Gedling Town v Staveley Miners Welfare FC

Saturday 29th December 2007 NCEL Division One

Missed out on Boxing Day footie, so to ease our withdrawal symptoms, we had to brave the gale force winds and monsoon rain - but it was worth it!

Decided on Gedling v Staveley - we had not been to the Riverside since Gedling changed managers....a lot of previously familiar faces had left - James Whitehead, Matt Millns , Brendon Sweeney, Ben Cobley and Carl Westcarr. Lee Soar was with us in the stand - in his own words he was "too drunk to play" !!

The conditions were attrocious, but the pitch as usual, was superb. Staveley adapted to the conditions far better than Gedling, playing the ball about on the deck rather than trying to launch the ball over the top. Lee Gregory put the visitors ahead on the half-hour, a curling, dipping shot beating Sprigg in the home goal. H-T 0-1

Ryan Damms slotted home Staveley's second from close range after an almighty scramble in the Gedling 6 yard box - the defence had three chances to clear, but failed miserably and paid the price. Then came the rain -- well it was more like a monsoon and made you feel glad you weren't a player.....

Alan Jefferies halved the deficit on 75, a well aimed shot from 18 yards beating Poulter. Jefferies levelled the scores right on full-time - a shot from the corner of the box after some neat play.

Staveley had a player sent off ( straight red), for a challenge on Bedward, but he never even made contact - the Ref failed to allow for the awful playing conditions and although I don't like critising refs too much, this decision was WRONG!

Gedling keeper Sprigg almost scored -- his long punt bouncing in front of opposite keeper Poulter and cannoning off the bar !

All in all, a decent enough game bearing in mind the weather - also a fair result - Gedling stay top and when the players who were unavailable return, they should be able to consolidate and earn the promotion that Chairman Roland Ash so richly deserves - he puts so much into the club......

New Years day? Eastwood v top of the table Witton Albion -- Ilkeston v Worksop -- Shepshed v Gresley Rovers -- Belper v Goole -- Alfreton v Hucknall or Nottm Forest v Huddersfield...

My choice would be either Eastwood or Belper, but Kev has tickets to the Forest game... we will see....

Eastwood Town v Guiseley FC

Saturday 22nd December 2007 UniBond Premier Division.

Made the short trip to Coronation Park, our former "spiritual" home, to see the Badgers take on Guiseley. Before the kick off all those in attendance took part in a minute silence in memory of former ETFC Chairman Keith Smith, who so sadly lost his battle aginst cancer last week.

Nice to be at CP again, but as we have not been since August Bank holiday Monday, we didn't know what to expect. What we got was a stange mix of dull and exciting ... the first 15 or so minutes were scrappy to say the least, but when the Guiseley no. 2 passed the ball straight to Eastwood's diminutive on-loan striker David Brown - he raced into the box and hammered the ball left-footed through the visiting keeper's arms to give the Badgers the lead.
Four minutes later it was 2-0, a Brown drive parried by the keeper straight to Paul Mitchell who fired home from 8 yards. It was 2-1 on the half-hour, a 20 yarder from Hanson flying past Deakin - then it was 2-2 just before the break, former Badgers striker Marc Smith nodding home from a free-kick.
H-T 2-2

Guisely powered forward to try and secure the victory, but despite intense pressure, and a few batterings, the Badgers defence were solid, and keeper Deakin kept the Badgers in the game with a series of superb stops. Matt Rhead hammered a 25 yarder against the cross-bar, but it was Lindon Meikle's mazy run in stoppage time that drew a foul 20 yards out. Up stepped Chris Shaw to curl the ball into the corner of the net to make it 3-2.

Hard lines on Guiseley, but they had enough chances...

As I said earlier, it was nice to be at CP again, but with the circumstances the atmosphere was very strange, and despite meeting a few old friends again, it was a relief to leave...........

Hucknall Town v Tamworth

Tuesday 18th December F.A. Trophy.

This game was put off by the weather on Saturday -- there was not a lot of other local footie available, so off to Watnall Road we went.... bloomin 'eck it were cold!!

The game did nothing to warm the cockles either - and even when Tamworth took the lead with a smart shot across Smith in the Town goal, it seemed Hucknall were not really up for the challenge. And so it was Hucknall went out of the Trophy with nary a whimper.... F-T 0-1

Feel sorry for Kev a little....decided to have a burger from the mobile snapshed,,,, I think it may still be repeating now !! The hot dog I had weren't bad ... but expensive -- very.

£9.00 to get in, £2.20 for the hot dog, £2.50 for the cheeseburger -- and hot chocolate @ £0.80p....

Saturday -- hope to go to pay my respects to the Smith family at Eastwood .. this will be difficult, Keith was a good mate - he will be sorely missed.

Keith Smith

Keith Smith Eastwood Town FC 17/12/2007

It is with sadness that Eastwood Town Football Club have to announce the death of former Chairman Keith Smith. Paddy Farrell, Eastwood Town Secretary gave the following tribute to his club colleague. “When Keith and Carole arrived at Coronation Park we had just suffered our first ever relegation, were struggling in the Northern Counties (East) League and in their first game, the pair saw us thrashed at Brigg Town.

The money Keith put into the club was important but was, literally, nothing, compared to the sheer hard work, inspiration and "sleeves-up" example he brought to the role. The Directors stand, the trainers boxes and other huge ground improvements are all entirely down to Keith as are huge up-grading within our Social Club.” “On the field, the work of Keith and Carole quickly brought us two promotions and the highest standard of football the "Badgers" have ever enjoyed.” “Above all else Keith was a wonderful man and a great friend. To say he will be missed is a sad and ridiculous understatement. All we can do is look on helplessly as Carole, Lisa, Scott and their families grieve. It was a huge privilege knowing you, Keith. Sleep peacefully old friend! At least your suffering is over.”

The management and officers of the UniBond League echo Paddy’s comments and send their condolences to Keith’s family.

Not a lot to add, but Keith Smith - God rest. It was an honour to have known you.

Keith was ETFC through and through, and although both myself and Kev have been largely absent from CP this season, learning of Keith's passing leaves us with heavy hearts.

We were due to visit CP this weekend - now, if the game is on, we WILL be there...

Saturday 15th December

Another Saturday affected by the weather.

Games we were looking at?

Ilkeston v Prescot OFF
Hucknall v Tamworth OFF
Rainworth v Teversal OFF
Sutton v Welbeck OFF
Long Eaton v Brodsworth OFF
South Normanton v Nostell OFF
Greenwood v Forest Tn OFF
Glapwell v Mickleover OFF
Heanor v Dunkirk OFF

I decided to stay at home -- Kev's going to watch the Tricky Trees play Northampton -- hopefully he will email me some details .....

Shepshed Dynamo v Stocksbridge Park Steels

Tuesday 11th December 2007 UniBond League Division One South

Because we went to Glapwell last week, we decided we would pop down the M1 to see if Lee Wilson and Jimmy Albans had made any significant improvements at Shepshed. Well,,,, the answer has to be, at the moment, no.....last time we saw them beat a poor Brigg side easily enough, but against a moderately good Steels side they struggled. A tale of two centre-halves really -- one not good enough ( Shepshed) and one that was good enough and was also 6' 14" tall ( Steels) ....blimey, what a contrast in abilities.

Anyway, it were cold again ...very cold... and sorry to say the usually lovely chips from the snapshed were well below par - didn't bother with the tea - last time it weren't very good, so we settled for kiddies pop!

The game? 1st half was awful - both teams having an "off-day", but Steels took the lead on 26, a shot from Walker that hit the back of the net and bounced out again leaving us wondering if it went in at all ! It was 2-0 to the visitors right on half-time, Riley latching onto the loose ball after the home keeper had palmed away a fierce drive. H-T 0-2

As soon as the Shepshed centre-half was subbed, the home team started to put one or two bits together, and when Lee Mellon halved the deficit from a 20 yard free-kick, we thought the impossible comeback was on the cards --- until slack defending left Riley free 16 yards from goal - he fairly slammed the ball home to make it 1-3. The Steels 6' 14" centre-half blotted his copybook with 5 to go, handling on the line to save a certain goal - straight red from the Ref - Frecklington hammered home the spot-kick to make it 2-3.
Without their lighthouse, we were wondering if Dynamo could still salvage a point, but try as they may it was not to be .... it would have been robbery anyway. Want to know the strangest chant ? Shepshed diehards singing " If you like it up the Butthole, clap your hands!!"... mmm.....makes you think don't it !

Steady drive home -- back here well before half ten.....

Saturday ? Hucknall v Tamworth methinks, but Kev will DEFINATELY be making this choice.

Ilkeston v Prescot Cables / Glapwell v Mickleover / Long Eaton v Brodsworth / South Normanton v Nostell / Rainworth v Teversal / Greenwood v Forest Tn / Heanor v Dunkirk / Sutton v Welbeck

Saturday 8th December

Decided not to go out -- there were only a couple of games that survived the weather..... none were attractive enough to risk pneumonia.

Tuesday, weather permitting -- looks like either Shepshed v Stocksbridge Park Steels or Glapwell v Eccleshill.

Glapwell v Winterton Rangers

Tuesday 4th December 2007 NCEL Premier Division

Kev chose this game... it was a belter. ( err ... I say Kev chose this -- it was either this or Arnold Town Reserves !)...

Took just half an hour to get to Hall Corner, home of Glapwell FC. We have been here before in seasons past, and nothing seems to have changed - nice, neat ground -- just a bit muddy getting through the carpark to the turnstile....

1st stop - cup of tea - blimey was it strong! The lady who made it was really stressed out and the teabags in the pyrex jug got hammered by a big spoon -- mmm.. not had tea leaves for a long time!!!!

Met a fellow "traveller" from Leicester - apparently there were no non-league matches being played in Leicester on Tuesday ....

On to the game -- we expected a full-blooded 2nd v 1st football fest, and we got one. The fighting broke out almost straight from the start - the visiting no. 10 and Glapwell's keeper West booked after about 5 minutes.
A couple of skirmishes later, but when West charged out of his goal to launch a Rangers player into orbit, the Ref handed him his second yellow -- should have been a straight red really. West was still a bit "pumped" from the previous incidents but his rush from goal, to try and get a ball he had no chance of reaching, was a bit strange considering his vast experience.

The stand-in keeper was very capable - safe hands and good kicking - made one tremendous tip- over save .....

10 man Glapwell took the lead on 26, Justin Burdett hammering home from 20 yards after some decent pressure. It seemed they would go into the break one up, but in the second minute of added time, Danny Clarke, the Rangers no. 9 was given far too much space and time - and his banana bender from 25 yards fairly flew past the bemused stand-in keeper.... H-T 1-1

Calmer second half, when football was the winner -- these two teams played some good stuff, but both seemed happy to settle for the point apiece as the half went on....

This was a marked contrast to last Saturday's game - it was a pleasure to be sat sitting watching.....we will definately visit Hall Corner again..... F-T 1-1

Saturday? Teversal v Rainworth looks odds on - but Kev gets to choose -- Arnold v South Normanton is NOT on the menu -- Belper v Warrington, Carlton v Nantwich, Shepshed v Cammell Laird, Forest Town v Dunkirk, Heanor Town v Radcliffe Olympic, Rolls Royce v Holbrook MW, Sutton v Kimberley, Calverton v Bolsover or Hucknall Town v Tamworth....

South Normanton Ath v Long Eaton Utd

Errm... where are we??

Our good buddy "Mushy"

Saturday 1st December 2007 NCEL Premier Division

Thought this would be a good idea -- to see if Long Eaton had improved any since they were beaten 2-5 by South Normanton in September... Next time there is a choice of game. I am going to let Kev make the choice - this was a "stinker".

We got to the ground early, this is one of the easier grounds to find. Not pleasant to look at, Lees Lane is really in need of a cash injection - the changing rooms are portacabins, while "Shiners Diner" is an old shipping container.
The visit gave us chance to catch up with Normanton's Kelvin "Mushy" Mushambi - a long time friend, and gave us another chance to watch my work colleague Adam Holmes playing for Long Eaton.

The pitch was boggy, it kept raining on and off and it was very cold. Excuses over - this was poor by anyone's standards.
As far as using the September game as a barometer ? Forget it - these teams struggled all afternoon and didn't look like they had one goal in them, never mind seven!!

It wasn't made any easier to watch with only 8 out of the 22 floodlights on during the first period. Nothing on the pitch was very illuminating either. Kelvin showed a couple of great touches, but it was Adam that looked class - so cool and calm on the ball, even when boxed into the corner. He had probably the games best chance at goal as well, firing well over from about 12 yards in the second half.

The majority of the lights came on after the break, but one corner was not lit at all, and Ross Whalin in the Normanton goal did well to see anything, his area was so dark!! Finished goal-less.

Cup of coffee before the game, chip cob at half-time - both ok and reasonably priced. Officially 55 were in attendance....have they nothing better to do?

Tuesday 4th December .. there is only one game -- NCEL Premier Div -- Glapwell v Winterton Rangers -- 2nd v 1st .... this has to be better than the game we have just witnessed !

Sevilla v Arsenal

Tuesday 27th November UEFA Champions League

Kev was "on the road" again...nipping next door armed with a bag of Fosters. We sat hoping to see the Gunners, with their smooth, silky football take on and beat Spanish high-flyers Sevilla.
What happened? The Arsenal were poor and got exactly what they deserved. Not good to watch but Sevilla are a strong team, full of International players -- while the team that Mr. Venger sent out was made up of too young kids and ring rusty old uns.... Gilberto and Senderos were awful. It was a Gunners team that looked like they had never played together before, and to be quite honest most of them hadn't! No Clichy, Gallas, Sagna, Flamini, Hleb, Rosicky, Adbayor, Diaby, Walcott.

I am in no position to argue with Vengers team selection, but playing a second string in the Champions League is not on, whether already qualified or not. Arsenal lost 3-1 and it could have been worse if Canute had had his shooting boots on...

Saturday .... looking at Eastwood v Prescot Cables ( this is to be on the UniBond TV site apparently) or South Normanton v Long Eaton...

Shepshed Dynamo v Brigg Town

Saturday 24th November 2007 UniBond League Div One South

Made the short trip down the M1 to the Dovecote on Butthole Lane - home of Shepshed Dynamo. They were taking on Brigg Town -- this was Lee Wilson and Jimmy Albans 1st game in charge since they joined from Gedling Town.

Got to the ground at 2:45pm and straight away bumped into James Whitehead ! Lee has moved quickly to secure the services of their former quality skipper at Gedling. Unfortunately "Topps" was unable to play - something wrong with the paperwork apparently.

After a quick chat it was off to the snack bar -- 2 sausage, chips and peas for me, with Kev settling for pie, chips, peas and gravy. Nice food but the tea and coffee was a bit wishy-washy!!

Brigg were second bottom of the table, with Shepshed 3rd bottom, so we knew this would not be a classic.. indeed it was not -- and it was flipping cold! Mind you, the trees around the ground serve well as windbreaks - this kept the chill bearable.

Shepshed took the lead 10 minutes in - a 25 yard effort from Lee Mellon looked to have been tipped over by Steer in the Brigg goal, but to everyone's surprise the ball crept under the bar.

Mellor added a second on the half-hour - the Brigg left back tried to clear the ball but miskicked comically, leaving Mellon an easy drive to double the score.

H-T 2-0

Chris Parr added the third with about 15 to go - a poor clearance driven home by the substitute from 20 yards out.

F-T 3-0

Brigg were not very good and look likely relegation candidates -- Shepshed? If Lee and Jimmy can attract more players of the calibre of Whitehead, they will soon be climbing the table......

Impressed with :

Robbie Banks on the right wing ( should work well with Topps)....

Lee Mellon : midfield general....

Ade Adelukan : quick as you like up top..

Joe and Sam Carter : defended well.....

No footie on Tuesday - the only game is Borrowash Vics v Blackwell MW in the Derbyshire Senior cup, so it looks like Sevilla v Arsenal on the telly.

Eastwood Town U19's v Matlock Town U19's

Thursday 22nd November 2007 North Mids U19’s Football League Div One

For the past three / four seasons, the Under 19 sides at Eastwood have been graced with a few decent players, and the team was always either first or second in the League, with a Cup thrown in at times for good measure …..the U19’s were necessary because players were needed to progress through the youth team to augment the 1st team squad. A few names that come to mind are Marc Stevenson, Deon Meikle, Lindon Meikle – these players are still at Eastwood. Ian Wheat is at South Normanton, Liam Garner and Jason Bedward are at Arnold – Ben Hutchinson is at Middlesborough, Junior Daniel is at Crewe. Now it seems that the Under 19’s can no longer attract players of that calibre.

This season P8 W0 D1 L7 F4 A23 Pts 1

It also seems that this path to the first team is no longer needed – any players that are needed can be brought in thanks to an injection of cash from the new Chairman. The end of an era looming? Time will tell.

Visited Coronation Park to see the Badgers youngsters take on Matlock. Watching this was hard work, let me tell you. Matlock had a couple of half chances well saved by the Eastwood keeper, but the visiting keeper was untroubled for the majority of the first half and neither team looked capable of scoring. H-T 0-0

Maltock did go ahead 6 minutes into the second half – a long shot rebounded off the post straight to a Matlock player who tapped in from close range. Eastwood tried hard for the next half-hour or so, but were killed off with 5 minutes to go, a shot from an acute angle beating the unlucky Eastwood stopper.
F-T 0-2

Anyway – Saturday – still undecided on Shepshed or Teversal ..

England woe

Wednesday 21st November 2007

No, we didn't go to Wembley, but Kev was "on the road" - nipping next door to wach the game at my house.

What can one add to what has already been said?

Well, firstly -- TACTICS -- whoops -- the 4-3-3 was not 4-3-3 it was 4-5-1 and that is not a formation that a home team should adopt . EVER!

OK - some damage was repaired in the second half, but why, oh why, when we had it back to 2-2 did the Coach tell his players to drop back? This just invited Croatia forward and ultimately cost the Coach and his Assistant their jobs... ( I have just seen the press FA press conference on Sky Sports News ). I am preparing my CV to send to the FA. Me and Kev will sort it out .. no problem.... !!!!

After the game we switched to Sky Sports News -- Alan Mullery was also decrying the "drop back" call, but had no idea who the little man was that was with McClaren issuing this order. Anyone know?

Secondly -- PLAYERS - unlucky with injuries but the players selected were not up to the job.

One by one

Carson -- too young -- James may have been a bit dodgy, but he is experienced.

Richards - too young -- ran out of puff after an hour! Good player, but failed to deliver.

Campbell -- too old, experienced but now not good enough.

Lescott -- who told this guy he was England standard, goodness knows!

Bridge -- had a mare -- usually reliable.

Wright-Phillips -- too lightweight -- knocked off the ball too easily.

Barry -- had a 'mare.

Gerrard -- had a 'mare.

Lampard -- for once and for all someone tell the England boss that Gerrard and Lampard cannot play together.

Cole -- tried his best, but ineffective really.

Crouch -- top player -- both myself and Kev rate this striker so highly -- Liverpool don't even play him!

Beckham -- oldie, but goodie - only McCLaren knows why he didn't start the Croatia game.

Defoe -- England class? -- not a big fan of Defoe.

Bent -- is this bloke a striker? Is he England class?

Thirdly - the stadium. No idea of the final cost - but no roof? Fans wearing plastic bags to try and stay dry after paying an arm and a leg for a ticket? A pitch that is crap! We watch Unibond and NCEL games played on much better pitches. Tear it down, sell the land ( must be worth billions! ) -- get either the builders of the Emirates Stadium or the guys who built the Millenium Stadium to erect a new National Stadium somewhere in Birmingham.

Rant over

Carlton Town v Goole AFC

Tuesday 20th November 2007 UniBond League Div One South

Before leaving for the ground, I checked on the UniBond website to see if the game was still on - saw a news headline " Wilson takes over at Shepshed".
A bit of a stunner really, Lee Wilson and Jimmy Albans have put together a great team at Gedling Town, but the chance to manage at step 4 rather than step 6 was one that the duo could not turn down.
Arrived at the Bill Stokeld Stadium and straight away bumped into Lee and Jimmy ( Shepshed v Stocksbridge had fallen foul of the weather). Lee said straight away that he had enjoyed his time at Gedling, but pointed out that he has left the Riverside club with a great squad and wished them all the best for the future.

Our first visit to Carlton since pre-season -- have to say that the pitch is superb - no evidence that this game was ever in danger of being called off.

After some early sparring, Goole took the lead on 23, Rose tapping home - a poor clearance from the Carlton keeper setting up the chance. Smith levelled inthe 38th minute, rounding the Goole stopper superbly before slotting home.

H-T 1-1

Great chip cob at half time -- very nice!

Carlton started the second period on the front foot, and with a bit more luck and a little and a bit more clinical finishing, should have, could have been 4-1 or maybe even 5-1 up. Thomas, Chaplin and Gent wasted golden chances, and were made to pay 6 minutes from the final whistle when Bray fired home to give Goole the lead, a lead they defended until the end of the game.

Had a bit of banter with the Goole keeper - this added to the evenings enjoyment - a half decent game between two skillful, well organised and commited teams... excellent evening!

F-T 1-2

Moral -- score when you are on top!!

Saturday -- choice between Teversal v Dinnington or Lee and Jimmy's Shepshed v Brigg.

Saturday 17th November 2007 results......

Other results from games we decided not to go to...

UniBond
Eastwood Tn 2-2 Frickley Athletic
Ilkeston Tn 2-0 Gateshead

NCEL Prem
Arnold Tn 2-0 Brodsworth MW
Glapwell 5-0 Thackley

Blue Sq North
Hucknall Tn 1-4 Hyde Utd

CML
Gedling MW 2-0 Grimsby Borough
Greenwood Meadows 2-2 Heanor Tn
Rolls Royce 0-4 Askern Welfare

Gedling Town v Cradley Town

Saturday 17th November 2007 F.A. Vase 2nd round proper


Arrrggggggggghhhhh --- bloody extra time on a freezing cold afternoon. We never flaming learn!!!!

What started out as a quite pleasant November day ended up with us both frozen through, and left Kev wishing he had taken his long-johns out of their summer storage!!

We went down by the Riverside to see if Gedling Town could advance further in the FA Vase. We got there 10 minutes before the KO, and decided to have a pre-match cup of tea....well -- if you know the Riverside "tea room", you will know it ajoins the changing rooms, and while enjoying our cuppa, the visiting Manager could be heard giving his team talk --- this consisted of a few meaningless phrases intermingled with a shedload of effs and blinds. Now I know I swear a lot, but this guy was ridiculous ( mind you, I didn't tell him that - he was well over 6ft and built like a brick out-house)!

Neither team created a deal in the 90 minutes of regulation time .. Alan Jefferies missed a couple of sitters and Nick Kennerdale headed against the bar, but it ended 0-0. The highlight really was the Cradley Manager carrying on his tirade of foul language throughout !!!

3 minutes into the 1st period of extra tie, Ben Cobley and Sam Saunders combined well to trip the Cradley no. 16 - the referee quite rightly awarding a penalty that was despatched with some style.

H-T ET 0-1

2 minutes from the restart, James Whitehead hammered home from 18 yards to level the scores after some slick midfield play. Then just as the players were contemplating a replay on Tuesday, Gedling went and snatched victory. With just one minute left on the clock, a ball to the far post was met by Whitehead, bringing a terrific save from the Cradley keeper - but he could only watch in anguish as Tim Wilks slammed home the loose ball to seal the victory and put another £1000 into the Gedling funds. F-T 2-1

NOW -- and you have to trust me on this ........after the Cradley penalty, I kept telling Kev not to worry - Gedling would win 2-1 ...HONEST !!

Tuesday -- options limited. Not many games at all, so we are looking to visit Carlton Town who take on Goole AFC in UniBond Div One South.

Midweek games

Tuesday seems we missed out on some good games, judging by the results.

Glapwell had won 9 out of 9 but were held 1-1 at home by Liversedge.

Borrowash beat Pontefract 4-1

Eastwood came from 1-3 down to beat Matlock 4-3

The only downer was Rainworth losing 1-2 at home to Bottesford

Wednesday saw rapidly improving Hucknall Town win 3-2 at Boston United....the Yellows were struggling at the foot of the Blue Square North until we paid them a visit - they beat Worcester 5-0 on that occasion and since then are unbeaten..... 3-0 at Stalybridge. 2-2 at home to Solihull Moors and 3-2 at Boston. Long Eaton also recorded an away win in Lincolnshire, beating Lincoln Moorlands 2-1.

Saturday 10th November 2007 results......

Last Saturday we had oodles of games to choose from ... here are the results of those games....

Blue Sq North...
Alfreton Tn 1-0 Leigh RMI
Hucknall Tn 2-2 Solihull

UniBond
Shepshed Dynamo 1-1Spalding Utd
Eastwood Tn 4-1 Whitby Tn
Carlton Tn 4-1 Sheffield FC
Retford Utd 3-0 Grantham Tn

NCEL -- Cup games
Arnold Tn 0-1 Hallam
Long Eaton Utd 1-3 Rainworth MW
Shirebrook Tn 1-2 Lincoln Moorlands Railway

CML
Rolls Royce 2-0 Heanor Tn
Dunkirk 2-2 Gedling MW
Sutton AFC 5-0 Thorne Colliery
Greenwood Meadows 0-3 Clipstone

F.A. Cup
Mansfield Tn 3-0 Lewes
Notts County 3-0 Histon

Missed out on Tuesday due to ill health, but Saturday 17th November sees yet another feast of local footie on offer......

UniBond
Eastwood Tn v Frickley Athletic
Ilkeston Tn v Gateshead

F.A. Vase
Gedling Tn v Cradley Tn

NCEL Prem
Arnold Tn v Brodsworth MW
Glapwell v Thackley

Blue Sq North
Hucknall Tn v Hyde Utd

CML
Gedling MW v Pinxton
Greenwood Meadows v Heanor Tn
Rolls Royce v Askern Welfare

No idea which to go to .... the grounds on offer not visited so far are Greenwood, Glapwell and Ilkeston.

Gedling Town have done really well to get to the 2nd Round of the FA Vase, with a real chance of progressing against a team they have already knocked out of the FA Cup ( 3-1 away in August ). We may just end up by the Riverside again......

Sutton Town AFC v Thorne Colliery FC

Is this really me? Fat old duffer !!

Kev always has trouble fastening his coat !!

Saturday 10th November 2007 Central Midlands League Premier Division

Interesting choice from Kev was this...non-league step 8. We had no idea what standard to expect, so this was groundbreaking for us both.

Anyway, good friend Danny Bryant is in charge at the Fieldings so we knew the commitment would be there. Commitment yes, but for the first 10 minutes this was awful. Taking into account the really strong wind, both teams struggled to play anything like football at all . ... but when Sutton went on front on 13 the game changed dramatically. A little more endeavour and the "Snipes" went in 3-0 up at the break.

A FIRST --- we actually won the raffle -- 8 cans of Fosters, MAGIC!

Sutton missed a penalty early in the second half, but added a couple more goals to run out 5-0 victors. ( footnote -- Thorne had the smallest centre-forward we have ever seen!)

Strange game though -- the visitors were not very good, and Danny, even after a 5-0 win was less than impressed with the home teams performance.

The Fieldings is the same as the last time I visited a couple of years ago, nice neat and tidy -- every other person wears a Sutton town jacket and there were a lot of ball boys -- trust me they were needed - the ball flies out of the ground on a very regular basis !! Lots of kids present as well -- seems to be a family day out, although the players language was a bit strong at times !!

Roll on Tuesday-- Glapwell v Liversedge / Borrowash Vics v Pontefract / Rainworth v Bottesford / Eastwood v Matlock - my choice would be Borrowash...a visit to the grandly named Robinson Construction Bowl !!

Games on Saturday 10th November 2007

I have just checked the various games on offer -- blimey - what a selection.

Blue Sq North...
Alfreton Tn v Leigh RMI ( too expensive )
Hucknall Tn v Solihull ( been there )

UniBond
Shepshed Dynamo v Spalding Utd ( maybe )
Eastwood Tn v Whitby Tn ( been there )
Carlton Tn v Sheffield FC ( been there )
Retford Utd v Grantham Tn ( too far )

NCEL -- Cup games
Arnold Tn v Hallam ( been there)
Long Eaton Utd v Rainworth MW ( been there )
Shirebrook Tn v Lincoln Moorlands Railway ( too far )

CML
Rolls Royce v Heanor Tn ( been there )
Dunkirk v Gedling MW ( been there )
Sutton AFC v Thorne Colliery ( maybe )
Greenwood Meadows v Clipstone ( maybe )

F.A. Cup
Mansfield Tn v Lewes ( too expensive )
Notts County v Histon ( too expensive )

Nottingham Forest v Southend United

Tuesday 6th November 2007 Coca Cola League One

The Wallis & Co season tickets were available again, so I thought I'd give the Florists one more chance to impress me...

With Kev driving all I had to do was sit back and enjoy the ride into town..... decent burger before we went in...cup of coffee before taking our seats.

What a difference from last Tuesday ! Although the Reds went a goal down in the third minute, after they shook off that reversal, they looked a different team from the shower that played against Oldham - here's the thing though - there was only one change - Davies in for Holt.

After Gowers strike, Forest played well enough and their efforts were rewarded on 40 - Brechin stooping to head home Clingan's cross.

H-T 1-1

10 minutes into the half we were treated to the sight of Davies leaving the field for what was probably a "comfort break" ! He was subbed soon after his return - and his replacement Nathan Tyson made it 2-1 to the home team after latching onto a superb through ball and firing past Collis in the visitors goal.

Southend went down to 10 men after Clarke nutted Chambers - signalling a 20 man melee under the "Capital One Corner". Agogo tried his luck from 25 yards - and saw the ball beat Collis to make it 3-1. The same player headed home Tysons fine cross from the left to make it 4-1 and sent the majority of the 26000 fans home happy.

We stayed for a drink after the game - hoping to miss the heaviest traffic.... Kev knows the back streets fairly well, and managed to avoid any jams - most of the time I hadn't a clue where we were.....although my back suffered a bit -- the million speed bumps taking their toll on this aging body.....

Saturday .. supposed to be going to Long Eaton, but probably opt for Shepshed Dynamo v Spalding Utd.......

Tuesday 6th November 2007

Seems we have yet another chance to visit the City Ground if we wish.....

Forest v Southend or Long Eaton v Glapwell ...mmm

Nottingham Forest v Tranmere Rovers

Saturday 3rd November 2007 Coca Cola League One

Strange today not having my 't'old fella' with me as I venture to see Forest for the 2nd time this week. After Tuesday's awful display was it the right choice? Well after 45 minutes maybe not. A slight improvement but not a lot!!

Can't remember too much incident although the Stags winning 4-0 caused a stir at half time.Phoned my blog buddy who sounded pretty miserable as the game at Gedling was apparently a re-run of the Forest vs. Oldham debacle - dire!!!

Second half was loads better. We had a great view of both goals scored at the Trent end. Credit to a very fussy referee for seeing the handball for the penalty for the opener. From our view it was deliberate - no debate. It was one of the few times in the last two games that I was confident Junior Agogo wouldn't be offside...... as he stroked the spot kick into the bottom corner....1-0 and the atmosphere changed at last.

Midway through the half and Nathan Tyson was introduced - back after injury.Strewth he's quicker than Malc going straight into the loo when we enter the pub!!! (joke pal). From a break down the left by Julian Bennett - he fires over a terrific cross for Tyson to volley acrobatically left footed and high into the net from 12 yards out. 2-0 and what a superb strike.

More chances followed as the Reds turned on the confidence but credit at the other end to Paul Smith for a brilliant save near the end as he pushed a goal bound effort onto his post before it was hacked away. All in all a good second half to make up for the other suffering this week.

Today I didn't mind having freebie tickets for the game. Thanks to Malc and his colleagues at Wallis for Tuesday's tickets and thanks to Nigel Woolley at NFFC for today's - they were greatly appreciated.

Roll on Tuesday's trip out.

Gedling Town v Scarborough Athletic

Saturday 3rd November 2007 NCEL Division One

During the course of the season, you will see and hear about various "misses of the season" on tv and radio etc... let me tell you something -- Alan Jefferies missed a goal in this game that Stevie Wonder would have scored !! Less than a yard from goal - the ball sitting up lovely after being flicked on ..... Jefferies decided he had to smash it's face in, and instead of the ball into ending up in the back of the net, it crashed off the crossbar and away to safety ------errrr,,,, Alan, that was uncalled for, you only had to tap it home !!!!

The visitors opened the scoring on the half-hour mark - a breakaway after defending a corner saw the no.9 outpace his marker and fire home.
H-T 0-1

Borough netted their second in the 89th minute - another breakaway, another goal .. Matt Millns headed powerfully home seconds later to make it 1-2, but the unbeaten record has gone - and it has to be said -- the better team won ....wound licking time in the home changing room. Verdict ? Must do better.....

Gedling on the attack

Long Eaton won 2-0 at home to Winterton Rangers, Rainworth won 3-1 at Rossington Main, Mansfield beat Macclesfield 5-0,,, all this plus I turned down the chance to go to watch the Florists - they beat Tranmere 2-0 ( Kev is going to add his thoughts about this game) .... ah well, you pays ya money, ya teks ya choice !!! Can't get it right every time....

Tuesday -- a visit to Long Eaton again -- they take on Glapwell who have won 8 out of 8 games so far .... may be a chance for me to see Willis Francis play again... young lad played for me in the YEFL rep squad a couple of times before going on to play for Notts County.....

Nottm Forest v Oldham Athletic

Tuesday 30th October 2007 Coca-Cola League Division One

Well -- first time at the City Ground for several years, and although not actually non-league, the Reds are only 2 divisions from it!! And the "football" on display against Oldham was below the standard that we have witnessed at some of the non-league games this season.

This was really poor - Oldham were bad, but Forest were rubbish and lucky to get a point. The visitors had the better chances and the home fans quite rightly booed their team off the field at full time.

We were due to travel in Kev's car, but it broke ! So I drove, with Kev navigating superbly...... until we got to the Civic Centre car-park -- we actually went in through the exit ... but the stewards were really good and soon put me on the right track !!

Through the turnstile - looking for the "Legends Lounge" .... could we find it? Could we flippin eck... again a steward put us right - the big TV white van was parked in front of the door !

As we entered the lounge we were handed a programme and team sheet - programmes are £3.00, so it was nice to get one included with the ticket. Grabbed a quick coffee before heading to our seats - two rows behind the Directors box - great view, and what a stadium to be playing third division football in. Even with 16400 in attendance, the place was half empty.

H-T 0-0

Coffee and buscuits at half-time then out for the second half. Only the addition of Arron Davies improved Forest's play, but the improvement didn't last........

F-T 0-0

Took a while to get home - traffic was terrible, but it gave us time to look back on the evening. All we could decide on was that we were more than happy we hadn't actually paid to get in -- our tickets were provided by my employers... thank goodness for small mercies!!

Saturday -- Kev's on about going to see the Florists again ... me? I'm off to watch Gedling Town take on Scarborough - with the promise of a 300+ attendance, parking by the riverside should be interesting !!

Rainworth MW v Gedling Town

Rainworth's new facilities

Gedling skipper James Whitehead

Kick off time

Saturday 27th October 2007 NCEL Division One

The one we were waitng for so impatiently turned out to be a bit of a damp squib, with both teams failing to master the blustery conditions and both teams playing well below par.

Rainworth were without regular keeper Mark Hales and star right winger Craig Wilson, while Gedling were missing left back Sam Saunders -- midfield dynamo Damien McGee slotting into his role. Regular starters Lee Soar and Ben Cobley had to settle for bench places after both missed last Saturday's demolition of Hall Road Rangers.

This was poor by these teams standards -- we have seen both teams quite regularly and know they can play better .... Gedling went ahead after 28 minutes, a speculative 35 yard volley from Brendan Sweeney bouncing on the 6 yard line, completely deceiving Dave McCarthy in the Rainworth goal, before flying into the top corner of the goal.

That was it really for the first half - except to say that it was a bit chilly !!!!! The real highlight of the half was having a chat to the Gedling physio -- she is lovely and would be quite welcome to treat my bad back ANYTIME! H-T 0-1

More of the same in the second half, although the home team looked a little more "up for it". Their considerable efforts were rewarded 7 minutes from the end, a corner from the right headed powerfully home by Barry Albury - why he was left unmarked at the far post only the Gedling players know...no doubt Jimmy and Lee will have a word or two to say.......

F-T 1-1

Although the crowd was sparce, we bumped into old friend ex-Eastwood Town Manager Bryan Chambers and his side-kicks Jack Fell and Dave Nicholls .. as well as Hucknall Town players Gary Sucharewycz and Ben Saunders.

Tuesday sees us enter into the world of the professional game -- we are off to see Nottingham Florists take on Oldham in a rearranged League 1 match. Not my cup of tea really -- it just happens that there is no local non-league football to go to and I have access to our company's season tickets -- trust me, I would never, ever pay to go to see the Florists....

Hucknall Town v Worcester City

Tuesday 23rd October 2007 Blue Square North

We decided to go to Watnall Road for our first visit of the season, even though the Town were bottom of the league and not playing too good ( according to the local press!!) and Champions league footy was on telly.

After paying our £9 to get in, we had a wander around the ground - a lot of improvements from the last time we were there -- grass verges near the dugouts have been concreted, and the area behind the Salterford Lane end has been terraced == all in all a very neat ground.

Had a 10 minute delay in play after the referee appeared to pull a calf muscle -- one lino took over the whistle and a "spare" linesman was found... ( we had a "spare" lino at our last game!!).

Danny Bacon opened the scoring for Hucknall early on, then Danny Mayman's speculative shot from 25 yards slipped through the Worcester keepers hands to make it 2-0 -- crisis ? what crisis?

Mayman fired home a 20 yard free kick halfway through the second period to make it 3-0, then big Ben Saunders headed a couple as the game drew to a close -- 5-0 !! again - what crisis .... nice to see defender Gary Sucharewycz back at his best for Town, but Ben Saunders and Danny Bacon looked the business up top.... we will have to pay another visit to Watnall Road very soon.......

Saturday -- Rainworth v Gedling Town ... can't wait !!

Gedling Town v Hall Road Rangers

A view of one side of the ground

A view of the goal at the River Trent end

A view of the other goal

A view of the turnstile and hospitality

Another great view

Sam Saunders ready for action

Saturday 20th October 2007 NCEL Division One

If you are wondering why we keep going back to Stoke Bardolph, all I can say is that you should get down there and join us sometime -- Gedling are playing some of the best football you will ever see at this level and the only worry is that only 50 or so people seem to know this!!

We watched visitors Hall Road Rangers destroy Rainworth on Tuesday, and thought we may be in for a close game. Gedling are unbeaten in the league while Hall Road have lost just the once.

Kick off was delayed once again, this time a linesman failed to appear and a "spare" had to be found !! Finally kicked off at 3:10pm and by 3:20pm it was 1-0 to Gedling.

A Tim Wilks shot from the left flying into the net off the far post. The lead lasted barely a minute. As Rangers broke into the area, Luke Humphries made a superb challenge, winning the ball cleanly, only for the Referee to award a penalty... a bit harsh on Humphries, but the Rangers centre forward Paul Palmer didn't care - he hammered the ball past Spriggs in the Town goal. Gedling were soon back in front, a great James Whitehead cross from the right on 16 headed powerfully home by Phil Massingham. The same player made it 3-1 in the 34th minute, converting a ball in from the left.

H-T 3-1

On 58 it was 4-1 ... just as we were sampling cheese sandwiches brought round by Gedling Chairman Roland Ash, Alan Jefferies hit a 25 yard screamer that was past Wilson in the visitors goal before he could react. It was 5-1 in the 72nd minute, Tim Wilks tapping home after fantastic approach play by Jefferies. 5 minutes from time Whitehead crossed from the right and Wilks was on hand to nod home to make it 6-1. The same combination made it 7-1 seconds later -- four for Tim Wilks .. superb......

This was great stuff -- Hall Road were at full strength, while Gedling were missing Lee Soar and Ben Cobley from their usual starting eleven. Worrying to see Sam Saunders limp off just before the end - this left back is something special and will not be easily replaced.

So -- people of Nottingham, try to get to Stoke Lane on Saturday 3rd November --- Gedling Town v Scarborough ..... they reckon they will bring 2-300 fans......

Tuesday 23rd October...... not sure whether to watch Champions League on TV or pay our first visit to Watnall Road to see our struggling home town club ( Hucknall Town ) take on Worcester City....

Saturday27th -- Rainworth v Gedling Town -- really looking forward to this !!

Rainworth MW v Hall Road Rangers

Tuesday 16th October 2007 NCEL Wilkinson Sword Trophy 1/4 final

Well - it's better than staying in watching telly... !!

Visited Kirklington Road again - Rainworth were hoping to avoid being dumped out of three cup competitions inside a week...the lost to Southwell City last Tuesday in the Notts FA Senior Cup and then to Chasetown on Saturday in the FA Cup.
A very unfamiliar Wrens team took to the pitch in pouring rain -- it rained all through the game - nice...After a fairly even 30 minutes, Rainworth's Richard Smith went in for a challenge with Hall Road's Adam Walker - the scream eminating from Walker lead you to believe he was seriously injured ..the ref thought so too -- he sent Smith off -- but after treatment from the rather nice Hall Road physio lady, Walker was up and runnning like a lamb in Springtime !! Anyway, seconds after Smith was dismissed, Rangers took the lead - poor defending on the left setting up a tap in for Paul Palmer to give the visitors the lead.

H-T 0-1

James Barnwell saw his 55th minute free-kick deflect past Hales to double Rangers' lead and right on full time, as we were heading up the ramp and out of the ground Rangers added a third.
So Rainworth out of three cups, but having played only 4 league matches maybe Rudi and his lads shouldn't be that bothered.

Other results from Tuesday -- Barton Town Old Boys 3-4 Gedling Town --- Bartons third defeat in 7 days, but the win sends Gedling to the top of NCEL Division One.

Arnold have been playing well apparently - but they lost 6-1 at home to Liversedge in NCEL Premier Division.

Eastwood have been flying, but suffered their second defeat in 4 days, going down 2-3 at home to Matlock...

Rolls lost 3-1 at home to Gedling Miners Welfare in the Notts FA Senior Cup. - no surprise - Gedling are second in CML Supreme, while Rolls languish at the foot of the table.

Next game will be Gedling Town v Hall Road Rangers in a league game on Saturday - it will be interesting to see if the Rangers line-up resembles the one that played Rainworth ...

Gedling Town v Bottesford Town

Saturday 13th October 2007 NCEL Division One fixture.

Went to Stoke Bardolph again -- no apologies, we like to watch decent football and Gedling Town seldom disappoint. Mid-October already, but this was only Town's fifth league game !!! We had some idea of how many would be in attendance -- the Ferryboat car park had loads of empty parking spaces !! It turned out that 50 or so bothered, but those 50 saw a game to remember, with two special goals from James Whitehead.

At this point, let me introduce the Gedling team.... ( in player/fan speak) .. Spriggsy ( Lewis Spriggs), Topper ( James Whitehead), Sam ( Sam Saunders), Millsy ( Matt Milns), Soary ( Lee Soar), Shaggy ( Tim Wilks), Will ( Will Heath), Damo ( Damien McGee), Mass ( Phil Massingham), Westy ( Karl Westcarr), Cobs ( Ben Cobley). Subs : Ash ( Ashley Dice) , Luke ( Luke Humphries) and young Lavel ( sorry, surname not known).

Gedling were 1-0 down after just 90 seconds - a corner nodded down and tapped home by Jackman. Not the best start, but loads of time to recover - but with Bottesford playing the better football and "out-stronging" the Gedling midfield, it looked like the home team would have to produce something special to win his game. The first "special" moment came right on half-time. Gedling levelled from a well rehearsed corner. Will fired the ball in low towards the edge of the box -- Shaggy stepped over it allowing Topper space to fire a bullet sidefoot shot that made the back of the net bulge...apparently that set-piece had never worked before, but this time ..wow!!!

H-T1-1

On the hour, Westy's overhead kick after a right old scramble gave Gedling the lead, then the second "special" goal put the game beyond Bottesford. Sub Luke Humphries' super cross from the right met at the far post with the sweetest flying volley - Topper strikes again, and this lad is a full back.....!!

Not been too much on referees backs this season, but I have to mention this one.....what a dip !!

I am not associated with any club, but out of decency I will not call him the names he deserves,,,, but ........ Mr. J. Douglas --- go and watch some football !!!!! -- you may then begin to understand what constitutes a good tackle or a bad one. Poor decision making, poor man mangement.

Poor everything really.....If I had to give him marks ( not physical marks!!), he would get 1/10 --- at least he was wearing black.....

Future games - and again no apology for going to Kirklington Road again -- as well as Stoke Bardolph again.....

Tuesday 16th October -- Rainworth v Hall Road Rangers ( Wilkinson Sword Trophy 1/4 final) -- worth noting that Rainworth have only played FOUR league matches.......

Saturday 20th October -- Gedling Town v Hall Road Rangers ( NCEL Div 1).

Tuesday 23rd October -- Hucknall Town v Worcester City (Blue Square North ).... short road trip.

Saturday 27th October -- the big one -- who to shout for? Rainworth v Gedling Town.......

Tuesday 30th -- at the moment a day off -- the only fixture Belper v Gresley ( UniBond Presidents Cup) - probably won't bother!!

Also looking forward to Long Eaton v Glapwell (NCEL Prem)on Tuesday 6th November........

Gedling Town v Barton Town Old Boys

Tuesday 9th October NCEL Wilkinson Sword Trophy 1/4 final

When we entered the ground at 7:40pm, we congratulated ourselves on our excellent timing --- only to be told that the ko had been put back to 8:15pm. The majority of the Barton Town players had been held up on the M1 - next Tuesday Gedling travel to Barton for a league match.....not a long trip from Nottingham to Hull, but nowadays any journey utilising motorways at peak times can result in delays -- ok, Cup matches need to be midweek, but surely there are enough local league games that can be played midweek ????

The delay gave us a chance to chat with the Barton centre-half. He was willing to kick off with just the eight players they had, and so what if they lost 4-0.. no big deal.......

Strange game eventually followed :

Barton went 1-0 up on 15 minutes, a 40 yard ( and I mean 40 YARD) free kick slamming into the top corner with everyone stood watching !!! 10 minutes later it was 2-0 --- some really neat football from the visitors ending with a firece drive that came back off the bar leaving the Barton sub no. 15 a simple header, a header which crept in the net with his manager shouting " HE's MISSED THE C**T !!!!"

H-T 0-2

Now the old saying " a game of two halves" really comes into it's own.......... Kev was berating Gedling striker Phil Massingham for his lack of team play and work rate, while I was saying " I don't remember ever seeing Mass score" when he hammered home a 25 yard free-kick to halve the deficit. He levelled the score soon after with a powerful header. What do we know eh?

Cries of "oh no.... not extra-effin time" went up ..... bear in mind that would have meant playing until well after 10:30pm. Well, thanks to good friend and former Eastwood favourite James Whitehead it was not to be. After coming on as sub, James found himself with his back to the Barton goal, six yards out when the ball came to him ... without a seconds thought he volleyed the ball overhead to make it 3-2 to Gedling in the 89th minute. PHEW !!!

Next game -- Saturday 13th October -- we will be at Gedling Town again to see a league match..... vs Bottesford

Dunkirk v Gedling Miners Welfare

Saturday 6th October 2007

F.A. Vase 1st round proper

Looked like being a close game on paper, with Gedling lying 3rd in the CML Supreme Div and Dunkirk 7th.

Close it was... close to being the most boring game of the season so far !! Blimey, it was hard work watching this....

F-T 0-0

THEN !!!!!!!

37 seconds into the first period of extra time, up popped Ben Moore at the far post to head home and give the home team the lead. 10 minutes later Chris Maddison pulled the away team level with a neat header.

Extra-time half time 1-1

Just when the teams were settling for a replay on Tuesday, Brett Peel was adjudged to have tripped the Dunkirk no. 12 some 20 yards from goal --- a poor decison from an otherwise excellent Referee --- Peel did nothing wrong - the no. 12 got his legs caught up with the big defender and went over in a heap. Neil Thompson's free kick flew past the despairing dive of James Mason in the Gedling goal to give Dunkirk the win and the £700 prize money.

Poor game, and the extra-time meant we left the ground just in time to catch the City Ground traffic !!! GREAT !!! I do so love sitting in traffic! NOT !!!!!!

Tuesday -- Gedling Town v Barton Town Old Boys -- NCEL Wilkinson Sword Trophy 1/4 final

Rainworth MW v Kidsgrove Athletic

Tuesday 2nd October 2007

F.A. Cup 2nd Qualifying round

NCEL Div One v UniBond Div One..... another cup upset on the cards? You bet!!

Arrived at Kirklington Road to find the kick off was delayed to 8pm, but the game was well worth the wait. A more or less full-strength Rainworth against a make-shift Kidsgrove side ... even so, there should have been a class gap - but neutrals would have had a hard time telling which team was higher in the pyramid. Rainworth started well, and although prolific Kidsgrove striker Michael Lennon caused one or two early scares, the home team took the lead just 6 minutes in. Malc Brown received the ball some 25 yards out, and with me shouting " hit it Brownie!!! " he did -- and the ball fizzed past a bamboozled keeper to bulge the back of the net. With Raj Wilson ripping the Kidsgrove defence apart it was surprising that the score was not added to before the break.
H-T 1-0

Kidsgrove pressed straight from the restart, but skipper Lee Wilkinson kept his defence steady and when Rainworth's Danny Naylor tapped in with 15 minutes to go, there was a huge sigh of relief around the ground -- but the ref kept the celebrations on hold, playing 6 minutes of added time. Rainworth 2-0 winners -- another upset in the record books and £3750 into Rainworth's bank book !!

This coming Saturday ?

Dunkirk v Gedling MW looks most likely ....FA Vase

Belper Town v Hucknall Town

Saturday 29th September 2007

F.A. Cup 2nd Qual Round

The choice was made, and the right one methinks, although the Glapwell 4-4 with Market Drayton looked a good game !

Always enjoy going to Christchurch Meadows, best snap ever and the setting is fantastic. Chips and peas for me, pie, chips, peas and gravy for Kev -- just the job !!...

With Hucknall struggling at the bottom of the Conference North, Belper had a great chance to cause a cup upset -- and they took it well.

Belper took the lead after just 14 minutes - a superb free-kick from the left volleyed home crisply at the far post by Anthony Wilson. It seemed that everything Hucknall did was laboured, and although the confidence must be low after their poor start to the season, they should be sweeping away UniBond Div One teams. The Watnall Road outfit managed to pull level just before the break, a corner from the left nodded on by Timmons and Akers was on hand to tap home from close range.

H-T 1-1 Roast pork, stuffing and apple sauce cob !! Heaven !!!!

From the re-start it looked like Hucknall had found a bit of a spark, but the spark never developed into a flame, and Belper came back strongly halfway through the half. On 69 minutes when Anthony Wilson was tripped in the box, Ross Hannah smashed the spot kick past Greg Smith in the Hucknall goal to give the Nailers the lead. Only a great save from Adam Ogden, the Belper keeper, in the 5th minute of stoppage time kept the home advantage, but truthfully Belper got the £3750 prize money, while Hucknall got what they deserved .. nowt !

Tuesday 2nd October -- Rainworth v Kidsgrove Athletic -- F.A. Cup 2nd Qual -- tough one for Rudy's lads......

Thursday 27th September

Supposed to go to Sutton -- err.. rain plus the fact that Real Madrid were live on TV at 9pm plus the fact the young keeper was not needed -- well, would you go to a Sutton Town U19 game in the rain or watch Real Madrid on TV?

Kev wants to go to Eastwood or Belper on Saturday....may be a coin toss.

Dunkirk v South Normanton Athletic

Tuesday 25th September 2007

F.A. Vase replay. Visit to the Ron Steel Ground to see Dunkirk from the CML Supreme Div take on NCEL Premier outfit South Normanton Athletic. Saw SNA last week at Long Eaton - this was not the team that gave LEU a hammering - they were awful.

4 minutes - Scott Pratt stroked the ball past Ross Whalin after latching onto a superb through ball from left back Danny Blanchard. 17 minutes - Neil Thompson's cracking 22 yard free-kick flew into the net. 41 minutes - Thompson fired home a scorching volley from 25 yards ...

H-T 3-0

Cup of tea in the clubhouse, and unusual for us, we missed the kick-off....still the second 45 minutes were fairly uneventful -- the most surprising thing was that the game finished 11 v 11 ..... lots of tough tackles and more than a few fouls saw 6 players booked, but it all calmed down as SN accepted the reality of losing the tie.

Thursday night sees Kev and me off up the M1 to see Danny Bryant at Sutton Town ( well, he wants a look at a young keeper we know - but it seemed a good excuse to catch up with the man...)

Saturday -- now we are spoiled for choice....

Glapwell v Market Drayton, Belper v Hucknall (FA Cup),

Arnold v Nostell, Borrowash v Rainworth ( NCEL),

Carlton v Retford ( NPL Div 1),

Heanor v Graham St Prims, Rolls v Greenwood Meadows, Sutton v Blidworth ( CML)

Ilkeston v Marine, Eastwood v Leek ( NPL Premier)....

My choice? If it was a bit easier to get out of the ground, Belper v Hucknall ....but may opt for Sutton v Blidworth -- then again Carlton seems a good choice,,,, HELP !!! where to go ??????