A BIT ABOUT THE CHARITY BLOG


Each year, me and my wife Hazel have decided to help a Charity, by donating 25p every goal we see at the matches we attend. Over the years, people and clubs have also donated as we have visited the grounds and we have raised over £2,300 in the 3 seasons we have run the Blog.
During the 2014-15 season, we are supporting "Support Dogs" who train Dogs to transform lives of people with Autism and other disabilities. So if you would like to make a donation(no matter how small) and you see me at a match, please come up to me or Hazel, we would be very grateful. All Donators will get a mention on the blog.


www.supportdogs.org.uk



Sunday 31 August 2014

GREEN DANCES PAST THE SAMBA

Notts Senior League
Division Two
FC SAMBA 1 ASPLEY PARK FC 4


Well I was going to Bilborough United on Saturday but the change of venue, saw me choose going to Eagle Valley for the second time in 5 days, but this time to watch a match on the outside pitch, as FC Samba met newcomers to the NSL Aspley Park FC.

On arrival, I found there was a NSL match going on the match Arnold Town pitch, Arnold Town Reserves v another newcomer to the NSL Watnall Athletic FC, so thought if it does sprinkle with rain, at least I can go and watch another match under the stands. As happens the afternoon stayed fine.

FC Samba nearly folded at the end of last season and Richard Ranshaw ex Grantham Town man has taken over the reins, but only had a squad of 12 players to pick from yesterday, whilst their visitors came into the game having drawn 1 and lost 1.

The game kicked off and was fairly even for the first ten minutes with both sides creating chances, the closest coming when Richard Francis cross shot beat the keeper and landed on the roof of the net, whilst at the other end, the home keeper tipped the ball round the post for a corner.

On 12 minutes, the visitors took the lead, from a corner on the right, SEAN GREEN rose with the keeper and beat him first with a header to give Aspley a 1-0 lead. This seemed to spur the newcomers on and after 32 minutes SEAN GREEN doubled his total and his sides total to 2-0 after he had beaten the offside trap and pushed the ball past the oncoming keeper.

Just before halftime, the ball came out of play and knocked one of the visiting subs over, which most folks thought was funny as he didnt go down hard, later in the half I saw the Aspley manager bandaging the subs ankle.

The Second Half kicked off and FC Samba raised their game and after 53 minutes were awarded a free kick from 20 yards out, to which TOM CRISP hit in to the corner of the net to bring the homesters back in with a shout of the game.

This really was the best part of the game for Samba as they pressed forward, but it left holes at the back and Aspley could well have extended their lead when the Samba keeper made a double save and then Green was denied his hat trick when cleared off the line.

After 80 minutes, SEAN GREEN finally got his hat trick as he found himself clear and there was only going to be one conclusion and that was he was going to bury the ball in to the back of the net.

Samba heads seemed to go down at this point and the visitors broke away again in the 83rd minute and NICO DEVIBO got himself on the scoresheet.

Must mention that I felt the referee Ash Allen had a very good game and let the game flow when he could and bought it back if there was no advantage.

Photos from the game can be seen HERE

FC SAMBA FACEBOOK PAGE

ASPLEY PARK FC WEBSITE

The BLOGS Charity "Support Dogs" which aids people with disabilities, with the five goals scored at this game now takes the total  to £172.37

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP INFO CAN BE FOUND HERE


NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE REVIEW FOR 30th AUGUST

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE REVIEW FOR 30th AUGUST
by Dick Durrant


Cotgrave continue to lead the Senior Division of the Precision NSL and boast a 100% winning record after four matches. Their latest victory was hard fought and came at bottom club Kirton Brickworks who, after promotion, have yet to register a point from four difficult opening fixtures. Leighton Nicholson was The Brickies hero with both of their goals, however the leaders are made of stern stuff and edged home by the odd goal in five with Kyle Waddell, Adam Gray and Ben Smedley ensuring they left Station Road with all three points. Burton Joyce and another newly promoted side Bingham shared the points and six goals at The Poplars- a result which leaves BJ in second place, two points behind Cotgrave but having played a game more. Bingham have suffered just a single defeat from their opening four fixtures and were given a helping hand by BJ centre back Matt Hayes who put through his own goal. Ollie Turton and Ed Hodgson also scored for Bingham but Darron Ward’s men earned a point thanks to Sam Buckle, brother Mark and Ryan Clements
 
Ruddington registered their first win of the season by beating Bilborough Town 4 – 2 at Elm Park. Michael Leslie, Craig McMorran, Pete Cassidy and Dave Rimmington saw Rudd over the line despite consolation efforts from Marcus Williams and Matt Wilcox. The same scoreline was played out at Forest Lane with much improved Sandhurst seeing off champions Selston, who, after winning the title last season, have seen an exodus of players and are currently rebuilding. Dan Ellis, Jamie Charlton (2) and one from Eric Pearson saw Bob Crawford’s side pull off an excellent win with Jay Cooper and Dom Airey replying. Rounding off the action in the top flight were Awsworth Villa and Beeston who failed to find the net between them in a 0 – 0 draw at The Shilo with Beeston registering their first point of the season in the process
 
Magdala are another side in transition, having dropped down into Division One as they seek to rebuild. Matt Harrington’s side have claimed a single point so far and were well beaten 6 - 2 by leaders Linby Reserves at ROKO. Netherfield Albion, who have knocked on the promotion door season after season without finally managing to open it lie in third place after beating Ashland Rovers 3 – 1 at Teal Close. Rich Willis notched for the visitors but it was not enough as Brent Horton, James Leivers and Chris Kemp won the day for Albion. Newark Flowserve and Southwell City Reserves drew 2 – 2 in a local derby at Lowfields. Will Nelson and Ben Lyons scored for Flowserve with Peters and Westerman replying whilst Nottinghamshire stalwart Darryl Rose scored twice as his side beat Wollaton Reserves 3 – 2. Gedling Southbank pulled off a shock by hammering previously unbeaten Hucknall Rolls Reserves 6 – 1 at Watnall Road with a Brian Hickling hat trick supplementing two from James Needham and South Normanton Reserves remain unbeaten after drawing 1 – 1 with Radcliffe Reserves who scored through Brett Soyser. Graham O’Reilly was Normanton’s scorer
 
Bilborough United are going great guns since joining the NSL and lead Division Two by six points after winning all four of their games. United’s latest win came courtesy of Ross Swallow’s double to see of Newark Town Reserves 2 – 1. Kimberley MW AFC battered Ashland Rovers 7 – 1 with Danny Walsh’s hat trick leading the charge and Watnall Athletic picked up their first win as Martin Ward, Kieran Miles and Colin Woodward scored to earn a 3 – 1 win over Arnold Town Reserves. Aspley Park are also finding the NSL to their liking, winning 4 – 1 at FC Samba with Sean Green getting a hat trick.

Monday 25 August 2014

SLAWSON SLAYS THE WELFARE

East Midlands Counties League
ARNOLD TOWN FC 2 GEDLING MINERS WELFARE FC 0
Attendance: 83

Was invited to Eagle Valley by Chairman Graham Peck so took today to take the chance to visit, on arrival was met by Graham and had a chat and he donated £10 on behalf of Arnold Town FC towards the Charity Blog. I purchased a very good programme and it contained a page on my charity blog report from Kirton Brickworks v Selston. I sat with some of the Gedling MW committee and had a good chat with them and then Clipstone FC Chairman Brett Marshall entered the clubhouse and donated £5 to the Blogs Charity.

I was then greeted by some old friends from my times at Arnold Town including Steve Holland and Tubbs. I then headed to the standing stand on the far side of the ground just as the game kicked off in a massive downpour.

The Eagles were quick off the mark and could well have taken a early lead for better finishing. A substitution forced Arnold in to a early change with tyhem introducing Mitch Slawson and it didnt take him long to alter the game.

After 23 minutes a ball was played in to the feet of sub MITCH SLAWSON who fired past the Gedling keeper to make it 1-0 to the hosts. Arnold continued to pour forward at every opportunity and really should have added a second goal before the half time break.

After a nice cuppa at half time, I took my position in the seated stand as the rain continued to hammer down and it wasnt long infact the 47th minute that MITCH SLAWSON pumped in his and hos clubs second goal of the afternoon.

Gedling then threw a few players forward but their final ball wasnt that good today as the Arnold defence stood tall at everything that was thrown at them. The second half then went in to a bit a scrappy affair but players tried their best in bad weather conditions.

Arnold fully deserved the points today and Gedling MW will no doubt bounce back and will know that they wasnt at their best.

A BIG thankyou to Arnold Town FC for their kind donation of £10 and to Brett Marshall for £5 towards the Blogs Charity "Support Dogs" which aids people with disabilities, which now takes the total including todays goals to £171.12p.

Photos from todays match can bee seen on this LINK

ARNOLD TOWN FC WEBSITE

GEDLING MINERS WELFARE FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

If you enjoy Non League Football, then why not join my Non League Football Facebook Group, please just click this LINK

Sunday 24 August 2014

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE REVIEW for 23rd August

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE REVIEW FOR SATURDAY 23rd AUGUST 2014
 by Dick Durrant

Three sides make the early running in the Senior Division of the Precision NSL with Cotgrave topping the table with three wins from three. Cotgrave made the long journey to Sandhurst and returned with the points from a 2 – 1 victory as their hosts were unable to continue the momentum they gained in beating new boys Kirton comfortably in midweek. Craig Taylor got Sandhurst’s consolation but Kyle Waddell and Jamie Kirby made sure Cotgrave stay top.  Kirton have a hundred per cent record of the wrong kind as their 4 – 1 defeat to Wollaton at Station Road sees them anchored to the foot of the table having lost all three games with Wollaton sitting second having gained six points out of six. Similarly positioned are newly promoted West Bridgford who ended Bilborough Town’s impressive start to the campaign by winning 2 – 1 at Greenwich Avenue to show that they are likely to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Much travelled striker Chris Atkins was on target for Bridgford with Ricky Cross scoring again for Town after his move from Cavaliers. Burton Joyce have started pretty well and will be pleased with their efforts after beating an unpredictable Boots side 2 – 0 at The Chemists new home at Hollinwood Lane. Boots on the other hand, will rue poor finishing and the contribution of an own goal from Danny Knapczyk which contributed to their downfall. Josh Crofts’ neat finish netted BJ’s decisive second. Bingham had an excellent afternoon at Butt Field, romping to a 5 – 0 over pointless Awsworth to record their first win in the top flight with a George Abbott brace doing most of the damage. Jamie Archer, Tom Spencer and John Morley were also amongst the goals whilst PMG Cavaliers made it two wins from three by edging out Ruddington 2 – 1
 
Unlike their first team, Ruddington Reserves have started the season with a flourish and sit proudly at the top of Division One with nine points from nine. Rudd’s latest victims were Southwell City Reserves who were battered 7 – 1 at Elms Park. Sam Rothwell led the way with a fine hat trick, ably assisted by Sam Dunsatn (2), Kaiden Burle- Campbell and Jordan Richardson. Underwood Villa remain unbeaten and are two points behind the leaders after ensuring Ashland Rovers’ debut in the higher division ended in defeat after a 3 – 0 win at the newly refurbished Bracken Park. Villa’s marksmen were Nick Thorpe, Luke Williams and Kieran Tring. Linby Reserves won the battle of two promoted sides as, despite a strike from Danny Chaplin. Kimberley MW Reserves went down 2 – 1 at home with Linby replying through Ross Cheesman and Luke Price. Newark Flowserve, another promoted side, were worthy winners at Lowfields, beating Radcliffe Olympic Reserves 4 – 0 through  Rick Glaves (2), Liam Moran and Jordan Mack
 
Kieran Johnson, Brent Horton and Dennis Hickey were on target for Netherfield Albion who edged out Nottingham United in a five goal thriller at Teal Close whilst the ever reliable Ant Fragola completed a good day for Wollaton with two in a 4 – 2 win over Awsworth Reserves at The Shilo. Tom Haw and Sean Brannigan notched for their respective sides at Magdala and Nottinghamshire shared the points at ROKO to round off the Division One action
 
Bilborough United look well suited to life in the NSL after coming up from the NAA and sit proudly at the top of Division Two with three wins from three courtesy of a regulation 3 – 0 win at Watnall Athletic and Ian Morley’s treble made sure Keyworth Reserves stay in contention after a 5 – 0 win at Nottinghamshire Reserves. The final game of the day saw Bilborough Town Reserves see off Ashland Reserves 3 – 1 through Ricky Street, Ronnie Hodge and Damien Powell

Saturday 23 August 2014

CAVALIERS TAKE THE POINTS

Notts Senior League
Senior Division
PMG CAVALIERS 2 RUDDINGTON VILLAGE 1

Cavaliers have moved from their Carrington Ground across the city to Clifton to play at Central College(it was called Charnwood when I passed my IT exams Many years ago!) and next door to the Clifton All Whites Ground.

The pitch is a 3g pitch with a large cage around it, to where the enterance reads..no spectators allowed in the cage, so people have to watch the game through the cage from the outside.

Cavaliers have also renamed themselves, me thinking PMG must mean some sort of new sponsorship..not in this case folks..It stands for the new clubs Motto..Pass..Move and Grin!

The game kicked off and Cavaliers were living up to their motto, as some of their one touch football was a pleasure to just stand and admire, whilst the visitors seemed to be getting use to the surface, though Ruddington actually train here in midweek. The Cavs number 10 was causing havoc for the Village defence and after 15 minutes, it was no surprise when he bent his shot home to give PMG the lead.

Cavaliers created more and more chances whilst Ruddington pushed forward as and when they could and in the 35th minute were back on level terms as there was a handball by the Cavs right back and the Ruddington penalty taker made no mistake with the spot kick.

At this stage, Ruddington began to look the stronger of the two teams and looked as if theywould go on and take the game by storm now, but the half time whistle went and the players left the pitch for their half time talks.

Not sure what the Cavs Manager had said to his team but it surely worked, as his number 10 on another day would have bagged himself at least 5 goals, but luck didnt go his way today, as shots went wide and also some good goal keeping and defending by the away team.

With 70 minutes gone, a superb diagonal ball split the Village defence and saw the home number 11 clear and he tucked his shot under the keeper and then saw him celebrating with 2 somersults to his team mates delight.

Ruddington then had their best spell in the game as they pushed everyone forward in search of a point and had the ball in the net, but the attacker was offside in the build up. With time running out, PMG appealed for a penalty which was waved away. Ruddington pushed strong as the rain then began to hammer down and everyone was hoping the refereee would blow for full time, but PMG Cavaliers hung on and deserved their win today.

The Blogs Charity "Support Dogs" which aids people with disabilities, with the seven goals scored at this game now takes the total  to £155.62p

Photo's from the match can be seen on this LINK

Ruddington Villa FC Website/Twitter

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE FA WEBSITE/TWITTER

If you like Non League Football and on Facebook, why not join my Non League Group on this

Wednesday 20 August 2014

THE CHEMISTS HIT BEESTON FOR SIX

Notts Senior League
Senior Division
BOOTS ATHLETIC FC 6 BEESTON AFC 1

The game kicked off with Boots on the front foot and creating quite a lot of good chances in the first 25 minutes, including hitting the bar from a acute angle.

Beeston fought back and had their best spell in the game between 25 and 40 minutes pushing forward but to no success, as the home defence stood solid.

As the game was approaching half time on 44 minutes, ANTOWN BONNICK opened the scoring to give the homesters a 1-0 lead at the break.

The Secong Half saw Boots come out on fire creating 6 corners in the first 4 minutes of the half, but stout defending kept Beeston in the game at this point, but on 50 minutes, a cross from the left wing saw a bullet of a header by KEV WALKER hit the back of the net to make it 2-0.

Beeston didnt let their heads drop and carried on pushing forward and got back in to the game when on 62 minutes, STEVE OLDHAM pulled a goal back.

Two minutes later and Boots extended their lead by two goals again, when a shot that bounced everywhere in the Beeston penalty area fell to KEV WALKER who notched his second and his team third goal of the game, much to the disagreement of the Beeston defence who felt he was offside, the Assistant Referee had his flag up, but after Referee Ian Smith consulted with him, it was found that the scorer wasnt offside and the player that may have been wasnt interfering with play. This seemed to knock Beeston, but it spurred Boots on and after 77 minutes, a superb pasing move ended with TONY KEMP increasing the lead to 4-1.

As daylight drew in, Boots substitute got in on the act when on 84 minutes getting on the scoresheet much to his delight and within three minutes added his scond of the game to make it 6-1. In the final minute, he could have completed his hat trick when through one on one with the Beeston keeper, but the keeper made a superb save to push the ball on to the post.

the Blogs Charity "Support Dogs" which aids people with disabilities, with the seven goals scored at this game now takes the total  to £154.87p

Photo's from the match can be seen on this LINK

BOOTS ATHLETIC FC WEBSITE

BEESTON AFC WEBSITE/TWITTER

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE FA WEBSITE/TWITTER

If you like Non League Football and on Facebook, why not join my Non League Group on this LINK

Tuesday 19 August 2014

LATEST NOTTS FA CUP DRAWS FOR NSL CLUBS

LATEST NOTTS FA CUP DRAWS FOR NSL CLUBS
 
Notts Senior Cup: 1st Round
 
Kimberley MW v Keyworth United
Ruddington Village v Newark Town
Greenwood Meadows v Selston
Blidworth Welfare v Boots Athletic
Attenborough v Teversal
Wollaton v Ollerton Town
 
 
Notts Intermediate Cup: 1st Round
 
Magdala Amateurs v FC Samba
Welbeck Welfare v Kimberley MW Reserves
Burton Joyce v Gedling Southbank
Awsworth Villa v Newark Town Reserves
Radford Reserves v Bilborough United
 
Notts Junior Cup: 1st Round
 
AFC Top Valley v Keyworth United Reserves
Aspley Park Reserves v Ruddington United Reserves
Nottinghamshire Reserves v Arnold Celtic
Sandhurst Reserves v Southwell City Thirds
Netherfield v Linby CW Reserves
 
 

Monday 18 August 2014

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE REVIEW for SATURDAY 16th AUGUST

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE REVIEW FOR SATURDAY 16th AUGUST 2014
by Robin Griffiths
 
 
The opening weekend of the Nottinghamshire Senior League saw last season’s Senior Division champions, Selston, pitted against the Divison One victors, Kirton Brickworks, at Station Road.
 
A rebuilding operation has been undertaken at Kirton during the off season, following a large number of first team regulars leaving the club, so it was always going to be a tough debut in the Senior Division against a club like Selston.
 
Although the Brickies were the home side they set themselves up to frustrate their opponents in the hope of catching them on the counter right from the beginning.
 
The tactics appeared to be working as they made it to half time at 0-0.  The turning point came five minutes into the second half when Jordan Bellis, the Kirton right back, was sent off for an off-the-ball incident.
 
Selston finally managed to turn their possession into a goal after 61 minutes when Josh Harbor crossed for Wayne Cooke to head home.  They then sealed the points by making it 2-0 with ten minutes remaining courtesy of a 20 yard strike by Jay Cooper.
 
Despite hitting the woodwork twice in the first half Bingham Town, another of the promoted sides, were beaten 1-0 at home by Cotgrave, the goal coming from Jamie Kirby after 80 minutes.
 
West Bridgford, the third promoted team, faired the best of the new Senior Division sides as they defeated Sandhurst 5-1 at Forest Lane and now sit in top spot in the fledgling table.  Bridgford’s goals came from Chris Atkins (2), Aaron Large (2) and Simon Labatte.  Jamie Charlton provided Sandhurst’s consolation.
 
There was a seven goal thriller at Greenwich Avenue as Bilborough Town came from behind three times to eventually defeat Boots Athletic 4-3.  Ash Moorcroft got the 90th minute winner for Town after they had previously pegged back their opponents through goals from Leigh Copeland, Louis Grayson and man of the match Ricky Cross.
 
The Chemists’ scorers were Thomas Kemp, Daniel Walker (pen) and Christopher Roome.
 
Burton Joyce overcame Ruddington Village 2-1 at Elms Park thanks to a Sam Buckle brace.  Phil Bignall scored Rudd’s reply.
 
Wollaton were another away winner as they defeated Awsworth Villa 4-1 at The Shilo.  Jordan Alls, Adam Campbell (2) and Lee Day netted for the visitors, Sam Hallsworth with Villa’s consolation.
 
PMG Cavaliers won 3-1 against Attenborough in the division’s other game.
 
There were some big wins in Division One, the largest being newly promoted Newark Flowserve’s 6-2 demolition of relegated Nottingham United at Hawton Lane.  Simon Greenfield scored a hat-trick, with Flowserve’s other goals coming from Jordan Mack, Rick Glaves and George Paling.  Saddam Al Annaren and Declan Banton were on target for United.
 
Nick Westerman scored a hat-trick in Southwell City Reserves 5-1 win over Radcliffe Olympic Reserves.  Aaron Burns and Liam Wilkinson also netted for City, Adam Sinnott for Olympic.
 
There were also three goals for Callum Thompson as Underwood Villa defeated Kimberley Miners Welfare Reserves 5-1.  Tom Harrigan and Mike Thomas got Villa’s other goals, Josh Lewis with KMW’s consolation.
 
Gedling Southbank shared six goals with Linby Colliery Welfare Reserves at the Inspire Stadium.  Chris Baker-Beall (2) and Chris Day scored for Southbank, Luke Price (2) and Charlie Niblett for Linby.
 
Hucknall Rolls Leisure Reserves edged past Awsworth Villa Reserves 3-2 courtesy of strikes from Andrew Start, Matt Rick and Lee Cooper.  Devon Lawson and Jordan Chambers’ goals weren’t quite enough for Villa.
 
Netherfield Albion opened their campaign with 4-2 home defeat against Ruddington Village Reserves.  Samuel Dunstan (2), Scott Bolstridge and Jordan Richardson were the match-winners for Village.  Kieran Johnson and Chris Kemp were on target for Albion.
 
In Division Two new club Bilborough United won the local derby against Bilborough Town Reserves 6-2 and Kimberley Miners Welfare AFC suffered a 3-0 home reverse against Nottinghamshire Reserves.

Sunday 17 August 2014

CHAMPIONS OPEN WITH AWAYDAY WIN

Notts Senior League Senior Division
KIRTON BRICKWORKS FC 0 SELSTON FC 2
Att: 51 Headcount
 
 
This was Kirton Brickwork's First ever match at Step 7 and thus having to produce their First ever Programme, the club wasn't too sure how many to cater for, so I helped by giving them some advice and put out a few press shots to Hoppers to take orders for Programmes.
 
I arrived at 1pm and on arrival was greeted by the Brickies Chairman/Manager Tony March and Secretary/player Jamie Birch. The programmes were set out waiting for me and the vital bit, the tea urn was boiling for a cuppa.
 
Jamie's mum Teresa did a smashing job with her tea bar during the afternoon, selling fresh Ham and Cheese Rolls, as well as crisps and cakes, to which the hoppers were very grateful.
 
The club took my advice to do a raffle and one of the players Girlfriends went round and the hoppers were very generous by purchasing tickets, but they cried out, Its a fix Rob, at half time when the match referee pulled out my lucky numbers!
 
The game kicked off at a steady pace, with Kirton only having one player up front with the visitors having 3 or 4 at the back, the ball seemed to spend most the time in the Kirton half. Kirton balled well with their centre half the number five being at the heart of most things.
 
After 50 minutes, Kirton were reduced to 10 men as the left back was adjudged to have headbutted a Selston player and was shown a straight red card.
 
Kirton still defended well whilst Selston wasted a few good chances, but you could see a breakthrough happening sooner than later and on the hour that's what happened. A cross from the right side saw WAYNE COOKE's bullet header go through the keeper to make it 1-0.
 
Selston now started to push forward a lot more now in search for the second goal, but stout defending kept them at bay until the 80th minute, when a long range shot by JAY COOPER sneaked under the home keeper to make it 2-0 and start their season with the three points.
 
Kirton Brickworks FC would like to thank all the Hoppers who attended this match for their kind words during the day and also for visiting them.
 
A BIG thankyou to Kirton Brickworks FC for their kind donation of £10 towards the Blogs Charity "Support Dogs" which aids people with disabilities, which now takes the total including todays goals to £153.12p
 
Photos of the game can be seen on this LINK
 
KIRTON BRICKWORKS FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
SELSTON FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE FA WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
If you like Non League Football and on Facebook, why not join my Non League Group on this LINK

Thursday 14 August 2014

NSL PREVIEW FOR SATURDAY 16th AUGUST 2014

NSL PREVIEW FOR SATURDAY 16th AUGUST 2014 by Robin Griffiths(NSL Press Officer)
 



The Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League is back.  This, the NSL’s 11th season, will be the first time its Senior Division is fully recognised at Step Seven of the National League System following ground upgrades undertaken by member clubs.
 
Defending Senior Division champions Selston kick-off their 2014-15 campaign with a trip to last season’s Division One champions Kirton Brickworks.  The Brickies have undergone a major rebuilding exercise following a number of departures in the summer.  David Cooper is unavailable and Scott Ricketts will have a late fitness test.
Kirton (from): Birch, Boddy, Clarke, Garratt, K Nicholson, L Nicholson, Parnwell, Ricketts, Weston, White
Selston (from): Simpson, Wigley, Barry, C Davies, Short, Renshaw, R Davies, Breach, Farnsworth, P Marriott, Riley, R Marriott, Gregory, Moore, Wright, James, Harbor, Airey, Darch, Cooper, Smith, Cooke
 
West Bridgford, who missed out on the Division One title by a solitary goal last season, travel to Sandhurst for their Senior Division debut.  There have been a number of comings and goings at Forest Lane during the close season.  Bob Crawford will be without the suspended Daniel Abbott, Nathan Smith and Savage, and the injured Chapman.
Sandhurst (from): Taylor, Lobley, Munson, Tye, Coddington, Cauldwell, Snowball, Charlton, Pearson, Wass, Rabby, Ellis, Gretton, Bradford, Weir, Jones, Clarkeson
 
The third promoted side, Bingham Town, make their Senior Division bow by welcoming Cotgrave to Butt Field.
Bingham (from): C Abbott, Hardy, Hallam, Nicholson (c), Page, Spencer, G Abbott, Hodgson, Gammon, Morley, Shepherd, Patrick, Buckberry, McRobie
 
Attenborough, who travel to the Charnwood Centre to face PMG Cavaliers for their first game under new manager James Carder, have several players missing due to holidays.
Boro (from): Apenitis, Richards, Mrvik, Kitson, Bagshaw, Popple, Beldham, Brady, Slater, Payne, Shepherd, Pratt, Smith, Leivers, West, Ruck, Parker, Whatmore
 
Bilborough Town welcome Boots Athletic to Greenwich Avenue. The Chemists’ managerial duo of Gary Willows and Roberto Pietraforte has recruited extensively over the summer as they seek to improve on last season's mid- table finish. Boots are without Tobias Richardson and Antwon Bonnick (suspension) and Wayne Jones (ankle).  Willows and Pietraforte could give debuts to six players in a new look line-up.
Boots (from): Kenton-Dudley,  Naylor, Manders, Bowles, Walsh, Kemp, Roome, Peach, T Walton, D Walker, J Walton, K Walker, England, Starbuck, Willows
 
After missing all of last season Burton Joyce welcome back skipper Marc Buckle, James Freeman and Liam Beatty for their trip to Elms Park to face Ruddington Village.  New signings Sam Pynegar, Stephen Frow and Gareth Bentley will all be in contention for a start.
BJ (from): Roscoe Easom, Roman Easom, Beatty, Clements, M Buckle, S Buckle, Smith, Stocks, Hayes, Cooper, Croft, Freeman, Frow, Pynegar, Bentley
Rudd (from): Asher, Benwell, Carver, Devonshire, Hassell, Horsley, Johnson, Leslie, McMorran, Osbourne, Rhodes, Rimmington, Sissons, Wilkinson, Cassidy, Davies, Newbold,
 
In Division One Nottingham United will be hoping for a better season following their relegation from the top flight.   For their opening encounter they make the trip to Hawton Lane to face newly promoted Newark Flowserve.
Nottm (from): MacCluskey, Al-Ammaren, Moore, Trueblood, M Peddie, C Peddie, Silverton, Oram, Lyons, Czupajlo, Banton (c), Turner, Owen, Kemp, Sharpe, Memmel, Wojcik
 
Netherfield Albion, who entertain Ruddington Village Reserves at Victoria Park, could be without centre half Carl Martin who is struggling with a knee injury. Ashley Burrell serves a one match suspension. New signings Darren Bowler, Adam Limb and Simeon Carthy all look to make their debuts.
Albion (from): Bowler, Robinson, Carthy, Limb, Fowler, Leivers, Smeed, Horton, Douglas, Crawford, Johnson, Kemp, Martin
 
Gedling Southbank welcome Linby Colliery Welfare Reserves to the Inspire Stadium having made changes on and off the pitch following a couple of difficult campaigns.  New at the helm is ex-Stevenage striker Nick Edgar, assisted by Andy Clerke. Creativity is expected from midfielder Reiss Coy and they’re hoping for goals from the ex-Boston United striker James Needham. The club will once again be skippered by Danny Riley.
Squad: N Day, Gent, Hammond, C Day, Fox-Smith, Clerke, Riley, Coy, Stansfield, Baker-Beall, Leeder, Thomas, Needham, Hickling
 
The league have welcomed a number of new teams into Division Two, including Bilborough United, who have a local derby against Bilborough Town Reserves at Arnold Hill Academy to open the season.
United (from): Spencer, Newman, Bamford, Todd, Walker, Featherstone, O'Regan, Brown, Cassidy, Buxton, Hume, Newbury, Swallow, David Seymour, Dean Seymour

Saturday 9 August 2014

COXHOE SAIL THROUGH IN THE SHIPOWNERS CUP

Wearside Shipowners Cup; First Round
COXHOE ATHLETIC FC 4 PRUDHOE TOWN FC 2
 
After a few days taking the family up to the Sunderland area, I wanted to pull in a new ground on the way home and Coxhoe Athletic FC just off the A1 was recommended to me. I emailed the Secretary and he promptly replied and said the kettle would on.
 
On the morning of the game, I got a tweet from the club and they had put a article on their website about my charity blog, which was a really kind touch. This continued when we arrived at the ground and was welcomed by all of Coxhoe's committee. The kettle was indeed on and I went to pay admission and was told to add it to my charity total, then I was handed a £5 donation from the club, then just before kick off, Hazel went for a cuppa and there was a collection tube on the refreshments kiosk in aid of my charity.
 
The Ground is a lovely ground which houses three stands and plenty of hardstanding all round the ground, a lovely set up.
 
The game kicked off at a frantic pace with the homesters pushing forward and could well have been ahead after just 90 seconds when the Prudhoe keeper had to pull off a one on one save from Ross Morrow.
 
It didn't take long for Coxhoe to go 1-0 in front as after 8 minutes, a cross from the right wing, found out REECE BROWN at the far post who slotted home. Prudhoe pushed forward but left gaps at the back and were caught on the rapid breaks and good one touch passing by the Coxhoe team, forcing several corners. After 36 minutes, Coxhoe doubled their lead through FLYNN JOHNSON who drove home from close range.
 
From the kick off, Coxhoe relaxed and Prudhoe broke forward and a mistake at the back let in TOM SKIDMORE who curled the ball past the advancing home keeper to reduce the arrears to 2-1.
 
The Second Half kicked off in a similar vein as the first, with Coxhoe forcing themselves forward and after 50 minutes, ROSS MORROW ran on to a long ball that split the visiting defence for him to tuck under the keeper to make it 3-1.
 
A few subs were made by both sides and the pace of the game slowed down a little, with some meaty but fair challenges going in. On 70 minutes, the ball was sprayed out to the right wing where home sub RHYS GUY let rip a shot that scorched the far top corner of the net from a acute angle to take his team in to a 4-1 lead.
 
After 73 minutes, CONNER POWELL added a second goal for Prudhoe with a deflected touch that deceived everyone to make the final score 4-2 to put Coxhoe through to the next round of the Cup.
 
A superb club and ground well worthy of a visit if you haven't been, you are guaranteed a warm welcome. A BIG THANKYOU to Coxhoe Athletic FC for their kind hospitality shown to me, my wife Hazel and little son Shawn who has autism.
 
A BIG thankyou to Coxhoe Athletic FC for their kind donation of £13.92 towards the Blogs Charity "Support Dogs" which aids people with disabilities, which now takes the total including todays goals to £142.62p
 
COXHOE ATHLETIC FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
PRUDHOE TOWN FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK
 
WEARSIDE LEAGUE WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
If you like Non League Football and on Facebook, why not join my Non League Group on this LINK
 
 

Wednesday 6 August 2014

THORESBY HIT NINE AT THE LANE

Pre Season Friendly
SANDHURST FC 1 THORESBY CW 9
 
Usually I may see just one game with 10 goals in a season, this made it 3 so far after Thoresby CW put on a impressive display against local village club Sandhurst FC of Walesby. Thoresby kick off their CMFL North Division campaign on Saturday away at Easington United AFC and it would be no surprise if they don't finish in a top three position at the end of the season, meanwhile Sandhurst FC of the Notts Senior League struggled this evening, though they did try hard in the first half, but with so many players turning up to play they just didn't gel with regular changes to the team throughout the match.
 
A good crowd turned out with most of the local NSL Rival club Kirton Brickworks in attendance along with old friend football league referee Ian Dudley and his lad.
 
The referee for tonight was Gareth Tye, a Sandhurst player and I just admit he did a very good job out there in the middle.
 
Thoresbys goals were scored by Durrant(3), Tryner, West, Panting, Hamilton, Scothern and Bingham, though clearly in one of the photos taken you can see that Sandhurst's "Jock" headed in to his own net, but Jock wont mind if the attacker claims his goal I'm sure! Sandhurst's sole goal was scored by Charlton.
 
SANDHURST FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
THORESBY CW FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK
 
If you like Non League Football and on Facebook, why not join my Non League Group on this LINK
 
 

Sunday 3 August 2014

GREAT HOP DAY OUT

UCL/Peterbough League Groundhop
 
Yaxley FC 3 Long Buckby FC 1
Riverside FC 3 Uppingham Town FC 1
Peterborough Sports FC 1 Bugbrooke St Michaels FC 1
 
Charity Programme Stall raised £41.40
 
The day began with me and  Hazel and Shawn getting up at 5am and on the road for 6.30am towards Yaxley in the rain from Mansfield, as we reached Newark the rain stopped and the sun was trying its best to shine. On arrival at 7.30am we was greeted by the Yaxley FC Chairman who had a chat to us before getting on with his jobs. Terry and Dave arrived to set up their badge stall and Shawn went to help them and pester them as well lol
 
It was good to meet up with all the hoppers old and new and UK Punk introduced himself and kindly made a donation to the blogs charity, so a massive thankyou to him and all those who also made donations and bought programmes from the stall.
 
With the stall I don't usually see much of the games, Yaxley was a lovely ground and me, Craig Dabbs and Hugh were given a guided tour of the ground and new changing rooms and building. Hazel won first prize in the raffle £20!
 
After half time we headed for Riverside FC which was only a few minutes away, a nice clubhouse and a nice greeting from the chairman. The had put up a gazebo and offered us to use it for the programme stall but we let Terry and Dave use it. This tome I won the raffle, a family day ticket for Eastern Railways but we donated it back to the club for them to auction it off amongst the players for club funds.
 
We then left and set off for Netherton United FC but we couldn't find it and got totally lost and as the rain began to spot, so we gave up and headed to Peterborough Sports FC where I caught the last few minutes of their A team friendly on the far pitch, just on the final whistle, the rain hammered down for a hour and we sat in the car that began to flood,
 
We set up the Gazebo at this game and blow me the sun came out and shone grrrrr! Thee game ended up in a 1-1 draw and I was one ticket off winning the raffle again. A nice chicken curry was had at this game and then it was to say goodbye to the hoppers until Craig Dabb's Bedfordshire Hop in October.
 
Well Done to Chris & Laurence and also both the UCL and Peterborough League Clubs for making the weekend a great success, we will be back next season with the stall.
 
Dates of future Hops:
 
6th September 2014: Guernsey Trip
20th September 2014: North Berkshire Hop
11th October 2014: Bedfordshire Hop(Charity Stall & Notts Hop Tickets available)
6th-8th March 2015: Welsh Spring Hop
21-22th March 2015: Scottish Lowlands Hop
2-4th April 2015: NCEL Hop
24-25th April: Notts Senior League Hop