AWAYDAY WIN FOR THE MAGDALA

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

GEDLING SOUTHBANK 2 MAGDALA AMATEURS 4

Programme: Very Good

Well with the poor weather between Christmas and New Year it looked a matter of what was left on, I had 2 games that I had pinpointed, the first was postponed at 9.30am and it was a matter of ringing round to check that this game, my plan B was on, to which I got conformation.

On arrival was greeted by both teams and the referee Mick Leslie and soon joined by local hopper Michael who reads my blog.

I noticed over on a pitch Id not seen a match on before, a game taking place, to which I discovered Gedling Southbank Reserves were hosting AFC Clifton, so I strolled over just before half time of that match and saw AFC Clifton take a 4-2 lead, a game that resulted 5-4 to the visitors.

Headed down to the main game ready for kick off and a minutes silence took place for local police officer and referee David Fields who sadly lost his life whilst on duty and also for a young lad aged 6 years old who plays at Newark Flowserve FC named Daniel Harris.

The game kicked off and both sides were quite even but 14 minutes, the home side were awarded a penalty for a push in the back, up stepped BEN SOAR who placed the ball to the keepers right hand side of the net to give Southbank the lead.

Southbank had chances to extend their lead, but quite a few of their shots were high over the bar and then they were dealt a cruel blow when their formation had to change due to their young centre forward having to be replaced after pulling up injured.

Magdala(the Budgies) began to come more in to the game creating chances themselves and they deserved to draw level on 41 minutes, when a free kick floated in from the right hand side was met by the head of their captain NEIL MORGAN.

At half time, there was another forced sub due to injury, Matt Picker the senior Assistant referee who was returning after being out the game for a matter of 5 weeks had re-tore his muscle and on hand was Chris Sheavills to take over.

The Second Half saw Magdala step up the pace and made it count on 55 minutes when taking the lead through STEVE AHEARN.

Gedling fought back and on 65 minutes, their captain scored the goal of the game when hitting the back of the net from a 30 yard shot.

Magdala though soon re-stored their lead when on 68 minutes, CHRIS HAYES dribbled round the defence before firing home, but the home keeper then went down with a elbow injury but continued to play on. From the next attack the home keeper pulled off a very good punch save, but went down holding his shoulder again. He continued to soldier on to the end of the match to his credit, but in the 80th minute, he couldnt do anything about GARETH BENTLEY;s angled shot to leave the Amateurs with a 4-2 victory.

All 4 Officials had a good game and I would like to thank Gedling Southbank Manager Andy Clerke for kindly donating £5 to the Charity Blog in aid of Maggies Cancer Care Centre, based at Nottingham City Hospital to which the running total now stands at a amazing £1,235.50p

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

BARNES BRACE MAKES FLOWSERVES CHRISTMAS

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division Two

UNDERWOOD VILLA RESERVES 3 NEWARK FLOWSERVE RESERVES 4

Its not very often I will get round to watching two reserve teams playing each other, but when I do, they usually are good matches and this one was up there as being very good and entertaining. Two teams that wanted to play open football on a heavy soft pitch.

The game kicked off with Flowserve towards the top end of the table, whilst their host were towards the bottom, so a away win on the cards perhaps. The First half Flowserve had the possesion whilst Villa created the better of the chances and went in to the break helding a 2-1 lead, as after 22 minutes ALEX MANN scooped the ball over the visiting keeper to make it 1-0 to the Villa, but the side from Newark fought back on 31 minutes when HARRY MILLS equalized. Just before the half time break SAM TAYLOR restored the hosts lead.

In to the Second Half and Villa were forced to make a sub, as a couple of their players were struggling with injuries and Flowserve stepped up the pace, In the 56th minute, a cross shot from CALLUM BARNES found the corner of the net to level up the scores yet again.

This seemed to spur Flowserve forward and on 68 minutes, CHRIS SELF fired his side in front, from the kick off, play broke down and struck the referee and dropped for CALLUM BARNES to fire home a fourth for the visitors.

There was still life in the match and after 78 minutes, a free kick was awarded to Underwood, to which visiting defender Rici O Connell was cautioned, from thee resulting free kick that was floated in to the penalty area, O Connell bought down a home attacker and was shown his second yellow card and Villa awarded a penalty to which SAM TAYLOR placed home to set up a grandstand finish.

The final 12 minutes was end to end but no more goals were added to the tally and so Flowserve returned back to Newark with the points in a entetaining match.

Must mention referee Steve Bingham who had a great game and tried to allow advantages to be played when he could and spoke to players with respect.

The photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

ROVERS WIN AGAIN

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division One

ASHLAND ROVERS 3 SOUTHWELL CITY RESERVES 2

A funny sort of day, as my plan was to head to Attenborough but with t being called off due to a frozen pitch, it was a matter of ringing round and I got a definate yes its on from Ashland Rovers Secretary John Dawn, so that made up my mind where I was going, though Im there again on the 30th when they host Stapleford Town.

I saw this fixture last season and it was a close fought affair with Rovers winning 2-1, so I expected the same again today, though I have seen Ashland four times this season and they have won all 4, whilst over 3 seasons, I have seen Southwell 4 times and they have lost 3, so maybe a good luck charm for Ashland but not so for Southwell.

Before the game, the referee Craig Fisk asked for a little bit just outside one of the areas to be folked and there would be no problem, John  Dawn duly did this and kick off was soon on its way.

Both sides like to attack and chances were of plenty and after 14 minutes, it was the visitors who took the lead, when ROB BROWN struck home from just inside the area.

Thee scores were soon level as four minutes later, KURTIS DUDLEY hit a volley from 30 yards out leaving the visiting keeper with no chance of keeping it out.

Southwell then had the better of the chances in the First Half but they all went begging and if gone in they could well have been three goals clear.

The Second Half though belonged to Rovers, straight away on the front foot and on 49 minutes, LEE TOWNSEND hit possibly the goal of the game to put his side in to a 2-1 lead.

Southwell tried to push forward, but Ashland played on the counter attack mainly with Bircumshaw holding the ball up front and begining the attacks, so it came as no surprise on 57 minutes, whe n DANIEL BIRCUMSHAW turned his defender and smashed Rovers in to a two goal cushion.

Southwell pushed forward and the Rovers defence stood tight, whilst they had chances of their own at the other end.

In the 89th minute, City did reduce the arrears when TOM TYLER broke down the left wing and cut in and beat the Rovers keeper at his near post.

Must say and I heard comments after the match, that Referee CRAIG FISK was one of the best that they had seen this season and he did have a very good match

I must thank John Dawn and Ashland Rovers FC for the kind £20 donation towards this Blogs Charity which is MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE based at Nottingham City Hospital, where the running total now stands at a stunning £1,227.25p

The photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

RANGERS BACK ON TOP

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division Two

WOODTHORPE PARK RANGERS 10 NOTTINGHAM CITY FC 1

With having to stay local to Mansfield, I opted for the outside pitches of Eagle Valley to see Woodthorpe Park Rangers play against Nottingham City. Going in to the match the hosts were a point behind league toppers Bridgford United with two games in hand.

Nottingham City have been going through a bad patch at present and very nearly folded some weeks ago, but to their credit have been turning out every match, but needed to sign a emergency keeper for this game, as last week they lost a keeper with a broken hand.

Woodthorpe were on the pitch and raring to go, whilst City at kick off time didnt have enough players on the pitch and asked for a 5 minute delay to proceedings, when they did kick off,, they were under constant pressure as they only had 10 players on the pitch, so it came as no surprise when JAMAL MAZLAM opened the scoring.  City then got eleven players on to the pitch and had a couple of bursts forward and with better finishing could well have been on level terms.

After 17 minutes, Rangers top striker MARKELL BAILEY scored his first of the afternoon to open up a two goal lead when firing in to the near post. The game went through a bit of a scrappy stage with both teams having a few chances, but on 39 minutes, Rangers were awarded a free kick just outside of the area, to which MARKELL BAILEY floated in to the top corner of the net to make it 3-0. Just on half time, the visiting goalkeeper went down and didnt re-appear for the second half, so a outfield player had to take the reins.

After 47 minutes Rangers stretched their advantage when DARREN OLDHAM made it 4-0, Nottingham City didnt give up and scored the goal the game, when GLODI BANDE smashed a superb 35 yard shot in to the corner of the net.

On 66 minutes, MARKELL BAILEY converted his hat trick by firing home a penalty, then City nearly scored their second of the game, when from kick off a lob from the half way line caught the home keeper off his line and it bounced it front of him before scrapping the crossbar and going over.

After 77 minutes, Rangers scored twice in a minute, when DANIEL WALKER headed home at the back post and straight from kick off DARREN OLDHAM floated a lovely chip in to the far corner of the net to make it 7-1.

On 80 minutes, DARREN OLDHAM completed his hat trick, with five minutes later, CONNOR SCOTT PARKIN getting on the scoresheet, before the last kick of the game belonged to man of the match MARKELL BAILEY who made it 10-1.

I would like to thank to the following for the kind donations to the Charitys Blog, which is for MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE, Herbie and Sue for £10, PJ Harte for £10 on behalf of Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC and to Jim Bethall for £5, with the 11 goals scored, it nows takes the running total to a amazing £1,206.00

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

ELIZABETHIANS PUT ON SECOND HALF SHOW

Nottinghamshire FA Minor Cup

Quarter Final

OLD ELIZABETHIANS 8 GEDLING SOUTHBANK RESERVES 3

When the quarter final draw was made, I was looking for 2 things, a ground Id not visited before and a Notts Senior League Club to be away and this ticked both boxes. Having been up to Queen Elizabth school many times as Shawn has recently spent 2 years there before we won our case to send him to a school for children with special needs, Id never seen a football match there, its also possibly the second closest ground to my home.

On arrival, I was greeted by a few of the OE players, who I know through my time when I used to manage Bull Farm Social Club;s sunday team some years ago, I was then met by Southbanks player/Secretary Craig Killelay who gave me both sides line up;s and kindly donated £20 towards the Blog;s Charity which is MAGGIES Cancer Care Centre based at Nottingham;s City Hospital, so a massive thankyou to Craig and the Southbank lads.

The game kicked off and the home side were soon on the attack and from their first corner of the game floated in from the right hand side, up rose ANDREW BOULTON to head home after just 6 minutes. Both sides seemed to test each other out but not many chances were being created, until the 38th minute, when GEORGE RUDD hit 20 yard low shot that equalled things up.

The Second Half was a different kettle of fish, as OE went straight on to the attack towards the school end and after a series of corners, a carbon copy of their first goal took place on 52 minutes, when this time the corner was floated in from the left wing and ANDREW BOULTON put his side back in front.

On 59 minutes, it began to be the Sean Goodwin show, as the winger cut in and fired a shot that sprung out for ASTON MARSH to sweep home to make it 3-1. On 62 minutes, Goodwin then drew the visiting keeper before passing across for JONO ROWBOTHAM to strike home. 65 minutes and it was 5-1 when Goodwin;s cross was turned past his own keeper by Southbank man Andy Steele.

Southbank kept their heads up at this stage and pushed forward and made it 5-2 when ADAM THOMAS shot went in off the post on 72 minutes, this seemed to give the visitors a bit of confidence as they pushed players forward and on 78 minutes, BEN CRAWFORD headed home from a free kick.

This though did leave gaps at the back of the Southbank defence and on 83 minutes, CARL GOULD showed his experiance when he danced through the midfield and the defence and round the Southbank keeper to score the goal of the game to make it 6-3.

Now the Southbank heads had gone down and OE exploited the gaps and on 87 minutes, a long cross ball from midfield was midjudged by the visiting keeper, for ASTON MARSH to tap in. In the final minute, RAVI KAICUT scored close home to make it 8-3.

Must mention the referee who I felt had a very good match

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

DRAMATIC FINISH AT AFC CLIFTON

Nottinghamshire Senior league

Division  Two

AFC CLIFTON 2 SNEINTON TOWN FC 2

A good match ended in high drama, as the visitors had thought they had fought back from being 2-0 down to win 3-2 wit the last kick of the game, to their horror to see the goal disallowed.

The game began at a frantic pace with both sides playing good football on the counter attacks, but as the game wore in, it was Clifton who began to take the upper hand in chances and after 14 minutes, a corner from the left hand side was met by the head of RUSS STAPLETON to give them the lead. Clifton pushed forward and looked the more likely to score again and they did so in the 28th minute, when a free kick was floated and MORGAN BELL volleyed a looping shot to make it 2-0.

Half time came and the visitors made changes with a sub and also their formation and almost straight away it nearly paid off, when the subs first touch stuck the post. Sneinton didnt have to wait long though to get back in the game when DWAIN MILLER hit the net from the keepers near post after 49 minutes.

Sneinton looked a different side in the second half and pushed and pushed for a equaliser, but it didnt look to be their day, but then in the 87th minute, up popped DWAIN MILLER to fire home his second of the game.

A draw now looked on the cards as the game entered late injury time, when one last attack, saw a Sneinton attacker cut in from the by line, beat his defender and place the ball across the bx for Dwain Miller to strike home to the delight of his fellow players, the majority of the Clifton players had returned to their own half, but a couple of them approached the match referee and pointed over to their club assistant with the flag. A discussion took place and the referee blew for full time, for a second, people on the side lines seemed confused at what was being given, then the visiting players ran over the referee to voice their concerns, it was at this stage, I realized that the referee had disallowed the goal.

After things had calmed down, I spoke with the referee who I thought had a superb game overall and he took me on to the pitch to explain his decision, whether I felt or the players felt it was right or wrong, we dont have refs with headsets and people in the stands with sky sports scenes in front of them and the refs decision is the final one.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

AC WOLLATON v NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE CHARITY MATCH

CHARITY MATCH

Organised by Roberto & Nottinghamshire Senior League

To be played at Ron Steel Sports Ground, the home of Dunkirk FC on Wednesday 29th November 2017 with a 7.45pm kick off.

Admission will be by donation.

AC Wollaton take on the might off one of the leading lights in terms of the ONLY STEP SEVEN Football League in Nottinghamshire, in the Nottinghamshire Senior League.

Players and Representatives from clubs such as Wollaton FC, Awsworth Villa FC, Dunkirk AFC, Bilborough Town FC, Magdala Amateurs FC, Newark Flowserve FC and Basford United Community FC to name a few, will come together to form the squad.

The real winners of the night will be the Child Cancer Patients

REID;s STUNNER WORTHY OF WINNER

Evo Stick South Division

BASFORD UNITED FC 2 STAMFORD AFC 1

Att: 241

Always enjoyable when I visit Greenwich Avenue and this occasion was no different, as I was meeting my old mate and Director of Stamford AFC Dave Salisbury as it is 8 years since we last met up.

On arrival at the ground, I had a chat with Pete Chappell and was soon joined by Nigel Tasker, as we nattered about football in general. Malc Storer then popped in to quickly hand me a programme that I had asked him to pick up for me some time ago, many thanks Malc, I have chucked the quid in to the charity total

The game kicked off and Basford were straight on the attack and it came as no surprise when LIAM HEARN fired home the first goal of the night after just 12 minutes. Basford pushed forward to try and double their lead and went close several times, but in the 38th minute, they were pegged back on level terms, when Stamford;s captain JON CHALLINOR sweetly struck a low shot from outside the box to make it 1-1.

After a cuppa and half time break, it was Stamford who created a couple of chances of their own and United;s keeper Deeney had to be at his best on the hour when he finger tipped a chance away.

The game then opened up with both sides spurning chances until the 78th minute, when JAMES REID hit a stunning half volley from 30 yards out to give the homesters the three vital points as they now opened up a 13 point gap at the top of the table.

The 3 officials also had a very good match.

RYLANDS PAY THE PENALTY

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

BEESTON RYLANDS 0 ASHLAND ROVERS 2

A change of plan saw me contact Rob Campion to meet up at Beeston Rylands for a ground Id not been before, on arrival, I was greeted by match referee Jevon Swinscoe. After getting the team lineups, it was to the pitch and taking the Rylands team photo.

The game kicked off with both sides cancelling each other out until the 20th minute, when a shot was heading towards te Rylands net, when Lewis Robinson made a superb save, the only problem was, he wasnt the keeper, he was last man, so it gave Jevon no alternative but to produce the red card and a penalty to the visitors. Up stepped LEE TOWNSEND to put Rovers in front.

Ashland went looking for a second goal, whilst 10 man Beeston played on the counter attack and Rich Philpott had to clear off the line on the half hour.

The Second Half saw Beeston press forward but it was difficult with the ten men, the game was put to bed in the 69th minute, when a header hit the Rylands post and fell out to BEN SHERRATT to slot home.

One happy man was Ashland Rovers Keeper Adam Revuelta who made his 100th appearance and kept a clean sheet.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

TOWLES LATE SHOW EARNS THE POINTS

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

WOLLATON FC 3 AWSWORTH VILLA FC 2

Att: 70

With Hazel flying in from her 10 day stay at her brothers in Tenerife during the early hours of the night, it was a matter of if she wanted to drive me to a match or just drop me local, she felt ok and I had chosen to go to Wollaton FC v Awsworth Villa as my first choice, as both sides are in very good form. 

On arrival I was welcomed by all and got a cuppa and was joined by the 3 officials, Declean Brown a official in the League of Ireland, David Coote a football league official and James Robinson who refs in the Northern Counties West League whilst up at uni in Manchester and we were soon joined by League Referees Secretary Darrell Parkes.

Before kick off, all was silent whilst a minutes silence took place for Remembrance Day.

The game kicked off and Awsworth were on the front foot and it only looked a matter of time before they opened the scoring, but like mot games this isnt always the case, as Wollaton began to gain a few chances down the other end and on 14 minutes JAKE FISHER shot across the visiting keeper to make it 1-0 to the home side.

Wollaton had a couple more chances to increase their lead as the visitors pressed forward and on the stroke of half time, Awsworth got a well deserved equaliser through JOHN WHITEHURST whose shot from just outside the area crept in off the post.

The Second Half began and it looked like the goal before half time had awoken the Villa side as they were on the attack for the first 5 minutes of the half, but on 51 minutes, a long ball out of defence saw Wollaton counter attack and Jake Fisher was bought down for a penalty. JAKE FISHER stepped up and put his side back in front.

Wollaton began playing some of the best football in the game at this stage and Doherty in the Villa net had to be at his best to keep his side in the game. Just after the hour, Wollaton were caught on the counter atack and Awsworth must have thought they had equalised when a shot was cleared off the home teams line, but on 69 minutes the scores were level when JOHN WHITEHURST scored his and his clubs second of the match to make it 2-2.

Both sides stepped up their games in search of a winner and Awsworth were very close on 78 minutes, when a shot found the Wollaton keeper in midair at full stretcher to claw the ball away when goalbound.

On 81 minutes, Wollaton finally sealed the points through LIAM TOWLE whose shot took a deflection and cruelly dipped over the Awsworth keepers head and nestled in to the net.

A superb match played in the right spirit and all 3 match officials were excellent.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

THE BULLS PROGRESS TO QUARTERS

Notts FA Minor Cup

Second Round

AFC BULL FARM 4 KEYWORTH UNITED DEVELOPEMENT 1

AFC Bull Farm of the Midlands Amateur Alliance League progress to the last eight of the Notts FA Minor Cup after a 4-1 victory over Nottinghamshire Senior League opposition Keyworth United Developement.

With Hazel away in Tenerife visiting her brother, me and Shawn looked for somewhere easy to get to by public transport, but in the week I spotted this Cup tie which was being played just over the road from where I live. I was also involved for a while when Bull Farm were a sunday outfit.

The game began at a even rate with both sides pushing forward and both looking likely to score at some stage, but after 21 minutes, it was the Bulls who took the lead through ASH SIDDELL who broke down the right side and shot home from a angle.

On 26 minutes, Keyworth gave a free kick away just outside the area, where a quick one two took place and veteran SIMON JOHNSON placed home at the near post to double their lead.

The Greens of Keyworth werent going to fold and were straight back in the tie when after 27 minutes ZACH SLADE unleashed a 30 yard shot to reduce the arrears.

The fightback was short lived as Keyworth were caught out on the counter attack and ASH SIDDELL fired home his second and his sides goal of the match.

The Second Half saw a few tackles going astray by both sides and a half of wayward efforts, with both keepers only being tested on a couple of occasions, but on 62 minutes, SIMON JOHNSON put the tie out of sight when he completed his brace to send his side through to the Quarter Finals.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

ALL LEVEL AT THE BRICKWORKS

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Divisiion One

KIRTON BRICKWORKS FC 1 RAVENSHEAD FC 1

Att 14

Now back on my feet after not being too well and with Hazel still not 100%, it was a matter of finding a match somewhere very local and after looking at several fixtures, I thought Id not been to Station Road this season nor had I seen Ravenshead either, so this match fitted the bill.

Before the match, match referee Gareth Tye kindly agreed to sponsor 50p  for every goal scored in the match. The game began in a rapid style in a very windy conditions, with both teams having chances. Ravenshead had to alter their formation after a player was helped off the pitch after just 20 minutes.

The visitors had the first real big chance of the game, when their forward headed wide when in the six yard box with the goal in front of him. Kirton then pressed forward and the visiting keeper was forced in to a number of very saves.

The Second Half began and in Kirtons first move on 46 minutes, they broke down the left side and the ball was stroked home by JAMIE BIRCH at the far post to give his side the lead.

This seemed to spur Kirton forward and could have had a second goal but it wasnt to come. After 65 minutes, Ravenshead gained a corner on the right hand side that was swung in and found the head of DAN PHILLIPS who found the back of the net.

Both sides pressed for the winner, with both sides coming close, but to no avail, in a game where the draw was the correct result.

Back at the pub after the match, true to his word, match referee Gareth Tye kindly donated £1 and then  Kirton player Wes O Rourke kindly donated £2 towards the Blogs charity of Maggies Cancer Care Centre based at Nottingham City Hospital..May I thank both Gareth and Wes.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

BIRC's BRACE BREAKS MILLERS HEARTS

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division One

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS FC 1 ASHLAND ROVERS FC 2

Att: 46

Wit having been ill and on bedrest for nearly two weeks, it was a pleasure to get out to some footie and went just up the road for this Derby game.

Mansfield Hosiery Mills began on the front foot and from a corner on the left, LUKE GREAVES headed them in to a early lead after just 4 minutes. I was then joined by AFC Mansfield;s Chairman Andy Saunders for most of the match.

Ashland were playing on the break, with the Millers trying to add to their tally but to no avail. On 41 minutes, a long ball by the visitors out of the defence saw DANIEL BIRCUMSHAW 30 yards out on the wing, cut in and the home keeper came dashing out wiith 2 defenders behind him for the visiting attacker to slot home from the edge of the area on 41 minutes.

The Second Half was the visitors go straight in to attack and in their first attack of the half after 46 minutes, saw them turn the game around and score through DANIEL BIRCUMSHAW for them to take the lead.

The Millers pressed forward and the visiting keeper had to be in fine form, preserving their advantage on several efforts and also the Mansfield side not being able to find the target as the ball was cleared off the ball several times.

After 86 minutes, a player from each side was shown straight red, after a tackle from a Ashland player was deemed to be wreckless, whilst the Millers player jumped up and squared up to his opponant.

Mansfield Hosiery Mills must be wondering how they didnt get a point out of the game, but sometimes sides have to scrape wins and get the luck which Ashland did in this game to claim the three points.

A good performance by the referee Phil Towers and his 2 assistants

COMMUNITY BOUNCE BACK FROM SLOW START

Notts Amateur Alliance League

Premier Division

NOTTINGHAM COMMUNITY FC 8 ARNOLD SAINTS FC 1

A few weeks ago I was going to head today for a double up of fixtures at Greenwood Meadows FC and what attracted me to the venue was that Nottingham Community FC were to be doing a programme for their 2.30pm kick off and with NSL fixture Bridgford United kicking off at noon, but how things pan out, Bridgford Uniteds fixture was altered, so I still opted to go and watch Nottingham Community FC v Arnold Saints FC.

A grand welcome by club chairman Naeem Rashid but he had left he programmes at home, but he has promised to post them to me so I can get them out to the people who have ordered one.

The game kicked off and it was the Saints who had the first bunch of chances in a very tight opening period, where the game was being played at a rapid pace.

After just 10 minutes, Arnold Saints who play their home matches at Calverton MW, broke away and were left in a 2 against 1 situation where the ball was squared across for LEWIS to fire them in front. The Saints then went looking to extend their lead but found the home keeper in good form, as the Community side seemed to be stuck in midfield, but all that was to change in a mad frantic 9 minute spell in a amazing turn around of events for the homesters.

After 18 minutes, a long ball was played down the middle and seemed to catch the Saints defence who were playing quite high on the back foot and this left YANNICK JULLITI clear through for him to chip the ball over the outcoming keeper to bring the scores level. There was no time to celebrate as straight from the kick off, Arnold Saints lost the ball in midfield, where the ball was played to the Community right winger whose ball was pinch perfect for MATTHEW GRANT  to just tap his side in to a 2-1 lead.

On 21 minutes, YANNICK JULLITI  joined in on the act by adding his name to the scoresheet, when knockiing home from close range and in the 24th minute, DJOUK AKPESSI;s weak shot slid under the visiting keeper to make it 4-1.  On 27 minutes, the home side gained a corner from the left side which found the head of DJOUK AKPESSI to take Community in to a 5-1 lead.

The Second Half began and Saints began to play some good football and had a couple of decent close chances, but Community looked dangerous every time they ventured forward and on 51 minutes a short back pass by a Saint defender saw SCOTT whip in and make it 6-1.

By now a few of the Saints heads were down but they were still trying to press forward, but this left their defence open and on 63 minutes YANNICK JULLITI ran through and completed his hat trick.

In the 84th minute, CONOR SCOTT smashed home from close range to give a final score of 8-1, shortly before the final whistle, things went worse for Saints when one of their players was sent to the sin bin for the reminder of the match.

Brian Kilburn had a very good match in the middle

Before leaving to come home,  Nottingam Community FC Club Chairman Naeem Rashid kindly donated £10 to the Charity Blog which is in aid of MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE based at Nottingham City Hospital, the running total is now up to a amazing £1,143.00

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

CLASSIC CUP TIE

Notts FA Junior Cup

First Round

WOODTHORPE PARK RANGERS 3 BURTON JOYCE 2 aet

2-2 after 90 mins

Att: 29

For Non League Football Day, I made my choice to go to two new Notts Senior League teams who Id only seen in pre season in the Notts FA Junior Cup. Woodthorpe Park Rangers play on pitch 5 of Eagle Valley, a pitch Id not seen a match played on before and have started their league campaign well, winning their first eight matches, Burton Joyce have also had some very good results, but when both sides met in the league recently, Woodthorpe won 6-3 and so went in to this tie as favourites.

The game began and it was Burton on the front foot forcing the home keeper to deal with a high cross after only 15 seconds, the game then had a few chances for both sides but became more of a entertaining midfield battle. Both sides being very well matched against each other and you could see why both sides are doing very well.

After 30  minutes, the deadlock was broken, when a cross was met by CONNOR PARKIN who headed in to the far corner of the net. Woodthorpe pressed forward for a second, whilst Burton Joyce broke on the counter attack and were nearly level when the home keeper was forced to make a save in mid air and push the ball over the bar.

On 43 minutes, the scores were level when Burton Joyce were awarded a penalty after a home defender had handled the ball, up stepped CHARLIE FRASER who stroked the ball low in to the net.

The Second Half was very even with both teams playing good football and after 61 minutes, Burton Joyce was awarded a second penalty when a defender pushed a attacker in the back, up stepped CHARLIE FRASER and placed the ball past the home keeper to give his side the lead.

Woodthorpe pressed forward whilst the rain hammered down and chances were still going begging. After 81 minutes, Rangers were back on level terms, when a corner from the right found the head of DANNY WALKER.

So in to extra time the game went, last season I attended 13 Cup matches and 11 went to extra time, this was my 2nd Cup game this season and now both had gone to extra time.

Both sides were struggling now with cramp after the 90 minutes had been played at a frantic pace, so the extra time period the pace slowed down. After 93 minutes, a handball in the Burton Box and MARKELL BAILEY hit home the 3rd penalty of the game. In the 111th minute, Markell had the chance to put th game safe awarded another penalty, but his effort crashed against the crossbar.

A game where their deserved to be no losers and both sides can come out of the game with a lot of respect, but it is Woodthorpe Park Rangers who go forward to play away at Ravenshead FC in Round Two.

Before the match, Woodthorpe Chairman/Manager PJ kindly donated £20 and then after in the pub 2 Gedling Southbank players  Oggy & Spiz donated £5 between them, so I would like to thank all of them, it now takes the massive total for MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE based at Nottingham City Hospital to £1,130.75p

Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK

MELLORS HEADS ROVERS TO THE POINTS

Notts Senior League

Division One

STAPLEFORD TOWN 2 ASHLAND ROVERS 3

A visit to Hickling Lane has been on the cards for a while now, as last time I visited this venue was around 1989. On arrival I was greeted by the home committee and made very welcome, then told that the pitch normally used hadnt been cut by the local council due to the rain and they were using a different pitch that I must admit looked very good,, with Respect banners and dug outs at side of the pitch and also the pitch was fully roped. After a couple of cuppas and the team line ups got, it was out to start taking the photos.

The game kicked off and it was Town who attacked in the opening minutes, but after only 6 minutes, Rovers main man and striker went down and had to be replaced due to a groin problem. Ashland re shuffled and still looked well balanced.

After 20 minutes, the visitors took the lead when a cross found out ALEX ENGLAND who placed the ball home. This seemed to awaken the homesters who went on the attack but couldnt beat a stubborn defence but a poor clearance found MARK MIDDLETON some 30 yards out, who drilled in a low shot that found the corner of the net to even the game up at 1-1.

Stapleford then seemed to have their tails up and pushed forward and had the ball in the back of the net, only for it to be found to be disallowed as the ball seemed to go out of play, the next attack, saw them make the breakthrough when the ball was played across from the left wing for BEN SMEDLEY to take the loose ball past the keeper and place his side in to the lead.

In the Second Half, I strolled over to the far side of the pitch and joined local hopping brothers Michael and Andy Hartsthorne. Ashland seemed to step up their game, but both sides were knocking the ball around well, but on the hour, Rovers were awarded a free kick some 35 yards out on the left hand side, which was whipped in and ADAM MELLORS was first to respond when heading home the equaliser.

On  66 minutes, Rovers found themselves down to 10 men whilst Tom Ellis was sent to the sin bin for 10 minutes after showing dissent, this didnt seem to affect his side as they pushed forward and on 71 minutes, a free kick this time from the right hand side saw ADAM MELLORS rise for the ball to hit the back of his head and ended up in the net.

Staoleford at this stage pressed everyone forward to try and get back in to the game, whilst Ashland played on the break but no more goals were to be seen and Mellors double saw them return to Kirkby In Ashfield with the points.

On the Full Time whistle, Michael Hartsthorne kindly donated 50p per goal seen at the match from him and his brother so a £2.50 donation was kindly made. After the match, another donation this from Stapleford Town FC of £20.00 was kindly donated , so with all donations in for the Charity blog for MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE based at Nottingham City Hospital, it takes the running total to a amazing £1.104.50p

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

FRIDAY NIGHT FEAST FOR THE COMMUNITY

Notts Senior League

Premier Division

CALVERTON MW 1 BASFORD UNITED COMMUNITY 4

Admission £2 inc Programme

Att: 50

Not often I get out to a local Friday evening match, but Calverton not too far away, Hazel said she would drop me off and fetch me after the game.

On arrival, I got a cuppa and ordered my Sausage Cob from Jo Swinscoe who was on kitchen duty and strolled over to the changing rooms to get the evenings line ups from the teams

Tony Mullen a true footballing gent kindly donated £10 towards the Blogs Charity for MAGGIES Cancer Care Centre based at Nottingham City Hospital.

I met up with Malc Storer and the referees family and then good friend Daz Wragg who kindly gave me a lift home, we were joined by Weymouth based Hopper and Notts County fan James Spring and also a hopper who had come from Hertfordshire.

The game kicked off at a even pace, with not many chances being created if honest as it seemed a midfield battle, butt on 29 minutes, the Community side broke and at the back left hand post EZRA KILUNGANO slot the ball home to give the visitors a lead.

Calverton pressed forward but found Brown in the opposition net to be standing tall, but on the stroke of half time, Basford broke clear and this time ANTHONY BEDWARD double their advantage.

After a half time cuppa and a chat with Tracie Witton, Mr Brown and Mr Cameron(not the ex pm), Basford took control of the game when after 47 minutes, JOE HARRISON made it 3-0.

Calvertons heads werent to go down and they kept trying to push forward and got their reward in the 55th minute when MATTHEW NEWTON steered the ball under Brown;s body. Could this be game on?

On the hour, Brown made a good save and from playing from the back, a cross from the right saw ANTHONY GRAHAM smash the Community;s fourth goal home to make it 4-1 after 62 minutes.

The game was then slowed in pace but still both sides had their chances to add to their tallys but it wasnt to be,

On the way home, I got a private message from Tony Mullen to say that I had won the football card, so will collect next time I see the club.

ALBION OPEN THREE POINT GAP

Notts Senior League

Division One

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS 1 NETHERFIELD ALBION 5

A week back off holiday from Cornwall and a lot has happened, Shawn has begun his new school, a school for children with special needs and a week where Ive suffered 8 fits and spent a few days in bed laid up. My plan A was to go to Sandiacre Town v Sherwood Colliery in the FA Vase, but with health issues sometimes football has to take a back step or a warning for me to slow down. I weighed up the opinions of staying in and watching boring Jeff Stelling or could venture just up the road to Mansfield Hosiery Mills and if I felt unwell during the match, I could ring Hazel to come and fetch me and there was a seated stand for me to sit in.

On arrival at the Fieldings, there was a kids match being played, as Hosiery Mills have been very successful and have now joined a West Midlands League and were playing a Solihull Moors FC team.

Soon the main event was to start, with Netherfield Albion sitting top of the table level on points, whilst the hosts had three of their four matches.

The game began and the leaders were soon in front when a through ball from midfield sent MARTIN McDONAGH through to finish well to put the visitors in to a early lead after juust 2 minutes.

The Mllers almost hit back straight away, when a dipping shot was tipped over the bar by Payne in the Albion net. Both sides then probed each other, looking for that gap, but to be fair not many chances were being created, though some good football by both sides was being played.

Just on half time, MARTIN McDONAGH picked up the ball on the right of the penalty area and he danced past 3 defenders before sending a low shot past the home keeper to double his teams advantage with the final shot of the first half.

The Second Half saw The Millers playing down the famous slope and they attacked, but the Albion defence saw tall and pressed forward when they could. On 53 minutes, the visitors were awarded a free kick some 25 yards out to the right hand side of the penalty area, to which CHRIS KEMP curled in to the top right hand side of the net to make it 3-0.

Hosiery Mills werent to give up and on 56 minutes, they were awarded a penalty to which Luke Greavees stuck low to the right of Payne in the Albion net who was equal to it and pushed his effort away to safety.

This seemed to drain a bit of energy out of the homesters and subs were made for both sides at this stage of the game. In the 65th minute, a cross from the left wing saw MARTIN McDONAGH rise and head home his hat trick to make it 4-0 to the visitors.

The Mansfield side then pushed forward in a last tempted effort to get something from the game and on 68 minutes, AARON TURNER fired home to give them a bit of hope, but that was soon put out, when Albion sub RYAN FOWLER beat the offside trap before rounding the home keeper and sliding the ball home to make it 5-1 to the league leaders on 79 minutes and for his side to open up a three point gap at the top of the table.

Must give a mention to Referee Zaydn Conroy who I felt had a superb match.

During the match, Netherfield Albion FC kindly donated £20 to the Charity Blog for MAGGIES CANCER CARE at Nottingham City Hospital and with the 6 goals scored it now takes the running total to a amazing £1069.50p

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

BARROWBY SHOCK SOUTHWELL IN EPIC CUP TIE

Notts Senior League

Junior Cup

First Round

BARROWBY FC 0 SOUTHWELL CITY RESERVES 0

1-1 after extra time

Barrowby FC win 3-1 after penalties

After the very long journey back from my holiday in Cornwall, we headed to Barrowby FC to watch the first round tie of the Notts Senior League Junior Cup. Barrowby are in Division Two whilst their opponents are in the Division above. Barrowby were sitting towards the bottom of the Division still searching for their first win, whilst Southwell Reserves were near the foot of Division One.

The game kicked off and the tempo was quite quick and a few tackles were to the dislike of the match referee who had cautioned 3 players in the first 13 minutes. Both sides seemed to be cancelling each other out and moves kept breaking down.

After 40 minutes, Barrowby were reduced to ten men as a player was sent to the sin bin, but the game got harder for the homesters when Leigh Radford saw his second yellow card of the game,so at half time Barrowby were down to nine players on the pitch.

The Second Half kicked off and it was now 9 v 10 as a Southwell player was sent to the sin bin and just it got back to 10 a side, the visitors were back to the full 11. On 70 minutes, it became 10 v 10, as Ed Clarke picked up 2 very quick yellow cards.

The game went in to extra time and Barrowby though they had opened the scoring but it was wiped out for offside. Barrowby began to look the better of the two sides in the First period of extra time and just before half time, they got a free kick around 35 yards out, which ROBERT LEE fired home.

No one hhad time to breathe, as straight from kick off, Southwell pushed forward and a cross from the right was turned home for the equaliser by LIAM WILKINSON to take the game to penalties.

The hero of the penalties was Chris Clarke who saved 3 of the 4 Southwell penalties to send his Barrowby side through to Round Two

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

THE FISHERMEN WIN LOCAL DERBY

SWPL

PORTHLEVEN FC 4 PENZANCE FC 2

My first visit to Porthleven FC and we arrived early so met the groundsman and left the car in the car park whilst we strolled down to the Harbour for a look about. We arrived back and had Pasty and Chips twice and Hot Dog and chips and a cuppa for just £11..what a bargain.

I soon got the team lines and the game kicked off with both sides playing some very good football along the ground on the lovely pitch.

After 15 minutes, S CAREY fired home a low shot in to the bottom corner of the net to opening up the scoring for The Fishermen of Porthleven. The homesters pushed forward in search of a second goal, but were caught out on the break when Penzance equalised through WILTON on 24 minutes.

This spurred Porthleven in to a extra gear as they peppered the visitors goal, but good keeping kept them at bay until the 32nd minute, when a cross from the right was met by the head at the far post by DRUMMOND for them to retake the lead.

Whilst stood in the stand withh local legend Dave Deacon who produces a superb magazine called CORNISH SOCCER, Porthleven made it 3-1 when JA SIMS punished the slack away defending.

The Second Half saw the home keeper keep their two goal advantage intact, when he produced a superb save from a goalbound chip.

Porthleven then seemed to be bossing the game and poured forward and made it 4-1 when H DARK slid in at the far post to extend the lead on 66 minutes.

To the credit of Penzance they didnt give up and on 74 minutes pulled back a goal through McWilliams to end the scoring of the game.

If you are interested in Cornish Soccer, please contact Dave Deacon for more details, if you contact me, I can pass on his details to you.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

MARINERS WIN BATTLE OF THE SAINTS

Trelawny League

Division Three

ST IVES MARINERS FC 3 ST ERME FC 2

A change of plan saw me divert to the sleepy village on Nangollen, where St Ives Mariners play. On arrival I was greeted by club secretary Dave Smith who presented me with a club shirt.

The game kicked off and Mariners soon took the lead after just 2 minutes when a ball played in from the wing found STUART LUGG who turned the ball home. The visitors were playing with the fierce wind behind them, but created a couple of chances whilst the homesters poured forward by squandered a few efforts, until a attack in the 23rd minute, saw them go 2-0 up when a CONNOR CLARK beat a defender first to the ball to turn the ball home.

Mariners carried on pushing forward but by half time, they still only lead by 2 goals.

The Second Half saw Mariners straight on the attack and in the 47th minute, STUART LUGG scored his second of the game and made it 3-0 and it looked like game over, but how wrong can you get.

St Erme then came back in to the game as they played their best football and pushed the Mariners defence back, so it came as no surprise when in the 56th minute, they reduced the arrears with a goal by ELLIOTT JOLLEY.

This seemed to spur the visitors on and give them confidence and on 67 minutes, they were back in the lead when ELLIOTT JOLLEY fired home his second of the game.

A frw subs made by both sides as they both went leather and hell for the next goal, but in the end, the Mariners held out for the three points.

Both clubs after the match in the pub kindly donated £27 between them towards the Blogs Charity of MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE to take the running total to a amazing £1046.00

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

ST BURYAN PAY THE PENALTY

Trelawny League

ST BURYAN FC 3 HALSETOWN FC 3

Att: 17

Five miles to the east of Lands End in Cornwall, you come across the beautiful village of St Buryan which houses the village football club. On arrival I found that this match was to be played on the second pitch, as on the main pitch, there were a few people putting up a marque for a fancy wedding at the weekend.

The game kicked off and St Buryan were first out the blocks, forcing the visiting keeper in to a superb save when he pushed the ball over the crossbar, but from the resulting corner on 3 minutes, he couldnt do much as EDDIE HOLDEN scooped low to head the homesters in to a early lead.

St Buryan kept pushing forward whilst Halsetown played on the counter attack and after 21 minutes muster their first real effort  straight at the home keeper. Halsetown then began to come more in to the game and stepped up a gear, so after 25 minutes, a low cross saw DAVE WALTON slide home the equalizer.

The game swung from end to end at a fast pace and several chances went begging for both sides, but after 42 minutes, St Buryan found themselves with a four on two attack, the ball played to the right wing and the cross was timed perfect for BILLY HOLDEN to place home in to the empty net to give his side a 2-1 half time lead.

The Second Half began with the visitors looking for a way back in to the game by pressing forward and in the 53rd minute, a trip in the area saw them awarded a penalty, to which CHRIS GOODALL dispatched to level the game up.

The visitors then continued to pepper the home area without any success and came very close to taking the lead when the home keeper pushed a shot on to the near post before gathering on 62 minutes.

On 69 minutes, St Buryan took the lead for the third time in the game, when JOSS SULLIVAN-NORCLIFFE slid the ball home to make it 3-2, but in a topsy turvey game, there was no rest, as from the kick off, Halsetown pushed forward and the Assistant club referee raised his flag for offside, whilst the referee pointed to the spot for the second time in the game for the visitors, the ref went over to the Assistant and then returned for CHRIS GOODALL to fire home his second penalty of the game and his sides third goal to make it 3-3.

The last ten minutes, the game slowed down and both sides looked as if they were happy with a share of the points in a game which was possibly the right result.

A very friendly club with a nice bar, well worth a visit

Photos from this match can be seen on this LINK

MULLION PILE PRESSURE ON POINTLESS HOLMANS

Cornwall Combination League

MULLION FC 3 HOLMANS SC FC 1

Admission £2

Teas/Coffees/Bovril £1

Att: 55 headcount

Last year whilst on holiday, we visited The Lizard area and popped in to Mullion FC on the way back to Hayle and met some the home committee, we did say if they were at home this season whilst down, we would pop back to watch a match.

We pulled up on the car park and Shawn saw a rare falcon on the far side of the pitch, so he got his bird book to confirm this, I went in to the smart clubhouse and was offered a free cuppa for me and the wife by the kind Secretary Caroline.

The clubhouse is superb for families as it houses darts board, table tennis, table football, air hockey and even tower building blocks like jenga, shawn loved it.

Just before the game, there was a minutes mark of respect by both clubs and officials for Brian Ridgeon former Treasurer and committee member of this and the Trelawney League.

The game kicked off and Holmans didnt look like a side that had lost their opening five matches as they pushed forward, but after 13 minutes, it was Mullion that had taken the lead through ARCHIE RUTTERFORD. This seemed to spur the vistors in to action as the home keeper was forced in to a couple of saves and they forced a few quick corners, so it came as no surprise that in the 26th minute, they were on level terms when REECE MONTEITH lobbed the keeper from just inside the right wing.

The Second Half saw The Seasgulls of Mullion come out with more purpose, but chances were going begging whilst Holmans kept breaking on the counter attack and looked well worthy of snatching a possible point, but their hearts were broken after 73 minutes, when a visiting corner broke down and a long ball was played to the half way line to JACK PRICE who turner three defenders before firing low past the advancing keeper to give his side a 2-1 lead.

It then became one way traffic and the Holmans keeper was in fine form saving his side on 3 occasions with some very good saves, but he couldnt do anything in the 83rd minute, when BEN FLETCHER  hit a stunning stray ball from 25 yards to secure the three points for Mullion FC.

Mullion FC is a lovely club with friendly committee and well worthy of a visit if you are in the area, with lovely views around the ground.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

BOVEY BAG THE POINTS

SWPL

East Division

ALPHINGTON 0 BOVEY TRACEY 4

First day of our annual holiday sees us stay in Exeter for a couple of days and after ringing Phil Hiscox arranged to meet him at this match. I emailed the kind home secretary Alan the day before.

On arrival the car park was quite full as there was a quite a healthy crowd turn out for the match.

Alphington kicked off and looked the brighter of the two sides, going close a couple of times, but Bovey began to get in to the game and went in to a deserved lead after 27 minutes, when RYAN BATLEY beat the home keeper at his near post with a low drive.

The Second Half belonged to the visitors as they were camped in the homesters half for the majority of it and they took control after just 48 minutes, when CALLUM LEACH doubled their lead.

On 56 minutes, a long range effort by CALLUM LIVINGSTONE looked like it was going wide and crept in to the corner of the net to make it 3-0 and this looked like a long evening for the home club.

On 88 minutes, a long shot smashed the underside of the Alphington bar and GAVIN COLLINS was forst to follow up and put the rebound in to a empty net to make it 4-0

Both clubs very friendly and I enjoyed my visit and stayed for a couple of pints in the nice clubhouse after the match

SECOND HALF FIGHTBACK SEES SHARE OF POINTS

Notts Senior League 

Division Two

WELBECK LIONS RESERVES 3 NEWARK FLOWSERVE RESERVES 3

I needed a local game as I travel to Devon at 2am for a couple of night before going on to Cornwall for our annual family holiday, so this match fitted the bill with both sides laying second and third in the league table.

The game began at a frantic pace with Lee Clarke the referee playing the advantage and keeping the game flowing but the home side seemed a bit unnerved by this and seemed to want to argue to begin with and Flowserve took advantage of this after 29 minutes when JOE HURST took advantage and put the visitors in front. After 33 minutes, a Newark Flowserve free kick by CHRIS SELF from 20 odd yards found the top corner of the net to double their lead.

On 39 minutes, JOE HURST found himself at the back post to slide the ball home to make it 3-0 to Flowserve..Flowserve then had a couple to add to their tally but didnt capitalize on them.

The Half Time talk must have been good for the Lions as straight away they pressed forward and in the 47th minute JAKE LEIVERS reduced the arrears and within a minute the homesters had a penalty taken and converted by ARRON DARCH.

After 54 minutes, Welbeck were back on level terms when a looping header by veteran JORDAN JOHNSON found the back of the net. The game was then wide open with both sides missing chances to get the vital winner, a fair result in the end and you can see why these two teams are at the top end of the table

Photos of the match can be seen on this LINK