Monday 29 December 2008

Monday 29th December 2008

Mansfield Town 0-2 Burton Albion -- Blue Square Premier

Two first half goals were enough to secure the points for league leaders Burton Albion at Field Mill.

A volley under Stags keeper Gamble from Greg Pearson on 26 opened the scoring, followed by a really cracking drive in to the roof of the net by Mark Goodfellow 12 minutes later.

Report from Mansfield Town Official website

1st surprise of the evening? Having to get in a rather long queue at the only open turnstile. Only one turnstile? Surely a big gate was expected and other turnstiles could have been manned....


2nd surprise? Sutton Town manager Danny Bryant coming to sit with us...although we have seen Danny several times this season, it was the first time we have had to have a decent chat..

Kev loves it at Field Mill and is already speculating about season tickets for next season.

Mansfield were outplayed in every department by the Brewers, and new boss David Holdsworth has some serious hard work ahead .....

Admission - a whacking £16.00

Programme - no idea

Coffee -- Kev's flask - a creditable 7/10

Attendance 3612 ( 800 + from Burton)

Saturday 27 December 2008

Saturday 27th December 2008

Rainworth MW FC 1-1 Pontefract Collieries -- NCEL Div 1



We have been to Kirklington Road on several occasions, and always get a warm welcome. Handshakes from the Chairman and team Manager and a chat to Press Officer Gordon Foster - great that these people can take time out to say hello when they are at their busiest....and they had ground grading assessors to look after as well..


The Rainworth line-up seems to be fairly stable now - as far as I could tell the only "regular" missing was striker Malc Brown who is apparently on a ski-ing holiday.


On a bitterly cold afternoon, and we really could have done with some cracking football to warm us up - as it was, the game turned out to be similar to the Boxing day game at Borrowash - some half-decent play but both teams lacking that certain "something"...


The home team had a couple of decent chances in the half - a 20th minute Clarke header from a Bainbridge left-wing cross that went just wide, and a powerful drive from Naylor that beat Ponte keeper Ward, but was also just off target. H-T 0-0


Kev queued for the beverages at the break - usually at Rainworth the drinks are a bit weak, but drinkable. On this occasion they were just undrinkable. We both took sips and decided that it may be best to not drink anymore. Maybe a water filter would help - but next time we go to Rainworth it will be with a flask...sorry, but only marked with a "must do better" ...


The Wrens took the lead just 3 minutes into the second period. JAMES WHITEHEAD flicking home at the near post from Bignall's right wing cross.



Wrens' Richard Smith and goal-scorer James Whitehead

On 52, Robbie Clarke had a great chance to double the home teams lead, but fired way over the bar after the ball had dropped invitingly at his feet just 12 yards out. A bad miss made even worse in the 64th minute when Ponte's CRAIG ROUSE saw his 18 yard speculative shot fly between the outstretched hand of keeper Hales and the post.


Now it is time to mention the Referee... Mr James Douglas -- not seen too many really bad performances lately, but this Referee we have seen on numerous occasions and he really does like himself. He gets a lot of decisions wrong and even over-rules his assistants - his "I'm in charge" attitude is not really suitable in these days of "Respect".

Still, he did give the home team a late Christmas present - a blatant trip in the area by a Rainworth defender that was deemed to be a fair tackle !! Blimey - the term "stone-wall" may be over-used, but this was a real "should have gone to Specsavers" moment.

Apparently Rainworth Manager Rudy Funk had a few harsh words to say to his players after the game --
see Gordon Fosters report from the Wrens website

A few more images

Admission £4

Programme £1 (with team sheet -- I wish this idea would be taken up at other clubs - especially those without a PA system)

Tea/coffee £0.60 - least said, soonest mended - but at least Kev paid !!

Attendance 74

Treated myself to a Highway DAB radio gizmo -- you can pick up DAB radio in car .. great for us because we usually struggle to get 5 live and talksport on our normal car radios ... however, with no football on I stuck Planet Rock on -- and we were treated to a Motorhead double bill - Ace Of Spades and Eat the Rich --- followed by Def Leppards' Hysteria -- great stuff! I can see this newest addition to my gadgets being well used......


Monday we are going to Field Mill to see the Stags entertain Conference leaders Burton Albion.

Friday 26 December 2008

Friday 26th December 2008

Borrowash Victoria AFC 1-1 Holbrook MW FC -- EMCL

Not the best game we've seen this season so far by a long way, but it was nice to be stood standing in glorious sunshine on at the end of December -- and it's always nice to get out in the fresh air after the Christmas Day excesses....



Not a lot of matches to choose from - so we opted 1st v 8th in the EMCL with a noon kick off. We visited the Robinson Construction Bowl a couple of months ago, and saw Borrowash take apart Bardon Hill Sports in the first 45 minutes then do nothing in the second 45. We spent a while before kick off trying to get a "silly" photograph with Kev and a pair of fake boobs that were at pitchside --- failed miserably to achieve any sort of comedic image, but it passed 5 minutes or so!!



Holbrook have only lost 2 games all season and never looked like they were going to lose a third - they attacked straight from the start and only the woodwork and some last ditch defending kept the scoresheet blank. Borrowash offered very little in attack - the pairing of Channon North and Sean Gummer failing to cause much concern to the visitors defence.

Holbrook took the lead in the 31st minute, thanks to some poor goalkeeping from Wayne Smith.

When Dave Moon fired a free-kick into the box, Smith shouted that the ball was his - only it wasn't. It sailed over him and JOE ASHDOWN made no mistake with his close range header.

Holbrook could have gone in 3 up, Ashdown missing with a header and Finlay failing when sent through one-on-one with Smith. H-T 0-1


It was no great surprise to see Vics top marksman Rob Spencer appear after the break - the only surprise was that he hadn't started the game in the first place..
Gummer was moved to right back with Tom Bettridge switching to the left. North was replaced with just four minutes of the second half gone- and three minutes later the Vics were level.

Another goalkeeping slip, another goal. A free-kick into the box was well met by ROB SPENCER who slid home after Holbrook 'keeper Damien Clark failed to hold onto his initial effort.


Not a lot more to say about the game, not a lot of passion on show, nor indeed was there a great deal of football to savour --

Admission £4

Programme £1

Tea/coffee - didn't bother

Attendance - very creditable 170 ( Kev's head count 100 !!)

More images -- click here

Got back home at 2:15pm and toyed with the idea of taking in the Ilkeston v Matlock or Worksop v Hednesford games. Decided to watch the "Jeff Stelling Show" on Sky Sports.. not seen Soccer Special for a while - Stelling has changed a lot. He has turned a bit manic - shouting and becoming almost hysterical at times... what's that all about?

Saturday - we are off the see Rainworth take on Ponte Colls in the NCEL 1st Division. Kev mentioned that Notts C***ty are at home to Rothe***m on Sunday and it's only a fiver to get in. What a waste of a fiver that would be!


Field Mill beckons on Monday night and that is going to be £16 - at least that will go to a good cause...my beloved Stags!!

Tuesday 23 December 2008

Tuesday 23rd December 2008

Decide to give the Heanor v Ilkeston game a miss..

Settled down with The Glenlivet single malt...



Back on the road on Boxing Day...

Saturday 20 December 2008

Saturday 20th December 2008

Forest Town 1-3 Sutton Town AFC --- CML Supreme Division

Having been at the Sutton v Forest Town reverse fixture in October, we felt we just had to be at this match, and with just three points seperating the teams this certainly had the makings of a good game.

This wasn't our first visit to Forest Town, but it was our first sight of the new, recently erected floodlight pylons. Impressive they cetainly are - blimey are they tall !!







These will be, apparently, among the best lights in the County when they are up and running - for this game though we had to endure the low level eye-boggling temporary ones -- not ideal but adequate I suppose.

Headed straight for the tea-bar ... rewarded with a smashing cup of coffee that certainly was as good as you can hope to get -- styrofoam cups have replaced the proper mugs we had last visit -- but at £0.50 this was well worth an 8/10.

Regular Forest Town keeper and skipper, Jason Johnson, was not present, so Steve Boot was between the sticks -- Sutton welcomed back striker Peter Stubley, with Ben Greenhalgh having to settle for a bench spot even though he netted twice last time out.

The first incident of the game involved Stubley and Boot -- the no. 10 sliding in on the keeper - not a nice challenge, but Boot did no more than get up and push Stubley over - this altercation ended with them both in the Refs notebook... Boot could have easily seen red for the retaliation.

It was the home team who opened the scoring after 15 minutes. A 40 yard cross-field pass from Jamie Batty found Mark Robinson who also hit a 40 yard pass - this went straight to MARK CARTER who delicately lobbed Snipes keeper Frost from the corner of the box. Not a lot Frost could do, the ball was so well placed.

The visitors seemed to be struggling and failed to put much creative football together, but they were level on 34. James Senior's free-kick picked out BARRY ALBERRY who rose like a salmon at the far post to head powerfully home. It has to be said that the keeper made a bit of a mess with his positioning and was one of many players who stood and watched the ball go into the net....


It was all a blur as Baz Alberry rose well to level the scores

There were a few tasty challenges going in, prompting Kev to predict that the game would end with 22 players on the pitch - prophetic words indeed as it transpired. Sutton should have gone in at half-time in the lead - a great ball in by Martin Newman found Stubley on his own at the far post, but from 6 yards out the striker managed to crash the ball onto the bar when it looked easier to score. H-T 1-1

Stubley almost made amends just three minutes into the second period - a neat header from Newman's cross saved well by Boot. The Snipes did take the lead in the 65th minute though - a great through ball from substitute Richard Guest put PETER STUBLEY through and he calmly rounded the keeper before slotting home. It was to prove Stubley's last contribution to the game - he was hacked down by Ryan Gregory as he scored, and suffered an injury that meant he couldn't carry on. It appears that the officials both missed the challenge so no punishment was handed out to Gregory - again this could easily have been a red card.


The home team were unlucky on several occasions as they pressed for the equaliser .. they hit the post, had shots blocked on the line and caused mayhem in the Sutton back-line for a while. With 10 to go it was game over after Sutton netted their third goal. Dale Crowder, a recent recruit from Blidworth, won the ball well in midfield and played in Matt Lane who saw his goalbound effort handled by Lee Bowler - he had to walk, fulfilling Kev's prophesy - JAMES SENIOR smashed home the penalty with consumate ease. F-T 1-3


Great game of football between two committed teams - we will be watching both teams again very soon.....
a few more pics here

One sour note :
As we climbed the steps to exit the ground, the following comment was overheard "they f***ing cheated us!" -- bloke to bloke this wouldn't raise an eyebrow, but this was a young woman talking to a girl who must have been something around 6 or 7 years old !! Now I've been known to utter a curse or two, but I really was gob-smacked - Peter Stubley's dad was also a little shocked " did she really just say that?" he said ....yes, Mr. Stubley, she did.

Admission £3.00

Programme £1.00 ( excellent work again from Pete Craggs)

Tea/coffee £0.50

Head
count 45

Not much on offer this coming Tuesday. We are hoping to go to Heanor Town to see them take on neighbours Ilkeston Town in the Derbys F.A. Senior Cup......

Tuesday 16 December 2008

Tuesday 16th December 2008

Arnold Town 5-2 Dinnington Town -- NCEL Premier Division

Never expected a 5-2 result !! These teams were in 4th and 5th places in the league table and I thought this would be a little bit cagey...

Then I saw who was in goal for Dinnington and I had an idea that we might be in for a few -- Rob Poulter was probably the worst keeper to ever wear the Eastwood Town shirt while I was a regular at Coronation Park, and he ain't not got no better!!!

Kev's working in Peterborough at the moment and wasn't able to get home in time for him to attend.

I grabbed a minute with local Referee Rob Townsend before the game I had mentioned that in last weeks game the Referee wore black while Market Drayon were in dark blue, making it hard to pick out the Ref -- Rob advised me that it is an F.A rule that the officials must wear black for F.A. competitions. This rule is Referees rule 11 - it seems a bit of a silly rule to me - should the Referee have asked Drayton to change their kit because it clashed with the Ref?

Also met up with the Evening Post man again - I think he may be stalking me!!

The game kicked off and it started peeing it down. I spent the first 10 minutes huddled under the overhanging roof of the changing room block - but the view was a bit restricted so I moved to the "sit-downs" behind the right hand goal. Consequently I was over 100 yards away from the other goal - and of course that's where the first of the games goals went in! Arnold striker Martin Carruthers capitalised on a mix up between Poulter and Elam to fire home from close range on 14, then 5 minutes later Poulter and Axcell gifted the ball to the Arnold striker and he fired home from 12 yards.

Despite the driving rain, both teams were playing some decent football with Dinnington giant striker Gavin Allott looking particularly dangerous. They had a sustained period of pressure as the game - and were rewarded on 36 with a penalty after Brookes tripped Blythen in the area. Allott fired the ball past Broster with consumate ease - this time I was only a few yards away!!

H-T 2-1

I went into the clubhouse during the break and went to sit with Evening Post man - he was devouring a tray of chips. "Do you want a chip?" he asked.... note: singular, not plural as in "do you want some chips?" I politely declined and just seconds later the tray was empty.....no chance to change my mind !!!!

Brian was at the game to interview Carlton Town Manger Tommy Brookbanks, and also to do a "profile" on Arnold's very,very talented right back Josh Thornton.

Back out into the rain as the teams came out - went straight for cover again. Carruthers completed his hat-trick on 55. A free-kick in from Brookes was headed on by Freestone and Carruthers stooped to nod home at the far post - the hapless Poulter could have made a better effort to save this, but as I said previously, he is not the best keeper in the world...

Allott hit a 25 yard stunner past Arnold keeper Broster on the hour mark, then Arnold skipper Mark Clifford replied in kind - a terrific drive that flew past Poulter... not his fault this time!! He got nowhere near the ball as it whistled into the back of the net.

Arnold keeper Broster foiled Allott from point blank range in the 75th minute as Dinnington looked to decrease their arrears.

Carruthers bagged his fourth of the game with three minutes to go - superb wing play from Freestone - and a cross that saw Poulter and Elam leave the ball for each other - Carruthers got there and bundled home from 2 yards out... F-T 5-2

Admission £5

Programme - excellent £1.50

Tea - didn't bother

Best Eagle - Martin Carruthers

Attendance 55 ( looked a few more, but there were a lot of Carlton players knocking about)...

Saturday -- Forest Town v Sutton Town AFC....

Saturday 13 December 2008

Saturday 13th December 2008

Sutton Town AFC 3-1 Harrowby United -- CML Supreme Division



The bottom goal

A bit damp!!

After a morning of non-league football league website watching, one of the few games that survived was our chosen one, Sutton Town AFC v Harrowby Utd. Usually the Fieldings is one of the first venues to succumb to the weather, but thanks to the effort of the players the game was able to go ahead. Three tonnes of sand were shovelled into the bottom goal mouth, and the rest of the pitch was well forked ( oo-er missus) to get rid of any standing water. However, the game did not start at the scheduled ko time -- Harrowby arrived at 2:50pm and the Ref said he had to allow them time to warm up, so the game actually started at 3:20pm........twice in 5 days I have been to a game that was delayed because the away team was late....

While waiting we were treated to a selection of rock toons - from Boston's More Than A Feeling through Fleetwood Mac's Black Magic Woman and even a blast of Ted Nugent's Cat Scratch Fever... a bit different!!

Danny Bryant resigned as Sutton Manager recently because of the lack of help he was getting at the club. He was promised some help if he came back, but we did notice that he was still carrying cones, footballs and water bottles. Not ideal to have your 1st team Manager distracted by having to do these sort of tasks that others ought to be performing.

Danny Bryant and Assistant Keith Simpson

Harrowby kicked the game off at 3:20 and at 3:21 were a goal down!

Kick off

Matt Lane swept the ball out to Martin Newman on the right wing and his cross into the box was collected by BEN GREENHALGH who took his time before turning and slotting the ball home from 12 yards. At 3:25 the visitors were 2-0 down! A training ground set-piece corner ended with STEVE BAYLIS heading powerfully home from Newmans cross.

Steve Baylis

The visitors were a bit shell-shocked and looked very much a team who were 2nd from the foot of the table, and in the 20th minute, when a speculative 20 yard shot from BEN GREENHALGH took a big deflection and ended up in the back of the net, we were wondering what the final score could possibly be.. but then --- Harrowby suddenly seemed to realise they needed to mark and defend a little better, and succesfully kept the score to 3-0 at the break.


A bit misty at half-time

Harrowby kept up their improved form during the second period, and you would have thought two different teams had come out of the changing rooms.. as it was, the visitors managed to grab a goal back on the hour-mark. A fierce drive was well parried by Snipes keeper Mark Frost, but the Harrowby strikers were quicker to the loose ball and it was prodded home from close range. They had a second effort disallowed for offside 10 minutes later as Sutton lost concentration and stopped playing.
Anyway, it turned out that solid defensive work from Barry Allberry and Luke Sheils ensured that the visitors went home point-less. F-T 3-1

Terrific effort from both sets of players - it could not have been too easy running on that rain-soaked pitch for 90 minutes....

Special mention from Kev for Sutton's Ben Greenhalgh. The former Eastwood Town Academy player never stopped all game - leading the line tirelessly. Excellent performance from the young striker.

Admission £3
Programme - not available
Head count 35
Tea - £0.50 ---- this was a large styrofoam cup of hot water with a teabag in it -- but Kev added milk, sugar and just the right amount of stir ...turned out to be marvelous cuppa --- 8/10

Tuesday -- meeting up with Stick Palms at Carlton's Stoke Lane to watch Arnold Town take on Dinnington Town in the NCEL Premier Division.

Thursday 11 December 2008

Eastwood Town v Guiseley FC

Match due to be played on 16th December 2008 has been put off until 24th March 2009.

From the Guiseley website "The scheduled West Riding County Cup Tie fell victim to the weather for the second time. The teams will try again next Tuesday 16 December which means that the trip to Eastwood will have to be rearranged as the County Cup takes precedence over League matches. Still, there's always the Ladies Xmas Party on Friday!"

This was to have been our midweek game - but will now be either Arnold Town v Dinnington in the NCEL Premier Division, or Heanor Town v Ilkeston Town in the Derbyshire Senior Cup.
Choices, choices....

Tuesday 9 December 2008

Tuesday 9th December 2008

Arnold Town 0-2 Market Drayton Town -- F.A. Vase 3rd Round Replay



Guess who didn't take many notes? It was a little bit too chilly to keep taking my gloves off.....



What made it worse was the Market Drayton team bus arriving late after getting lost -- kick off was re-scheduled to 8pm.



As the game drew to it's final knockings at 0-0, the dreaded extra-time and penalties scenario reared it's ugly head -- but as it happened the vistiors netted twice in the final 5 minutes to end the misery without the need for the overtime...

All in all though, well done to all involved in making sure this game went ahead - and to Barnsley Ref Ryan Newman - despite the hardening frost he decided the pitch was perfectly playable. Assistant Rob Townsend told me the pitch was ok, but whether the game would finish depended on how hard the freeze was... as it happened it was very cold, but even after 90 minutes the pitch was still cutting up a little. The side lines were like concrete (illustrated poorly by the mobile phone pictures) - but as said previously the playing surface was ok.

A word of advice for Mr. Newman though, please consider us mere mortals with less than perfect eyesight -- please try not to wear black when one of the teams are wearing all dark-blue... it was a bit difficult sorting you out from the Drayton players!!


The players adapted to the conditions really well, the only problem was with the visiting no.7 shirt who was booked in the 10th minute for a bit of a reckless challenge.

Chances were at a premium though, and the first real attempt at goal was a Chris Freestone header on 20 that cannoned off the bar. Seconds later, Pryce in the Drayton net made a point-blank save from a Craig Mitchell effort.
H-T 0-0

Market Drayton are top of the Midland Regional Alliance and their talents began to show as the second half wore on. They piled the pressure on the home team in an effort to secure passage to the next round and a tie at home to VT (who?), but were thwarted time and time again by some resolute Eagles defending.

Arnold almost scored against the run of play on 70, Mark Brewster's cross-shot forcing Drayton custodian Pryce to tip the ball onto the bar. The visitors finally broke the deadlock with just 10 minutes to go. A dubious free-kick from the right was cleared, but the loose ball fell kindly to Tom Rogers who saw his drive fly past home custodian Broster with the help of a massive deflection.

It was all over for the Eagles 5 minutes later - sloppy defending allowing James Carvey to run into the box and fire past the despairing hands of Broster. F-T 0-0

After the final whistle it was a rush to the car to get the heater on full - would you believe some in-bred blocked me in? Never happens to Kev... oh -- he was out Xmas partying with friends...... anyway, a bit of manoeuvering and back
on the road......

Best Eagle IMO -- Mark Clarke - never fails to impress me every time I see him play - young Josh Thornton looks a very good prospect at right back....

Admission - standard £5 Vase

Attendance - a creditable 116, with quite a good away following


Programme - 1.50 -- the usual excellent Eagles publication - with not a lot of time to prepare this was superb.

Saturday - should see us at the Fieldings to see Sutton Town AFC take on struggling Harrowby in the CMLS division.

Saturday 6 December 2008

Saturday 6th December 2008

Gedling Town 3-0 Greenwood Meadows -- EMCL



What a pleasant afternoon!! A bit chilly, but not really numbingly cold until about 4:30pm - then it really made your eyes water......


Ayup me duck

Although lying 2nd in the table, Gedling were beaten 5-0 at leaders Borrowash on Tuesday, but they were, apparently, a little unlucky.. we had a chat to Aaron Large's dad and he thought that Gedling made enough chances throughout and played well enough to get something out of the game.
Greenwood were top of the league a couple of months ago, but have found it difficult to keep up their early momentum -- collecting only two points from their last 8 games. Looked a home banker, but early doors it was the visitors who looked the most likely to score.

Dave Wardle under pressure

As early as the 4th minute, Meadows' no. 10 shirt, Dave Baofa, found himself one-on-one with Gedling keeper Dave Wardle who stuck out a leg to block the strikers shot. Soon after, the visitors no.9, Eugene Francis was also one-on-one with Wardle - again the keeper blocked well.

On 18 the visitors almost went a goal down. A surging run from Aaron Large ended with the winger firing just past the near post. Then as the ball was played out of defence Blair saw his overhead kick go just wide of the Gedling net.

Two minutes later the home team took the lead - Lavelle White made a terrific run down the right wing before cutting into the area and unleashing a powerful drive that struck the crossbar before falling kindly at the feet of Rob Gill who hammered the ball home from 6 yards out. Those early missed chances really hurting the men in all green...


Gedling left-back Luke Wright fires in a free-kick

On 37, the superb Aaron Ryan threaded the ball through to Rob Gill who in turn fed strike partner Graham Epps - the no. 10's fierce drive was blocked brilliantly by Greenwood keeper Farnsworth. The next Gedling attack saw Gill play a pin-piont pass to Large, but his shot from 12 yards was high and wide.

H-T 1-0

LAPDOG !! ( Kev's caption, not mine!!)

It took just 5 minutes of the second period for Gedling to increase their lead. Another pacy run down the right wing by Lavell White followed by a cross to the far post where Large was waiting to stoop and head home. It was almost 3-0 straight after - a 25 yard piledriver from Epps beat Farnsworth all ends up, but struck the angle of post and bar before flying out for a goal-kick. The effort prompted the cry of " Eppsy -- worra f****ng strike, son!!" from one of his team-mates....

The home team made the game safe on 73. Luke Smith's throw-in found Gill who turned and played in Jimmy Spiers on the edge of the area. The midfielder controlled well and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner. To their credit, Greenwood kept going although they hardly troubled the home defence.

Gill hit a cracking 20 yarder with the outside of his right foot in the 88th minute - and again with Farnsworth well beaten, the ball hammered off the woodwork and flew safe. F-T 3-0

More pics ( sorry, some are a bit arty-farty -- ducks, moon, landscape, helicopter, a pylon at sunset - the game was not that bad!! I was just experimenting with various settings on my cheapo camera....)

Special thanks to Gedling Chairman Roland Ash. Despite his secretary being absent through illness, he still made time to hand write me a team sheet. Mind you, his effort with the P.A system left a bit to be desired -- not heard feedback like that since the late, great Jimi Hendrix was in his prime!!

Admission £4.00

Programme - in Lincoln with the secretary.

Coffee - out of Kev's flask --- needs to be a bit more heavy handed with the granules - but it was wet and warm and most welcome.....

Attendance -- strange - we did a head count before the game and came up with 30 odd. Did another head count after the half time interval and counted 60+ ....

Best Ferryman -- difficult choice between Ryan and Gill ...but I'll go with Gill

Best visitor - probably Eugene Francis

Tuesday - Arnold Tn v Market Drayton Tn --- FA Vase replay (oh no!!) ... at Carlton Town FC

Wednesday 3 December 2008

Clipstone W v Ollerton Town 2/12/08

As per previous post, I was not well enough to go to this game -- there will be another chance though because the game was abandoned ( according to Mitoo anyway)...

Saturday - Gedling Town v Greenwood Meadows...

Tuesday 2 December 2008

Tuesday 2nd December 2008

No match this midweek -- not been feeling too well ( man-flu apparently ) so I'm not going out to stand out in the cold -- I really wanted to go to the Clipstone v Ollerton game, but my health comes first...cough, cough......

Sunday 30 November 2008

Notts F.A. Senior Cup 3rd Round draw

The draw has been made for the 3rd round of the Notts F.A. Senior Cup.

Holders Eastwood Town are away at Southwell City, while Hucknall Town look to have a potential "banana skin" -- they have to visit Dunkirk.

Games to be played Tuesday 2nd February 2009

Full Draw
Wollaton (NSL) v Arnold Town (NCELP)

Hucknall Rolls Leisure (NLS) v Carlton Town (NPS)

Southwell City (CMLS) v Eastwood Town (NPP)

Gedling Town (EMCL) v Gedling MW (EMCL)

Dunkirk (EMCL) v Hucknall Town (BSN)

Ollerton Town (CMLS) v Rainworth MW (NCEL1)

Calverton MW (CMLS) v Retford Utd (NPS)

Forest Town (CMLS) v Radcliffe Olympic (CMLS)

A lot of games to choose from for our midweek "fix", but Hucknall Rolls v Carlton looks favourite at the moment...

Saturday 29 November 2008

Saturday 29th November 2008

Carlton Town 6-2 Leek Town -- UniBond League Division One South



Woke up feeling a bit achy-painy and debated with myself whether it was a good idea to go to a game and get frozen... I made the effort, but asked Kev if he wouldn't mind driving -- he'd been moving furniture for his daughter all morning and was a bit knackered, but he said ok...... thanks Buddy...

With Forest at home with £10 admission, and Eastwood dragging support from all over the County, there was never going to be a huge gate at Stoke Lane - but just 73 in attendance is poor -- especially as Carlton are top of their League at the moment. Mind you, it wasn't helped by the away support that numbered only 5 or 6.......

First surprise of the afternoon was finding out that Jay Smedley had joined the Millers on loan from Hucknall Town. I have seen Jay quite a lot recently -- he has been part of the team of electricians upgrading the wiring in our offices..

Jay Smedley (centre) searching for that certain something...

It was a bit chilly down at Stoke Lane -- one of those days that sees fluids escape from every facial orifice !!

Ex-Mansfield Town star Wayne Corden was on the bench for Leek - Wayne was part of a superb Stags midfield that included Liam Lawrence ( now Stoke City), Leroy Williamson ( now Watford) and Craig Disley ( now Bristol Rovers).....what a midfield that was Lawrence, Disley, Williamson, Corden.....brilliant!!

I didn't take many notes - it was far too cold to keep removing my gloves. What a game this turned out to be and our average goals per game was reached by half-time!

Leek's game plan was overtly obvious right from the get-go.... offside trap, after offside trap after offside trap... ok if you're good at it - but Leek aren't. Stepping up and raising your arm may work sometimes, but not all the time and this was the away teams downfall -- and when they got it wrong who's fault was it? Yep, the poor Assistant Referees...they got some right old stick from the Leek defenders, but they did get most offside decisions right...

Carlton opened the scoring on 13, Dean Gent running at Matt Cooper in the Leek net before slotting the ball between him and his near post.

Leek levelled in the 26th minute - new boy Smedley's defensive header flew up in the air and was volleyed home by Andrew Bourne. Then two goals in two minutes ensured that the visitors were on the receiving end of a tirade of abuse form their managment at half-time... blimey, the eff word was a bit over-used I can tell you.....

On 36, Steve Chaplin won a header and the ball fell straight to Danny Blair who volleyed powerfully home from 12 yards. Then, with the defenders still complaining to the Ref about everything and nothing, Chaplin fired past Cooper after being put through by Gent. H-T 3-1

Second surprise of the afternoon was when Evening Post Brian came walking up to us with pie, peas and gravy in each hand - one each for me and Kev....... this man takes some stick of both of us, but what he doesn't know about the local non-league game isn't worth knowing. And the grub was most welcome ... He had also secured me a copy of the team sheet earlier - a good job because I never heard the P.A. system announce the team line-ups.

As I mentioned previously, we had a tab-hole at the Leek changing rooms during the break -- wow ..the paint may need retouching in there after that "hair dryer" treatment the players received....effin ell, effin this, effin that, effin 3-1 effin down... eff , eff, eff, eff, eff.

Carlton looked comfortable for the first half hour or so of the second period, but they conceded a penalty on 79 which Ashley Miller duly converted and the nerves started jangling a little. However, the nervous spell didn't last too long because Carlton netted again in the 81st minute. Sub Steve Cox received the ball and laid it to Gent who curled a beauty past the despairing dive of keeper Cooper.

Right on fulltime, Gent made it 5-2, striking a stunning 25 yarder past Cooper. What a goal and what a hat-trick! Wayne Corden was noted for his sweet left-peg and he must have been secretly applauding Gent's display of left foot striking....

Chaplin fired in off the post in the third minute of stoppage time to make the final score 6-2.

Admission £6
Programme £1.50
Pie/peas/gravy - courtesy Evening Post Brian
Attendance 73

Getting to the car, it transpired that the Florists had won, and goals from Eastwood Town's Lindon Meikle and Peter Knox had dumped Wycombe out of the Cup.... all we had to do now was thaw out a little and have a little celebratory Grouse or two....

Tuesday -- Clipstone W v Ollerton Town ...

Wednesday 26 November 2008

Wednesday 26th November 2008

Greenwood Meadows 2-3 Dunkirk FC -- Notts F.A. Senior Cup

Before I begin to comment on the game, let me assure a certain person ( who shall remain anonymous, but writes a bit every now and again for local paper and initials are BD) that I am NOT retired !! I may be a bit weather-beaten and in need of a "10 years younger" type make-over, but I am still a long way from my pension ....blimey, just when you think you know someone .....

Had a nice, steady drive down to Lenton Lane arriving just before the teams came out of the changing rooms...

The Notts F.A. Senior Cup is held at the moment by Eastwood Town - this was the final match of round 2. Dunkirk join Wollaton, Calverton MW, Forest Town, Radcliffe Olympic and Hucknall Rolls Leisure in round 3 - that's when the "big" boys join in .. Hucknall Town, Eastwood Town, Retford, Carlton etc...

Both these teams play in the newly created East Midlands Counties League, and this is a true local derby -- their grounds are only about 100 yards apart.

The first 10 minutes or so were a bit cagey with both teams passing the ball well but failing to mount significant attacks. The first real attack by home team saw them go ahead. A scramble in the Dunkirk 6 yard box ended with Robinson prodding the ball past the groping hands of Wheater-Lowe in the Dunkirk net. The lead lasted barely 9 minutes though.

After some impressive ball control and trickery, the visitors no. 10 managed to get the ball to Massingham who ran into the box and was promptly upended. The striker picked himself up and hammered the spot kick home. Dunkirk went ahead on 24, Soar's powerful close range header for a right wing corner giving the home keeper no chance. H-T 1-2

Kev had brought a flask of chicken soup, and it was apparently very nice - Evening Post Brian liked it anyway... mind you, owt for nowt ...... I don't do soup.

Straight from the restart, Meadows' centre-back Pollard brought down Massingham on the edge of the box, and was booked for his trouble. Whether he was the last man is debatable, but if he had have been shown red, I don't think there would have been too many complaints. Massingham sent his free-kick flying wide. The same player was foiled by a brilliant diving save from the home keeper seconds later.

It was all square on the hour mark. A speculative effort by the home no.11 shirt, from an acute angle, saw Wheater-Lowe lose sight of the ball and he failed to connect with his clearance and the ball ended up in the net.

As the game entered it's final quarter, we were hoping and praying that someone would score -- extra-time and penalties loomed large!!!

Unfortunately for Greenwood, it was Dunkirk who managed to grab the decisive goal. The ball was played to Massingham from a free-kick just inside the half - the no. 9 took the ball in his stride and angled a shot across the keeper and into the net. Looked marginally offside, but the lino was in a better position than us ...and there were not too many arguments for the home players.

Straight out after the final whistle -- third car out of the car-park. Back in the house at 10pm in time to see the Champs League goals on Sky...

Admission £4

Never saw a programme

Att 80?

Saturday - Carlton Tn v Leek Tn... a chance to see Wayne Corden ( one of my favourite ex-Mansfield Town players) in action for Leek.

Sunday 23 November 2008

Assault on Referee - Sat 22nd November pt II

The player involved in the incident has been identified on the EMCL forum.

"The players name is Joe Preston and he has already been suspended indefinitely by Leicestershire FA. "

That will be just the beginning, I suspect....

Assault on Referee - Sat 22nd November

St. Andrews v Gedling MW -- EMCL

Not much detail other than these posts from the EMCL forum.

"St Andrews v Gedling Miners Welfare [ Abandoned ] Canal Street
Abandoned after 85 minutes, score 3-1, assault on referee
How very SAD ====Any one care to Comment "

"The worst thing I've ever seen at a football match (and I've been to 1000's)Fracas near end of game. Ref confers with linesman and calls one player over from each team and books them. Then calls over St Andrews No 12 and sends him off. No 12 puts his face up close to ref and says something, then turns away before swinging round and punching the ref with GREAT FORCE in the face. No 12 then jumps over fence and runs to dressing room. On arrival at door to dressing room decides he wants some more and turns round to head back onto pitch. One of St Andrews people stops him and pushes him into dressing room. Ref has been knocked out cold and is just lying on pitch. He is covered in blankets and given attention but it is a LONG time before he moves. Divided opinion amongst spectators and players, management etc. I heard one SICKENING comment that the ref had been asking for it! Several St Andrews players were saying how disgraceful it was and one said that he would not play with No 12 again."
"The referee Mr. Andy Parker has received a broken cheek bone and two breaks to his jaw and was kept overnight at the Leicester Royal Infirmary"

No idea of the identity of the no. 12, but if this is what actually happened, then he should get the full penalty of the law - assault / GBH / threatening behaviour etc... PLUS a lifetime ban from the game AT ALL LEVELS.

We all knock the officials every now and then, but however poor they are, we can't knock them out! Criticism is one thing -- assault and battery is on another, totally unacceptable, level completely. Whether the Ref is incompetent/useless/crap - he is still a human being...
I hope Mr. Parker is ok....I also hope he stays on as a Referee - no Refs, no game....

It will be interesting to see what action the League, the F.A and the police take against this individual - and no doubt the club will also suffer some form of punishment ....

Saturday 22 November 2008

Saturday 22nd November 2008

Long Eaton United 6-0 Eccleshill United --- NCEL Premier Division

Long Eaton have, according to the local media, been playing really well - with strikers Kevin Mabon and Kelvin Mushambi among the goals. Eccleshill on the other hand are having a miserable time of it, winning only one game out of 16 played and conceding 73 goals prior to their visit to Grange Park. We set off for the game in anticipation of at least keeping our almost 4 goals a game average going!!

Mushambi has always been a Malc and Kev favourite. He suffered an awful achilles injury a couple of years ago and this took quite a while to heal. This type of injury takes a player some time to get over -- both physically and mentally -- consequently "Mushy" was not at his best for a considerable period after the injury had healed. It is great to see him back playing well and scoring on a regular basis. Kelvin is a genuinely nice man, and always takes the time to have a word. He has also added a little steel to his game - he is not easily pushed about now and his physique is superb.

Anyway - managed to make myself look a pratt at the turnstile.... I asked the young lad why he had only given me £0.80 change from my tenner when I was looking for £1.00 - mental arithmetic 2 x £4 = £8 plus £1 programme = £9 --- change £1... except the programme was £1.20 .... D'oh! I am that used to paying £1 for a programme that I assumed this would be as well.

The teams were announced on a PA system that can only be heard if you are stood standing next to it - still, I knew the Long Eaton player names anyway, and I only expected to use the Eccleshill keeper's name - who according to the programme is Darrell Crowley.


The first 15 minutes left us wondering which was he struggling team, after Eccleshill won a few corners and caused a little panic at times in the Blues defence. Everything was as it should be on 18 though - Crowley did well to save and clear from a Long Eaton corner, but as the ball was pumped back up field, Mabon latched onto it and raced on before poking the ball past the keeper. Looked clearly offside, but the Assistant thought differently and signalled the goal.

Mabon doubled the score after 24 minutes. Mushambi improvised by passing the ball while he was on his backside - the pass found Gamble who in turn found Mabon. The strikers first effort struck the foot of the post, but he somehow managed to squeeze the rebound between post and keeper.

Eccleshill still kept knocking the ball about, very pleasing on the eye - but they almost went 3 down on 36 - only a great block from Crowley keeping out Mushambi after a stunning pass from Piliero had put him through on goal.

H-T 2-0

Went for a half-time cuppa, but my beady eyes noticed that the tea/coffee were priced at £1.00 per cup. We didn't bother, opting to go into the Clubhouse for a warm and a glance at Soccer Saturday..

Long Eaton were soon in their stride, and Mabon completed his hat-trick just 5 minutes into the second half. Piliero found Mushambi who played the ball to his strike partner who finished at the secong time of asking. It was 4-0 seconds later, Mushambi tapping home into an empty after a backward defensive header looped over Crowley.

The fifth goal was the best of the lot - it was a beauty........just after the hour-mark, Mushambi collected the ball on half-way and some superb control saw him beat several challenges before he played the ball to Holmes on the edge of the box. Mushambi had carried on his run and when Holmes played an inch perfect pass to him he opened his body and slotted the ball wide of Crowley - what a goal - but what a pity there were on 60 odd in the crowd to see it...

Lee Sutton netted the Blues sixth on 81 - running on to a long ball before slotting past Crowley - he was at least 5 yards off-side ( we were right in-line), but the Assistant saw nothing wrong with the goal... "Should have gone to Specsavers!!"

Special mention for the Referee ... after the behaviour of the Ref at Rainworth, this one was a true Gent... I can't remember a card being shown - even when the Eccleshill no. 3 showed a bit of dissent... Mr. Michael Leslie we have seen on several occasions (he is from Nottingham) - he uses a quiet word or two to sort out issues, no fuss, no histrionics -- all I can say is "well done, Sir" !!

Grange Park - a few images from the game -- and some artistic views of aeroplane contrails.... and a helicopter ,, and a sunset...

Admission £4

Programme £1.20 !!

Tea/coffee £1.00

Attendance 60 +

Tuesday - staying in to watch Champs League, but off to Greenwood Meadows on Wednesday to see them take on Dunkirk in the Notts F.A.Senior Cup.

Tuesday 18 November 2008

Tuesday 18th November 2008

Rainworth MW 1-1 Brighouse Town -- NCEL Division 1

Last season both me and Kev were sometimes undecided about the games we should go to, so I decided to pick out a few future games and stick to the "menu".... it was tempting to stray from the itinerary and take in the Forest Town v Sutton Floodlit game, but we were not too keen on the Forest Town floodlights, so Rainworth it was.

I like going to Kirklington Road - it really is a decent set-up now and you are always made to feel welcome..also a great idea of putting a team sheet in with the programme - so much easier than trying to jot down names and numbers from the PA system. Maybe in the future, with Hopping becoming so popular, this may become the norm rather than the exception ... I have my doubts!!

Arrived with plenty of time to spare -- actually we arrived with loads of time to spare - a linesman had got lost and a local replacement was called in - the game actually kicked off 8pm.

This season, with the "respect" campaign going on, we have both noticed the standard of refereeing is not as bad as it was last season... but is the "respect" campaign double-edged? Are the Referees supposed to "respect" the players and Managers etc in return?

Obviously, Referee Mr. Barraclough thinks not, nor does his Assistant Mr. Parker. Not very often you see Referees actually shouting at players - telling them to "shut-up!", "do not to argue with the Assistant!", "no more!" and "any more and you're in!"-- but Mr. Barraclough did ... throughout the game...

Assistant Mr.Parker was guilty of applying an iron fist when it came to the Managers using their technical areas. The Laws of the game state on page 52 that "only one person at a time is authorised to convey tactical instructions and he must return to his position after giving these instruction"... ok..fine - but is this Law ever applied? Do David Moyes, Martin O'Neill, et al sit down during a match - ever? Not that I can recall -- talk about applying the letter of the law!!

http://www.thefa.com/NR/rdonlyres/095F9568-466D-4D71-ABF5-C1253A1C28FD/151521/FifaLawsOfTheGame0809.pdf

The stand-in Assistant Mr.Lang, had a tough call in the second half, one of those did it cross the line, didn't it cross the line decisions...

Because the kick off was delayed we had to listen to the whole of Tina Turners greatest hits ....aaarrrrgggghhhhhh -- she's got a pair of lungs has that lady!! The players entered the field, shook hands, waved to the five people in the main stand - then off we went ,,, or rather didn't. The first half hour was dire -- no control, misplaced passes and little skill on show -- Rainworth's first true effort in goal came in the 33rd minute, a tame shot that Paul Brown in the Brighouse net gathered comfortably.

The visitors opened the scoring on 36, a fairly innocuous free-kick from no.11 Danny Ryan creeping through the wall and through Mark Hales's gloves. H-T 0-1

Won 2nd prize in the raffle, a box of Celebration chocolates - although there was not a lot to celebrate ...........

Got the tea/coffe in, both needed a bit more oomph... so only 5/10 sorry ladies!!

Kev bought the Mars bars again, and also provided a delightful bottle of lemon flavoured water -- very nice ..,

Our constant companion Mr. Evening Post turned up during the interval - he'd started the evening up the road at Forest Town, but apparently that was less than entertaining as well !! Had a moan at me for not getting him a coffee in -- I felt really bad -- but that soon passed.....

Rainworth had to up their game if they were to get anything from this match, and they almost pulled level on 58, a 25 yard screamer from Malc Brown that scraped the top of the bar. The "was it over the line " incident came in the 72nd minute - the ball was arrowing towards the back of the net and was pushed out by keeper Brown after it had appeared to go into the goal. I jumped up, Kev cheered - but Mr. Lang waved play on....to most people's chagrin........

Rainworth were level though just 6 minutes later, Phil Bignall turning and firing home from 6 yards after good build up play. Both teams went searching for the winner, but it finished 1-1.

Rainworth Chairman Mr. Reece stopped us for a chat just before we left --- thanks for the kind words, Brian...much appreciated.

Admission £4
Programme ( inc team sheet) £1
Tea/coffee £0.60
Attendance 74


Saturday -- 1st visit of the season to Long Eaton United -- hope to catch up with Kelvin " Mushy" Mushambi and also check on the progress of Jared Holmes who we were impressed with on the couple of occasions we saw him play last term.

Saturday 15 November 2008

Saturday 15th November 2008

Blidworth Welfare 6-1 Kimberley Town -- CML Supreme Division

Blidworth v Kimberley might not sound too attractive a fixture, especially with Welfare 4th from bottom of the table and the Stags rooted firmly in last place - but we've heard good reports of how Kimberley have been playing, and we have seen Blidworth twice already this season, so know what they are capable of. We thought this fixture might produce a few goals, although it transpired that a
t half time we were wondering if we were going to see only our third 0-0 of the season !!

Kimberley are currently without a regular 1st team keeper, and their vastly experienced Manager Paul Rawden had to take up the gloves. Paul will admit he's a few pounds heavier than is ideal for a keeper, but needs must, as they say.....

Kimberley's no. 10, Leverton saw his 5th minute effort cannon off the Blidworth crossbar with keeper Fisher well beaten. At the other end, Roberts fired just wide from 15 yards with Rawdon well beaten.....

Blidworth's next chance also fell to Roberts - he was played in superbly by Bollington, but his firece drive was deflected wide by Kimberley centre-back Mee. From the corner, Rawden palmed away, but only to Bollington who watched in anguish as his terrific shot crashed off the bar and out for a goal-kick. Leverton had another chance to put the Stags in front on 29, but his shot across Fisher was just wide of the mark. Welfare should have gone ahead in the 32nd minute, Marsh's corner from the right headed over from close range by Tagg when it looked easier to score. Whitworth and Best combined well down the right on 38, but Crowder failed to connect with the full-backs fine cross and the half ended goal-less. H-T 0-0

Kev got the drinks in, and provided the Mars bars !!!

The home team began the second period on the front foot and after a couple of corners forced the save of the game from Rawden. Armstrong fired a neat cross to the far post and Best met it with a perfect header. Looked a goal all the way, but Rawden somehow got down and palmed the effort away - brilliant stop from the stand-in keeper - for a big lad he got down very quickly -- took a bit longer to get back up, mind you!!

Kimberley killed all our fears of a 0-0 on the hour - Ahmed's ball down the left collected by Steve Rudge who squeezed it past Fisher from the edge of the box to give the visitors the lead against the run of play. Not content with being a goal up, the Stags went looking for a second - and Ahmed almost gave it to them - only a good save from Fisher thwarting the midfielder. Kimberley should have concentrated more on their defending though, rather than going for more goals, because they left themselves somewhat exposed at the back, and when Rawden pushed away a long range shot on 65, there were no defenders were on hand to clear, leaving Crowder free to lash the ball home from 8 yards.

Armstrong put the Welfare ahead just four minutes later, and 60 seconds after that, Marsh fired home a free-kick from 20 yards to make it 3-1. Ahmed volleyed the ball into the roof of his own net on 81 to make it 4-1, then substitute Robley fired home the fifth from close range. Marsh added Blidworth's 6th right on full time. F-T 6-1

Strange how a 0-0 can turn into a 6-1 goal feast...Kimberley didn't deserve to be on the wrong end of a thrashing, but after scoring they got a little excited, and instead of concentrating on defending their lead, they tried to increase it.... and this cost them dearly.

Credit to Blidworth though, going a goal down gave them a right good kick up the backside and in the end they were deserving winners.

Harry Hardy ( no idea how old he is, but he is not young)!!

Referee Mr. Maltby got bit of stick, but seemed to do alright we've seen him a few times now and always seems to do ok -- officiates with a smile on his face. Assistant Ref Mr. Hardy is not a young man, but kept up with play just fine...he can probably run a bit quicker than me!!

Stood with Sutton Town AFC Manager Danny Bryant for the final 20 minutes - had a general chat about the recent events at the Fieldings. Danny was not too forthcoming, but did say that he now has some positive backing and has a few more backroom staff, and he is really looking forward to the rest of the CMLS season.

Admission £3.00
Programme £1.00
Tea/coffee -- Kev's treat ( £0.50)
Attendance -- head count 30

Tuesday -- Rainworth MW v Brighouse or Forest Town v Sutton Town AFC

Wednesday 12 November 2008

Wednesday 12th November 2008

Worksop Town 0-4 Guiseley FC -- UniBond Premier Division

Bonus game after missing out on Tuesday - high flying Guiseley at Worksops temporary Hucknall Town home. Worksop are really struggling at the foot of the table, while Guiseley would go 2nd with a win.


You can't see me!!!!

Stalked by our favourite local football reporter Brian " Evening Post" Dennett again....that bloke gets everywhere!!

Brian is a Carlton Town man, and he was full of praise for the Millers after they won 2-1 at Retford on Saturday. Also seems to know everyone - or everyone knows him !!!

Bitterley cold night, and I think it may be time for more layers of clothing very soon .. I can see a long, cold winter ahead..

The game kicked off on time, and we both noted how fast the play was - from both teams -- but it was clearly evident that Guiseley had a much higher skill level on show. They took only 12 minutes to open the scoring, Alex Callery sliding the ball across Hernandez in the home net. Worksop heads dropped a little after the goal, and the only surprise was that it took until the 31st minute for them to concede again - Chris Bolder nodding home after the ball was pinged across the goal. H-T 0-2

Worksop responded well to their half-time team talk and pushed on at the Guiseley back line, but the pressure didn't last long - in fact the visitors went further ahead on 50 - a corner from the left met by the head of the no. 6 shirt and deflected home by centre-back Danny Ellis. Six minutes later Worksop conceded a penalty that Simon Burton hammered into the roof of the net. That was the end of the scoring, but Worksop did keep trying, and it was only some acrobatic goalkeeping from Skiba that foiled their efforts. One section of the "home" fans were a little derisive of their team, but one supporter next to us put it in context - " we may have a bad team, but our supporters are worse!"....

I know they travel a long way to get to each "home" game, but you would think that as they had made the effort to get to Hucknall, the dissenters could be at least a little more supportive...

Worksop were not as bad as the score suggests, but given the strength of the UniBind Premier Division this season, there must be some concerns over whether they can pick up enough points against the quality opposition in the league to hold on to their step 3 status. Would be ironic if they were to be relegated - their hosts Hucknall Town are also facing the drop - into the UniBond Premier!!

Admission £8.00

Programme £1.50

Att 171

Saturday -- Blidworth W v Kimberley Town

Midweek game

Missed out on Tuesday night, but looked at the fixtures and noticed Worksop were at home on Weds 12th Nov

And their temporary home is Walnall Road, Hucknall - 5 minutes up the road !! Just far enough to be "on the road".........