NEW BOYS IMPRESS

Pre Season Friendly in aid of Tree Tops Hospice

ATTENBOROUGH FC 1 STAPLEFORD TOWN FC 2

A nice gesture for both sides to support a local hospice charity so a match was organised at Chilwell Olympic on a cloudy afternoon. I was contacted via facebook on the Friday evening for details of the match by local Mansfield hopper Neil Woolley who wanted to tick this unusual venue off his list, as not many games are played here by Saturday clubs apart from the odd pre season game. Neil offered to pick me up and we set out to the ground arriving in plenty of time to get a pre match cuppa.

We were met by both sides and their officials before we ventured to the far side of the ground where we acted like ball boys as the ball entered in to the woods!

The game kicked off and the new boys of Stapleford Town FC who have stepped up from junior football in to the adult game for this coming season will play in the Notts Senior League Division Two, whilst todays opponents Attenborough FC will continue their life in the Notts Senior League Premier Division. With the clubs only being a matter of a couple of miles apart, this game was about the bragging rights of local competition.

Stapleford were on the attack and playing very well and it wasnt a surprise when after 21 minutes, when a attacker broke through and the keeper got a hand on the ball but another player was first to the ball to clip it in to the net.

This seemed to wake Attenborough up and they then had the majority of the half, playing some nice football to feet, but not really creating too much in front of goal.

The Second Half began and it was noticed that Stapleford Town had changed their kit, they had also made quite a few changes to players as well. This seemed to work for them for about 10 minutes, but again Attenborough came more in too the game and on the hour mark, the winger weaved his way in to the box and was upended and a penalty was awarded, to which it was duly dispatched to even up the score.

On 65 minutes, a Attenborough long range shot hit the back of the net, the Assistant Ref had his flag up, to the credit of the referee, he went for the assistants view and it was found that a attacking player was in line of the keeper whilst running back in a offside position, so the goal was wiped out.

This seemed to spur Stabbo on and after 73 minutes, a break down the right wing, saw a ball floted across the box to the far corner which was lifted back over to the other corner of the box, where the winger calmly headed home the winner.

Attenborough pushed forward for a equaliser but it wasnt to come. A very enjoyable match and great company and a thankyou to Neil Woolley.

The Charity Blog s running total for MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE at Nottingham City Hospital stands at a very impressive £ 875.75p, On Wednesday evening 28th June at Bilsthorpe FC, Bilborough Town FC face Sherwood Colliery FC and all subs from Bilborough Town are to be donated to the Charity Blog

Photos from this match can be seen on this LINK