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.

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