Tuesday 31st March 2009

Blidworth Welfare 0-5 Forest Town -- CML Supreme Division

Can a Tuesday night out watching non-league football be any better than this? Although the difference in class between the two teams was obvious, the home team fought on right to the final whistle. Although that final whistle was blown just after Forest Town had added their 5th.....

Blidworth are 5th from the foot of the table, while this victory for "Foggy" sees them take over top spot - they are now two points clear of Newark with two games in hand. Their impressive run of 9 straight league wins began after we saw them lose 1-3 at home to Sutton in late December.

Decided to give the Rainworth v Eastwood senior cup tie a miss on the advice of Brian "Evening Post" Dennett - good call as it happens ... mind you, I could have done without the assault on the nostrils that seemed to eminate from somewhere in the reporters nether regions !! Sorry, but that was a bit anti-social Brian!!

Apart from that it was a nice evening - Kev even went coat-less for a while, and it was noticable that noses and eyes were dry AT LAST!!!

Decent temperature and no wind or rain.. made the evening very pleasant. Spent a while in the company of Peter Craggs, who is Forest Town through and through, and with the CML's Rob Hornby. Nice company, nice weather, good tea, very good Referee, a bit of banter with one of the linesman,,,, great stuff.

The football was decent as well, and although, as I mentioned earlier, there was a large difference in class, Blidworth gave all they had and the scoreline is a bit harsh.

MARK CARTER opened the scoring in the 10th minute, a sublime side foot volley from 20 yards that looped over Blidworth keeper Jamie Davies. Nothing Davies could do about this goal, but when MARK HURST tried his luck from about 25 yards out five minutes later, Davies inexplicably let the ball slip through his arms, and legs, and it rolled into the net. Blidworth went forward to try and cut the defecit, but their strikers were no real match for the Town defence. H-T 0-2

Kev had a tea during the interval, and rated it very highly - big styrofoam cup for £0.60p. I had an orange lucozade - I tell you what, that is a good drink ....going to get some of them in!!!

Just 4 minutes into the second half, the move of the game brought the third goal - great control in the centre of the park from Craig Jackson, the he fired an inch perfect pass to Mark Robinson on the right. The full-back played in a superb ball across the goal where MARK HURST was waiting to slam home from about 6 yards out. Great goal, great play - well worth the £3 admission.

Welfare had a strong case for a penalty on the hour after a defender appeared to handle in the box, but this wasn't the home teams night, and the Referee gave a corner instead.

CRAIG JACKSON had played well all through the game, and he got his reward in the 83rd minute. After feinting to shoot with his left, he hit a right foot curler from the corner of the area right into the top corner of the net. May have took a slight deflection, but what a strike!

LEWIS CROUCHER fired home the fifth with the final kick of the game - we were somewhat pleased for the young substitute who had squandered two decent chances earlier in the half.

Admission £3

Programme £1

Tea £0.60

Lucozade £0.75

Attendance - h/c 30

Hucknall Rolls Leisure v Linby CW on Wednesday - or I might stop in and watch England...

Saturday 28th March 2009

Dunkirk 0-0 Gedling Town -- EMCL


I know it was cold, but ......

We haven't been to many goal-less games this season, but I suppose when the team in 3rd place plays the team in 4th it could have been forecast - and added to this the conditions were awful. Still, not the worst 0-0 we have seen.......

Pulling the bar down is one way to ensure it stays 0-0

We stood with Gedling Town Chairman Roland Ash for the first half-hour of the game - what pleasant company to be in. Genuine nice person, and his knowledge the game and of the players in the local non-league scene is nothing short of amazing. What he doesn't know probably isn't worth knowing.

Not too much to write about - the only decent chances coming late on. First, home keeper Wheater-Lowe made an error, and after making amends by blocking the resultant shot, watched with some relief as Gedling striker Eugene Francis fired the loose ball over the bar from about 8 yards out.

Then, as the ball was played up the field, Dunkirk's Theo Smith saw his effort cannon off the foot of the post. Finally, Neil Thompson tried his luck from long range, forcing James Mason in the visitors' goal to tip over. H-T 0-0

Into the second half, and Gedling looked dangerous early doors, winning a series of free-kicks. However, nothing came of any of the set pieces. They did have an effort cleared off the line in the 52nd minute, but with Dwaine Soar in superb form marshalling the home defence, keeper Wheater-Lowe was rarely troubled. It has to be said that Mason in the other goal was also not over-worked!!

Gedling's Aaron Ryan and Dunkirk's Theo Smith, Andy Frawley and Dwaine Soar all saw yellow as the half wore on.

Rob Gill was superbly played in by Ryan Johnson on 67, but the visiting striker fired just over. As the game drew to a close, Dunkrik had the best chance of the game - but Jarrod Westcarr (I think) fluffed his effort in front of goal, bringing a groan from the home supporters.

During a challenge, one of the home defenders took an accidental blow to the mouth, bringing blood. The Referee, quite rightly, asked him to leave the pitch. This prompted one of the substitutes, who was behind the perimeter rail, to berate him very loudly. Something along the lines of " he only has to leave the field if he's got blood on his shirt" and "the fans are here to watch the game, not you !" The Referee sent him off - straight red, and well deserved... respect, my a**e !! F-T 0-0

Weather-wise, it was a bad afternoon - cold, wet and windy. Well done to the players for providing a good game in the testing conditions. 90 minutes spent with a runny nose and watering eyes AGAIN, and the warm spell that has been forecast will be more than welcome!!

Images from the game

Admission £4

Programme £1

Tea/coffee -- to far to walk !!

Attendance at the start was head-count at 36 - must have been a few late-comers as the official attendance was 74...

Off to the last Notts F.A. Senior Cup 1/4 final on Tusday -- Rainworth MW v Eastwood Town. With Rainworth seeking promotion from NCEL1 and Eastwood struggling to keep their place at the top of the UniBond Premier division, you wonder what the line-ups will be....probably not their strongest...

A home semi-final against Carlton Town awaits the winners.

Notts F.A. Senior Cup Semi-final line-up

I appear to have missed this - but better late than never...

Semi-finals of the Notts F.A. Senior Cup :-

1) Retford Town v Arnold Town
2) Rainworth MW or Eastwood Town v Carlton Town

Dates have not been decided yet......

Tuesday 24th March 2009

Eastwood Town 1-3 Guiseley -- UniBond Premier Division

First a word of praise to Mrs. Kev..... 25th wedding anniversary - hubby's off to footie... no problem!! ... I think I'll start my own "ontheroad" hall of fame - first person in there will be Mrs. Kev.

With Kev having just driven back from taking a well earned break in Yorkshire, I drove to the gorund, and when we arrived, much to our surprise the car park still had spaces available....on previous visits we have had to park on the road.

We took up a position at the top of the Main stand - a great view, but a bit cold and draughty to say the least! The spring-like weather didn't stay around long and what we were served up on the pitch did nothing to warming the cockles either. Admittedly, Eastwood missed three glorious chances, Sturdy, Hume and Holmes all guilty, but Guiseley were undoubtedly the better team on the night and it took a couple of decent saves from Badgers' keeper Redmond to ensure the teams went in at the break on even terms. H-T 0-0

On the hour mark, Guiseley took a well deserved lead, a ball across the box tapped in by ADAM MULLER.

Marc Smith was booked for a nothing foul - a trip, a shout and "in the book you go" .. Refs are conned so easily nowadays.... anyway,it was a booking, fair or not - so as a player you take it easy for a while, don't you? Not Smith obviously - a minute or so later, another rash tackle and a second yellow and a red.......not a smart piece of football from the big front man.

Down to 10 men and soon two goals down as well ... this time it was RYAN CROSSLEY who netted for the visitors on 73.

2-0 became 3-0 with three minutes to go, when the Badgers defence failed to clear allowing JAMES HANSON to prod home.

ANDY TODD did manage to pull one back in the second minute of added time, running down the right before slotting under the body of the Guiseley keeper. F-T 1-3

I could talk about Eastwood's tactics and lambast their desire to launch the ball over the top, the old "direct football", but what's the point...? As Liverpool prove against Villa, route one works occasionally so it has a place in the game, but to use this as plan A with no plan B seems to me a little bit naive.

Anyway, it was great to see over 500 at Coronation Park on a miserable Tuesday evening. It was cold again -- as well as wet and windy. Spring-time in England - lovely...

Straight out at the final whistle, straight out of the car-park, back into Hucknall by 9:50pm ---- safe in the knowledge that our goals per game average was still intact - well over 3.75 now.

Admission £7.00

Programme -

Tea/coffee -

Att 577

Thursday - Kimberley v Forest Town ( if it stops raining!) - UPDATE --- this game is off due to floodlight failure...

Saturday 21st March 2009

Rainworth MW 3-0 Bottesford Town -- NCEL Division One

What a change in the weather - Thursday night we were cold and damp at Kimberley, today bright sunshine and blue skies and not a runny nose in sight!!!!


Welcome


This was the 1st penalty incident


Phil Bignall fires the spot kick past Steve Jordan


The first of two penalty misses by Bottesford - Jamie Smith hits the post


Off the defender to Craig Charlesworth (no. 5) waiting to nod home

Mark Hales saves the Bottesford second penalty


Matt Draper sees red


Ant Lynam on his way to netting the Wrens third

Images from the game

Where to start? Well, let's start with the,as usual, excellent programme supplemented with a copy of the team sheet -- 40 pages and well worth the £1.00.

Into the ground and managed to grab a few minutes with Rainworth's Richard Smith - "Smig" is a friend from our Eastwood Town days - and he was lamenting the fact that the Wrens are to play the Badgers on 31st March and he is suspended. We had a word with James "Topps" Whitehead as well. The Rainworth right-back is currently on the road to recovery after suffering a serious injury a few weeks ago. He thinks he is still a couple of weeks away from playing. I wonder if HE will be fit to play against former club Eastwood Town?

Rainworth currently lie third in the table, and look likely candidates for promotion along with Scarborough - although Askern Welfare are in second spot, apparently their ground grading is not sufficient to warrant promotion. With this in mind, it is important for the Wrens to keep winning and hold onto that third spot. Bottesford are in 7th place so we thought this would be a close game - and it was - a lot closer that the final score suggests!!

After the usual early sparring, the home team were awarded a contoversial penalty in the eighth minute. Raised eyebrows from both me and Kev - but PHIL BIGNALL didn't care - he stepped up to fire his spot-kick past Steven Jordan to give the Wrens the lead.

Rainworth looked fairly comfortable at the back with the Town strikers offering little or nothing - and in the 23rd minute, when Jermaine Hollis tripped Luke Clifford who was heading away from the goal, his fellow defenders couldn't believe it....there was absolutely no danger. Hollis got out of jail though - Bottesford's Jamie Smith hammered the penalty againt the post and lashed at the rebound - only to realise too late that he can't kick the ball again - result? A free-kick to Rainworth.

Wrens hit-man Ant Lynam was foiled by a great block by Jordan on 38, after being played in on goal by Brendon Sweeney. The home team did go further ahead soon after though - a corner played in from the right cannoned off the leg of a defender and CRAIG CHARLESWORTH was on hand to jump and loop a delicate header into the top corner. H-T 2-0

Decided against tea / coffee ... remembered what it was like on our last visit - this was actually mentioned to me at pitchside later by Sue Funk, wife of the Wrens Manager ....she assured me that the drinks are now ok. We'll try one at the Eastwood game, Sue!

The visitors strated the second half well enough and asked a few more questions of the home defence - culminating in yet another penalty. A long shot by Jamie Smith was well saved by Hales and then he tipped the subsequent corner over the bar .... another corner, this time the Referee saw something and awarded the penalty.

Up stepped Town skipper Daniel Hope to take the kick, but Hales dived to his right to save. As Hope ran in to look for any scraps, he appeared to catch Hales and a 20 man melee ensued. As things calmed down, Rainworth defender Matt Draper was shown a straight red for something or other.... He went ballistic and only a few words from Chariman Brian Reece calmed him down.

Sweeney received a yellow, followed quickly by Danny Naylor as the 10 man home team tried to reorganise. As it turned out, the game was effectively over in the 66th minute. A ball through the middle picked out ANT LYNAM who raced into the box and slotted past Jordan. Rainworth tired a little towards the end of the game, but Bottesford never looked likely to stage a miracle comeback. F-T 3-0

Regular readers of this blog will know that we have not been too critical of referees this season. But Mr. Colin Barraclough was in a class of his own. More free-kicks than you could shake a stick at, 3 penalties that left everyone scratching their heads, a red card, several yellows -- and this was by no means a dirty game! This was an entertaining game and you have to wonder how good it would have been if not for such over-zealous Refereeing.

Admission £4

Programme £1 inc team sheet

Attendance 82

Tuesday - on my own - Eastwood Town v Guiseley

Thursday 19th March 2009

Kimberley Town 2-4 Hatfield Main -- CML Supreme Division

Thursday night at Kimberley again. Guess what -- it was freezing cold again !!!

Kev had been "on the road" to St. James' Park, Newcastle - well, very near.. unfortunately it wasn't a trip he wanted to make - his meeting was to discuss his his being made redundant. He received the news on Tuesday night, his wife's birthday....how do you break that to the missus on her birthday???

25th wedding anniversary next week as well. Anyone reading this who needs a genuine, hard working employee who can turn his hand to just about anything, please get in touch. You won't regret it.

On to the game : a very entertaining affair, with plenty of action, plenty of goals and plenty of controversy - not least the speculation that Hatfield no 9 was allegedly Sam Agar who played for Yorkshire Main on Saturday and scored for them. The fact that he scored tonight as well didn't go down too well with Kimberley, as it was the goal that brought the visitors level on 30 - Aaron Russell had put Town ahead in the 12th minute, rounding the keeper before slotting home. The goal that put Hatfield in front was a spectacular overhead effort from 16 yards out. H-T 1-2

Met Cityslicker at half-time... he complimented me on the blog, and wondered how I manage to update it so soon after a game -- I told him that it was done straight away simply to get it out of the way...that and the fact that we only travel fairly locally helps!!

Kimberley should have levelled just six minutes into the second period, but their no. 7 shirt fluffed his kick when presented with a golden chance just 6 yards from the goal.

Hatfield went further ahead on 58, poor defensive work that allowed the ball to travel the length of the goal line leaving a simple tap in at the far post. However, the home team roared back and within 90 seconds Aaron Russell's drive eluded the visitng keeper to make it 2-3.

Hatfield still looked dangerous, especially raiding down their left flank - and when the ball was crossed from this flank in the 70th minute, a neat flick at the near post flew past home keeper Oxborrow who had no chance of saving.

Kimberley had been struggling to keep their discipline throughout the game and picked up a few yellows - but when an apparently good "goal" was not given, the players went apoplectic!! It was one of those " did it cross the line" issues - we were near to the goal, but our view was obscured by a piece of temporary fencing. The lino waved play on and to be fair to him, he was in line and made the decision based on what he saw.

Anyway, after a right old ear-bashing from the Kimberley players, play resumed and what started out as a half decent game ended a little bit of a scrappy affair, with accusations flying everywhere .. some at the lino, some at the referee, but most at the alleged "ringer" ....F-T 2-4

Had a look on the Yorkshire Main website to check out Sam Agar, but the player's profile does not have a picture on it..... tried to check on Hatfield Main player profiles, but they don't have a website.

Poor turn out of about 25

Admission £3 inc programme

Tea / coffee -- decided against

Saturday - unsure... Kev's is hoping to go away for a "second honeymoon" so I will be "Billy No-mates" again...

Tuesday 17th March 2009

Calverton MW 4-0 Southwell City -- CML Supreme Division

Re-arranged from November when it was abandoned due to a bit of fog......the win sees Calverton climb above Harworth into top spot in the table.

The fisrt 15 minutes were fairly even stevens, with both teams creating decent chances. Southwell's keeper Daz Sharpe had to make a couple of saves to keep out the dangerous Warren (Wizz) Hatfield, but he couldn't stop CRAIG BOULTON from slotting past him to open the scoring on 16. A great ball through the middle lead to the goal, a tactic that Welfare used quite a lot with not a lot of effect.

Calverton keeper did make one excellent save just before the break - diving to tip a close range effort onto his post before his defence cleared to safety. H-T 1-0

Into the bar for a beverage - blimey... the little tiddy, toddy cups were back !! And at £0.80 both tea and coffee were a bit expensive - still, it was lava hot and nice enough. Quality 7/10 quantity 3/10..

Back into the cold for the second half, and although Southwell tried to get back on terms, they were not really up to the job, and the only surprise was that it took until the 71st minute for the home team to score again.

Kev was just saying that Calvo ought to be using the width instead of trying to play through the middle all the time and - lo and behold they play the ball out to the left flank, it gets crossed over, a little deflection, onto the head of BAZ PAINE at the near post.

When Hatfield ran in from the right he was upended by the Southwell left back, giving referee Mr. Harvey no option but to award a spot kick. CRAIG BOULTON stepped up to lash the ball past Sharpe to make it 3-0.

Just seconds later the home team netted again. Great work from Hatfield in the box initially saw the ball cannon off a defender straight to right back CHRIS HALL who for some strange reason was on hand at the far post to tap in. F-T 4-0

By the time we had walked back to the car, the back was stiff, the legs had siezed, the nose was running, the eyes were watering -- please someone tell me -- WHEN IS IS GOING TO GET WARMER??????

Kev off on his travels!!

The pitch in excellent nick even after the poor weather recently

Attendance h/c 45

Admission £3.00 inc programme

Thursday - off to see if Kimberley can keep up their recent revival as the entertain Hatfield Main

CML Bonanza

Real eye-opener ....

Remember CML Supreme is step 7 and CML Premier is step 8 in the non-league pyramid.

I only made the first two games, but the attandances are outstanding!!

Rolls Royce Leisure 3-4 Ollerton Town CMLS -- att 236
Bulwell Town 1-1 Thoresby CW CMLP -- att 298
Kirkby Town 5-1 Newark Flowserve CMLP -- att 264
Forest Town 3-1 Harrowby United CMLS -- att 237
Clipston W 1-2 Kimberley Town CMLS -- att 306

Amazing, truly amazing!!

Saturday 14th March 2009 Pt II

Gedling Town 1-2 Borrowash Victoria -- EMCL

Gedling 4th in the table v Vics 1st in the table......looked like it should have been a tight game, and it was.

Early doors, the teams cancelled each other out to a degree, and with the gusting wind, poor finishing and good defending this was never going to be a high scoring game. James Mason in the Town goal tipped over effots from Sean Gummer and Michael Lyons, while Vics' keeper Wayne Smith had little to trouble him.

The only goal of the 1st half came in the 21st minute from a corner taken from the right. Lyons' kick found Gummer on the edge of the box - his shot was intercepted by CHANNON NORTH who turned on a sixpence before firing wide of Mason from 10 yards. H-T 0-1

Rob Gill almost levelled for the home team on 52, a neat run and shot -- the ball cannoning off the crossbar with Smith well beaten. Jack Davies hammered a shot at Smith from almost 30 yards and the Vics' keeper did well to smother the ball.

Town thought they had levelled in the 65th minute when Ryan Johnson lifted the ball over Smith - but team-mate Eugine Francis decided to make sure the ball went into the net even thought he was well offside. If Francis had have left the ball alone, the goal would have stood ... as it was the lino, quite rightly, flagged for the offside much to the dismay of the Gedling faithful.

Gedling did pull level on 71, a Jack Davies free-kick eluding everyone, including Smith, before nestling in the back of the net.

This Jack Davies free-kick went straight into the net!!

The home team were level for only 6 minutes though. Gedling central defender Gary Smith gave away a needless corner, and was made to pay dearly as the ball in from the corner was headed powerfully home by MARC STRZYEWSKI some 12 yards out.

Right on full time, Francis had a simple chance to make amends for his earlier error, but when the ball reached him 4 yards from goal, he somehow contrived to fire way over the bar!! Town had a good shout for a penalty in stoppage time, but the ref waved play on. Not a classic - but given the conditions and the pressure, not bad at all !! Vics stay top of the table and look a good prospect for promotion.

Images from the game

Attendance 45

Admission £4

Programme £1

Best Boatman : Rob Gill

Best Vic : Sean Gummer

Tuesday -- Calverton MW v Southwell - initially fogged off early in the season.

Saturday 14th March 2009 Pt I

Bulwell Town 1-1 Thoresby CW -- CML Premier Division

The second of this season's hopper bonanza - and after the Rolls v Ollerton game this was the proverbial "Lord Mayor's Show" - but to be fair to the teams they were honest and played as well as could be expected at this level. The blustery conditions did no-one any favours either. I spent all the irst half holding onto my hat -- WRONG HEADGEAR !!! -- should have been the woolie hat, but chose the baseball cap instead....d'oh!!

A lot in attenadance again. Programme stalls and all sorts going off outside the ground - not my cup of tea, so wnet straight in....No idea yet of the official figure but I head counted over 200 - excellent. Last time I went to watch Bulwell there were about a dozen of us there!!! Although Bulwell won that game 4-3, the result was expunged after Bolsover withdrew from the league. So far Bulwell have won only one game this season and sit firmly rooted to the foot of the table.

The first half saw Bulwell create a couple of decent chances with Thoresby offering very little. H-T 0-0

Went to the car during the interval - I had to park miles away from the ground initially, and paid £1 for the privelage - decided to move a bit closer to the ground and found a space overlooking the pitch ....

With Kev working, I was standing on my own - and this gives you a chance to listen to conversations going on around you. Blimey - some of these people are very serious, serial hoppers...way out of mine and Kev's league -- talking about "needing" grounds and "been there, done that" and looking up notes to see how long it takes to get from X to Y..... this is taking the "hobby" to the max!!!

Anyway, after tightening up the strap on my baseball cap I went back out into the wind. Had to wait unitl half way through the second period for the opening goal - a throw from the left flicked on to the Thorseby no. 8 who fired home from close range. Bulwell levelled on 79, a neat through ball latched onto by their skipper in the 10 shirt - he controlled well before slotting home. Bulwell had the ball in the net right on full time, but there had been an infringement earlier in the move and effort was ruled out. F-T 1-1

Off to the Riverside to see Gedling Town entertain Borrowash Vics in the EMCL.

Friday 13th March 2009

Rolls Royce Leisure 3-4 Ollerton Town -- CMLS Division

The first of five CML games in this years hopper bonanza -- and even though this game was played on Friday 13th, it seems organiser Rob Hornby kicked the bad luck notion into touch. He really must be in seventh heaven after both teams put on a terrific display of football in from of a crowd of 238 !!

Thre Rolls team was barely recognisable from the one that was hammered 8-0 by Forest Town the last time we visited the Leisure Complex.

The game was fairly even for the first 25 minutes or so, but when the Ollerton no. 7 raced clear and slotted past the Rolls keeper on 28, we thought the floodgates would open. But Rolls stayed calm and held out right until the 44th minute when the 9 shirt saw his tame drive creep through the keepers legs and into the net. H-T 0-2

Coffee and tea at half-time was decent enough - strong and hot... needed to be because it was another cold night.......

The home team came out for the second half really fired up, and took the game to their high-flying visitors. They halved their defecit on 67, their no. 6 powering home a far post header from a corner. Ollerton though went straight up the pitch from the restart and added their third when no. 11's speculative shot from 20 yards out deflected past the Rolls keeper.

In the 79th minute Rolls scored again, another speculative shot that was flying well wide of the goal took a wicked deflection and flew into the net. This was our 250th goal of the season.

The Ollerton sub no.15 looked to be offside when played through seconds later, but there was no whistle and he went on to slot the ball wide of the keeper to make it 2-4.

Rolls were not done yet though and brought it back to 3-4 with a couple of minutes to go, the no. 6 again heading home after some poor defending. F-T 3-4

Admission £3.00

Programme £1.00

Tea/coffee £0.50 - styrofoam cup but nice enough -- 7/10

Attendance 238 !!

Great game, great to see a crowd at Rolls - usually about only 20 turn out...and credit to the teams for a terrific display of football that did the CML proud.

Well done to all !!

Saturday AM -- bonanza game no.2 -- Bulwell Town v Thoresby Colliery.....Sat PM Gedling town v Borrowash Vics -- Sat evening - going to try for the final bonanza game at Clipston - 7pm kick off.

Thursday 12th March 2009

Kimberley Town 1-3 Radcliffe Olympic --- CMLS Division

Nice to get out to a game on a Thursday evening again. It looks like being the next two Thursday's as well -- Kimberley play their mid-week home games on a Thursday and next week they entertain Hatfield Main with Forest Town the visitors the week after.

A few hoppers present in the ground tonight - a few unwelcome louts were present outside the ground. Two police cars turned up but didn't stay long - I hope no cars were damaged...

Radcliffe had their first chance after just 30 seconds, a shot cannoning off the upright. They had their first goal after 90 seconds - AARON KOROL firing home.

BEN RICHARDSON netted the vistors second on 17, a simple tap in after the home defence failed to clear their lines.

Kimberley fought back well from going two down and Mountain in the Radcliffe goal can be thankful that the home strikers were guilty of some really wayward shooting.

It was a defensive lapse that let in JASON RUSSELL to halve the Kimberley defecit on 37, a poor effort to fire the ball up field - the ball hit Russell and he ran on at Mountain before slotting home. H-T 1-2

Kimberley tried hard to force the pace, but went 1-3 down in the 63rd minute - CARL WESTCARR saw his initial header well saved, but he volleyed home well after the ball fell kindly to him 6 yards from goal.

Radcliffe skipper Craig Anderson was dismissed on 81 for apparently raising a hand - but even against the 10 men, Kimberley struggled to get many attemps on goal. F-T 1-3

Stood with Sutton Town boss Danny Bryant for a while -- they play Radcliffe on Saturday and he was having a "bit of a look" at them..

Admission £2.50

Programme £0.50

Attendance -- h/c about 35?

Friday night - Rolls v Ollerton -- the 1st part of Rob Honby's CML football bonanza...

Tuesday 10th March 2009

Carlton Town 3-0 Forest Town -- Notts F.A. Senior Cup 1/4 final

Carlton Town made it through to the semi-final stage of the Notts F.A. Senior Cup, but were made to fight for the victory by a very spirited Forest Town team.

A brace from Martin Ball and a gem from Dean Gent enough for the Millers.

First thing I need to do is apologise to the gateman at Carlton - I had a bit of a moan about being charged £6 to get in ....I am aware this is not his fault, but come on Carlton - charging the UniBond entrance fee for a game against a step 7 club is a bit out of order. Can you imagine if Notts County charged League 2 prices for the final? It is usually only £5 for the final. As it was only 44 bothered to turn out - strong competition from other local games plus Champs League on t'telly.

Still, we can thank the players for making it worth the entrance fee. The teams looked to have put their best 11's on from the start and both teams played very well -- plenty of skill on show from both sets of players.

Carlton almost had the dream start. The game was only 30 seconds old when a last ditch block by Forest Town keeper Jason Johnson kept the ball out. Straight after, Akers fed Chaplin who could only muster a weak effort that Johnson saved easily. On 15, Forest Town striker Craig Jackson saw his fierce drive saved well by Ali Bercherini in the Carlton net. The next passable chance fell to Carlton's Dean Gent - he was one-on-one with Johnson and decided to try and blast the ball past the keeper. Wrong decision, the ball smashed into the big frame of Johnson and went out for a corner.

The Millers went ahead in the 38th minute. A foul on Marquin Smith just outide the area gave the home team a free kick that MARTIN BALL fired through the wall and past Johnson. H-T 1-0

The visitors almost drew level 7 minutes into the second period - a great ball in from right back Mark Robinson headed just wide by Craig Jackson.

Carlton should have increased their lead on the hour, but Ball, unmarked, inexpicably fired over from 6 yards out. It was a superb far post cross from Aiden Brady that caught out the Forest Town defence, and Ball should have done better.

On 67, Gent saw his drive cannon off the backside of Bower, the deflection bringing out a neat diving save from Johnson. DEAN GENT did increase the Millers' lead on 73 though - a long ball out of defence found the midfield player in acres of space and as Johnson advanced 25 yards out to intercept, Gent calmly nipped around him and fired into the empty net from a tight angle.

4 minutes later it was all over. Anthony Robinson had replaced Brady on the left and his mazy run dazzled the visitors defenders, who could do nothing to stop the ball being played across the goal . Johnson made an effort to parry the cross, but the ball dropped to the feet of MARTIN BALL, giving him the easiest of tap ins at the far post. F-T 3-0

3-0 was a bit harsh on Forest Town, but they fought well and never gave up.

There was a bit of nonsense after the final whistle - someone receive a straight red card from Ref Mr. Plowright, but I have no idea who, or what for.

Admission £6 !!

Att 44

Tea/coffee £0.60 -- not bad at all 7/10

Programme - there was a programme, but didn't buy one.

Thursday, weather permitting - Kimberley Tn v Radcliffe Olympic

Saturday 7th March 2009

Gedling MW 1-4 Borrowash Victoria --- EMCL

Nice to get down to Plains Road again - always a warm welcome waiting - and in Tony Hay, the club has a real gem. The programme is always superb and this edition even included a welcome for me and Kev.... makes me wonder how upset Tony would have been if we had have changed our minds and gone elsewhere!!

Borrowash needed to win to keep up the pressure at the top of the league - Gedling Town, Dunkirk and Kirby Muxloe are all in with a chance of the title. Welfare look to be safe in mid-table on 35 points.

Injuries meant that Gedling were without regular keeper Lance Walker and influential midfield player Matt Richards. Along with the departure of striker Antwon Bonnick to Hucknall Town, Welfare could have done without meeting one of the form teams in the EMCL.

The players on the Borrowash bench would walk into most teams at this level. With the likes of Sean Gummer, Tom Berridge, Jamie Pawley and Karl Payne to call on if needed, Vics look to have put a decent squad together.

Gedling held out for just 11 minutes - Vics left-winger John Guy tormenting the home defence before crossing into the box where PHIL SUMMERFIELD was on hand to lift the ball over Holmes in the Welfare goal.

Summerfield fires home the 1st goal for Vics

Gedling tried to fight back, but look a little lightweight up top, with Rennicks and Middleton offering little threat. The visitors almost went further ahead on 38, Summerfield rattling the upright with a firece drive. Although the half was occasionally a bit fiesty, nothing untoward happened until right on half-time when Guy and Gedling's Terry Hawkridge decided to put their heads together - not exactly head-butting, but seen by the lino and he drew Referee Mr. Hume's attention to the scuffle.

Unfortunately the lino advised Mr. Hume incorrectly, telling him that he needed to talk to red 11 and yellow 7 - a quick retraction followed -- it was red 11 and yellow 11... Both players were eventually booked, but could so easily have walked... H-T 0-1

The second half was just 30 seconds old when the Vics doubled their lead, Rob Spencer playing the ball into the box and after a clever leave by Channon North, PHIL SUMMERFIELD slammed the ball home from 12 yards.

4 minutes later the game was effectively over as a contest. A free-kick from the left saw Welfare centre-half Hesham Ramadam inexplicably direct his headed "clearance" straight to ROB SPENCER who said thank you and volleyed home with some ease.

Although the home team never gave up, Borrowash were far too powerful for them and really were good value for their three goal lead. This was a four goal lead on 86, RORY MAXWELL firing a 20+ yard free-kick past Holmes.

Maxwell's free-kick for the Vics' 4th

The one thing that the home team can take from the game is the fact that they scored the best goal of the day. Right on full time, BEN MIDDLETON latched onto a ball played into the corner of the Vics penalty area and crashed the ball into the net across their disbelieving keeper Wayne Smith -- great goal.

Enjoyable game, and a result that sees the Derbyshire outfit go top of the table.

Images from the game

Admission £3

Programme £1 -- one of the best around at this level

Tea/coffee £0.50 -- both excellent, but not big enough... tiddy, tiny styrofoam cup - 7/10

Attendance 94 -- second highest of the day in the EMCL

Tuesday, weather permitting, we are off to see Carlton Town take on Forest Town in a Notts F.A. Senior Cup 1/4 final.

Busy week ahead!!

If all goes to plan then the coming week will be a bit of a busy one, with 6 games scheduled in between Tuesday and Saturday.

Not too sure if I'll make the Saturday morning game - bit too early for me....

Tuesday 10th March -- ko 7:45pm -- Carlton Town v Forest Town ( Notts FA Senior Cup 1/4 final)
Thursday 12th March -- ko 7:45pm -- Kimberley Town v Radcliffe Olympic ( CMLS)
Friday 13th March -- ko 7:45pm -- Rolls Royce Leisure v Ollerton Town ( CMLS)
Saturday 14th March -- ko 10:15am -- Bulwell Town v Thoresby Colliery ( CMLP)
Saturday 14th March -- ko 3:00pm -- Gedling Town v Borrowash Victoria ( EMCL)
Saturday 14th March -- ko 7:00pm -- Clipstone Welfare v Kimberley Town ( CMLS)

The following Tuesday we will take in the Calverton Welfare v Southwell game. We went to the original game on 4th November last year, but it was abandoned after 20 odd minutes due to fog.

I wonder if we'll have to pay again???

Wednesday 4th March 2009

Worksop Town 3-1 Frickley Athletic -- UniBond Premier Division

This has got to be one of the best games we have been to this season - it had almost everything - great goals, some superb football, fights, penalty, penalty save, poor officials, crowd banter -- what a feast all for just £8........

Missed our regular Tuesday night game - I wasn't feeling too well, but the planned game, Ilson v Marine was postponed anyway..

As luck would have it, Worksop were scheduled to play Frickley on Wednesday at the Watnall Road home of Hucknall Town - and as this is only 2 minutes from where we live decided to give it a go. And are we glad we did!! This was brillliant - a real feast of all that is good, and not so good, about the beautiful game.

Andy White, a former Mansfield Town favourite of mine, started up top for Worksop, while Peter Knox, on loan from Eastwood Town lead the attack for Frickley. The first 5 minutes saw 5 or six decent chances created, and only last ditch blocks and good keeping kept the scoresheet blank. Knox was looking very lively and his touch superb, causing all sorts of problems for the Worksop defence.

Midway through the 1st half, Worksop took the lead completely against the run of play. A super through ball by Tomlinson found ANDY WHITE who took it in his stride, shrugged off his marker before sliding the ball under the advancing keeper. Cool finish, great through ball.....

From the restart, Frickley poured forward and produced several decent chances, but the home defence was working overtime and looking solid.. UNTIL ....Frickley winger Danny Clarke ran the ball to the goal-line and appeared to have over-run the ball for a goal-kick - but the linesman never flagged, the Referee never whistled and when keeper Ogden palmed the ball half-heartedly to the ground, PETER KNOX was on hand to tap in from about 6 inches. Well - bedlam ensued - the respect campaign went down the toilet, as the Worksop players went ape, and the linesman was verbally assaulted from all sides.

The ball did look like it had gone out for a goal-kick, but come on lads, play to the whistle..and remember - respect the officials...

As it transpired, the goal spurred the home team on - their pent up anger and frustration clearly visible - and they were in front again straight from the off - Galloway finding Tomlinson on the right and his cross tucked away neatly by ALEX CALLERY. H-T 2-1 Phew!!!!!!

More attacking play from both teams in the second period, but it was the home team who went further ahaed on the hour mark - again a slightly controversial goal according to the Frickley faithful, but it looked ok to us. A strong challenge in midfield saw the ball deflect into the path of CHRIS ADAM who calmly ran on to the edge of the box before firing wide of Adam Nicklin and into the far corner.

Would have been 4-1 if Callery had converted a penalty on 80 - he hit it just at the right hight for Nicklin to dive to his left and push away. The spot-kick was won by Andy White who ran into the box and was unceremoniously dumped on his backside by Walsh.

How the game finished with all 22 players on the pitch is something of a mystery. Frickley's Jonathan Groome was a bit reckless on more than one occasion, and when Chris Adam threw a punch at Steve Robinson, everyone assumed it would be a straight red for the Worksop winger - amazingly he received only a yellow --- lucky sod....

Anyway, overall a great game of football and about time we saw a really good 'un.....F-T 3-1

Report from Worksop website

Admission £8

Programme -didn't bother

Tea/coffee -- didn't bother

Attendance 174

Weather - freezing

Saturday, hoping to go and see Gedling MW take on Borrowash Vics

Well - would you believe it?

The Nottinghamshire FA's premier competition is the Saturday Senior Cup. This has now reached the 1/4 final stage and to me, this means only 4 games to sort out.

Two of the games are to be played on the 31st March and one game is yet to be scheduled, so you would think that Notts F.A. would be able to remember to appoint match officials for the ONE game that could go ahead.

Well, they failed to do so, and now our scheduled midweek game, Carlton Town v Forest Town has been postponed. It will now take place on the 10th March with a 7:45pm kick off apparently.

We were due to go to watch Eastwood v Marine on the 10th, so that is now in the bin.

This weeks replacement midweek "fix" will more than likely be Ilkeston v Marine.

Revised Senior Cup draw:

10th March Carlton Tn v Forest Tn 7:45pm

31st March Rainworth MW v Eastwood Tn 7:30pm

31st March Retford United v Dunkirk (reinstated after Hucknall were booted out) 7:30pm

No date Gedling Town v Arnold Tn