On The Road 2007-2008

New blog site is now online

2008-05-30T20:40:00.001+01:00

Season 2008-2009 -- On The Road again.......

http://ontheroad2008-2009.blogspot.com/

Saturday 17th May 2008

2008-05-17T18:15:00.015+01:00

THE MAN IN THE HAT HAS BEEN FOLLOWING US AROUND ALL SEASON....who is he? Answers on a Post card please!!!

Kimberley Town v Newark Flowserve CML Premier Division

Our last game of season 2007-2008 also turned out to be the final game of the CML season - in the other game scheduled for a 1pm kick off, Sutton's opponents Stanton were unable for field a team so Sutton were handed the three points by default!

It was mentioned in conversation on Weds that the Stanton lads had a wedding to go to, so no surprise they failed to get a team together.

One or two hoppers were not at all pleased, but at least when they diverted to the Stag ground, they got there to discover the kick off had been delayed until 12:30pm as Flowserve arrived a little late...

We arrived at 11:45am - and there were quite a few people already inside the ground. Not a lot of local football available at this stage of the season!

Noticable that the "big lad" keeper was not on the team sheet, but his replacement was soon picking the ball out of the net - Callum Martin heading home in the 6th minute. Kimberley kept up the pressure, but we had to wait until the half-hour mark for their second goal - Abdul Ahmed taking his time before firing home from 10 yards.

Four minutes later it was 3-0, Kieren Cooper surprising everyone by hitting a 20 yard left foot curler past the visiting keeper - apparently he rarely scores, and when he does they are usually right-foot tap ins!!

H-T 3-0

Kimberley seemed to lose the plot in the second half, and invited Flowserve forward - and there were a few nerves when Joe Sharpe reduced the Newark deficit. However, any nerves were settled when a free-kick was prodded home by Emanuel Brianto to restore the home teams three goal advantage. F-T 4-1

Players, officals and spectators all observed a 2 minutes silence in memory of CML Referee Secretary Andrew Bandelow who sadly passed away on Friday.

Admission £2

Programme £1 ( thanks Danny!)

Attendance -- first half head count 60 -- second half head count 80 ( a few late arrivals from the Sutton game? )....

Convinced Kev to do a walk aorund the perimeter of the pitch while we were wating for the kick-off.....this turned out to be one of my less-inspired ideas -- we both ended up with very sodden feet -- the grass was a little bit wet behind the top goal!!

Thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the Stag again...this will be on the list for a visit or two next season.

Images from the Stag Ground

THE END

Wednesday 14th May 2008

2008-05-14T22:13:00.016+01:00

Stanton Ilkeston v Kimberley Town CML Premier Division

Arrrggghhh....fourth game in 5 days .......................and it was bloody cold again!!

Apparently Stanton have been a bit of an easy touch lately, but a makeshift Kimberley side found them much too hot to handle. This had been billed as the last game ever on this ground, but it would be a waste, because with a few bob spent on it this could be a decent set-up.

Only about 20 people in attendance - UEFA cup final / Hull v Watford looked more attractive to me as well, but Kev's former colleague is still in Town and he needed to get out of his hotel room... any excuse!!!!!

Stanton were not expected to win this encounter, but Kimberley were poor - I know it was a team scratched together, but even they will admit they were below par..

Stanton took the lead on 17, a defence splitting pass finding no. 11 who calmly slotted home. In the 21st minute the home team doubled their advantage - a header from no. 9 after the keeper had pushed a shot onto the bar. H-T 2-0

It was 3-0 on 67, the no. 10 jacket strolling through a static Kimberley defence before rounding the keeper and firing home. 2 minutes later no. 6 made it 4-0 and it was 5-0 when no. 11 crashed the ball home in the 85th minute. With the final kick of the game no.10 added his second, Stanton's 6th... F-T 6-0

Sorry about being so vague ref the scorers... I have no idea who was who on the pitch !!

This was far from being a classic, with both teams seemingly happy just to get the fixture out of the way... still, another night out, another 6 goals...that is 23 goals in the last 4 games - can't be bad!!

£2 to get in, £1 for a programme - this was stapled all over the place -- with sheets added after final assembly I think....

FINAL GAME OF THE SEASON -- Saturday we get to see Kimberley again - this time at home to Newark Flowserve. We saw Flowserve get hammered 7-0 at Sutton last week - we have just seen Kimberley lose 6-0 -- what's the odds on a goal-less draw on Saturday!!!!

Tuesday 13th May 2008

2008-05-13T22:56:00.015+01:00

Blidworth Welfare v Calverton MW CML Premier Division

Paid our first visit to Blidworth to see them take on Calverton - Calverton needing the win to ensure runners spot would be theirs. Not been to Blidworth for many years, we used to play YEFL rep squad games there - back in the dim and distant past....pleasant enough set-up... very nice view, but needs the odd lick of paint. Last time we saw Calvo, they destroyed Thorne Colliery 9-0 - we didn't think this game was going that easy, but when they missed a sitter in the first minute, we did begin to wonder.

As it happened, it took just 5 minutes for Ben Middleton to open the scoring - a tap in after the ball was played across goal from the right. Blidworth settled down and made a game of it - both teams were displaying some good touches, and it was not until four minutes from the break that Calverton increased their lead -- this time Warren Hatfield firing past Frost in the home net. Blidworth pulled one back in the minute of added time, Vincent's shot from the edge of the box beating the despairing dive of the Calverton stopper. H-T 1-2

Normally a goal near the break gives a team a boost - it did this time, but it was the visitors who upped their game, netting twice in the first four minutes of the second period. After a great save from Frost, Baz Paine was left with a loose ball tap in to make it 1-3, then Middleton netted his second, yet another close range tap in. It stayed at 1-4 until the 85th minute when Hatfield rounded Frost to score the visitors fifth. F-T 1-5

£2 to get in - no programmes left when we got to the ground -- flippin hoppers took em all !!

Kev's mate Rob was in town on business from Scotland - staunch Dunfermline fan... He was a little surprised with the quality of football the teams turned out - well impressed. Looks like he may be hooked - he is planning on taking in the Stanton Ilkeston game with Kimberley....

Weds -- Stanton Ilson v Kimberley Tn

Monday 12th May 2008

2008-05-12T22:20:00.014+01:00

Wollaton Res v Basford Utd Res -- NSL Junior Cup final

Bit of a treat is Monday night football....but I'll tell you what, by the end of extra-time and penalties it was bloody freezing...I have never left a ground so quickly to get home!!!!

Anyway this was a chance to see Notts Senior League teams in action for the first time this season, and I have to say the 90 minutes regulation were okay.... nothing brilliant, but seen worse....last Wednesday comes to mind...

Having never seen either team, your first thought is who is who - then you see the crest on the blue shirt is Wollaton Hall -- kind of gave it away really!!

Basford took the lead on 18, their no. 9 drew the defenders to him then whipped the ball across the goal where his strike partner J. Manders was waiting to stroke home. It was level after 36, a corner fired in - a glancing header from Wolly skipper Dean Hind, with the 6' 6" keeper shouting that the ball was his!! Oh no, it wasn't....H-T 1-1

Wollaton took the lead on 65, Peach winning a race against his marker and slotting past Palethorpe in the Basford goal. 90 seconds later it was all level.

This you had to see to believe -- a shot from the Wollaton no.10 ended up spinning back towards his own half -- the Basford right winger raced onto the ball and crossed into the box where Manders was waiting to loop a header over Wollaton keeper Elliott....!! F-T 2-2

Extra-time and freezing.. 2-2

Penalties -- WOLLATON won 3-2 on penalties - apparently

Tuesday - CMLP Blidworth v Calverton....

Extra game -- Kimberley Tn v Newark Flowserve

2008-05-11T19:35:00.003+01:00

Saturday 17th May...

This was going to be missed because it clashed with the F.A. Cup final -- now, thanks to Newark Flowserve agreeing to a 12 noon kick off, we can watch this and get home in plenty of time to catch the Cup Final !!

Will be match number 78 of the season....

Saturday 10th May 2008

2008-05-10T17:35:00.018+01:00

Sutton Town AFC v Newark Flowserve -- CML Premier Division

The "bearded wonder" and Sutton Manager Danny Bryant

( which one is concentrating on the game? )

Big lad !!

Very big!!

As a contest, this was over after 15 minutes... that's how long it took Sutton to hit three goals past one of the widest goalkeepers we have ever seen!! Apparently the Newark regular keeper has been out injured for a while - and Sutton took full advantage of the fact that the replacement struggled to deal with anything they hit at him.

We had to wait until the 11th minute for Town to open the scoring, James Senior crashing a right foot shot past the hapless keeper.
4 minutes later, the same player had a try from 22 yards with his left foot - same result.

On 16, Lane netted after the keeper ( surprise, surprise ) failed to hold on to a long range effort.
It was 4-0 after 36, a header looping slowly over the keeper -- he tried to get to it, bless him, but jumping was never going to be an option for him!! A 30 yard free-kick ended the first half scoring. H-T 5-0

More evenly contested start to the second period, but the heat was telling on everyone -- blimey, it was hot!!

It took 20 minutes for the Snipes to add to their total Luke Shiels belting one past the "big lad" from the edge of the box. The same player added the 7th with 5 minutes to go - a lovely move ended with a superb right wing cross and a classy diving header. F-T 7-0

Great day out in the sunshine... Danny Bryant has high hopes for his young team - they will finish fourth in the League at worst - should be enough to earn them promotion to the Supreme Division.

Tuesday night -- we were supposed to go to watch Blidworth v Calverton, but Sutton made such an impression on us both, that we may end up at the Fieldings again to see them take on League Champions Ollerton Town.. we'll see.....

Just a few more games to go.....

2008-05-09T20:28:00.007+01:00

A few matches to go to....

Saturday 10th May
CMLP -- Sutton Town AFC v Newark Flowserve

Monday 12th May
NSL -- Junior Cup final -- Wollaton Res v Basford Utd Res ( at Hucknall Town)

Tuesday 13th May
CMLP -- Blidworth Welfare v Calverton MW

End of our travels, but not the end of the football !!!

Wednesday 14th May
UEFA Cup Final -- Rangers v Zenit St. Petersburg at Manchester City

Saturday 17th May
F.A Cup Final ---Portsmouth v Cardiff City

Wednesday 21st May
Manchester Utd v Chelsea

Saturday 24th May
Championship play-off

Sunday 25th May
League 1 play-off

Monday 26th May
League 2 play-off

Wednesday 7th May 2008

2008-05-07T21:52:00.013+01:00

Ollerton Town v Eastwood Town -- Notts F.A. Senior Cup final

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...... oops... fell asleep again -- thought I was still at Meadow Lane!!!

Notts F.A.'s showpiece final turned out to be probably the worst game of the 74 we have seen this season...

Two goals from Eastwood's Matt Rhead (18th and 24th minutes) effectively killed this game dead.

The first goal came after Shaw won the ball, Hanson crossed for Rhead to tap in from 2 yards..scuffed it a bit, but they all count. The other goal was a shot from just outside the box, that MOM, Ollerton keeper Morris let slip under his body. Ollerton had nothing to offer and Eastwood had nothing else to do but play out the remaining time before collecting their trophy.

Chips were cold - programme was just a £0.50p colour team sheet. The bloke on the PA struggled all evening with a dodgy mike -- coming across like Norman Collier every time he made an announcement . Mind you, he was a bit daft - he said on TWO occasions that it had been a great game!! Just what have they been watching at Meadow Lane this season?????

This is the first time I have heard Kev say he had had enough and wanted to go home before the end of the game --- he was unlucky though -- I was driving tonight and I won't pay £5 and not watch the whole 90 minutes!!

Fantastic navigation job by Kev on the way home - I am hopeless driving in Nottingham but Kev knows the city centre roads well -- a lot of driving to and from the City Ground in his past.....

Sorry about the lack of detail about the match....but it really it was rubbish. But, well done to the Badgers anyway -- UniBond League Cup winners, Notts FA senior Cup winners and 4th place in the league -- great season.....

Had a chat to former F.A. Secretary Mick Kilbee, not seen him for a couple of years.

Saturday -- CML Premier

Sutton Town AFC v Newark Flowserve ( match 75)

Tuesday 6th May 2008

2008-05-06T21:38:00.013+01:00

Forest Town v Gedling MW CML Supreme Division

6:30pm kick off made this a bit of a rush after finishing work, but traffic was fairly light and arrived at the ground in plenty of time. Kev was back from his weekend jolly's and met me at the ground. Forest Town have apparently got hold of Scarborough's old floodlights, but I can only assume they are still in Scarborough - hence the early ko.

Forest Town needed a point from this, their final game of the season to ensure finishing in second spot behind Askern. For a while, Geldling looked to have spoiled the party, Stefan Dalmedo's superb 23rd minute free-kick giving the visitors a deserved lead. H-T 0-1

Town Manager Gary Castledine came on at half time, and his players seemed a little more motivated. It still took until the 81st minute for the home team to level - visiting keeper Mason watched the ball fly over him and as it was played back across his goal the ball was fired home from close range. Nasty incident towards the end of added time -- Dalmedo appearing to strike a Forest Town player earning a straight red from referee Mr. Ward - and probably a three match ban to start off with next season. F-T 1-1

Had a nice chat with Rob Hornby again - he explained how the League hopes the new re-structuring will work next term...

Admission £3.00 , excellent programme £1 -- me, being me, had a £20 note - and was rewarded with 16 x £1 coins for change......damn it - I'll never learn !!

On the whole a very pleasant evening - nice surroundings, a couple of decent views ( until it got too cold and coats were put on!! ) .......

Sunday 4th May 2008

2008-05-04T18:55:00.012+01:00

CML Cup Final -- Bildworth Welfare (Premier Division) v Dunkirk (Supreme Division)

Rare treat - going out to football on a Sunday!

The last time I went to the grandly named " Impact Arena", was a few years ago when they played Eastwood... the pitch was not too clever then either if memory serves....

A lot a lot of bare patches and a very uneven surface .... but apparently using this venue is custom and practice for this Cup final.

Always difficult to park on North Street -- but managed a spot down the bottom of the hill. On entering the ground I was greeted by Mr. Rob Hornby - an avid reader of this blog, and CML Official ... thanks for the kind words, Rob -- much appreciated.

The teams emerged from the tunnel and lined up for the introductions...

Then we were treated to the National Anthem !! A very nice choral version...great stuff!

The first half was not too good, but nerves and the occasion could account for that.. chances few and far between. H-T 0-0

The second half started off much better, and it was difficult to see which team was from the higher division -- and Dunkirk keeper Darren Wheater-Lowe made one superb tip-over save that kept the Supreme Division team in the game. However, the teams failed to score in the regulation 90 minutes, so the game went into extra-time.

Just three minutes into the first period of extra-time, Blidworth conceded a corner. They seemed to lose concentration as the kick was taken, and as the ball was fired into the 6-yard box, they failed to clear their lines, leaving Scott Pratt unmarked to lash home. That proved to be the only goal of the game, and Dunkirk collected the trophy - Blidworth had probably the better chances, and were arguably the better team, but we all know that football can be a cruel mistress ...

Link to more images from the game

Looking forward to seeing Blidworth again next week .. they are at home to Calverton on the 13th May....

Before that we have the Forest Town v Gedling MW game this Tuesday (save me a programme please Peter)...and a trip to either Sutton or Kimberley on the 10th.

Apparently the Sutton v Stanton game is to be played on FA cup final day with a 1pm kick off... probably have to give that a miss...

Saturday 3rd May 2008

2008-05-03T17:45:00.010+01:00

Gedling MW v Heanor Town -- CML Supreme Division

Our first visit to Plains Road was to take in their 1st game of the season, a game that saw them beat Graham St Prims 4-1. With the season effectively over, and Gedling already accepted into the new EMCL for next season, their results and displays have been a little "ordinary" recently.
However, I always enjoy visiting Plains Road, so thought I'd be there for their last home game which was also their last CML game.

Heanor we saw 1st game of the season at Forest Town - they were Managed by Danny Bryant and looked a decent outfit.
Most of that squad has now gone, but ex-Eastwood players Liam Garner and Lee Stevenson were included in the starting 11, and on the bench was Jody Cauldwell, a player my son used to share striking duties with at Under 10 level!

With Kev away at the coast for the weekend, I was on my own and arrived to find the ground bathed in glorious sunshine -- that's more like it !! Much better than being frozen.......

Heanor went 1-0 up after 16 minutes, striker Marvin Hudson cooly firing past keeper James Mason from the corner of the box. The visitors were only ahead for 5 minutes though, James Needham firing home after good work by strike partner Chris Henson. H-T 1-1

Had a nice chat with Eastwood Town's Lindon Meikle at the break - he had trained earlier in the day and was at this game to check our former colleagues Garner and Stevenson. Lindon was really delighted at how the season had worked out for the Badgers, and is now looking for Eastwood to top the season off with a win at Meadow Lane on Wednesday in the Notts F.A. Senior Cup final.

Back to the game -- the home team took the lead on the hour mark, Henson's shot from the corner of the box flying across Belshaw and into the back of the net. Heanor were worth a point, and they got their just rewards four minutes from the end - a free-kick headed powerfully home by Aled Biggs. F-T 2-2

Enjoyable game - not always been the case at Plains Road this season.....

£3 to get in -- the £1 programme was superb as usual - the editor's last edition - his input will be sorely missed...

Sunday -- CML Cup final

Blidworth v Dunkirk at Alfreton Town ko 3pm

Disaster Tuesday

2008-04-30T18:01:00.003+01:00

Tuesday 29th April 2008 - what a bad, bad day for yours truly !

Always delighted when my son comes to visit, and with Kev nipping round from next door we sat and thoroughly enjoyed the Man U v Barca game -- but with me being a big Barca fan I despaired when ginger fired past Valdes.....what the hell was Zambrotta doing??? Barca lost 1-0 to start my misery.

Then we turn to Sky Sports to see if Stockport had beaten Chester and given my beloved Stags a lifeline -- finished 0-0 and the Stags are now Non-League !!

Then we looked at the Eastwood Town forum to find they had been stuffed 4-0 in their UniBond play-off game at Gateshead.

NOT a nice hat-trick --

Any consolations?

Eastwood get to play Hucknall (my home town club, relegated from BSN) next season!
Mansfield's Filed Mill can become another non-league ground we get to visit!
Barca will get rid of Rijkaard and win everything next season!

Kimberley v Newark Flowserve is off

2008-04-28T18:19:00.001+01:00

According to CML forum

http://cmlunofficial.proboards104.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=004&thread=227&page=1

Maybe Stanton Ilson v Calverton ( if Stanton can get a team together)

May be Chelsea / Liverpool

CML Cup final

2008-04-27T11:32:00.006+01:00

TO BE PLAYED ON MAY 4TH AT ALFRETON TOWN FC ..

Dunkirk ( Supreme Division) take on Blidworth Welfare ( Premier Division) kick off 3pm.

With it being a bank holiday weekend, this looks attractive......

Saturday 26th April 2008 Pt II

2008-04-26T18:02:00.009+01:00

Nice floor !!

Rainworth MW v Hall Road Rangers NCEL Div One

Final chance of the season to visit Kirklington Road ...for the first time for ages NO BIG COAT was required...!!!

Rainworth was a surprise to us when we made our first visit earlier in the season and since that visit the place has changed no end -- all for the better I hasten to add! They have even built a nice shelter for the bloke who fetches the ball behind the far goal... nice touch!

All new netting above the perimeter fencing, and around the reserve pitch - a new working turnstile -- very pleasant place to visit. Rainworth have finished fourth in the table -- very creditable after promotion from the CML last season.
They failed to win their final home game of the season - going down 1-2 to the Division runners up Hall Road Rangers. Football still has the power to amaze me after all my years watching the game - Rainworth had chance after chance to score, but close range shots were cleared off the line, pushed away by a decent keeper or just fluffed...

After Wrens skipper Lee Wilkinson had a penalty well saved by Adam Nicklin, we were saying how typical it would be to end the NCEL season with a 0-0 draw. But as the game entered the last 10 minutes, Wrens keeper Mark Hales decided to dive and tip the ball out for a corner when it was missing his near post by yards. Of course Rangers netted from the corner!! A neat near post header to break the deadlock. It was 1-1 a minute later, Andy Jones powering a far post header from a Wrens corner. A minute later it was 1-2 -- a Rangers striker beating the offside trap to run at Hales and slot past him. F-T 1-2

Rangers received their runners up trophy at the end of the game.

With Dagenham coming back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Darlington and Mansfield losing to Rotherham, it may well be that we will have to add Blue Square Premier to our list of Leagues next season.....

Eastwood won 3-1 at Leek, relegating the Staffordshire club, but setting up an away trip to Gateshead for the Badgers in the play off semis. We saw Eastwood play Gateshead earlier in the season, and this game will be very tricky indeed.

Results

Leek 1-3 Eastwood Tn

Carlton Tn 4-1 Belper Tn

Shepshed 1-3 Retford Utd

Gedling Tn 1-1 AFC Emley

Long Eaton Utd 0-3 Nostell MW

Greenwood Meadows 3-3 Nettleham

Forest Tn 0-1 Dunkirk

Gedling MW 1-2 Hatfield Main

Hartlepool Utd 0-1 Florists

Notts County 1-0 Wycombe

Mansfield Tn 0-1 Rotherham

Saturday 26th April 2008 Pt I

2008-04-25T13:52:00.014+01:00

Last regular games of the season for UniBond Clubs..
I would like to wish Eastwood Town good luck - they take on Leek at Harrison Park knowing that a win will secure them a play-off semi-final place.

The semi-finals and finals are all live on the excellent NPLTV.. I watched Eastwood beat Skelmersdale in the UniBond Cup final on Monday 21st April on NPLTV, and then watched Fleetwood win away at Leek on Tuesday. Sitting with laptop on the coffee table, and Liverpool v Chelsea on the telly made up for not going to a live game.

It is also the final full Saturday for the NCEL, although there are a few odds and ends games to be played next week.

The CML goes on forever... final week is 3rd May, but still some games to be played on the 10th and one on the 13th !!

Saturday's choices are:

Leek v Eastwood ( too far)

Carlton v Belper

Shepshed v Retford

Forest Tn v Dunkirk

Gedling MW v Hatfield Main

Sutton v Stanton

Rainworth v Hall Road Rangers

Greenwood Meadows v Nettleham

Timetable for the end of season :-

Saturday 26th April - Rainworth v Hall Road Rangers

Tuesday 29th - stay in to watch Man U v Barca pt II

Weds 30th - Kimberley Tn v Newark Flowserve

Sat 3rd May - Gedling MW v Heanor Town

Sunday 4th - Dunkirk v Blidworth CML cup final - (if venue is near)

Monday 5th - Sutton v Ollerton

Tuesday 6th - Forest Tn v Gedling MW

Weds 7th - Eastwood Tn v Ollerton Tn ( Notts FA senior Cup final)

Saturday 10th - Sutton Tn v Newark Flowserve

Tuesday 13th - Blidworth v Calverton

Saturday 19th April 2008

2008-04-19T19:09:00.003+01:00

Eastwood Town v Lincoln Utd UniBond Premier Division

Final visit of the season to Coronation Park - Eastwood looking to secure a play-off place - Lincoln already relegated. We thought this would be a decent game, one team really needing the points and the other team under no pressure after their relegation fate has been sealed. BUT -- as usual this season, the Badgers failed to deliver, well for the first hour anyway....as it happened, it turned out to be a GOOD SATURDAY, with smiles all the way home!

The local results came though - Mansfield beat Shrewsbury 3-1, Florists beat Luton 1-0, Carlisle lost at home to Southend, Doncaster drew at Orient, Dag Red lost at Rotherham, Notts lost at Wrexham -- leaving the Stags just one point behind the Daggers, and two behind Chester and Notts... the final game of the season for Mansfield? Away at the Daggers!! Florist moved three points away from auto promotion after their win - two to play......

Back to Coro Park... decided to stand behind the goal despite bad legs and a bad back...great view of Smith and Howells first half misses - but also a great view of the ball arrowing out of the sky as the Badgers played John Ramshaw's "direct" football. Despite a couple of decent chances for the home team, the half ended goal-less. H-T 0-0

As we changed ends, I confidently predicted that Eastwood would win 3-0 -- honest !!

Marc Smith was taken off on 50, his replacement Matt Rhead a favourite of Kev's (not) -- he is big and clumsy but he does know where the goal is. His introduction allowed Anthony Howells to move to the left wing and after making the opposition right back look rubbish on a couple of occasions, you could see him grow in confidence. The Badgers opened the scoring on 67 minutes, a Shaw's cracking free-kick from 18 yards flying past the visitors' keeper.
Five minutes later Rhead volleyed home Brookes' superb cross from 8 yards to double the lead. Howells bagged the third Eastwood goal. Shaw fired the ball to the back post where Howells was waiting - the striker brought the ball down and fired a controlled shot past the keeper. F-T (as predicted) 3-0.

The result move the Badgers into 4th place and a win at Leek next Saturday will secure a play-off place, it is in their own hands....

Eastwood travel to Curzon Ashton on Monday to take on Skelmersdale Utd in ther Unibond League Cup final ...good luck Badgers!!

Coming up are the CML cup semi-finals... Tuesday -- Blidworth W v Holbrook MW at Heanor Town, with Chelsea v Liverpool on TV.

Wednesday -- Dunkirk v Gedling MW at Greenwood Meadows, but maybe BARCELONA v MAN UTD on TV may take preference!!

Tuesday 15th April 2008

2008-04-15T21:59:00.009+01:00

Calverton MW v Thorne Colliery -- CML Premier Division

First ever visit to the Hollingwood Lane home of Calverton MW FC. When we arrived just after 7:30pm, we thought the game must have been called off -- there was absolutely no-one about! We were pleased when a Calverton official came out of the clubhouse to open the spectators entry gate. £2.00 each and £1.00 for a programme - we actually got a programme each, courtesy of the gate man...

Newish set-up with no cover ... not too bad in the 1st half as it was dry -- but all through the second half it absolutely poured down - we got drenched, despite searching for the limited cover under the trees at the back of the far goal....

Thorne are from Scunthorpe and we had seen them previously at Sutton Tn where they were well beaten 5-1 -- they were 6-0 down at half-time in this game!

Although the visitors started well enough, even striking the post early doors, an own goal opened the scoring for Calverton in the 12th minute, and 4 minutes later it was 2-0, a neat shot from the edge of the box.

On 22, it was 3-0, a header from close range from the no. 10 jacket - then it was 4-0 on 28, another header from the no.10. A 20 yard free-kick conversion in the 33rd minute made it 5-0, and with 5 minutes of the half remaining the home no. 6 fired home a screamer from 25 yards. H-T 6-0

Into the clubhouse for a half-time Lucozade - then out to pouring rain. First time all season we have got soaked, but I guess we have just been lucky!

Credit to the visitors, they came out with their heads up and took the game to the league leaders, although the home defence was rarely troubled. It took until the 65th minute for the 7th goal, a deflected shot flying past the keeper, then another deflected effort made it 8-0 ten minutes later. With 5 to go, the home team added their 9th and final goal, leaving us soaked but well happy with the choice of game....F-T 9-0

Saturday sees us make our final visit of the season to Coronation Park Eastwood v Lincoln Utd.

Saturday 12th April 2008

2008-04-12T17:06:00.007+01:00

Hucknall Town v Nuneaton Borough -- Blue Square North

Thought we would pay a final visit of the season to Watnall Road to see our hometown club fight for the three points in their desperate struggle for survival .... well strangely, for 75 minutes there was no fight at all..

Borough had former Mansfield Town player Tom Curtis in their ranks ( I never did like him - too much of a Spirite if you ask me !), but he was a different class to anything on the pitch...

It took 37 minutes for the away team to open the scoring, a mix up between the Town centre-halves allowing Danny Williams a simple tap in from close range. H-T 0-1

The home team levelled on 58, left back Danny MacPherson bundling the ball over the line after the keeper was blatantly fouled - he was so convinced he was fouled, his lengthy protests earned him a place in the Ref's book. 99 out of 100 would be called a foul, on this occasion Hucknall got away with it.

Town were only level for 9 minutes though - they allowed Williams to run all the way across the box before his peach of a ball picked out Curtis who hammered the ball home. Ben Saunders earned Hucknall a point on 38, a ball into the box hitting him on the knee before dropping over the keepers head into the net. F-T 2-2

If Hucknall are relegated, it will be because they are not good enough to be at this level - no other reason ....

We were treated to an elderly gentleman's inane whistling all the way through the first half - aaarrghh, it almost drove me crackers -- no tune - he just kept on whistling !!!!

We were also treated to a fancy dress parade by the away fans ... It's not every game you go to that you get to see : a nurse, a doctor, Chewbacca, a Panda, D'Artagnon, Pirates and a priest!!! Great stuff..

Tuesday should see us visiting Calverton MW for the first time this season.

Revised trips -- 11th April 2008

2008-04-11T18:48:00.004+01:00

Subject to alteration at a minutes notice!!

66 down and another dozen available --- how many of these will we be able to get to? Who knows?

Saturday 12th April
Hucknall Tn v Nuneaton Borough ( Blue Square North -- Town's final home game of the season).

Tuesday 15th April
Calverton MW v Thorne ( CML Premier).

Saturday 19th April
Eastwood Town v Lincoln United ( UniBond Premier Div -- Town's final home game of the season).

Wednesday 23rd April
Dunkirk v Gedling MW ( League Cup 1/2 final at Greenwood Meadows).

Saturday 26th April
Rainworth MW v Hall Rd Rangers ( NCEL Div One -- Rainworth's final home game of the season).

Tuesday 29th April
Clipstone Welfare v Radcliffe Olympic ( CML Supreme Divison ).

Saturday May 3rd
Gedling MW v Heanor town ( CML Supreme Division).

Sunday May 4th
CML Cup final -- Blidworth / Holbrook v Dunkirk / Gedling MW (depends on venue).

Monday 5th May
Sutton Town AFC v Ollerton Town ( CML Premier Division).

Tuesday 6th May
Forest Town v Gedling MW ( CML Supreme Division).

Wednesday 7th May
Eastwood Town v Ollerton Town ( Notts Senior Cup Final - at Meadow Lane).

Saturday 10th May
Kimberley Town v Thorne or Sutton Town v Newark Flowserve ( CML Premier Division)

Wednesday 9th April 2008

2008-04-09T23:04:00.009+01:00

Carlton Tn v Eastwood Tn -- Notts F.A. Senior Cup 1/2 final

Carlton fans and players must be wondering why they are not in the Notts F.A. Senior Cup final - they dominated the game from start to finish, despite being down to 10 men for the second half. Striker Phill Bignall was dismissed for an incident as the players went in for their cups of tea.

As it was, Eastwood go through to the final. After 120 minutes the game finished 1-1 and it took penalties to decide the outcome.... unlucky Steve Chaplin the only player to fail with his kick, leaving Eastwood 5-4 winners.

We've been to Carlton a few times this season - since our last visit, they have laid tar-mac in the area between the club-house and snap-shed... much better than the muddy feet we were used to...

The game? Eastwood were battered in the first half - Carlton were really up for it. Bignall looked dangerous, and Marquin Smith was excellent ....

Jay Smedley saved Eastwood twice with clearances off the line, and although the home team should have been 4-0 up at the break, they went in 1-0 down -- a defensive slip-up allowing Rhead the time to slot home for the Badgers. H-T 0-1

I managed to trap my beard in my coat zip... much to the amusement of one or two "friends" -- that hurt did that!!

Bignall failed to emerge after the half time break - dismissed for an incident in the tunnel apparently.......

Second half was still all Carlton - Eastwood managed a few attempts at goal, but their kick and rush tactics were plan A, and they didn't seem to have a plan B.

10 man Carlton levelled after Eastwood failed to clear a free-kick - Jay Smedley unfortunately bundling the ball into his own net. F-T 1-1

Bear in mind that the night was one of the coldest for ages -- and we had to endure the agony of 30 more minutes extra time!!

The 30 minutes extra time produced nothing noteworthy....so penalties had to settle it.....and would you believe it - we were stood at one end of the ground, and the penalties were taken at the other end!

Anyway -- Eastwood netted all their 5 spot-kicks - Chaplin fired his off the bar and over - Eastwood win 5-4...

One point worth noting - although Eastwood were outplayed and lucky to progress to the final, they have been drawn away in all the preceding rounds -- at Retford Utd -- top of Unibond Div One South, at Hucknall (Blue Square North) and at Carlton ( second highest scorers UniBond Div One South). So well done Badgers!.

Wednesday May 7th at 7:30pm Notts Senior Cup final --- Eastwood Tn v Ollerton Tn

Saturday - Hucknall Tn v Nuneaton maybe ... I fancy going to Ollerton v Calverton but that is quite a hike -- not really too bothered as long as we take in a game !!

Tuesday 8th April 2008

2008-04-08T22:12:00.007+01:00

Gedling MW v Ollerton Tn -- Notts F.A. Senior Cup 1/2 final

A place in the final at Meadow Lane should be enough to motivate players, but it was Ollerton who wanted it most, beating Welfare 3-2, although the scoreline is somewhat flattering to Gedling, their goals both coming in added time at the end of the game. Ollerton are top of their division, CML Premier, while Gedling are in the league above, CML Supreme.

An expected attendance of 350 in the local press was a bit optimistic, Florists at home, Champs League on telly - but still a decent turnout.

The visitors took the lead on 25, a toe-poke from the 18 yard line flying past Mason in the Welfare goal. H-T 0-1

Highlight of the game was the second Ollerton goal --- after a Gedling attack broke down, the Town no. 11 picked the loose ball up well inside his own half and just ran and ran before slotting past Mason ... superb goal, well worth the £4 entrance fee.

With 3 to go, Town added a third and the game seemed all over. But Gedling managed to score twice right at the death to give the scoreline some respectability. F-T 2-3

Ollerton's back four were seldom troubled over the whole 90 minutes, just a case of relaxing too much as the game drew to a close.

Very cold night again, we spent all the half time break with our backsides planted firmly on a radiator in the clubhouse!!

Carlton v Eastwood coming up... can't wait.....

Saturday 5th April 2008 results

2008-04-08T07:12:00.002+01:00

Results

Blidworth W 4-0 Louth
Calverton MW 4-0 Thoresby
Gedling MW 4-0 Clipstone W

Long Eaton 0-2 Lincoln Moorlands
Teversal 0-2 Hall Road Rangers
Shirebrook 1-1 Eccleshill

Saturday 5th April 2008

2008-04-05T18:39:00.012+01:00

Shepshed Dynamo v Carlton Town -- UniBond Division 1 South

One of our favourite grounds -- the Dovecote on Butthole Lane ....final visit of the season to see "Gedling Town old-boys" take on Carlton Town.. the Shepshed team had no fewer than 5 ex-Gedling Town players ( Whitehead, Millns, Saunders, Wilkes, Cobley) in the starting 11, with 2 more ( Jefferies, Massingham) on the bench...add the Manager and Assistant Manager -- you see what I mean about " Gedling Town old-boys".

Anyway, a lot of local rivalry between the two sets of players meant this would be full of incident - and it was.

After Carlton's Gent had received a yellow for a poor challenge on Whitehead, Carlton's no. 3 was given a straight red after about 25 minutes for a clattering challenge on Saunders ...

Clarke put the home team ahead on 33, a well timed run saw him latch onto the ball some 18 yards out, and fire over the Carlton keeper. H-T 1-0

Gent received a second yellow early into the second half, leaving Carlton to battle on with 9 men. They did trouble the Shepshed defence on the odd occasion, but Millns was superb at the back, hardly missing a thing. Dynamo substitute Jefferies' run and cross from the right was tapped in by Menga to double the Dynamo lead and ease the tension -- after failing to impress when coming from the bench, Massingham didn't endear himself to the Dovecote faithfull by firing a spot-kick so far over the bar, that Jonny Wilkinson would have been proud of it !! F-T 2-0

Snow, rain, sleet, hail and glorious sunshine -- God, I love this Country!!

Tuesday -- Gedling MW v Ollerton Tn -- Notts Senior Cup 1/2 final

Wednesday -- Carlton Tn v Eastwood Tn -- Notts Senior Cup 1/2 final

Saturday was supposed to be a trip to Borrowash, but it's Hucknall Town's final home game of the season, so we may just dig deep to find the £9 entrance fee.....

Tuesday 1st April 2008

2008-04-01T20:36:00.004+01:00

Kev had family business to take care of, and I wasn't that bothered about going out ( Barca on the telly!), so we will have to wait until Saturday to get our footie fix...

Tuesday results ---

Gedling MW 0-0 Pinxton
Rolls Royce Leisure 0-5 Dunkirk
Blidworth 1-3 Sutton Tn AFC
Mansfield Tn 2-1 Wrexham
Carlise 0-2 Florists

Saturday should be Shirebrook v Eccleshill, but there are a lot to chose from:

Blidworth v Louth
Calverton v Thoresby
Gedling MW v Clipstone
Long Eaton v Lincoln Moorlands
Teversal v Hall Rd Rangers
Shepshed Dyn v Carlton Tn

Saturday 29th March 2008

2008-03-29T17:18:00.005Z

Eastwood Tn v Buxton - UniBond Premier Division

Decided that £18 was a bit rich for Notts v Mansfield, so went to see a play-off "six-pointer" at Coronation Park........

The old place is looking a bit tatty - I reckon a good lick of paint and an application of Vim or Ajax might help a bit...

429 attendance -- very good for this level - the ladies in the snap-shed were kept busy....pie, peas and gravy seemed popular!!

The first half was fairly even stevens, Shaw almost caught out the Buxton keeper with a long-range free-kick, but Buxton went in at the break a goal up ... poor defending from a corner -- Towey unmarked to stoop and head home from close in. H-T 0-1

Buxton never seemed troubled in the second half - and when Badgers' Manager Paul Cox was sent from the dugout, quickly followed by left back Chris Shaw seeing red, the result was never in doubt. It took Buxton until the 90th minute to net again - Towey hammering home a drive from the edge of the box after Eastwood failed to clear a corner. F-T 0-2

A great season for Eastwood so far - but the last two games have shown up one or two problems -- can't score, can't defend at set pieces and as far as the player's and management's discipline (or lack of) - don't mention it!!

To put last weeks 0-4 at Ilkeston into prospective, North Ferriby were third bottom at the start of play and beat the Robins 4-2 at the NMG ..strange old game innit!

Noticed there was a cry for a gilt-edged penalty in the report on the Eastwood web-site... I can only assume the incident was Anthony Howells falling over? I was standing 20 yards from this - there were not many protests from the Badgers fans I was in the middle of -- never a foul in a million years... and I thought the referee were half decent - seen worse!!

Tuesday should see us visiting a new venue ( weather permitting). Off to see Blidworth Welfare take on Sutton Town ...

Monday 24th March 2008

2008-03-24T18:08:00.005Z

Kev's wedding anniversary!! And still he gets to football!! Big thanks to Mrs. Kev !!

Belper Town v Redford United UniBond Division One South

Christchurch Meadows is one of our favourite haunts - usually...

Arrived 15 minutes before KO time and went for our pre-match snap, only to discover a queue 1/2 mile long - well, I may have exagerated a little....we managed to get served just before the teams kicked off. Opted for the pie, peas, chips and gravy rather than the pork and stuffing cob....nice enough grub, but the biting wind soon made everything go cold - and cold chips are not very nice!

Still, the match was fairly entertaining, although the Belper no. 5 was soon back in the changing room, after two reckless challenges in quick succession saw the Ref produce two yellows then the dreaded red. Belper were always going to struggle against runaway league leaders Retford, but with 10 men they had no chance at all. Mick Godber netted for United on the half hour to give the visitors the lead. H-T 0-1

Belper played with a bit more passion and effort in the second half, but I don't imagine Retford concede many goals, and they didn't look like conceding in this game - the Belper front line were all rather on the small side. Both regular Town strikers Hannah and Wilson were suspended for this game - come on lads, you can't score goals from the stands.....

Godber netted again on 75, firing a loose ball home after sustained pressure on the home goal.

F-T 0-2

Snowed again -- windy again -- watering eyes again....

Should be going to Glapwell on Tuesday 25th, but Kev has other plans so I may give it a miss and get my next fix at Sutton on Thursday.

Saturday 22nd March 2008

2008-03-22T19:15:00.007Z

Gedling M W v Askern W CML Supreme Division

Visited Plains Road again to see Gedling MW take on league leaders Askern Welfare.

Gedling surprisingly lost at Rolls last weekend, and had a draining cup game on Tuesday that went to extra-time and penalties. Hardly the best preparation for taking on the table toppers, especially when this was Askern's first game of the month!

With their back four looking really solid and well disciplined, the Askern keeper Liam Copley was hardly troubled by an ineffective Gedling attack.

With usually reliable James Mason having a bit of a "mare", it was only a matter of time before the visitors took the lead. The opener came on 32, Mason failing to hang on to a shot and the loose ball fired past him ...five minutes later Mason decided it would be better to hack the ball way rather than push it away - the ball just about reached the edge of his penalty area from where it was hammered home to double the visitors advantage. H-T 0-2

The second half was a little better for the home team, but although they had the lions share of posession, they again failed to trouble Copley unduly.

Askern would have added to their tally but for some poor finishing, but on the whole were deserving victors and with their attitude and general approach to the game, you can see why they top the table. F-T 0-2

Link to 38 pics from the game

Enjoyable game that the freezing gale force wind did little to spoil - just makes your eyes water and nose run.... is it really Springtime?

Monday -- off to Belper Town v Retford United.... pork and stuffing cob --- ahhhhh..

Friday 21st March 2008

2008-03-21T22:29:00.005Z

Ilkeston Town v Eastwood Town UniBond Premier Division

After failing to find the necessary get up and go to visit Matlock for the afternoon game, we made the short journey to the New Manor Ground to see if high flying Eastwood could beat local rivals Ilkeston.

Kev was not too impressed with not making the afternoon game - he ended up decorating!! ooops!!

Good Friday night turned out to be a freezing windy old night - snow fell towards the end of the game - Eastwood fans must be thinking it was a pity there wasn't 6 or 7 foot of the stuff, or at least enough to have the game abandoned, after their side suffered a 4-0 hammering.....

Plenty of cars about outside the ground - a gate of over 500, which is respectable at this level. I like the NMG, it's clean, well looked after and they have stewards by the dozen. The pitch is in really good nick for this time of year.

Not too much to say bout the game - Eatwood were outplayed, out-thought and generally out of ideas, whereas Ilkeston were up for the local derby and scored three 1st half goals thanks mainly to inept defending. A 90th minute penalty rounded off the thumping.

The Ilkeston fans were brilliant -- but somewhat mis-guided... they kept chanting " you can shove your DERBYBADGER up your a**e -- sideways" --- something to do with web-forum postings. If they had ever met DERBYBADGER they would know only too well he will not fit up anyones a**e, sideways or not!

Anyway... Saturday at Ged MW ..snow, wind, rain, sleet permitting....

Tuesday 18th March 2008

2008-03-18T22:20:00.006Z

Arnold Tn v Eccleshill Utd NCEL Premier Division

Arriving at Gedling Road 7:30pm, we discovered that half the visiting players had got lost - KO delayed until 8pm... in the age of dirt cheap SAT-NAV, surely this ought to be something of the past?

The game should have been a home "banker", but the battle of the Eagles ended with 14th placed Eccleshill defeating 5th placed Arnold.....

After confidently predicting a goal-fest, we were surprised that the 1st half ended goal-less - but it has to be said - what a half! Fast flowing entertaining football, aided superbly by the three match officials who got almost every decision spot on - despite protests from the players - particularly the home defenders who were constantly shouting for offside and were constantly wrong! H-T 0-0

The visiting no. 9 netted twice in the second half, both one-on-ones with Town keeper Lee Broster, after beating the off-side trap. Arnold tried to get back in the game, but rarely troubled the United stopper.

One highlight? The no. 9 was replaced late on by a gentleman you could describe as "portly" -- but blimey, he was a bit tubby to say the least!! F-T 0-2

Cold night - but we left the ground enthusing about the match in general, and remembering the previous visit -- v Shifnal Town - arrrgggghhh!

Final visit to Gedling Road - the new Eagle Valley should be ready for next season.

Good Friday double header, I hope.. Matlock Tn v Buxton in the afternoon, with Ilkeston v Eastwood in the evening.

Saturday 15th March 2008 Pt II

2008-03-15T19:27:00.007Z

Rainworth MW v Rossington Main NCEL Div One

We missed out on loads of goals at the other games available to us, but the result of this game saw Rainworth leap over Gedling Tn into 2nd place in the League... the Wrens have only 5 games left to play while Gedling have 6.. runaway leaders Dinnington have 7 to play and need only 2 more wins to secure the title.

Rainworth had a few players out injured, and they struggled to play against the team 2nd bottom of the table and although Wrens keeper Hales was barely troubled for most of the first half, Rossies 8 ft tall stopper Jonjo Griffiths was also relatively untroubled, and the half ended scoreless. H-T 0-0

Talking to the Wrens physio Dave during the break, he said if it was up to him he would take off young Sam Betts and put on Adam Lillie.....as it transpired, Manager Rudi Funk took off striker Malc Brown for Lillie on 63, but it was Betts who netted after Griffiths failed to collect a cross. Betts netted again on 75, the ball slammed into the net from 8 yards after a mad scramble in the area. F-T 2-0

With Betts netting both goals, we had to take the rise out of physio Dave, regarding his half time suggestion -- but he wasn't too bothered - he's jetting off to Jamaica for a holiday next week........

Other games

Arnold Tn 3-1 Maltby Main

Glapwell 6-3 Brodsworth W ( Glapwell stay second)

Rolls Royce Leisure 1-0 Gedling MW ( surprising win for Rolls)

Calverton MW 4-1 Louth ( Welfare stay top)

Sutton Tn AFC 1-2 Kiveton Park

Eastwood Tn 5-2 Ashton Utd ( Badgers go third in table)

Shepshed Dyn 2-0 Kidsgrove Ath

Borrowash 1-1 Teversal

Blyth Spartans 1-2 Hucknall Tn ( Peter Knox double)

Bradford 1-2 Mansfield ( drags Notts County into the relegation battle)

Of course the one we missed? Radcliffe Olympic 5-0 Radford !!

Tuesday - Arnold v Eccleshill - probably !!

Saturday 15th March 2008 Pt I

2008-03-15T13:47:00.003Z

WE ARE LOSING THE PLOT!

After deciding to go to Radcliffe, we realised that the Florists were at home and we would have to go through the City Ground traffic going to, and coming from Radcliffe.

So instead of a mutually agreed game, we decide to put all the games in a hat and draw one each then decide which we would go to. I drew out Rainworth v Rossington, while Kev picked out Shepshed v Kidsgrove. Kev's wife Sue drew Calverton v Louth, but said we should go to Rainworth because she thought it might be a decent game ,, ( after last weeks game at Gedling ?)..

We then were unable to decide what time we should leave for the game!! We've been to Rainworth on several occasions already this season!! I said 2:25, Kev 2:15 -- we settled on 2:20....we are losing it .....and the madness that is Easter is just around the corner !!!!!

Results -- Tuesday 11th March 2008

2008-03-12T06:44:00.002Z

Results from the local games played

Teversal 2-0 Rossington Main
Arnold Tn 3-1 Glasshoughton W
Sutton AFC 1-2 Holbrook MW
Dunkirk 2-1 Clipstone W
Long Eaton 0-3 Brodsworth W
Glapwell 1-1 Parkgate
Mansfield Tn 0-1 Hereford Utd

Also, Eastwood Town travelled to Stamford and won 3-0, Lindon Meikle with a couple and Chris Shaw the scorers.... what a season the Badgers are having ! 5th in the League after promotion last season, a place in the UniBond Challenge Cup final and they also have a place in the semi-finals of the Notts Senior Cup.

Tuesday 11th March 2008 Pt II

2008-03-11T19:23:00.003Z

Decided not to brave the conditions - cold and windy with the threat of rain - we wimped out and decided to catch Liverpool at Inter on TV ...

Not too bothered really - there are games galore coming up, so missing a game now isn't the end of the world!!

Saturday we are hoping to pay a first ever visit to Radcliffe Olympic to see them take on Radford in the CML Supreme Division...

There are several games to chose from :

Arnold Tn v Maltby Main
Glapwell v Brodsworth W
Rainworth MW v Rossington Main
Rolls Royce Leisure v Gedling MW
Calverton MW v Louth
Sutton Tn AFC v Kiveton Park

Tuesday 11th March 2008

2008-03-11T13:54:00.002Z

When I wrote the last entry, there were not many games available to go to.. now there are loads :

Teversal v Rossington Main
Arnold Tn v Glasshoughton W
Sutton AFC v Holbrook MW
Dunkirk v Clipstone W
Long Eaton v Brodsworth W
Glapwell v Parkgate
Mansfield Tn v Hereford Utd

Although Teversal would be my choice, Kev can make the choice !!

Saturday 8th March 2008

2008-03-08T19:47:00.027Z

Gedling Tn v Rainworth MW NCEL Division 1

Two of our favourite teams went head to head - they might as well not have bothered.....

It was Jimmy Greaves who coined the phrase "it's a funny old game". Nothing funny about this game though -- this was excruciatingly painful to watch, and not a giggle was there to be heard!

2nd v 3rd in the table it may have been, but none of the 20 outfield players had any idea about how to play in the gusty conditions we encountered down by the Riverside.....you would have thought there would have been shots raining in at both goals, or plenty of "on the floor" passing and movement, but no, the players seemed unaware it was windy and kept the ball in the air where it had a mind of it's own! Corners swinging hopelessly behind the goals, even one throw-in was blown out for goal-kick!!

To be fair, Gedling should have been one down at the break, Adam Lillie firing wide in the 45th minute with just Spriggs in the home goal to beat. H-T 0-0

Rainworth started the second period looking to attack, but they soon ran out of ideas and Gedling eneded up dominating the half. They managed only a couple of chances though - one of which was a header from Ash Dyce that was cleared off the line by former Gedling player Brendan Sweeney. F-T 0-0

Disappointed to have selected another 0-0 game, but that's the beauty of football - we could have gone to Belper who drew 2-2 with Shepshed - we could have gone to Coronation Park to watch Eastwood beat Frickley 3-1 to go through to the UniBond Cup final - we could have picked half-a-dozen other games --but ended up watching a poor 0-0.

Not funny this one, but we still have about 20 more games to go to this season and one or two are sure to cheer us up!

Tuesday -- not much on offer so it's off to Teversal to see them take on Rossington Main...

Tuesday 4th March 2008

2008-03-04T21:59:00.010Z

Hucknall Town v Eastwood Town Notts F.A. Senior Cup 1/4 final

Hucknall play in the Conference North ( step 2), while Eastwood play in the UniBond Premier ( step 3). The teams in reality are only 8 places apart - and with Hucknall struggling big time, Eastwood had a very good opportunity to progress in the Notts FA Senior cup - a trophy the Badgers have made their own in recent years.

Ex- Badgers Mick Galloway, Peter Knox and Gary Sucharewyc were in the Hucknall squad. Ex-Hucknall players Paul Mitchell and Anthony Howells started for Eastwood.

After early Hucknall pressure - Knox hit the post and Badgers keeper Deakin made one tremendous great save - Eastwood gradually came into the game and Howells saw efforts hit the post and bar. H-T 0-0

8 minutes into the second half, Kris Mathews rose like a salmon to head home Mitchell's cross to give Eastwood the lead, a lead they kept to the end even though the home team pressed and pressed to try and level. F-T 0-1

Two other 1/4 finals -- both saw the lower league team go through to the semi-finals :

Arnold Tn (NCEL Prem) 1-4 Gedling MW (CMLS)

Gedling Tn (NCEL1) 0-2 Ollerton Tn (CMLP)

The other tie -- Southwell City v Carlton Tn -- is scheduled for 12th March.

227 were in attendance - a small crowd for such a local derby, but it was bitterly cold and there were Champions League games on the telly.

Kev went to the City ground again to see the Forest v Carlisle game on Monday - three live games in 4 days - hard-core!! ( I watched it on TV)..

Looks like the Reds will struggle to get a play-off place unless they start scoring again....

Saturday -- Belper Tn v Shepshed Dynamo looks good, but nothing finalised as yet!! Gedling Tn v Rainworth MW -- this is 2nd v 3rd in the NCEL Div 1.

Saturday 1st March 2008

2008-03-01T17:51:00.020Z

Kev's son Dale and yours truly

Windy? This thing was going crackers!

Minutes silence before KO

Gedling MW v Radford FC CML Supreme Division

Our 50th non-league game was only our third 0-0, but was an inspired choice by Kev,,, plenty of goalmouth action with both keepers pulling off superb stops. The wind made conditions tricky, but the teams managed very well and played some really neat football.

James Mason in the Gedling goal has been around the local football scene for a while now and is among the best at this level - but the Radford keeper, who I believe is Scott Flinders, has to be one of the best we have seen in the half century of non-league games we have watched this season. He made one save that was breath-taking -- a close range volley from Gedling's Aaron Ryan instinctively tipped over when a goal seemed certain. Interesting to see former Badger Scotty Huckerby start up front for Gedling with Chris Henson - the once slim-line striker has gained a few pounds since we last saw him playing!!

Over all, a very entertaining game, but it was flipping cold,,, not the freezing cold that you can wrap up against, but a chill cold that permeated the whole body...roll on Summer.....

I reckon Kev's off to watch Forest again on Monday, but I will settle for a nice warm armchair and a nice glass of scotch -- and watch it on the telly.

Tuesday : Notts Senior Cup 1/2 final Hucknall Tn v Eastwood Tn

Saturday : Hoping to go to Belper Tn v Shepshed Dynamo, but not sure yet

One for the diary : Saturday 29th March -- Notts County v Mansfield Tn. Although neither are non-league teams, one or both could well be next season!!

Tuesday 26th February 2008

2008-02-26T22:06:00.005Z

Eastwood Town v North Ferriby Utd UniBond League Premier Division

My choice again, although there weren't many matches to choose from really...

The game -- well, Tuesday night is supposed to be football night.... not this Tuesday though...first half was awful....the second half started out the same. Then when Eastwood sub Matt Rhead nodded home Paul Mitchell's corner on the hour, it -- stayed the same. Lindon Meikle fired home right on full time to make it 2-0 to the Badgers after a bit of comical defending. Ferriby must wonder though, how the hell they lost this game ....how can you lose a game of football when no football was played?

It may be our last visit to CP this season...why pay £7 to be bored silly, when we can go to places like Kimberley, Rolls and Rainworth, where at least the players try to play the beautiful game.....

Saturday : quite a big choice for our 50th game of the season .....
Arnold Tn v Armthorpe W / Glapwell v Long Eaton Utd / Borrowash Vic v Staveley MW / Rainworth MW v Yorks Amateur / Ilkeston Tn v Matlock Tn / Shepshed Dyn v Colwyn Bay / Gedling MW v Radford / Heanor Tn v Rolls Royce Leisure / Kimberley Tn v Newark Tn

Saturday 23nd February 2008

2008-02-23T19:38:00.012Z

Looking a little concerned?

Kev views the East Stand !

The seating area!

Our friendly linesman, plus a view of the crowd!

Kimberley Town v Blidworth Welfare CML Premier Division

Well, talk about a culture shock!
Nothing prepared us for what we found at the Stag Ground, home of Kimberley Town FC. This was a treat for us, talk about back to basics! After paying the £2 to get into the ground, we had to take a step back to take in our surroundings. A slope that is an a par with Eastwood's Coronation Park pitch, and just one covered area behind the goal nearest the entrance. The other three sides were just grass. I remember visiting this venue some 12-13 years ago, and virtually nothing has changed since then. .

Didn't manage to get a programme, there were no team sheets - we have no idea of the names of any of the players! There was no PA -- just a lady shouting out of the clubhouse at the end of the game " we're at home next week as well, we're at home next week..." brilliant !!!!

We actually counted the spectators --- there were 13, including us! The football wasn't too bad though, and after half an hour we were discussing that it looked like it would be Blidworth who would win, they had played the much better football although chances had been at a premium. What do we know! The home team went in front soon after, a great corner in from the right hit against the underside of the crossbar and into the net.

When one of the home defenders went down injured, one of the subs, who were warming up in front of us said "if I go on at centre-half, we'll lose 8-0" ..... we were quick to point out to him, very gently and with care, that his team was already winning 1-0 !!!

A minute later it was 2-0, a decent effort shot from 12 yards after good approach play. Had a great time chatting to the linesman during the game, he was so laid back he actually leant on the dugout and the perimeter fencing during breaks in play! Mind you he had lined a game in the morning before doing this one, so I imagine he was a little knackered...H-T 2-0

A surprise as well as we entered a tatty looking "club-house" ... there was a small bar in there and they had Sky Sports News on TV as well !

After a fairly decent 25 minutes of the second half, the best move of the game saw the best goal. Some really decent flowing midfield play (honest!) -- the ball found the Kimberly no.16, who sweetly curled the ball round the visiting keeper from the corner of the box.. Blidworth scored from a free-kick that the Kimberley keeper appeared to let past him, but the Stags held on to secure the win.

F-T 3-1

I have to say that this was not a classy venue, and step 8 is never going to produce classy games, but all in all, we both agreed that after the initial concerns about what I had let us in for, the game was not too bad ...

Saw the Eastwood Town physio Fred Kirk outside the clubhouse after the game, he was killing time after his better half had locked him out of his house!!

Other results: Dunkirk 5-0 Bentley / Calverton 0-0 Newark Flowserve / Matlock Tn 1-0 Eastwood Tn / Belper Tn 2-1 Warrington Tn / Carlton Tn 2-1 Goole AFC / Arnold Tn 3-0 Pickering Tn / Long Eaton Utd 2-0 Armthorpe MW / Gedling Tn 2-3 Dinnington Tn / Teversal 1-1 Pontefract / Hucknall Tn 0-3 Stalybridge Celtic

Tuesday -- Not too sure whether to go to Mansfield v Bury, Eastwood v North Ferriby or Sutton Town AFC v Gedling Miners Welfare...

Where to go?

2008-02-22T07:16:00.002Z

Spoilt for choice again for our Saturday 23rd February football fix.

Eastwood are playing at Matlock in an early kick off - apparently the game is being televised on the UniBond League TV channel.

Carlton Town are at home again to Goole AFC -- we've already covered this fixture, but the UniBond Div One fixtures are a bit odd this season, there are actually two sets of fixtures!!

Other games : Belper v Warrington / Dunkirk v Bentley MW / Arnold v Pickering / Long Eaton v Armthorpe / Gedling Tn v Dinnington Tn / Teversal v Pontefract / Hucknall Tn v Stalybridge Celtic.

Two games are available that tick three boxes -- 1) Not been to the ground yet. 2) Never seen the home team play 3) Never seen the away team play.. Calverton MW v Newark Flowserve / Kimberley Tn v Blidworth MW -- both games are in the CML Premier Division, which is step 8 in the pyramid......

Saturday 16th February 2008

2008-02-16T19:00:00.007Z

Rainworth MW v Scarborough AFC NCEL Division One

We decided to go to Kirklington Road again - we wanted to be able to get back home for the Man Utd v Arsenal game - and this was the nearest available match. A healthy following for Boro as usual, the attendance well over 200 today. Police, big stewards, cars everywhere.....

The game started slowly, only a few off-the-ball crunches livening the proceedings up...then when Robbie Clarke's looping header from Craig Wilson's free-kick ended up in the net to put the Wrens in front on 17, things got a bit tasty! I never usually criticise referees and their assistants, but this lot were rubbish! Kicks and elbows and jabs, by both sets of players, all missed ( or ignored). Kev is usually not one to "eff and blind", but the refereeing was some of the poorest we have seen so far this season and he really let rip, turning the air blue!!

Still, on the whole the first half wasn't too bad - and when the players actually bothered to play the game, the skill on show was excellent. Rainworth's Malc Brown saw his long range effort crash off the bar, and the Boro keeper made a couple of great saves, but the half ended with the home team in front by just the one goal.
H-T 1-0

In the 57th minute, Rainworth defender Matt Draper lingered on the ball too long and was dispossessed. The resultant ball into the box was converted by Ryan Blott to level the scores. Another error 2 minutes later handed the visitors the lead. This time Danny Bainbridge lost the ball and when the ball was put into the box, Richard Metcalf slotted home to give Boro the lead.

The same player gave us the moment that was worth the £4 entrance fee. After collecting the ball on the right, Metcalf dribbled into the box beating all and sundry before firing home....great goal from the Boro sub....

F-T 1-3

As for the Man Utd v Arsenal game -- least said, soonest mended.

There were great results for the Nottinghamshire football league teams .. Forest 1-0 Swindon / Darlington 1-2 Mansfield and Chester 0-1 Notts County...... Mansfield now 5 straight away wins but 6 straight home defeats.....strange!!!

Looks like a Tuesday night in, but we are looking forward to a trip to the New Manor Ground on Wednesday to see Ilkeston take on Eastwood in the UniBond Challenge Cup 1/4 final...

Tuesday 12th February 2008

2008-02-13T06:28:00.014Z

Rainworth MW v Teversal FC NCEL Division One

Kev's choice -- Rainworth v Teversal is a local derby match and a decent attendance was expected, but with Mansfield at home as well, the actual crowd of 124 was a little less than could have been expected.

Rainworth began with debutant Lee Mort up front partnering Robbie Clarke, but the dedut lasted only 7 minutes as the striker was forced to limp off injured. His replacement, veteran Malc Brown, blasted the Wrens in front just 4 minutes after coming on, a cracking shot from the corner of the box easily beating the Teversal keeper. Good football from both teams with the visitors shading possession and they should have been ahead, simple chances spurned - one from 4 yards hitting the post, and another from 6 yards hitting the bar - both looked easier to score.....

H-T 1-0
Robbie Clarke missed a glorious chance to put the Wrens in front straight from the restart, but the keeper saved really well. The home defence had to soak up a tremendous amount of pressure - until the 80th minute, when Danny Naylor volleyed home from 6 yards to double the home team advantage. Teversal reduced the arrears when Danny Tighe hammered home a 20 yard free-kick on 85 to make the last 5 minutes very interesting -- but the Rainworth back line stayed firm and ensured the Kirklington Road outfit held on to all three points.
F-T 2-1

Eastwood defeated Retford in the battle of the Badgers in the Notts FA Senior Cup. They now face Hucknall Town in the 1/4 finals - due to be played 4th March.

Draw - Hucknall Tn v Eastwood Tn / Arnold Tn v Gedling MW / Southwell City v Carlton Tn / Gedling Tn v Ollerton Tn

Saturday ?

In the UniBond, Shepshed Dyn v Cammell Laird seems a good choice, but Rainworth are at home in the NCEL again, this time to Scarborough, while Glapwell take on Lincoln Moorlands.

CML - choices are Heanor v Dunkirk in the Supreme, or in the Premier, 5th placed Sutton Town AFC at home to leaders Ollerton Tn.

Saturday 9th February 2008

2008-02-09T19:02:00.000Z

Long Eaton United v Mickleover Sports NCEL Premier Division

My choice -- as usual my choice was not a classy encounter ....but I learned how to count up to eight thanks to the ref and his yellow card brandishing!!

The teams took to the field in bright sunshine, but the teams tried their best to dim the light -- the first half was dull, dull, dull - not many clear cut chances. One yellow card shown to the visiting no. 11.
H-T 0-0

The Mickleover no. 9 was booked three minutes from the restart, and then the home no. 5 was booked on 50. The Mickleover no. 5 saw yellow on 62.
Adam Newton put the home team in front in the 70th minute, a great acrobatic volley from 10 yards after a decent spell of pressure. Then came a rush of yellow cards -- Mickleover no. 6 on 73, no. 8 on 75 and no. 2 on 77. Long Eaton sub no. 15 was booked on 80, making a grand total of 8 cautions in the game. A few niggly challenges and a couple of nasty ones, but 8 yellows? Strange refereeing...
The visiting team levelled on 82, Holmes' corner appearing to be flicked home, but could have gone straight in ...we were at the other end of the pitch!
F-T1-1 (yellows 2-6)

Tuesday --

Gedling Town v Rossington Main / Rainworth v Teversal / Gedling MW v Radcliffe Olympic / Shepshed v Quorn -- Kev's choice this time!!

One for the diary....

Weds 20th February -- UniBond Challenge Cup 1/4 final ---- Ilkeston Tn v Eastwood Tn.

Tuesday 5th February 2008

2008-02-06T06:32:00.000Z

Missed out on a shedload of goals -- daren't risk going out -- a little bit under the weather...

The games played in the Notts F.A Senior Cup ended as :-

Arnold Town ( Step 5) 5-1 Calverton MW ( Step8)
Gedling Town (Step 6) 2-0 Teversal ( Step 6)
Carlton Town ( Step 4) 8-0 Sutton Town ( Step 8)
Hucknall Town ( Step 2) 8-1 Wollaton ( Notts Senior League)

No shocks -- but loads of goals, and I missed them all !!

Saturday - spoilt for choice yet again,....

Ilkeston Tn v Prescot Cables
Carlton Tn v Gresley Rovers
Belper Tn v Spalding Utd
Long Eaton Utd v Mickleover Sports
Gedling Tn v Borrowash Vic
Greenwood Meadows v Forest Tn
Dunkirk v Hatfield Main
Sutton Tn v Radcliffe Olympic
Rolls Royce Leisure v Bentley Colliery

Saturday 2nd February 2008

2008-02-02T17:20:00.000Z

Eastwood Town v Kendal Town -- UniBond League Premier Division

After watching the Gunners win at Eastlands, we had to choose a game that was fairly close to home to make a 3pm kick off. We ended up at Coronation Park to watch high flying Eastwood take on struggling Kendal.

The common thought inside the ground was that an Eastwood win should be straight forward - and although the Badgers did win easily enough, they were asked one or two questions towards the end by the men from Cumbria.

The game was pretty stale for the first 25 minutes, but then Deon Meikle fired in a shot from 20 yards that was deflected just inside the post - and we thought a goal glut was on the way.... how wrong can you be? Me and Kev? VERY !! The game went back to it previous state, although both teams did manage to hit the woodwork before the break.
H-T 1-0

Before everyone had taken their seats for the second half, Eastwood had doubled their lead. The usual long ball forward was nodded on by Marc Smith to Anthony Howells who calmly chipped the ball into the net from 15 yards or so.

The Kendal no. 9 was dismissed on 55 for stamping, and the no. 4 should have gone on 75 after he tripped Howells in the box as the striker ran through on goal. Last man - trip - penalty - yellow card?....I always thought that if you prevented a goal-scoring chance you were sent off - but hey, what do I know!

Anyway, Mitchell had his spot kick superbly saved by the visiting keeper, who also managed to keep out the subsequent efforts as the ball ran loose in the area.

After this, Kendal were in the ascendancy, as Eastwood struggled to play any sort of football against the 10 men. Strange how teams hardly ever seem to be able to adapt to playing with the extra man -- as it was it was Kendal who finished the stronger, and Eastwood who were more than grateful when the 4 extra minutes had passed.
F-T 2-0

Tuesday -- looks like Notts Senior Cup day -- Carlton Tn v Sutton Tn / Arnold Tn v Calverton MW / Gedling Tn v Teversal ...Arnold would be my 1st choice - we have yet to see Calverton this season - they are doing well in the Central Midlands Premier Division, and a cup upset could be on the cards...

Tuesday 29th January 2008

2008-01-29T22:52:00.000Z

Nottm Forest v Swansea City Coca Cola League One

My third and final visit to the City Ground for this season. Many thanks must go to my Employers for allowing us to use their corporate tickets to the Legends Lounge.

Kev was accompanied by his son Dale, while my son Chris also came along.

It was a miserable, dark wet night Trentside - we were hoping the football would make things a little better, and for a while it looked like it might. Forest had a couple of decent chances, both Holt and

Thornhill having efforts well saved by Dorus De Vries in the Swansea goal.

Swansea showed at times why they are 10 points clear at the top of the table - neat, slick passing football, with every player looking collected on the ball. Best player ? Leon Britton -- he is only about 2' 6", but he can play, can this lad!!

H-T 0-0

Forest tried to breakdown the Swansea backline, but at the opposite end of the height scale, 6' 7" Dennis Lawrence calmly headed away everything that came at him.

Apart from a flurry of activity in injury time, Forest were fairly ineffective most of the game, and without Agago up top, they will struggle to score.

F-T 0-0

We stayed in the Lounge for a while after the game to try and miss the traffic, but with Kev driving in a "go-for-it" mood, we were home well before 11 o'clock!

I personally won't miss going to the city Ground again this season -- over 21,000 in attendance -- I'm used to 50 or 60 plus a couple of dogs!!!

Saturday -- spoilt for choice yet again !

Arnold Tn v Lincoln Moorlands / Glapwell v Glasshoughton / Teversal v Staveley / Eastwood Tn v Kendal Tn / Ilkeston Tn v Whitby Tn / Carlton Tn v Colwyn Bay / Gedling MW v Phoenix Sports / Calverton v Armthorpe / Heanor v Clipstone / Hucknall Tn v Harrogate Tn / Sutton Tn v Radcliffe Olympic -- none of these game stand out, so it will be a difficult choice ....

Saturday 26th January 2008

2008-01-26T17:21:00.000Z

Rainworth MW v Dinnington Town NCEL Division One

After watching my Beloved Stags give Middlesbrough a bit of a game, there were only two games we could realistically make for a 3pm KO -- Sutton v Kinsley or Rainworth v Dinnington... opted for Rainworth - we've not been there for a while.

Walked through the famous gates, to find they had moved the turnstile... work is still on-going at Kirklington Road, and improvements being made all the time.

The "Wrens" played some really good neat passing football and for the 1st half-hour were the better team. Then when Rainworth skipper Lee Wilkinson gave away a needless free kick, Michael Blythen beat Rainworth keeper Hales for the corner of the box to give the visitors the lead.

H-T0-1

5 minutes into the second half, Rainworth commited suicide - a corner met by an unmarked Blythen 12 yards out - the striker duly hammered the ball past Hales. The hat-trick goal came on 57, again a ball in finding Blythen unmarked allowing him to slot home.

3-0 down and Rainworth were not going to get anything out of the game - but as Dinnington took their foot off the gas, the Wrens fought back and looked the more likely to score. Unfortunately it took until the 86th minute for the home team to break their duck, Richard Smith firing home.

On the whole, a very entertaining game. As soon as Dinnington took the lead, their class showed, and it is not hard to see why they are top of the league...

Supposed to be off to the City Ground again on Tuesday..... big game between the top 2 in League 1....

Wednesday 23rd January 2008

2008-01-23T22:01:00.000Z

CML -- Phoenix Trophies Floodlit Cup-South --
Rolls Royce Leisure v Sutton Town

After staying in to watch the Arsenal debacle on Tuesday night, finding this game on was something of a bonus - a chance to see CML Supreme Division (step 7) strugglers take on CML Premier ( step 8) promotion hopefuls Sutton Town, managed of course our old buddy Danny Bryant.

Very muddy at Rolls, and it was £3 to get in -- still about 50 brave souls turned out to watch -- not too cold but blimey it was windy.......difficult conditions to play in, but both teams did us proud, knocking the ball about nicely and displaying some half-decent stuff.

The Rolls team looks like an Academy side, all their players look so young - usually there are one or two old-stagers mixed in with ther youngsters, but this team is full of very young players.

As it happened after the Rolls' keeper had made a couple of great saves, the home team took the lead after 15 minutes, their no. 9 latching onto a through ball before slotting the ball past the Sutton keeper. The lead didn't last more than about 5 minutes though, the Sutton no. 9 curling a beauty into the top corner from about 25 yards - Kev reckoned the striker used the wind to help the ball hold up, but I'm not sure !!

H-T 1-1

Up to the club for a quick drink, then the long trek back to catch the second half, both of us dreading extra-time and penalties !! Thankfully the fears were washed away as Sutton took the lead half way through

the second period, Daniel O'Donnell firing home from the corner of the box after a neat move down the right. It was 3-1 to the visitors soon after, their no. 8 slotting home from close range. Game over.

Excellent fayre though on a very difficult surface and in very difficult conditions. Made a change to go out on a Wednesday -- spoilt a little for Kev though with the Forest result....

Saturday -- spoilt for choice again -- Dunkirk v Southwell / Sutton Tn v Kinsley Boys / Shepshed Dynamo v Grantham Tn / Arnold Tn v Winterton Rangers / Gedling Tn v Barton Town Old Boys / Rainworth MW v Dinninton Tn

Saturday 19th January 2008 pt II

2008-01-19T19:01:00.000Z

Eastwood Town v Hednesford Town UniBond League Premier Division

Opted for the Badgers game - the only other games to survive the weather were the ones at Ilson and Hucknall -- but going to Coronation Park gives me a chance to catch up with my big brother Ron......

The first thing noticable was the full car-park! This meant parking behind the Chewton Street stand, and although this puts the car in danger of being hit by balls flying over the stand, it does reduce the walk to the turnstiles!

Had a chat with physio Fred Kirk and caught a glimpse of the new Chairman before taking our seats in the Mabe-Allen stand.

The Badgers looked good from the start, and when Lindon Meikle lobbed Hednesford keeper Ben Scott in the 15th minute to put the home team in front, it was no more than they deserved.

Debutant Leon Wainman was gifted the Badgers second goal on 33, a supercool finish, firing into an empty net from 25 yards after an error by Scott. Not an easy chance, but the newcomer took his time before curling the ball home.
H-T 2-0

How things change!! Hednesford, lead by ex-Badger Chalkie White pressured constantly right from the get-go, and with Eastwood appearing to run out of ideas, it was no surprise when Hednesford scored, Chad Sheppard's low drive creeping just inside the post to halve the defecit on 73. With three minutes to play, Mario Pedro levelled the scores, firing home the rebound after a shot had cannoned off the post. The same player had previously missed two "sitters", but made no mistake this time.
F-T 2-2

Walked past the new Chairman as we were exiting the ground -- he was less than complimentary in his comments to the bloke with him, but I think "effing disaster " was a bit on the harsh side!!!

Attendance again over 300, and although the result was not what the home fans wanted, the game overall was a good 'un -- we have seen a lot worse!!

Can't see any games available for Tuesday, so it may be a case of a couple o' bottles o' beer and Spurs/Arsenal on the telly...

Saturday 19th January 2008

2008-01-19T11:09:00.001Z

Borrowash game off
Teversal game off
Gedling MW game off
Rolls Royce game off

Glapwell game off

Arnold game off

Choice is now ETFC v Hednesford / Ilson v Kendal / Hucknall v Southport.

Ilson - would be second choice ....
Hucknall - too expensive at the end of January -- why is there so much month left at the end of the money ??
Leaves us with ETFC....... still expensive at £7.00, but that is all we will spend, apart from a quid on pop and Mars bars...should be a good game as well. Hednesford will be looking to avange their 0-3 defeat by the Badgers earlier this season, while Eastwood will want to bounce back from defeat last time out at Marine.

Eastwood Town forum

2008-01-18T20:51:00.000Z

Eastwood Town FC have no official forum for their fans, so I have revived the old forum.... see link on the right side of the page......

If there is sufficient interest, I will change the URL to www.etfcforum.co.uk

Malc

Tuesday 15th January 2008

2008-01-16T07:45:00.000Z

Both available games, Alfreton v Farsley Celtic and Rainworth v Glapwell were lost to the weather on Tuesday night.

Looking at the weather forecast, we may be lucky to get a game on Saturday, although there are quite a few to choose from:

Eastwood v Hednesford / Ilkeston v Kendal / Arnold v Glasshoughton / Glapwell v Parkgate / Borrowash v Scarborough / Teversal v Rossington / Gedling MW v Southwell City / Rolls Royce v Pinxton and Hucknall v Southport.

Choice may not be an issue, just finding a game that is on may be the problem!

Carlton Town v Warrington Town

2008-01-12T20:02:00.000Z

Saturday 12th January 2007 UniBond League Div One South

1st game of the new year, and a cracker of a game it was... good choice by Mr. Goodman. Mind you my choice, Calverton MW v Kinsley Boys sounded alright as well, with the home team beating top of the league Kinsley 3-0.

Anyway, we had an event free journey to Stoke Lane, arriving 15 minutes before the kick off time.

We had a quick chat to Carlton player Dean Gent's dad. I've known Dean a long time ( since our Under 9 days with Hucknall Sports and Ruddington colts some 14 years ago). Dean has been a regular at Carlton for the past six seasons, but had to settle for a place on the bench for this game.

The game - it sort of went like this :-

2 minutes - free-kick to Warrington 25 yds out, the ball was fired towards the far post by Williams - no-one connected and the ball went in off the post 0-1.

6 minutes - corner to Warrington -- a great ball in headed powerfully home by Lamb 0-2.

28 minutes - Carlton's Bignall collects in box and fires home with the outside of his right foot 1-2.

28 minutes - a great run down the line by Carlton winger Smith - wonderful near post cross head in by Warringrton's unlucky full back Elder 2-2.

30 minutes - Bignall hammers home a penalty 3-2

H-T

56 minutes - Warrington's Spearritt headed home from a free-kick 3-3.

63 minutes - Warrington's 17 year old sub Taylor collected a superb 50 yard cross-field ball before firing home past the Carlton keeper 3-4.

80 minutes - Warrington's Rendell saw his effort deflected past the Carlton keeper 3-5.

90 minutes - Warrington's Brown ran through on goal and fired past the Carlton keeper 3-6.

The Warrington fans were hoarse -- (that lot will never be speechless) and were left pondering about the last time their team netted 6 away....they seemed to remember a 9-0 some years ago!

Anyway, back to the car - the heater on full --- did I mention -- IT WAS BLOODY FREEZING again!

Tuesday -- looks like only one game on at the moment -- Rainworth v Glapwell in the NCEL League Cup.

Saturday 5th January 2008

2008-01-06T12:34:00.000Z

No footie again, unfortunately.

I found myself still too ill to venture out, while Kev is also still struggling.

I hope to be back to work on Monday, although that is not 100% certain. Never been off for so long before in 30 odd years working....... "man-flu" this wasn't !!

No idea if going out Tuesday will be a good idea, but Teversal v Rainworth is calling ......!!

New Years Day

2008-01-01T17:12:00.000Z

Both me and Kev were not well enough to venture out on New Years Day. What did we miss?

Of the games listed in the previous post ----

Result of the day :- Eastwood beat top of the table Witton Albion 1-0 in front of over 300 spectators and move to 4th in the table.

Ilkeston came back from 3-1 down to draw with Worksop 3-3.

Forest came back from 0-1 down with 10 men to beat Huddersfield 2-1.

Alfreton beat Hucknall 2-1.

Belper and Goole drew 1-1 while Shepshed went down 1-2 at home to Gresley.

Gedling Town v Staveley Miners Welfare FC

2007-12-30T09:08:00.000Z

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

2007-12-22T21:10:00.000Z

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

2007-12-18T22:40:00.000Z

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

2007-12-17T20:04:00.000Z

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

2007-12-15T13:13:00.000Z

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

2007-12-11T22:19:00.000Z

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

2007-12-08T16:01:00.000Z

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

2007-12-04T22:20:00.000Z

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

2007-12-01T19:24:00.000Z

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

2007-11-28T06:06:00.000Z

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

2007-11-24T18:51:00.000Z

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

2007-11-22T22:34:00.000Z

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

2007-11-22T09:19:00.000Z

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

2007-11-21T06:20:00.001Z

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......

2007-11-17T18:48:00.000Z

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

2007-11-17T18:40:00.000Z

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

2007-11-15T07:10:00.000Z

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......

2007-11-14T20:13:00.000Z

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

2007-11-10T18:57:00.000Z

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

2007-11-09T13:17:00.000Z

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

2007-11-06T22:46:00.000Z

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

2007-11-05T11:36:00.001Z

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

2007-11-03T23:34:00.000Z

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

2007-11-03T19:07:00.000Z

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

2007-10-31T06:09:00.000Z

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

2007-10-27T17:34:00.000+01:00

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

2007-10-23T22:27:00.000+01:00

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

2007-10-21T08:39:00.000+01:00

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

2007-10-16T22:08:00.001+01:00

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

2007-10-14T11:54:00.000+01:00

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

2007-10-10T10:17:00.000+01:00

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

2007-10-06T18:51:00.000+01:00

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

2007-10-03T06:59:00.000+01:00

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

2007-09-29T18:18:00.000+01:00

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

2007-09-28T07:59:00.000+01:00

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

2007-09-26T14:12:00.000+01:00

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 ??????

Saturday 22nd September

2007-09-23T13:40:00.000+01:00

With Kev away at the coast with his family, I decided to have a "lazy day" --- a day spent watching the 20-20 semi-finals and the ladies World Cup 1/4 final USA v England -- followed this with Barcelona v Sevilla and then MOTD -- a day well spent !!

Typical though -- all the games I could have gone to, saw the local teams successful...
Rainworth won at Radcliffe, Sutton beat Highfield, Gedling Town beat Castle Vale, Gedling MW beat Atherstone, Hucknall Town finally won, 2-0 v Vauxhall Motors, but the best result has to be Eastwood 2-1 Fleetwood.. Fleetwood previously 6 unbeaten. Eastwood move up to 6th place in the UniBond Premier Division. I know ETFC are struggling for a top striker at the moment, but with full backs Chris Shaw and Ricky Hanson scoring regularly, I can't see Gaffer Paul Cox panicking just yet.

The 20-20 was superb, leaving us with a Pakistan v India final -- the previous meeting saw the first ever "bowl-out" -- which India won 3-0 ...The England ladies did well in the first half, but conceded three in the second period to bow out of the tournament.

This coming Tuesday night -- three choices only -- Dunkirk v South Normanton, Long Eaton v Nuneaton Griff or Rolls Royce v Hatfield Main...spoilt for choice.....we saw LEU v South Normanton last week, and Rolls the week before.....may opt for either the Dunkirk or Long Eaton games, although replays are to be avoided ....so it could be Rolls again....

Long Eaton United v South Normanton

2007-09-19T07:02:00.000+01:00

NCEL Presidents Cup Tuesday 18th September 2007

First trip to Long Eaton for a while - changed a bit since my last visit - a nice main stand has been built - the seats are bit small and my un-athletic frame took some lowering down !!
United's right back, Adam Holmes, has just joined the A.N. Wallis ( lightning protection and earthing equipment specialists) sales team and this was a great chance to catch him in action on the pitch.

Forget the game -- LEU began brightly enough but were soon a goal down, then pulled it back to 1-1, but a they defended poorly again from a set piece and Normanton went in at the break 2-1 up.

After conceding another three goals with just one in reply, the only thing left to do was wonder why Adam is playing at this level. Adam spent a couple of years with Mansfield Town and his calm approach, no panic, do your job attitude was very refreshing. Superb balls in from the wing were squandered by the LEU strikers. Some of the defending was dreadful and the keeper was not the best. Ross Whalin in the SN goal saved a few, but overall 2-5 did not flatter them.

Apart from Adam's namesake Jared in the South Normanton team, there were no players that really caught the eye. Nick Ghizlanzoni and Ian Wheat were known to me through my association with Eastwood Town, but again these players are not "star" quality.

Highlight of the night? Burger? -- no -- awful Coffee ? -- no awful Programme? -- never saw one ... no it was from some village idiot in the stand where we were sitting....Comment " Chelsea are now one-one" -- reply -- " they're drawing?" mmm .. been to the "school of stating the bleedin obvious" I think...

Any way ,, Saturday, Kev is taking his family to the coast so I will be on my own..

Vase weekend ..may just visit Danny Bryant at Sutton Town, or see Rainworth away at Radcliffe Olympic -- but I may be tempted to spend £7 to watch Eastwood take on Fleetwood in a UniBond Premier fixture.

Gedling Town v Mickleover Sports

2007-09-15T18:44:00.000+01:00

Saturday 15th September 2007 -- F.A. Cup 1st Qual Round

Spoilt for choice really ,,, Carlton v Matlock, Arnold v Long Eaton or Gedling Town .... we chose Gedling because we saw them go through the last round, and thought it might be interesting to see them take on a side from a division higher.
( Gedling -- NCEL Div 1 v Mickleover -- NCEL Premier ).

Not a massive turn out, but there were a lot of folk taking a pleasant afternoon beside the river in the Ferryboat Inn backyard!!!!

Took 6 minutes for Alan Jeffries to capitalise on some poor defending - latching onto a loose ball before firing home to give Gedling the lead. More poor defending -- Sam Saunders fell over chasing a loose ball, then as the ball was played into the box, James Whitehead failed to clear and Mickleover levelled.
H-T 1-1
The game was a classic end to end F. A Cup slog, but the second Gedling goal was a gem. Ben Cobley collected the ball before slotting in Nick Kennerdale who fired the ball in to the far post where Jeffries was waiting to nod home.

Mickleover stormed forward looking for the equaliser, but with Lee Soar and Matt Millns supreme in centre of the Town defence, Sports never looked like beating Spriggs in the Town goal.

Right at the death, Whitehead netted the Town third goal -- and Gedling were safely into the "hat" for Monday's draw ( with a £2250 prize to boot!!). F-T 3-1

Tuesday may see us nip down the M1 to visit Long Eaton Utd -- they take on South Normanton in the NCEL Presidents cup...

ETFC webmaster

2007-09-15T09:57:00.000+01:00

Seems I owe Andy an apology... sorry mate.....

Bit sensitive about the "recycled news" item...

Lost links....

2007-09-13T17:21:00.000+01:00

It appears that link to my Eastwood Town website, so lovingly tended for 5 years has been disappeared from the new ETFC website. It also seems the link to this blog has has also vanished... something I said?

Rolls Royce Leisure v Grimsby Borough

2007-09-12T18:09:00.000+01:00

Tuesday 11th September --- CML Supreme Division

Beacause I was very late leaving the office, the Rolls game was the only one we could get to in time for a 7:45pm kick off....mmmm...we got to the ground at 7:40pm just as the Grimsby lads were pulling up in their mini-bus...ko delayed! Had a scotch in the club -- the game actually started at 8:10pm

As it happens it was well worth waiting for!!

Excellent play from both teams, with the young Rolls outfit marginally on top early doors...Indeed it was they who took the lead halfway through the 1st period, then doubled that on the half hour only for Grimsby to net just before the break to make it 2-1.

Another scotch .....

Rolls' keeper limped off 15 minutes into the 2nd period, and we feared the worst, but the bloke who came on was steady enough and as big as a brick out-house ...

Rolls added a third right on full time -- much to the delight of Kev who knew the scorer and was singing his praises throughout....looks a good player does Kane Matthews.....

Next -- F.A. Cup Saturday 15th September -- Gedling Town v Mickleover Sports - should be a cracker.......

Rainworth MW v AFC Emley

2007-09-09T19:44:00.000+01:00

Saturday 8th September NCEL Div 1

Needed to get to a ground close to home so I could get home to catch the England match. Rainworth is just 20 minutes away -- and I am pleased I DID chose this game, it ended 5-2 to Rainworth.

With Kev busy organising his daughters 21st birthday party, I stood on my own for the first half, a half that saw Mark Shaw grab a 42 minute hat-trick - the first after 6 minutes was a 22 yard belter, the second a delicate lob and the third a well struck penalty. Adam Lillie also netted for the home team. another delicate lob that left the visiting keeper grasping at thin air .... there was a bit of strange kicking from the Emley keeper -- he seemed to be having a competition with himself to see how high he could kick the ball out of his hands !!!! Crick in the neck time for the supporters!!!!! H-T 4-1.

Emley made it 4-2 right on full-time, but Steve Shannon added the Rainworth 5th straight after.

I was joined at half time by former Eastwood favourite Richard Smith - along with Rainworth's injured skipper Lee Wilkinson, Robbie Clarke (also injured) and former Mansfield Town star Michael Sisson (probably out for the rest of the season).

Had a nice chat to Smudge, a real gent off the pitch..says he loves it at Rainworth -- Rudy is doing a really great job there -- may be a team to watch this season - trouble is they are in the same league as Gedling Town who look really special this season.....

Next game -- either Rolls Royce Leisure v Grimsby Borough or a first visit of the season to Dunkirk to see them take on Holbrook MW....