division Bulwell Town 2-2 Easington United South Normanton Athletic 8-2 AFC Hucknall

Tales of Omar and the tyre.......................

Wednesday 17th November -- Blidworth Welfare 5-0 Nottingham United. CML Floodlit Cup South R2.

As we were walking from the car-park to the ground, we bumped into Richard "Wanderer" Lane, then we encountered Steve "the Bank Manager" Reading. Always a pleasure to be in Richard and Steve's company, especially when the game isn't too sparkling. Steve handed me a tenner -- a gift from our friend Steve Davies. I got him a couple of programmes earlier in the season and asked me to put the change into the APTCOO charity fund. Well, Steve: thank you very much - I am adding the whole tenner to the APTCOO fund.....

Richard recounted his woes as his beloved Newark were beaten at FC Brimington on Saturday and at Arnold on Tuesday. Steve is a real serial hopper. He and Neil Laughlin, AKA Bob L Hatt, were supposed to head off to Westella and Willerby on Tuesday, but ended up watching a team called Three Bridges in Crawley, Sussex!

On the way to Crawley they watched in amazement as a car wheel rolled at some speed down the road they were travelling on, and then they passed a car with only three wheels driven by a little old lady.......! Makes you wonder how a wheel can come off..... not just the tyre, the whole wheel! It also transpired that Steve had been to watch tonight's visitors Nottingham United on Saturday - and found a new hero in their 5ft 5" keeper Omar Murtaza.

The Man City fan praised the diminutive keeper all through the game......mentioning that he actually went up for a corner on Saturday towards the end of the game - United were 1-0 down to Phoenix. Needless to say there was not a height problem for the Phoenix defence and Omar Murtaza did not feature in the goals scored column!

Rob Hornby was present with a representative of League sponsors Abacus Lighting - Blidworth had picked up the team of the month award. He was hoping Kev would have his camera, but it does not go with us midweek.....

The game itself was nothing to write home about. Welfare may have won 5-0, but they struggled to put three passes together all through the game. They went in at the break two-nil up. SIMON ELLISON ran the ball over the line on 6, after Jonny Upson had crossed from the right. ELLISON then added his second after a defensive gaffe gifted the ball to Mark Ellison who had the simple task of rolling the ball to his brother who couldn't miss from 4 yards. H-T 2-0

Steve had been on JONNY UPSON's case all night, but had to dish out some praise when the youngster rifled home from 15 yards on 63 after great approach play by Tom Mallinson. Substitute KIERON WELLS added the Welfare fourth after 83 minutes, smashing the ball past Murtaza from the corner of the box.


SIMON ELLISON completed his hat-trick right on full time. Steve's hero Murtaza decided he was a full back and went racing out of his area to clear the ball. Unfortunately he missed the tackle and the ball was crossed into he area where Ellison was on hand to bundle home. F-T 5-0

Referee Mr. Peter Craggs had a good game - we hardly never noticed him!! (Some sort of back-handed compliment, I think!!!). We have seen Peter run the line a few times, but I can't recall seeing him take a middle before. Handled the game well and showed no nerves despite being watched by quite a few of his peers..........

Admission £3

H/C 30

Great night out despite the atrocious weather and poor football.

Arnold Town U19 1-1 Staveley MW U19

Monday 15th November 2010 - North Mids U19 League.

The game that saw Kev re-introduced to the U19 game. We used to go and watch the Eastwood Town Under 19s regularly a few years back, and always enjoyed seeing the young Badgers playing good, honest football. I have seen a couple of Arnold Town U19 games this season and was pleased that, after singing the praises of the young Eagles, they and their opponents produced a game of quality, with two superb goals to boot..........

Much too cold to take notes, but Arnold took the lead in the 4th minute, a cracking 18 yard drive from DALE RIPPEY beating the Staveley keeper for pace. CALLUM NIX levelled on 40 when he received the ball 25 yards from goal, beat a couple of defenders and hit a curling shot into the top corner that gave the Arnold stopper no chance. H-T 1-1

Rippey was tripped early in the second half, and Referee Andy Bills had no hesitation in awarding the spot kick. Blotted his copy book really by not issuing a red card for the trip - a clear goalscoring opportunity appeared to have been denied, but the offender was not even spoken to by Mr. Bills.

Rippey took the kick but the visiting keeper went the right way and was able to palm the ball away to safety. The game was played at some pace, and all the participants deserve credit - great game and the goals alone were well worth the £2 entrance fee. F-T 1-1

Three more U19 games lined up before Christmas ...!!

Admission £2 with programme

H/C 30+

Wednesday - Blidworth W v Nottingham United