A ORANGE DAY AT NSL FINALS DAY

Nottinghamshire Senior League Finals Day

At Basford United FC

SENIOR CUP FINAL

NEWARK FLOWSERVE FC 4 BASFORD UNITED COMMUNITY FC 0 

Att: 260

JUNIOR CUP FINAL

WOODTHORPE PARK RANGERS FC 3 BURTON JOYCE FC 2

Att: 154

The flagship day of the Nottinghamshire Senior League saw history being made, with the both finals being played on the same day and also the first ever on a 4g pitch to which hoppers gave back positive remarks. With the Junior Final kicking off at midday, this gave a few hoppers time to get a few double matches in around the East Midlands area and the 4pm kick off of the Senior Final saw players and officials from the league midday kick offs to attend, but what great value those had for £3 for both matches and a free programme.

On arrival at 9.30am, it gave me time to sort bits and bobs out, before at 10.15am to go to the players gate to meet and greet, at 11.15am both teams had given me their line ups and these went off to print for free teamsheets to be given out free of charge to spectators, Hazel went round the first match with the raffle for our new charity for next seasons blog, I will mention more later.

The Junior Cup Final kicked off and it was Woodthorpe who were soon on top as after only 2 minutes, their top marksman MARKELL BAILEY hit the back of the net with a bullet header

It was soon 2-0 after 15 minutes, when KEIRON WHEAT hit a 30 yard shot in to the top corner of the net, it was at this point I feared for Burton Joyce, but Burton Joyce kept playing their football and got a deserved goal on 20 minutes, when JACK HOPPER guided his header home to make it 2-1.

On 39 minutes, MARKELL BAILEY won the ball and fired home to restore his teams two goal advantage, but Burton Joyce were not finished as they hit back when just before half time RICKY GARNER turned the ball in to the net to make it 3-2.

The Second Half was just as good as the first but no further goals were scored, so the team in Orange, Woodthorpe Park Rangers collected the Junior Cup in their first season in the Nottinghamshire Senior League.

During the 2 matches, referees from Mansfield, Newark and Nottingham had a charity penalty shootout for Prostate Uk, sadly I didnt see it, as I was on players gate duty to do meet and greet for the Senior Cup Final and then on the main gate, so missed some of the Final, though could hear what was going on.

Newark Flowserve FC playing in Orange, had already won the Premier Division and went in to the Senior Cup Final as favourites and were quick out the blocks as the game was a bit one way traffic and were soon in front after 16 minutes, when ELLIOTT KING smashed home a penalty. On 37 minutes, as Hazel passed with the 2nd raffle of the day, ELLIOTT KING helped himself to his second goal of the day to double Flowserve;s advantage. On the hour, it was game over as Flowserve added a third through MICHAEL ATTARD and on 86 minutes, ELLIOTT KING completed his hat trick to make it 4-0.

On full time, I was asked to present Newark Flowserve with their trophys and the cup.

Next seasons Charity Blog is for a small self funding Charity called FORGET-ME-NOT that aids people with dementia and supports their families and carers, with the 2 raffles and private donations at the Finals, the total raised on Cup Finals day was a amazing £266.50p, a MASSIVE thankyou to everyone who donated through the raffle or donations

SHERWOOD WIN THE BATTLE OF THE COLLIERIES

Central Midlands Football League

Division One

SHERWOOD COLLIERY RESERVES 4 LINBY COLLIERY WELFARE RESERVES 1

Whilst Shawn was having his swimming lesson over in Shirebrook, I was sat in the car just floating through twitter, when I noticed that Sherwood Colliery Reserves had a home fixture, as I only live just up the road from the ground, it was a extra game I could pull in for the season.

On arrival I was greeted by the friendly Sherwood committee and I made my way up to pitchside after paying my £2 admission, with already a healthy young crowd waiting for the game to kick off. The ref came over and had a chat with me and then the game kicked off.

With only 2 teams only 2 places apart in the league table, it looked like that a close game would be on offer, the first 15 minutes was close but then the home side pressed forward as the visiting keeper was keeping his side in the game.

After 39 minutes, the offside trap was beaten and the ball crossed for LIAM CARVER to tap Sherwood in front. The chap who was talking to me, was a old time Linby supporter and he said that the floodgates would now open, but Linby were still playing some good football but not really crossing in to the Sherwood half very often.

After 56 minutes, a long ball left STEVE SOWTER on his own and he ran on and sliced the ball past the outcoming keeper to give his side a 2-0 lead. Sherwood kept pressing forward and missed chance after chance and could well have been 5 or 6 up by the time they scored their third goal on 66 minutes through STEVE SOWTER.

A few chances to each side and Linby had a couple of chances, two narrowly missing the outside of the post, but they did reduce the arrears on 86 minutes, when a home defender mis-sliced a cross that sailed over his own keepers head.

With seconds left, Sherwood made it 4-1 when STEVE SOWTER completed his hat trick.

After the match, Sherwood Colliery FC kindly donated £5 to the Charitys blog which is for MAGGIES Cancer Care Centre, based at Nottingham City Hospital and with the goals scored now takes the running total to a amazing £1,354.50p.

JOYCE ARE UNITED IN DRAW

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division Two

BRIDGFORD UNITED FC 2 BURTON JOYCE FC 2

Played at Pelican Colts FC

Lenton Lane

Att: 17

I had marked down this match quite a while ago and then on the Friday found there was a change of venue to Pelican Colts ground, which is the first ground on Lenton Lane, this used to be the old Gas board ground back in the 1980;s and then City & Sherwood Hospital in the old Notts Alliance League played there for a season. On arrival, I found that the old pitch was now a kids pitch and a new pitch was being used but very rare for adult football though a full sized pitch with dugouts.

I sat out side in the sunny weather as there was a couple of chairs and tables near to the changing room area and soon got the team line ups, spoke to the ref who was doing his first ever adult match in the middle.

The game kicked off with Burton Joyce needing a point to secure third place, whilst Bridgford United had already secured second spot, but were after a bit of revenge as only a few weeks ago, their visitors had beaten them in the Semi Final of the League Cup.

United pushed forward and Joyce played on the break and after just 5 minutes, both sides could well have scored, with United firing high and wide, whilst the Burton forward's run and stopped by brave goalkeeping.

On 31 minutes,  a ball was laid back in to the path of CHARLIE FRASER who fired a low shot in to the bottom corner of the net to give Burton the lead. United then upped their game and pressed forward and were soon on level terms on 37 minutes through JARROD WESTCARR.

The Second Half kicked off and Burton Joyce were pressing forward and on 49 minutes retook the lead after some good play and finishing with CALLUM HOPKINS finishing the move. The pace of the game slowed down as the hot heat began to affect some players who kept taking in drinks, but after a corner by Burton Joyce broke down on 65 minutes, a long ball out of defence saw JARROD WESTCARR pounce forward and equal things up.

The Final 25 minutes saw both sides have chances to clinch the winner but a draw on the day was a fair result.

On the Full Time whistle, runners up trophies were presented by myself to the Bridgford United FC team.

Burton Joyce FC move on to next Saturday where they kick off their League Junior Cup Final against Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC with a 12pm noon kick off, followed at 4pm with the League Senior Cup between Basford Community & Newark Flowserve, both matches are being played at Basford United FC.

86 photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

JEPPS AT THE DOUBLE

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

BINGHAM TOWN FC 2 UNDERWOOD VILLA FC 0

Been a while since Ive visited Butts Field, the home of Bingham Town FC, but always a nice welcome there for me, Hazel and Shawn. A set of programmes was waiting for me on arrival and with 2 matches going on, all 4 teamsheets were gaathered very quickly as my cupppa cooled down.

On the far pitch to which Ive still not seen a game, where Bingham Town Reserves as they hosted Burton Joyce FC who in the Division Two table were fighting to try and gain second place, sadly with the visitors lost, all hope of that has failed and they are to finish possibly in the third place, a good season for them in their first since their return as a new club.

The main match Id come to see, was between Bingham Town and Underwood Villa, both knocked out as beaten League Cup Semi Finalists and whilst the host were in the top four and Villa in the bottom two, it was always going to be a close game. Bingham went in to the game with top striker Tom Spencer missing through injury.

The game kicked off in rainy conditions but the pitch was like a carpet and suitable for good football to be played on, the first 15 minutes, both sides played at a frantic pace, with both carving out good chances. In the 22nd minute, the hosts should well have taken the lead when Callum Leech beat the offside trap and was in bearing down on goal, but visiting keeper Matt Gooch was fast out of the area with a block.

The Second Half belonged to Town as they pushed forward but no keeper was tested until the 74th minute, when the ball bobbled round the Underwood area and it fell to the edge of the box for MICHAEL JEPPS to fire low and hard in to the net. This seemed to spur Bingham forward and Gooch had to be in fine form to keep the score at 1-0. In the final minute, Underwood thought they were on level terms when the ball struck the bar from a acute angle. The next break saw MICHAEL JEPPS sent away with  no chance of getting to the ball, but sadly Gooch totally missed th ball and it landed at Jepps feet for him to stroll the ball home and secure the points.

Meanwhile on the other pitch, it was a good day for Bingham, as their reserves had beaten Burton Joyce 3-1.

In the clubhouse after the match, Bingham Town FC kindly donated £10 to the Charity Blog and then Nottinghamshire Senior League Referee Ian Wilkinson handed £15, to which we would lie to say a BIG THANKYOU..The Charity Blogs running total for MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE based at City Hospital, Nottingham now stands at a amazing £1,347.25p

97 photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

QUICK FIRE QE;s BAG THE POINTS

Midland Amateur Alliance League

Premier Division

OLD ELIZABETHIANS FC 2 ARNOLD SAMBA FC 1

This fixture fell lucky for me, as Shawn goes to a youth club for youths with special needs from 6.30pm on a Tuesday and Thursday Evening, on Fa Full Time, I spotted this fixture just round the corner, so a football fix for a sunny Thursday Evening was in order.

Old Elizabethians FC play at Queen Elizabeth Academy just off Chesterfield Road in Mansfield, about half a mile from the Town Centre, up a long drive, where the ground is on the right hand side. The pitch runs long ways and from the sides gives a lovely backdrop of the Academy, whilst the changing rooms are in a tudor styled pavilion on the far side of the pitch.

The game kicked off and Arnold Saints were first to press forward but didnt seem to have much conviction in front of goal, whilst OE;s were playing on the break and missed a couple of  good early chances, from one of these early chances on 7 minutes, a long ball from defence avoided the midfield and the OE striker ran on to it and chipped the ball over the outcoming Saints keeper to give his side a 1-0 lead.

OE;s then continued to press forward, whilst the Saints sat back and were just happy to clear the ball, but on 21 minutes, OE;s doubled their lead, when a cross from the left wing found the head of a attacker to guide home.

Both sides then played good football and there could well have been goals at either end, with close misses, but not much to trouble each keeper.

The Second Half came and both sides made changes to their sides and formation, this seemed to let Saints play a bit more football and there was a sense that they would get back in to the game at some stage, which did happen when they pulled back a goal after 65 minutes, when a free kick was nicely placed in to the keepers left hand side of the corner of the net to make it 2-1.

This seemed to spur the home side forward and the result should well have been out of sight, if not for the visiting keeper being in such good form and a few missers that maybe would have hit the back of the net on another day.

Old Elizabethians FC play again at home on Monday 30th April 2018 v Sutton Travellers with a 6.30pm kick off, a match I will stroll down to.

EARLY GOAL SETS VILLA ON THE WAY

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

RUDDINGTON VILLAGE FC 0 AWSWORTH VILLA FC 3

A change of plan saw me visit Elms Park for the first time this season on a sunny afternoon, Shawn had got his scooter and the freedom of the park, whilst the football was on. Always a lovely welcome from Ruddington Village FC, who are going through a bit of a tough season sitting at the foot of the table, whilst Awsworth are sitting in 3rd towards the top. On the back pitch, the Viillage Reserves were hosting Ashland Rovers in a Division One match.

The main match kicked off and Ruddington broke forward and Awsworth cleared their lines and the ball fell over on the right side and was crossed in and BEN WATSON slotted past the home keeper after just 62 seconds.

On 10 minutes, Ruddington had to change tactics as the player manager had to come on due to a players injury, this seemed to spur the one side forward but it did leave massive gaps at the back and the home keeper had to be on his guard a couple of times.

After 21 minutes, a short free kick was taken and a superb one two took place and JOHN WHITEHURST doubled his teams advantage to 2-0.

Awsworth now had the bot between their teeth and were running at Village, but their defence stood strong until the 38th minute, when a cross from the right was met by MATT MURPHY to make it 3-0.

With raining beginning to fall heavy, it was off to the refreshments bar for a cuppa and to get my umbrella. 

Ruddington came out for the second half and put Awsworth on the back foot, as they pressed forward but didnt create much until the final minutes, when they had several shots blocked and hit the crossbar twice.

I felt the match referee Ian Wilkinso had a very good match.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

Not a good day for Ruddington in all, as on the other pitch, Ashland Rovers had beaten their reserves 4-1

BOATENG FIRE COMMUNITY TO THE FINAL

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Senior League Cup ; Semi Final

BASFORD UNITED COMMUNITY FC 1 UNDERWOOD VILLA FC 0

A closely contested League Cup semi final tie played at Selston FC saw Gideon Boateng put Basford United Community through to the Final to play League Champions Newark Flowserve on Saturday 12th May @ Basford United FC.

The game kicked off and the Community side pushed forward and created a few chances that went high and wide, Villa began to get back in to the game possession wide but not creating much for their front line.

On 20 minutes, a long ball saw GIDEON BOATENG latch on to and fire home from outside the area to give the Community side the lead. This seemed to spur Basford on and they looked the more likelier to add to their total but wasted chances and good saves by the Villa keeper kept the score to 1-0 at half time.

The Second Half began and Villa looked more fired up as they went in search of pulling the game back even and a couple of times, they could well have been level as the ball shot across the box only needing the slightest of touches to guide the ball over the line, but it wasnt to be.

Sat with League referee Mick Leslie during the match and his wife and also hoppers Pete Chappell and Mac Senior.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE CUP FINALS DAY

Saturday 12th May 2018

at Basford United FC

Junior Cup Final

Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC v Burton Joyce FC

Kick Off: 12pm

Senior Cup Final

Newark Flowserve FC v Basford United Community FC

Kick Off: 4pm

BIRK;s HAT TRICK SEALS WIN

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division One

ASHLAND ROVERS FC 3 RAVENSHEAD FC 0

Sometimes you find it very difficult to write a positive blog report and those who attended this match will understand why, so for this game I am just going to post the link to the photos of the match

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

BRYANTS MEN HEAD TO FINAL

Midland Amateur Alliance League Cup

Semi Final

SHIREBROOK TOWN RESERVES 3 FC POLONIA 0

Att: 72

Gary Bryant;s Shirebrook Town Reserves booked their place in their League Cup Final against local rivals AFC Bull Farm after a battling victory against FC Polonia.

The game began with FC Polonia on the front foot carving out the chances and passing thee ball around the pitch very well but couldnt find a way past Town;s defence or keeper.

The turning point of the game came after 27 minutes, when Referee quite rightly dismissed a visiting player after a incident off the ball and then the player spat at another player giving the referee no option to reduce the visitors to 10 men for the final 63 minutes.

Just before half time though, the visitors could have gone in to the lead, when a drive  towards goal was cleared off the line.

Shirebrook came out for the second period alot more fired up and almost took the lead when the visiting keeper pulled off a superb save and the follow up volley just went over his crossbar. Shirebrook was more in to the game and kept pushing forward and after 52 minutes, a long ball from the midfield, saw a Shirebrook player chase after it and on the bounce, the defender lobbed it over his own keeper for the home side to take the lead.

Polonia pushed a extra man forward but this left gaps in midfield for Town to exploit and they did this well and on 72 minutes, WILL DODDS rifled home from the edge of the penalty area to double Town;s advantage.

Polonia didnt give up and kept playing neat passing football but didnt get any breaks to get back in to the game, as the clock was running down and players looking at the referee to blow for full time, a wide ball to the right wing, saw MARK STANIFORTH cut in and chip over the keeper to make it 3-0.

I thought the referee Lee Harrison had a excellent game and he kindly donated £5 after the match to the blogs charity which is for MAGGIE CANCER CARE CENTRE based at Nottingham City Hospital and the running total stands at a amazing £1,328.25p, a BIG thankyou to Lee for your donation.

57 photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

MAWNAN HEAD TOWARDS THE TITLE

Trelawny League

STITHIANS FC 0 MAWNAN FC 5

Trying to find the ground proved difficult as we pulled in at the bowls club, cricket club and rugby club and some locals had no idea that their village even had a football club, eventually a local shop guided us out of the village and out in to the countryside to find the ground.

On arrival I was met by a player who felt the game would be on and then joined by the clubs chairman who had a chat, the visitors arrived and then the ref.

The game kicked off and both sides seemed to be quite equal, but on 8 minutes, a back pass took a awful bobble which left the home keeper kicking fresh air as the ball rolled in to the empty net to give the league leaders the lead.

Stithians pushed forward but the visiting backline held firm with their keeper only being forced to make one save. On 29 minutes, a cross from the right, saw the number 11 for Mawnan strike the crossbar before he laid the ball back for KEV MORRIS to rifle home from the edge of the area.

The Second Half belonged to the league leaders as they pushed from the second half whistle and increased their lead to 3-0 on 50 minutes, when TOM RICHARDS hit home from a acute angle.

Stithians defended well but tired legs in the 86th minute began to creep in and DAN KNOWLES;s long range effort made it 4-0.

As we were waiting for the final whistle to be blown and the cold biting, a long ball from midfield found LIAM DENT who ran on to a through ball and fired in to the bottom left hand corner of the net to make it 5-0 to the visitors.

To see the 73 photos from the match, please click on this LINK

ALL;S WELL FOR PERRAN

Cornwall Combination League

ST JUST AFC 0 PERRANWELL FC 4
Att: 31

Been meaning to go to St Just AFC for a few years now but everytime Ive been down in Cornwall on holiday they have always been playing away until today. St Just;s ground is most Westerly ground in Mainland England. A nice clubhouse and small stand on the clubhouse side of the ground.

Before the match, there was a minutes silence, but once the game kicked off, it was the visitors who went on the early attack, but in the first twenty minutes, neither goalkeeper was called in to action.

On 27 minutes, Perranwell broke forward and the SHANE LOOKER turned his defender before shooting low in to the corner of the net to give his side the lead. The next attack could have seen them two goals to the good but their attacker misjudged his run and was offside.

On 33 minutes, it was 20 to the visitors when a long ball over the top saw their IAN BROMWELL beat the offside trap and fire home.

At half time I got a cuppa and returned to the stand and Perranwell began brightly and on 46 minutes made it 3-0 when IAN FERRIS fired in from the edge of the area.

St Just;s head began to drop as Perranwell began to spray the ball around the heavy pitch and added to their misery when adding a fourth and final goal in the 58th minute, when IAN BROMWELL skipped past the defender and cut in and dribbled past the keeper and tapped the ball home

80 photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

TOWN WIN THE A394 DERBY

SWPL Premier Division

HELSTON ATHLETIC 0 FALMOUTH TOWN 2

The third match of my holiday in Cornwall took me just up the road to Helston Athletic FC who hosted local rivals Falmout Town in a closely contested Derby match. Before kick off I spoke with the referees assessor and was invited in to the committee room at half time by the kind Helston Chairman. 

For a first the game was played in lovely sunshine and before the match the referee did a late inspection of the pitch and quite rightly allowed the game to go ahead. I then bumped in to Neil Laughlin and his new wife who got married on Saturday and their lad from Belper in Derbyshire.

From kick off, both teams created chances in a very even match, until the visitors began to step up their game and on 25 minutes, they were awarded a penalty, but it was poorly taken and the home keeper pushed it away to safety.

This was a warning sign for the homesters as in the next Falmouth attack they took the lead, when a long ball over the top, saw ROB WEARE pounce on to it and lob the outcoming keeper to give his side the lead.

Falmouth pushed forward whilst Helston played on the break to keep the game entertaining.

The Second Half saw Athletic push forward but in the 54th minute, they were caught out with a cross from the left and DAVE BROGLINO scopping low to dive and head home to double his Town;s advantage.

Helston tried to push on but the final ball and good defending by the away side kept their lead in tact.

The 3 officials I felt all had a good game

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

PRAZE GRIND OUT VICTORY

Trelawny League

Division Four

HAYLE THIRDS 2 PRAZE-AN-BEEBLE 3

When at the top of the table, you sometimes have to ground out the odd result and league leaders Praze had to do this having been two goals down at one stage of the match. 

The game kicked off and the Hayle side looked the better and went ahead on 9 minutes, when MATT THOMAS cut in from the right and drilled home a low shot. Praze pushed forward on the new 3g surface, with both sides playing some good football. The First Half seemed to go by very quickly.

The Second Half kicked off and Hayle came out and pushed forward straight away and in the 49th minute, they were awarded a penalty to which DAVE HODGE doubled his sides advantage to 2-0.

This seemed to spur Praze in to action and on 53 minutes, GARETH HONER latched on to a long ball to fire home to reduce the arrears. On 65 minutes, the scores were level when the visitors converted a penalty of their own by MARK MILLER.

Praze then stepped up their game, as the tide turned in their favour and on 73 minutes JAMIE HOOPER just beat the home keeper before converting to score.

In time added on, Hayle thought they had a equalisser when Matt Thomas;s shot bounced off the crossbar.

Must mention the referee who I felt had a excellent match.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

Double OG;s seal points for Minor

Trelawny League

Division Three

ST ERME FC 3 RUAN MINOR FC 4

Football can sometimes be a cruel game and it proved so for St Erme FC when 2 minutes from time, a sliced volley from their defender looped over the home keepers head to deny them a point that they deserved.

The game started at a fast pace with both sides carving out early chances but after 16 minutes, Minor took the lead through TROY RENDLE who  slotted home. Within a minute the scores were level when The Saints equalised through LEWIS BRIDGER who beat two defender before shooting home.

Ruan retook the lead on 36 minutes when KYLE FURNESS tucked the ball home. With time ticking down towards my half time cuppa with 43 minutes on the clock, MARK MITCHELL cut in from the left wing and shot home.

Ruan came out fired up for the second half and took a 3-2 lead when a own goal sliced in to the bottom corner of the net. 

St Erme pressed forward and began to control the game but the finishing ball wasnt there until the 75th minute, when LEWIS BRIDGER fired from the edge of the box after a cross from the right wing.

St Erme changed formation and looked the more likely winner and were unlucky to see a shot bounce off the crossbar after 84 minutes.

In the 88th minute, Ruan Minor beat the offside trap and a St Erme defender lobbed his own keeper to give Ruan Minor the points to head back towards the Lizard.

Before the match St Erme FC presented me with a trophy

May I thank both teams for their kind donations to the charity blog which is for MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE to which £24.25p  was raised, bringing the running total to a amazing £1,318.50p

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

FLOWSERVE HEAD TOWARDS CHAMPIONSHIP

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

NEWARK FLOWSERVE FC 6 BILBOROUGH TOWN FC 0

My brother in law has just begun to watch non league football down at Shirebrook Town FC in the Northern Counties East League but due to him not being too well of late, he was aware that I watch non league football and asked if he come along with me. My first choice of game was Attenborough FC v Underwood Villa FC but I found out that the match had been moved where there was no clubhouse, so wit the snow falling, it was a matter to see what was on. I spoke to Zoe, the Flowserve Secretary and she told me there was no problems out Newark way and felt this would be a good venue to take Ron, as it had a clubhouse, programme and could get a cuppa.

We was welcomed on arrival by Zoe and had a cuppa and Zoe kindly found Shawn a knitted Newark Flowserve hat, I think that will come in handy for his holiday next week!

The 3 officials arrived and the weather was a blizzard but funny sort of weather as it snowed heavy for 5 minutes, then the sun came out then it snowed again, but the pitch was playable.

Last weekend, Flowserve suffered their first defeat of the season, so I wondered how they would re-act to that result, well we didnt have to wait long, as in the 6th minute, a cross from the right hand side, found LEE POTTS who tapped them in to a early lead. After 7 minutes, it was 2-0 when ELLIOTT KING struck the ball home. 

The Balderton based side continued to press forward and after 18 minutes, SAM AGAR got on the scoresheet to make it 3-0 much to Bilborough;s dislike, as they appealed for a offside decision that didnt come.

I then got a phone call from friend Herbie to say his match in Lincs had been abandoned and to see if the match I was at was in any doubt, to which I said no and he would see me for the second half with his wife Sue, who has a operation on Wednesday, so we all send our best wishes to her.

On the half hour, Flowserve made it 4-0 with a second goal for ELLIOTT KING and when the half time whistle went, I think everyone was glad of a cuppa and a warmth.

Herbie and Sue arrived and last weekend Herbie had been to Forest Park v United Grays and whilst talking to the United Grays manager telling him about the charity blog, the chap kindly donated £2 to pass on to me, so a Big thank you to you, sorry I dont know your name.

The Second Half kicked off and Bilborough Town pushed forward and had a couple of decent efforts that went close, but on 51 minutes, ELLIOTT KING beat the offside trap and completed his hat trick to put his side in to a five goal lead.

Bilborough didnt give up and matched Flowserve for the majority of the half but it was the home side who had the last say in the 85th minute, when JAMES CULLINGWORTH made it 6-0 to open their lead at the top of the table to 18 points.

My brother in law really enjoyed the standard of the match and wants to come and watch a lot more Nottinghamshire Senior League football.

After the match, Steve Lee of Bilborough Town kindly donated £10 to the Charity Blog which is for MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE, so a BIG thankyou Steve. The running total now stands at a amazing £1,292.50p

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

ALBION WIN BATTLE OF THE STRIPES

Nottinghamshire Senior Football League

Division One

NETHERFIELD ALBION FC 3 STAPLEFORD TOWN FC 2

My first choice of going to Burton Joyce was a no goer as it was called off very early after a night of heavy rain, so it was to the website and seeing if anything would be on, a safe bet was to go to Calverton MW, as there were 2 matches planned there, with Calverton MW hosting Sandiacre Town, whilst I was interested in the Division One clash between Netherfield Albion and Stapleford Town.

A minutes silence took place at both games for a young lad who had sadly lost his life earlier this week before the games kicked off.

Netherfield went in to the match at the summit of the table with visitors Town in 5th with 5 games in hand and 12 points behind.

The game kicked off and it was the away club that pushed hard and Junior Rodrigue was leading the front line and causing a few problems, but Albion survived, even a last gasp clearence off the line on 26 minutes, but the home side began to come more in to the game and Town;s young keeper was on hand to pull off a double save, but after 30 minutes, a miskick swerled in the air and looked to be going over the crossbar dropped straight over the keepers head to give CAMERON ROBINSON and his side a unexpected lead.

The Second Half and Netherfield came out looking alot brighter and straight on to the attack and on 49 minutes, BRENT HORTON cut in from the right hand side and rifled home to double his teams advantage.

This seemed to wake Stapleford up and they pushed forward and changed their formation and Steve Jones in the Albion net was kept busy, until the 74th minute, when KYLE WADDELL blasted home to reduce the arrears.

On 84 minutes and with all Albion subs used, a player went down injured near to the touchline and needed treatment and could no longer carry on and had to go to hospital, to which all hope that the player is ok and a speedy recovery. From the long throw in, the ball zapped in and out the six yard box and towards to the net several times, then the referee gave a goal to Stapleford, though no idea who got the final touch, it looks like it was credited to LUKE GUADAGNI which leveled the scores up at 2-2.

The game was then well in to injury time with both teams going for the winning goal and in the 4th minute of injury time, it came when RYAN FOWLER ended home to give the current league leaders the three points.

A good game played by two very good footballing teams.

Must thank OZ of Netherfield Albion who kindly donated £20 to the Blogs Charity which is MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE based at Nottingham City Hospital and it takes the running total to a amazing £1,279.00

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

THE FISHERS WIN THE NG8 DERBY

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

BILBOROUGH TOWN FC 1 WOLLATON FC 3

A trip to Harvey Hadden Stadium always brings back good memories of when I used to be a foster carer and Nottingham City Social Services used to put on a annual event at this venue for all the foster kids. Now days it is used for a variety of sports including being the home of Bilborough Town FC, but it doesnt come cheap playing here, with pitch hire and officials costs.

Todays Referee was Peter Crags in his first middle in the NSL with his assistants Tim Bee and Andy Benner on the lines.

The game kicked off and Bilborough Town were looking very good, playing the long ball and it was working for them as the 2 forwards raced on to them and caused the Wollaton defence a few problems and on only 7 minutes, a long free kick by Matt Hayes found JOEL ISSAC who turned and hooked the ball home in to the bottom corner of the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Bilborough went pressing for a second goal but found the visiting keeper in fine form, whilst Wollaton broke on the counter attack where several times play just broke down, but after 26 minutes, a square ball was played to JAKE FISHER who dribbled past three defenders before shooting home the equaliser.

The Second Half kicked off and Wollaton were first out the blocks and in 49 minutes, a shot hit the post and bounced down in front of the goal, where REECE CAMPBELL just tapped home to put Wollaton in to a 2-1 lead.

Within 4 minutes, the ball was played out to the right hand side and KASEY FISHER fired home to make it 3-1. At this stage, I though Bilborough;s heads may drop, but to their credit, they carried on playing and could well have pulled a couple of goals back, but it was to be Wollaton FC;s day and they returned just up the road with the three points.

All three officials had good games.

Must thank Bill Fishwisk for a kind donation of £5 and to Michael Hartshorne for £2, it now takes the Charity Blogs running total to a amazing £1,257.75p for MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE based at Nottingham City Hospital.

Photos of the game can be seen on this LINK

BASSEY IS OK FOR COTGRAVE

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

KIMBERLEY MW AFC 0 COTGRAVE FC 2

My first visit of the season to the Stag Ground saw Cotgrave returned to East Nottinghamshire with the points after a first half brace from Bassey Okon.

Before kick off a minutes silence was held for long serving Notts Alliance and Notts Senior League Andy Rolfe who sadly passed away last weekend. I had known Andy for many years when I was at Dunkirk FC and he always insisted on paying his 40p for the matchday programme and would often read it whilst his pre match warm up of having a cigar outside the changing rooms and having a chat with everyone. A BIG loss to Nottinghamshire football and our thoughts go out to all his family at this sad time.

The game kicked off and Kimberley were first on the attack and it was hard to see how they were at the root of the league table, but it was the visitors who was first to strike on 9 minutes, when a ball from the left wing found BASSEY OKON with a open goal for him to slide the ball home on a very soft muddy pitch.

Kimberley tried to bounce back and should really have equalised but they hadnt their shooting boots on and the Cotgrave keeper Adam Heard was just a spectator waiting for my son Shawn to keep fetching the ball for him when it went out of play.

Cotgrave broke forward again in the 24th minute and again BASSEY OKON fired home from close range giving Liam Bradley in the  homesters net little chance.

The Second Half saw Kimberley push forward but that final ball just wasnt there, whilst Cotgrave played on the counter attack and could well have added to their tally, but on 69 minutes, Kimberley could have reduced the arrears when they were awarded a penalty by match referee Andy Benner, but Jake Mee's spot kick was matched by Adam Heard's save in the top left hand corner to keep his side 2-0 in front.

The game petered out and Kimberley possibly had the lions share of play but Cotgrave had those two periods of killer instint to claim the points.

The three officials had a very good match in which I cant recall any player having to speak to the referee or the referee speaking to them, a credit to both clubs.

PHotos from the match can be seen on this LINK

HODGMAN'S BRACE SEES VILLA TO VICTORY

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

FC CAVALIERS 0 AWSWORTH VILLA 3

Att: 17

A clash of third placed FC Cavaliers hosting second placed Awsworth Villa looked on paper to be a close encounter, but in the end it was the visitors who took home the three points after looking the better side for the majority of the match.

On arrival, I was greeted by Cannock Hopper Steve Hardy who Ive not seen for a matter of years now.

Stood throughout the match with Ironbridge hopper John Higgins who just arrived as Villa had taken the lead on 7 minutes through a cross shot from the right hand side by RICHARD HODGMAN.

FC Cavaliers then had to change their formation as a player went down with a handstring problem on the far side of the pitch and was carried off on the manager Martin Hickeys back, so a early sub was used.

FC Cavaliers pushed forward but the Villa defence held tight whilst their attack wasted a few good chances until the 40th minute, when RYAN WHITEHURST;s acute angled shot from the left hand side beat the home keeper to double his sides score.

The Second Half came and the Cavs keeper made a outstanding one handed save as the ball was heading in to the top corner of the net, whilst up the other end, Cavs could well have pulled one back but it wasnt to be their day with finishing the chance.

On 80 minutes, Awsworth wrapped up the match when RICHARD HODGMAN added a third and his second of the game.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

SUPERB SEMI SEES TOWN INTO FINAL

Nottinghamshire FA Intermediate Cup

Semi Final

CALVERTON MW 3 BINGHAM TOWN 3

(Bingham Town win 7-6 after Penalties)

Hazel dropped me off at Eagle Valley as both sets of players from Polonia United & Woodthorpe Park Rangers were on the pitch with the match referee, when a Arnold Town official came on to the pitch and deemed it to not be played on, as Arnold Town own the pitches, the referee was forced to call the game off. I stood with the Woodthorpe Chairman and we was going to head to the other Notts FA Junior Cup Semi Final but word came through that the match at Stapleford Town had just been called off. We then decided to head to Calverton MW thinking with floodlights it would be a 3pm kick off, but just as we turned the corner, PJ;s stopped and we had to pull in to a bus stop layby as he had run out of petrol, so to pass time, I cracked a few jokes that had PJ and his wife in laughter. Some of the Woodthorpe players came to the rescue with some petrol for a red faced PJ.

As we arrived at Calverton the players were playing, so I enquired and found out that the game kicked off at 1.30pm and 25 minutes had gone passed without any score. Calverton looked on their game and had several chances before a header in the 45th minute found the net to give them a half time lead. At half time we ventured in to the clubhouse and to cheer poor PJ up, we had a pint and a laugh, as we got back to pitchside, we found out that Bingham had equalised through TOM SPENCER.

Bingham looked to have stepped u[p their game and seemed to want to be first to the ball, but both sides had chances and Calverton must have thought they had won the game when they went in to a 2-1 lead on 85 minutes. Bingham though always play to the final whistle and it paid off for them as in the 90th minute, they drew level again to take the tie in to extra time.

The pace of the tie didnt slow down and both sides went for it and Bingham took the lead after 106 minutes for the first time. Calverton came back and was awarded a penalty to which the match official showed the young Town keeper a yellow card, must to the disgust of the home faithful. The keeper then made a outstanding penalty save, but there was still more action to come, as after 115 minutes, a player from each side came to each other and the referee had no choice in producing a red card for the Bingham player and a second yellow card for the home player.

It was now Calverton;s turn of never say die, as they pushed forward and 2 minutes from the end of extra time, they pulled it level, so the game went to penalties.

Both sides took 8 penalties each before we had a finalist with Bingham winning 7-6. A shame that a club had to lose as this would have made a superb final, but was a good advert for Non League Football in front of a crowd of around 80.

All Photos taken by Geoff Cameraman can be seen on this LINK any clubs that wish to hire Geoff, please contact him on twitter on https://twitter.com/n55ffc

ROVERS CLIMB TO THIRD AFTER THREE GOAL WIN

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division Two

KIRTON BRICKWORKS FC 0 ASHLAND ROVERS FC 3

Att 28

With heavy rain on Saturday morning and needing a 2pm kick off due to going out at 5.30pm for Hazels birthday meal in Nottingham, it had to be a game very local, so when first choice match went at Robin Hood Colts due to the opposition failing to raise a side, it was to plan B, but Selston Reserves was called off at 11am due to a waterlogged pitch, that left me with 2 choices, Kirton Brickworks or their reserves match down at the old Sandhurst FC ground. After conformation that the 1st team match on, then it was to the main Brickworks ground I was heading.

Due to the heavy rain in Mansfield, I didnt take my camera and as usual, it turned out to be a very pleasant afternoon with no rain in Kirton..Typicial!!!

The game kicked off at a very fast rate and both sides matched each other, but as the half wore on, it was Rovers who had the better of the chances and really could well have been at least three goals to the good, with on 2 occasions the Brickies keeper playing his part in 2 one on ones, but he could do nothing on 43 minutes, when a shot by DANIEL BIRCUMSHAW flashed past him from a good 30 yards to give the Rovers a one goal lead at the interval.

Kirton to their credit in the Second Half pushed forward and could well have been level with the chances that they created but stopped by good keeping and defending kept them at bay. The changing point of the match though came on 67 minutes, when a long ball from the Ashland defence was punted up field and with the home keeper coming to clear, he totally mis-kicked it and it left ALEX ENGLAND with a empty net to convert and put the visitors 2-0 up.

The home keeper did redeem himself on 79 minutes, as from a visiting corner, he made a superb goalbound save from a header. On 85 minutes, The Brickies must have thought they had pulled themselves back in to the game, when a long curling shot was heading for the top corner but the visiting keeper at full length managed to palm it round the post with one hand.

In the final minute, Rovers were awarded a free kick on the left hand side, that was floated towards the far post and ADAM MELLORS was there unmarked to slot the ball home.

Must mention Referee Ian Smith who I felt had a great game and also 2 clubs who both wanted to play football and not argue, a credit to them all

SPENCER CHIPS THE POINTS HOME TO BINGHAM

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

SOUTHWELL CITY FC 1 BINGHAM TOWN FC 2

Att: 50

A odd day as on the way home from Ravenshead FC on Friday evening it was snowing, so to wake up and see the fields over my back garden flooded, I thought I would ring Sandiacre Town FC which was my first choice, I got the reply that there would be a pitch inspection at around 12.30pm, so thought if it was off, then it would leave me little time to get to a 2pm, so rang Burton Joyce FC and they had switched their fixture due to their ground being under water, so a call to Pat Johnson who had already been down to Southwell Citys ground and a positive yes it was on, made up my mind as Id not seen either Southwell City or Bingham Town this season.

On arrival the pitch looked heavy but well playable and a chat with Ian Smith who was one of the Assistant Refs confirmed this.

The game kicked off and was very even, with both sides matching each other and very few chances, but after 22 minutes, a volleyed backpass just missed the Bingham goal to the delight of the Bingham keeper and defender. Bingham began to push forward and on 34 minutes were unlucky to see a effort rebound off the crossbar.

The Second Half began well for Bingham as they were on the attack and on 56 minutes Jepps had the ball in the back of the net, but as they went to celebrate, they were stopped as Assistant Smith;s flag was raised for offside. Within 30 seconds though, Bingham were in front, when MICHAEL JEPPS cut in from the left and fired home.

Southwell then began to come more in to the game and had a couple of decent efforts, but failed to get that final touch in front of the net until 79 minutes when JON NUSSEY headed home the equaliser.

No one had time to applaud as from the Bingham kick off a ball was played forward and their leading scorer TOM SPENCER lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper to seal the victory.

Must mention all 3 officials, Ref Gavin Rice and his Assistants Ian Smith and Tim Bee who all had good games and also a big thankyou to Gaving Rice who kindly donated £5 of his match fee to the blogs charity which is for MAGGIES CANCER CARE CENTRE based at Nottingham City Hospital where the running total now stands at a amazing £1,246.25p

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

More photos taken by Bingham Town;s Geoff Curtis can be seen on this LINK

CAPTAIN MARTIN PUTS VILLA TO THE SWORD

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division One

RAVENSHEAD FC 4 AWSWORTH VILLA RESERVES 0

Photo taken by Jim Bethell

A rare Friday evening at the Cornwater Ground, Ravenshead and was met by both sides before the match and then by match Referee Andy Benner, after getting both teamsheets it was down to pitchside. 

Since my last visit, Ravenshead have fully railed the pitch, before long I was joined by a Awsworth players dad and 2 hoppers, one from down London way and Ken from Leicester. After chatting for a while to the players dad, I joined long time friends Jim Bethell and his dad.

The game kicked off and it was Ravenshead who were first to strike, when their captain ADAM MARTIN fired home after just 3 minutes. Awsworth then pushed forward but didnt really trouble the home clubs defence, whilst the homesters played on the counter attack and Walsh in the visiting net had to come to the rescue a couple of times.

On 45 minutes, a ball from the left, found Paul Smith who chipped the ball to the far post for ADAM MARTIN to mash in to a empty net to double his sides lead.

The Second Half and the home keeper made his first save of the game and the ball was cleared up field, the referee gave a free kick some 30 yards out after a trip on a Ravenshead player, the free kick was struck hard and hit the keeper who spilled the ball and TOM HUBBARD was first to react to slip the ball home on 49 minutes to make it 3-0.

Villa then had their best spell in the game and could well on another day seen them pull back a couple of goals by stout defending by the home defence kept their clean sheet in tact.

After 61 minutes, the match was put out of doubt when just inside the area, TYLER LAMBERT turned on a sixpence to smash the ball low and in to the corner of the net to make it 4-0.

UNITED CLINCH THREE POINTS

Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division Two

BRIDGFORD UNITED FC 3 GEDLING SOUTHBANK RESERVES 0

A couple of reasons I chose this match was that Nottingamshire Senior League newcomers Bridfgord United are flying high in 2nd position in Division and I hadnt seen them, plus the fact that sadly Greenwood Meadows ground that they play on has been sold to a rugby club and after Bridgford United;s next home match on Thursday or Friday evening, football wont exist at the venue no more. Bridgford have the intentions of moving down to the second pitch at Roko on Wilford Lane that has been under construction for some time now and seems not far off completion.

After getting the team line ups and a chat with both sets of players, some of the AFC Charity Wollaton team arrived to watch the match. Again for the second week, Ibi was assessing the referee.

The game kicked off and the visitors more than matched their high-flying opponents and the home keeper was called in to early action to push a long range shot round the post. Bridgford began to get more in to the game, but were lacking that final touch to score the opening goal.

Eventually, United did get the breakthrough, when a ball played up the left wing saw JARROD WESTCARR cut in and tuck the ball past the outcoming visiting keeper(see main photo above) on 35 minutes.

This gave the homesters alot more confidence as they pressed, but all credit to the visitors, they defended well esp Duffy in the centre, but they could do nothing about Bridgford,s second goal, when a ball played in from the right saw SHELDON TUTIT sweep the ball home to make it 2-0 after 44 minutes.

The Second Half kicked off after Hazel had done the half time teas on a bitterly cold afternoon and I actually missed a little bit of the game, poss a few minutes. Bridgford were mainly on the attack and should well have added a few more goals to their tally but a mixture of brave defending and good goalkeeping kept them at bay until the 75th minute, when a cross from the left saw the flying header of NATHAN FRANCIS to head home to make it 3-0.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

RANGERS HEAD TO THE SEMIS

Nottinghamshire FA Junior Cup

Quarter Final

AFC TOP VALLEY 0 WOODTHORPE PARK RANGERS 10

This match was my plan A, as a new ground to visit, to be Nottinghamshire Senior League Rep at the Quarter Final tie and to have a look and meet AFC Top Valley, with the heavy rain we have had over the past few days I wasnt sure if the game would be on, but Secretary Alec got back in touch with me to confirm it was whist I was weighing up other options for the day.

On arrival, I was greeted by Alec and the Woodthorpe PR squad and the young referee and he told me he was being assessed by old friend Ibrahm Arsali. At pitchside was joined by Jim Bethell and his friend.

The game kicked off and Rangers pushed forward and after just 3 minutes they won a free kick some 25 yards out, Bailey stepped up and hit it on target, the keeper pushed it out and ADAM FORRY was first to react and knock the ball home. After 5 minutes, MARKELL BAILEY was upended in the box and Rangers were awarded a penalty to which Bailey duly struck home to increased the lead to 2-0.

AFC Top Valley then cut out a couple of chances and had the ball in the back of the net but it was ruled out for offside, but in my opinion and being in line with play felt it was a good goal, they then had one chance cleared off the line. After 15 minutes, MARKELL BAILEY made it 3-0 to the visitors with a deflected shot. 

Woodthorpe then stepped up their game and on 25 minutes, MARKELL BAILEY completed his hat trick with a tap in at the far post. On 37 minutes, it became 5-0 as MARKELL BAILEY scored directly from a corner.

During the half time break, I joined Victory FC manager and their secretary for a natter and the game kicked off and I turned round as the ball hit the back of the net with a long ranged shot by ADAM FORRY to make it 6-0 and it looked like game over to be fair.

Woodthorpe continued to press forward and on 56 minutes, ANTHONY BIRKS deflected shot found the corner of the net and then on the hour, ADAM FORRY completed his hat trick to make it 8-0 to the Nottinghamshire Senior League club.

68 minutes and ADAM FORRY scored his fourth of the match and Woodthorpes 9th, as sadly Valley heads now began to drop. In the 76th minute, a few handbags were let loose on the far side of the pitch, to which the referee produced Anthony Birks his second yellow card of the afternoon.

When play re started, Rangers had their second penalty of the match, up stepped Markell Bailey to see his effort bounce off the post and cleared away. MARKELL BAILEY did wrap up proceedings in the 85th minute to complete a professional performance for his club and send them through to the Semi Finals.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

SHIREBROOK WIN FRIENDLY OF THE TOWNS

Mid Season Friendly

SHIREBROOK TOWN RESERVES 2 BILBOROUGH TOWN 1

Att: 38

Just after Christmas I had a message from the Shirebrook Town Reserves Manager Gary Bryant to ask if any Nottinghamshire Senior League club would be prepared to play a mid season friendly, as they are in a Derbyshire County Cup Quarter Final and having not played due to poor weather for 3 weeks needed a run out. Bilborough Town are at present fielding around 8 players who are around the 16 year old age group and rebuilding their side, so more games are making them gel together.

The game kicked off and I stood in the stands with AFC Mansfield Chairman Andy Saunders, as Bilborough came out forcing the first few attacks and after 10 minutes took the lead when a Shirebrook defender took a awkward fall and LIAM TAYLOR fired home. There was concerned as the young defender was laid on the ground and stretcher came on to the pitch, but after the match it was found that the lad had possibly turned his ankle and hopefully nothing too serious.

The home side then began to push forward and on 32 minutes a high swirling corner in the wet and windy weather curled in to the net from JOSH BRENTNALL. Just before half time, Bilborough had a corner that was floated in to the far post, the ball was cleared up to the half way line and BEN CHARLESWORTH beat the visiting defence and slotted the ball past the advancing keeper.

During half time, both sides made several subs and Shirebrook pushed forward and could well have scored a few more if not for Chris Bennett who was in fine form for the visitors.

Overall a very good run out for both young sides who both played some good attractive football on the night.