SWEETING SECURES WIN FOR COMMUNITY

Notts Senior League

Premier Division

BASFORD UNITED COMMUNITY 2 FC CAVALIERS 1

This was my first visit to Greenwich Avenue since they have laid down the lovely 3g on the pitch and it looks grand, a lot of hard work has been put in by the club over the close season. Also Basford United have set up 2 community teams of youngsters that have entered the Notts Senior League.

Before the match, I met Swifty, the groundsman and odd job man, a chap I have known for knocking on 30 years and also looking as young as he ever did, followed by local hoppers Pete Chappell, Big Mac, Malc Storer and Michael Pridgeon, May I thank Michael for the kind £10 donation made to the Charity Blog for some programmes.

Just before kick off, League Secretary Tracie Witton arrive with her baby grandson, first time Ive not seen Tracie with a cuppa in her hand.

The game kicked off and it was the Community on the front foot and a shot turned round the post saw the Cavs keeper stay down for a while injured. He solidered on for the while match but Eggy was taking all the goal kicks.

Cavs came more in to the game, pushing forward and on 33 minutes IMMAIN SAMUELS shot his side in to the lead. The game flowed from end to end with lots of chances and right on the stroke of half time, EZRA KITUNGANO equalised.

During half time, I went for a cuppa and was called away on League duty to the other game that had been played on the outside pitch meaning I missed the first 5 minutes of the second half in which time EWAN SWEETING had turn the tables round and put the Basford club in front.

The rest of the game could have gone either way as it was a fairly level match, but Basford held on for thir three points.

A few photos can be seen on this LINK

BOLSOVER TAKE POINTS IN LOCAL DERBY

Central Midlands League

CLAY CROSS TOWN FC 1 FC BOLSOVER 5

Att: 190

Having not been to Clay Cross for a matter of four years, it was time to go and see my old mate Mr Clay Cross himself Nobby Clarke. Also with this being a local derby match, it was a good to see some familar faces.

On arrival I was greeted by Lee at the gate and wouldnt take any admission money off me and soon welcomed by Nobby and his committee and shown in to the Hospitality Suite, which they bought out of their share of the money they got from their Bonanza Groundhop match some five years ago.

I then met facebook friend Jonathan Buttery and spent the afternoon sat next to him in the stand, having a god chat about local football, a really nice chap.

The game kicked off and for the first 5 minutes, it was the Millers who were on the attack, but after 15 minutes SCULLY fired home for the visitors. This seemed to gee the team that play on the outskirts of Shirebrook up and they pressed forward for a second goal and that they got after 38 minutes through RUSSELL.

After the half time cuppa, I sat back in the stand and didnt wait long for another away goal, as on 53 minutes PARFITT hammered home. This was going to be a long day for Clay Cross and Bolsover was bossing the game in every department by now, but on 67 minutes POOLE pulled a goal back and gave the homesters a lifeline.

Bolsover though were passing the ball went and on 75 minutes KIMBERLEY made it 4-1 and gone was all hope for the men in sky blue.

Just before the end of the game, Bolsover made it 5 when BELINGER netted to send the visitors fans home happy.

Just a mention to all 3 officials who I felt had a great game.

Id like to thank Nobby and his team for making me so welcome as always. It was superb seeing him again and wont leave it 4 years before I pop back.

PHOTOS from the match can be seen on this LINK

RAVENSHEAD GRAB LAST GASP WINNER

Notts Senior League

Division Two

RAVENSHEAD FC 3 GREYHOUNDERS FC 2

att: 19

A game Ive looked forward to for a while for a couple of reasons, two new clubs that have entered the league, Ravenshead being close to home and finally ex Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and West Ham United FC striker Marlon Harwood plays for Greyhounders FC and a lot of credit must go to him, as he helps sponsor his local village grassroots football club and doesnt ask for a penny in return. A really nice guy who I had the pleasure of having a chat to.

The game began in bright sunshine and both sides were cutting out early chances but it the the homesters who took the lead after just 7 minutes through TOM GOODSON. 

Greyhounders pushed forward and went close a couple of times, but Ravenshead doubled their lead on 29 minutes, when the visiting keeper let slip of the ball and it ended up in the net from LUKE WILLIAMS effort.

Ravenshead then had their best spell of the game and as we were approaching half time, I was stood next to the Aslockton manager and said Ravenshead really need to score a third, just as I said that on 45 minutes, JAKE HARDY reduced the arrears.

During half time, the rain arrived and all through the second half it hammered it down, The goal before the interval seemed to give Greyhounders more belief and it looked more likely that they would equalise and infact that is what they did on 71 minutes, when the referee awarded them a free kick and up stepped JAKE HARDY to fire home from 30 yards.

The game was now on a knife edge with both sides going for the points and as the game entered the 90th minute, Ravenshead gainned a corner on the right and JORDAN PHILLIPS scrambled home the winner.

After the match, Marlon Harewood kindly had his photo taken with my friend Shane O Hara and also signed his autograph for him. I must thank Shane also for the kind £10 donation to the Blogs Charity.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

MILLS CONTINUE THEIR 100% START

Notts Senior League

Division Two

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS 10 BEESTON RESERVES 0

Mansfield Hosiery Mills played their second Friday evening match in the NSL and were rewarded with a handsome victory and truth be told, it could well ave been greater if not for the Beeston keeper.

Hosiery Mills took the lead after just 7 minutes when MATTHEW CRAVEN opened the scoring, within 2 minutes the same player made it 2-0. Beeston to their credit pushed forward and had a couple of chances blocked before ASHLEY SWAIN made it 3-0. The Sutton based side pushed forward and were unlucky in hitting the bar, bit the fourth goal was soon to come in the 26th minute, when ASHLEY SWAIN netted again. As I was watching the match with friends Shane and Hannah, we knew more goals were to come and then 2 in less than a minute arrived as after 34 minutes, VINNY HILL drove home and then ASHLEY SWAIN completed his hat trick to make it 6-0.

After the half time break and with the homesters playing down the slope, it was only a matter of time before they threatened the Beeston goal again and on 50 minutes MATTHEW CRAVEN completed his hat trick. The young Beeston lads were trying their hardest and on other days may well have had a couple of goals, but on 65 minutes they were left short at the back and MATTHEW CRAVEN took advantage as he rounded the keeper to score his fourth  goal and his sides eighth. Mansfield were now pressing forward and with 71 minutes on the clock, KAREM BROWN scored. With only 8 minutes remaining, sub LEE DIXON made it ten.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

Must thank Mansfield Hosiery Mills FC for the kind doantion of £4.20 Hazel raised at the tea bar

TEAM DNF CONTINUE 100% START

Notts Senior League

Division Two

TEAM DNF 5 WEST BRIDGFORD AFC 2

Team DNF played their first match on Saturday on their 3g pitch at Nottingham Trent University just off the A453 in Clifton, so I was expecting this midweek game to be played there, the day before I found that the venue may be the same but the game was to be played on a grass pitch which I didnt know existed. 

Both sides in this game are new to the Notts Senior League and have young players, West Bridgford AFC drew away last Thursday evening 0-0 at Aslockton Cranmers FC, whilst DNF won 5-1 agaist Greyhounders FC who included ex Forest, Villa and West Ham striker Marlon Harewood on the pitch. 

The pitch tonight looked good and as ref Simon Hudson got thee game on the way in the bright sunshine, it was the home side who should really have been two goals to the good, when their strikers just failed to connect to a cross in front of open goals.

On 18 minutes, the homesters took the lead when TOM LAWSON drove home from just inside the area. On the half hour their main striker and target man Sheldon Tutit limped off and West Bridgford seemed to have their best period of the game, with half time looming, concentration from the visitors cost them dearly, when on 43 minutes, the keeper rolled the ball out to a defender who was looking the other way and DNF captain CAMERON GRAY whipped in and fired home. Within a minute, another failure in the away penalty area saw JOSH ASUMAN fire his side in to a half time lead of 3-0.

West Bridgford AFC began the second half the more brighter and 2 good chances went astray, whilst on the counter attack DNF were looking to add to their tally, but found the away keeper in excellent form with at least 5 goal bound saves.

After 54 minutes, captain Gray doubled his games tally to put the homesters 4-0 up and it looked at this stage, as if the game could well ended up as a cricket score, but the visitors battled but were second best at times, On 67 minutes JOSH ASUMAN made it 5-0.

On 69 minutes, ALI BRITTEN pulled a goal back and on 85 minutes he slotted away a penalty to make it 5-2.

Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK

May I thank West Bridgford AFC's Liam Porter for kindly giving me a lift back to Hucknall

GALE FORCE WIND THE WINNER

Precision Notts Senior League

Division One

AFC BRIDGFORD 0 CALVERTON MW 0

Not very often when I come away from a match and not have must to write about, but to be honest a howling wind blowing straight down the centre of the pitch for 90 minutes certainly didnt aid any of the players who tried their best, but at times poor finishing with shots going astray from both sides didnt help their cause. 

Calverton probably had the better of the chances and must be disappointed to leave Gresham with just a point, while AFC's unbeaten start to their debut season in the NSL will no doubt spur them on to their next match. Good performance by the referee who tried to allow the game to flow as much as he could.

Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK

NOTTS FA COUNTY CUP DRAWS

NOTTS FA SENIOR CUP

(NSL Clubs only)

1st Round

Bilsthorpe FC v Awsworth Villa FC

Linby CW FC v Ruddington Village FC

Cotgrave FC v Blidworth Welfare FC

Selston FC v Unity FC

Clifton All Whites FC v Ollerton Town FC

Real United FC v Wollaton FC

NOTTS FA INTERMEDIATE CUP

(NSL Clubs Only_

1st Round

Nottingham Trent Uni v Team DNF

Gedling Southbank v Kimberley MW Reserves

FC Cavaliers v West Bridgford AFC

NOTTS FA JUNIOR CUP NSL Clubs Only

1st Round

Basford United Community Reserves v Selston Reserves

HOSIERY MILLS OFF TO A WINNING DEBUT

Precision Notts Senior League

Division Two

MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS FC 3 UNDERWOOD VILLA RESERVES FC 0

Att: 38

After seeing Mansfield Hosiery Mils FC's Chairman on Tuesday Evening at Aston United FC, he asked if Hazel would be so kind to run the refreshments bar, as some of his committee were away and that his club would make a donation to the Blog's Charity, to which he kept his word and I would like to thank him and his club for the kind donation of £14.00

Mansfield Hosiery Mills are new to the Nottinghamshire Senior League and many will have visited the ground when Sutton Town used to rent the ground from Mansfield Hosiery Mills, a lot has changed around the ground, as you walk in to the right, the stand has been replaced with a building that goes down to the halfway line and houses, a laundry, then the changing rooms and finally the refreshments room.

The game kicked off and it was the hometers who created the first set of chances and on 6 minutes had a free kick ruled out when the referee called the free kick back. On 15 minutes, the Millers took the lead when James Else slid the ball past his own keeper.

The game then took a very even slant, with both sides attacking and the scores would have been added to if not for fine goalkeeping by both the keepers.

Just before half time, the Hosiery side broke and just outside the area, the attacker was adjudged to have been bought down by the Villa defender and the referee reduced the visitors down to 10 men, much to thee disgust of the travelling fans.

The Second Half started at a very slow pace with both sides cancelling each other out, thoug Underwood were having the best part of the game, with Smith having several efforts saved.

After 67 minutes, Mansfield Hosiery Mills put their authority on the game when MATTHEW CRAVEN doubled their total. Underwood gave it a go with their ten men and found the home keeper in fine form and with just 6 minutes remaining the Millers wrapped up the points when JAMIE BENNETT headed home at the far post.

TOWN FIGHTBACK FOR THE POINTS

Precision  Notts Senior League

Premier Division

ASTON UNITED FC 1 BILBOROUGH TOWN FC 2

Admission £2

Programme £1

Aston United FC are newcomers to the Precision Senior Senior League and in their debut match away at Clifton All Whites at the weekend they returned woth the points in a 3-2 victory, whilst Bilborough Town were hosts at their new Harvey Haddon Stadium Ground beating Basford United Community 2-0. Aston playing at the New Manor Ground, the home of Ilkeston FC, so the ground is a great credit.

We were running on time to get to the ground, when people in cars began turning round, in the distance we saw a lorry jack knifed and a motorbike on the road, after bring diverted by the police, we found out at the ground that a motor biker had lost his life, so it really put football on the back step tonight.

As we reached the gate, I was met by Mansfield Hosiery Mills FC Chairman and ex Football League Referee Russell Booth, as his son Will was the referee of tonights encounter. The two ladies on the gate greeted me, Hazel and Shawn and then a few supporters who knew us said their greetings. I the popped up to the officials changing rooms for the team lines ups and met Ian Smith and Steve Bingham who were the Assistants.

The Aston Manager was running around sorting programmes and that out, as Paul Brookes the secretary had been caught up in the traffic, whe he arrived, he was sort of someone to do the tea bar, so Hazel stepped in and with Paul;s permission charged 50p a cup ad thhe money went to the Blogs Charity, to which it made £7 on the night, a BIG thankyou to Paul and to Aston United FC for their kind donation. This is when Russell asked if Hazel would do the tea bar at Mansfield Hosiery Mills FC on Friday Night as they play local club Underwood Villa Reserves FC at 7.30pm.

The players entered the pitch and Aston looked the better of the sides for the first 10 minutes and then on the break, on 13 minutes, ex Dunkirk striker MARK GREEN hit a shot across the keeper in to the left side of the goal. The game was being played at a frantic pace from end to end and the next goal would be vital.

In to the Second Half and it was the visitors who were pressing on the attack and five minutes in to the half, JACK NICHOLSON fired them back on to level terms. The game was very level and still played at a high tempo and on 75 minutes LIAM TAYLOR struck home the winners, though Aston had one last gasp effort where the Tow keeper had to be alert to keep the ball out.

Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK

THE SAINTS MARCH ON TO 3 POINT DEBUT

Precision Notts Senior League

Premier Division

SANDIACRE TOWN FC 4 BEESTON FC 0

A welcome addition to the Notts Senior League are Sandiacre Town FC, who play at St Giles Park. Sandiacre have just returned home after their pitch has had a lot of work done on it over the past couple of seasons.

The last time, me and Hazel visited was back in the CMFL days and we remember it well, as Hazel was 8 months pregnant with Shawn and she helped out doing the sandwiches, whilst I watched the game, now Shawn is 12, so it was nice to go back and catch up with Mr Sandiacre Town Mel Williams and his new committee who are all very friendly.

Beeston were forced to make a late change on the teamsheet to their goalkeeper and their sub had to go in goal, so ot the ideal start to thee season for them.

The game kicked off and the visitors looked busy in the first five minutes but without testing the home keeper, but on 6 minutes, CHRIS MONK found his self clear on the left hand side of the box to fire home the opening goal for the Saints.

Both sides played some entertaining football and the next goal was going to be vital, but at half time, it was still 1-0 to the homesters.

After the break, it was Beeston first on the attack and they say there are turning points in games and on 52 minutes, the visitors saw a shot come crashing back out off the crossbar. Within a minute, Town had gone down the other end and GAVIN SPENCER cracked the ball i to the net to double his sides advanntage.

Beeston threw bodies forward but this left gaps at the back and Sandiacre playing on the counter attack. After 83 minutes, the home side took a corner from the right side and it was met by the head of Beeston defender Ga Willows that lopped over his own keeper to make it 3-0.

This seemed to spur The Saints on for the final few minutes and they got a rewarded fourth goal when sub CHRIS SAYLES fired home to make it 4-0

Finally must mention the young Referee James Tewson and his 2 Assistants Greg Stuart and Andrew Smith who all had excellent games.

Photos from the Match can be seen on this LINK

CHARITY GAIN £700 FROM OUR BLOG

SATURDAY 6th AUGUST 2016

Most people who read my Blog will know its not just about Non League Football, but also giving to those small charities that need help through funding.

Last season, me and my wife Hazel picked 2 Charities, both had similar goals in that they aided homeless, vunerable and people with mental issues including ex Military.

With sponsoring 25p each goal we saw scored and doing raffles at several Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League Cup Finals, along with having the programme stall at several Groundhops and also clubs and supporters of the Non League Football game making donations, we raised a total of £1392.00 to which we topped up to £1400.00 which meant £700.00 per charity.

In June, we handed over a cheque for £700 to Integriras in Nottingham.

On Saturday, we went to the Foxton Centre's open fun day in Preston and met with several of the workers and users and had a good chat and learned more about their project to which it was a real good worth while cause. The Charity was delighted as in the photo above to be presented with the £700 cheque from the Blog and they would like to thank everyone along with us for their kind donations

More can be read about the Foxton Centre on this LINK

This year, we have selected a close to heart Charity to us as a family, as many of you are aware, our 12 year old son Shawn has autism and finds things sometimes hard to fit in, but he has settled in well at the 10th Mansfield Scout Group and has already been awarded with some badges.

 The group which is based in a underpriviliged area, are in need of some equipment as alot of it has gone well out of date and cant be used, so they are limited on what they can help the kids with, so we have chosen the scout group as its good and rewarding for Shawn and already we have over £400 raised, so if you or your company or club would like to make a donation, please see me around the grounds or email me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

THE CORRS BLAST GARSTANG TO OPENING DAY WIN

West Lancs League

GARSTANG FC 3 COPPULL UNITED FC 2

After presenting the charity blogs cheque to The Foxton Centre in Preston in the morning, Hazel dropped me off at the bus station where I caught the number 40 bus that dropped me in Garstang town centre. The ground I couldnt find and I asked several adults and some didnt kow they had a football club, but a lesson learned is always ask kids and they know everything and 3 girls pointed me in the right direction.

On arrival at the ground, I was greeted by Steve and soon the refreshment ladies arrived and was able to get a cuppa, The club committee were very friendly and welcoming and they sorted both sides line ups for me.

Just before kick off, I bumped in to a hopper from Essex annd then I was joined just at kick off by Rob a hopper from Yorkshire.

Te game kicked off and it was the homesters on the front foot having a couple of early chances, but after 6 minutes, the visitor broke and CALLAM CANT slotted them in to the lead. Garstang were going to sit back and forced themselves forward and were playing the better football and were soon on level terms after 11 minutes, when RICHARD CORR was left at the back post to tap in from close range(as photo above).

The game flowed at a good level in the bright sunshine but the scores remained  even for half time.

The Second Half kicked off and Garstang had their best spell of the game and took advantage of this when they netted and took the lead after a drive by ALAN CORR on 52 minutes.

IT was then Coppull who upped their game and attacked gainned reward on the hour in a equaliser through a OWN GOAL.

Both sides were eager for the three points as the game went from one end of the pitch to the other,but it was the homesters who snatched the win on 84 minutes when RICHARD CORR headed home.

PHOTOS from the game can be seen on this LINK

PRE SEASON 2016

PRE SEASON FRIENDLIES 2016

Here are a list of Pre Season Friendlies, please check before you head out to any, as they may well have been altered or cancelled

FRIDAY 5th AUGUST
Rossington Main v Ilkeston FC

SATURDAY 6th AUGUST
AFC Andrews v Whetstone Athetic
Ambergate Reserves v Wollaton Reserves @ Kilburn MW
Arnold Town v Carlton Town
Asha FC v Derbyshire Ams
Aslockton Cranmers v CK Dons
Bilborough United v South Wingfield 2pm @ Bestwood Village
Clifton All Whites v Mansfield Town
Ilkeston FC v Belper Town

Kirton Brickworks v Ravenshead FC
Knowle FC v AFC Woods United
Loughborough Dynamo v Barwell
Underwood Villa v Ashland Rovers