COTGRAVE POTT THE NSL LEAGUE CUP

Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League Cup Final

NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY 2 COTGRAVE FC 3

@ Dunkirk FC

Att: 272

A very exciting Cup Final ended with Cotgrave FC lifting the Notts Senior League Cup Trophy. The game played in bright sunshine in front of a crowd of 272 at the Ron Steel Sports Ground, the home of Dunkirk FC.

Nottingham Trent University had the first chance after only 14 seconds, when the Cotgrave keeper was called in to early action. After 5 minutes, Cotgrave took the lead, when a cross was whipped in and Uni defender CONNOR BARTLE turned the ball past Jake Cox in the Uni net.

Cotgrave continued to press forward, but finding Cox in great form. On the half hour, the Uni side began to come more in to the game, with a free kick that just dipped over the bar.

After 42 minutes, the men in pink, gained their first corner of the game, to which the Cotgrave backmen tried to clear, just outside the penalty area, where DAN BUSCH hit a 35 yard volley to pull his side level.

On 53 minutes, Cotgrave retook the lead, when ADAM GRAY chipped Cox from just outside the penalty area.

The Uni pushed forward and in the 64th minute, they were awarded a penalty after a trip, up stepped sub AKIM AKIMBINU to smash the ball down the centre of the net to make it 2-2.

In the 76th minute, NTU went close to taking the lead for the first time in the tie, when a Jon Coates shot went close. 

With the clock ticking down and looking likely that the game may go in to extra time as the 2 well matched sides both went in search of a winner, on 78 minutes, Cotgrave;s top striker broke away from his defender and run towards Cox and though Cox got a hand to LEE POTTS effort, it was too good a chance for him to miss the follow up to take the League Cup home to Cotgrave FC.

League Guest of honour Andy Rolfe named Cotgrave FC;s JOE HEGGERTY as man of the match but presenting the 4 officials who had a superb game and both sides their medals, before handing the Cup to Cotgrave captain LEE POTTS

Me and Hazel would like to thank all that supported the Charity Raffle at the Final and she raised a whooping £151, after the match the Referee James Tewson and 4th Official Lewis Quayle both donated £5 each to take the running total for MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE at Nottingham City Hospital to a amazing £847.90p.

All the photos taken from the Final, you will find on this LINK

Well that is the 2016-17 season over apart from Wembley for Non League Day but pre season starts again very soon and if your clubs have any pre season friendlies in the Midlands area, please let me know and I will gladly advertise them on my Charity Blog.

The NEW CHARITY BLOG 2017-18 is already up and running, here is the LINK

FOOTBALL AID

FOOTBALL AID MATCH

held at City Ground, Nottingham

RED KIT FC 6 BLACK KIT FC 6

A couple of weeks back, Notts Senior League Referee Gregg Stuart contacted me via private message n facebook and offered me and my wife Hazel a couple of guest tickets for the Football Aid match being held at the home of Nottingham Forest, with a 10am kick off.

We went along and really didnt know much about the event or how skilled the players were, so I looked it up on the internet.

Football Aid is held over and held in parks of the UK and gives players a chance to play on professional grounds, whilst raising money for charity along the way.

On to the pitch the teams were lead out by a little girl called Ellie May and the 4 officials, 3 of whom I know from the Notts Senior League, namely Gregg Stuart, James Tewson and George Dibbs, plus a young female official Phoebe Cross.

The game kicked off and it was soon noticed that the standard of football was going to be quite good, as many of the players only played each week in five side games. Each team had a Ex professional player in their line ups, the Red team, it was Craig Armstrong and the Black shirted team Paul McGregor.

The game was tight in the First Half with the Reds leading 3-2 at the break, the Second Half, The Reds took control and went in to a 6-3 lead, but the Black shirted team pulled it back to 6-6 in a very competitive match.

A game played in the right spirit, in front of families and friends.

After the match, I did hear that a few players were going up to Sunderland to play in Monday morning at the Stadium of Light.

With 12 goals scored, the £3 iis now in the pot and takes the running total up to £685.65p

VILLA LIFT NSL JUNIOR CUP

Precision Notts Senior League

Junior Cup Final

KIMBERLEY MW RESERVES 0 AWSWORTH VILLA RESERVES 4

@ Sandiacre Town FC

Att: 147

Kimberley went in to the game as favourites having done the double in the league over Awsworth, but with the clubs hardly a mile apart and in a Cup Final, League form goes out the window.

The First Half saw a very even contest and it was vital who was going to opening the scoring and just as I thought the half would end goal less I popped in to the clubhouse to fetch the tickets for the half time charity raffle, when I got back to pitchside, I was told it was still 0-0 and there was a break in play as all 5 footballs suppied by the league had gone missing, a few were tracked down and play resume. What had happened unknown to me, was that Awsworth had taken the lead on 44 minutes through JAKE BROOKES.

The Second Half begin and it was Awsworth on the front foot and in the 48th minute, doubled their lead when a long free kick was headed in, though the last touch seemed to come off a Kimberley player, GEORGE COPPER went on to claim the goal.

It then turned in to a real derby game, with both sides putting in some meaty challenges and keeping the referee on his toes.

Kimberley pushed forward but the Awsworth defence was staying strong at the back.

After 77 minutes, KURT SAVAGE slid the ball home from close range to make it 3-0.  After 84 minutes, Awsworth wrapped up the game when JUAN VICKERS completed the scoring.

On the Final whistle, Ex Notts Senior League Official Andy Rolfe who was guest of honour did the presentation

We would like to thank Sandiacre Town FC for the kind donations of prizes for the raffle, The Notts Senior League for allowing Hazel to do the raffle and also both clubs, supporters etc for buying raffle tickets in aid of this seasons blogs charity MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE based at Nottingham City Hospital, to which Hazel raised a whopping £117.00, which takes the running total a amazing £682.65p.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

BOATMEN LIFT NOTTS FA INTERMEDIATE CUP

Notts FA Intermediate Cup Final

AFC DUNKIRK 4 BASFORD UNITED COMMUNITY FC 3

played at Eastwood Community FC

A gripping end to end Cup Final saw AFC Dunkirk run out victors 4-3. The game began with Community looking the better side and went ahead after just 3 minutes, when a ZAIRE BIRCHALL-JACKSON bullet shot hit the back of the net.

Basford pushed forward and a cross from the left saw a forward narrowly connect with the goal gaping on 18 minutes and this seemed to be the turning point of the match, as the next Dunkirk attack on 20 minutes saw TIM BERRIDGE knock home the equaliser.

This seemed to throw Dunkirk the confidence they needed and within a minute, they took the lead, when TIM BERRIDGE;s looping shot ducked over the Basford keeper to put his side in to the lead.

On 22 minutes, Dunkirk extended their lead to 3-1 when GEORGE HARRISION netted to the delight of the Boatmen crowd. After 38 minutes, Basford thought they were back in the game, but the referee spotted a push in the Dunkirk defender and ruled out a Basford goal.

On the hour, Basford were in fact back in the game, when a long range thunderbolt shot by BETTISON PAIXAO was rifled in to the net to reduce his sides arrears.

On 78 minutes, the Community side pushed forward and were on level terms when MALCOLM PODIER;s low show nestled in to the net to even things up at 3-3 and it was game on.

Both sides continued to press forward to avoid extra time and after 84 minutes, Harry Wakefield broke through and was bought down for a penalty by the Community keeper and SAMUEL HARBOTTLE stepped up and dispatched the penalty to win the cup for the Boatmen.

A superb match which was a credit for both clubs that ply their trace in the Precision Nottinghamshire Senior Football League.

The Charity Blog had some excellent news this morning, when a groundhopper Graham Moseley kindly sent a donation of £71.00 for MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE at Nottingham City Hospital, so with the 7 goals as well at this evenings final, it takes the running total to a massive £564.65p

TUREK BROTHERS SECURE RANGERS VICTORY

Midland Regional Alliance

Premier Division

SHIREBROOK RANGERS FC 2 CROMFORD FC 0

Attendance: 23

Many a time, I have visited relations in Shirebrook and also each Wednesday, my son Shawn has swimming lessons at Stubbin Wood, which is only about 800 yards from Warren Terrace, the home of Shirebrook Rangers FC.

A couple of times, Ive gone to go to this venue this season but for some reason never made it, so when I saw this Wednesday Evening fixture wit a 6.30pm kick off, only 30 minutes after Shawn had finished his lesson, so this chance was too good to miss.

I texted the Rangers Manager and got a reply straight away to say that the game was on and he even sent me details of how to get to the ground and the colours that his team play in.

On arrival, I met a hopper who had travelled from Birmingham and then Veteran arrived, as the sides entered the pitch, the visiting Cromford FC keeper Adam Gratton came over to chat to me, as Ive known his dad for a long time through the non league game, but sadly he couldnt be there this evening.

The game kicked off and after just 2 minutes, the visitors nearly went in front after the keeper fumbled a routine catch and the attacker hit the post from close range. This scare seemed to settle the homesters nerves and they began to put a few passes together and after 7 minutes, they went in front from a JORDAN TUREK effort.

Cromford werent going to lay down and were very stubbon and defended well, as Rangers went forward to try and double their slender lead. 

At half time, I was offered a free cuppa, which I think it was the managers wife made , so a thankyou to her, as it wasnt expected.

The Second Half saw Shirebrook pour forward and it only looked a matter of time before the goals were going to flow, but Cromford werent giving up and were a threat on a couple of occasions and Rangers had to thank their keeper in the 57th minute, when he produced a superb one handed save that he pushed over the crossbar.

Just after the hour, Rangers got their just deserts, when a quick break down the right side, saw Jordan draw the oncoming keeper and square the ball for his brother MARK TUREK to tap home.

The last half hour seemed a bit scappy and end of season football, with the man in the middle having to stop and start the game for niggling tackles.

With the 2 goals scored at the match, this adds 50p to the charity running total for MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE at City Hospital in Nottingham at £491.90p

The photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

RAFFS HEADS THE TITLE TO ALL WHITES

Precision Notts Senior League

Premier Division

FC CAVALIERS 0 CLIFTON ALL WHITES 1

Att 90

What a day it turned out to be, not Groundhopping but Tram Hopping. Hazel dropped me off at Hucknall Tram Station and I caught the tram as far as Basford and changed to the clifton bound tram as I headed to Wilford Lane, as I was going to Unity FC v Aston United, as I arrived in front of the Roko Centre, I was greeted by one of the Assistant Referees Jevon Swinscoe who informed me the referee had just rung him at 2pm to say the game was off due to Unity FC unable to field a side, I then got the phone call from Unity FC;s secretary, so it was a matter of where should I go, I knew there were two games being played at the Gresham Centre, but I also knew that if Clifton All Whites won away at FC Cavaliers then they would clinch the Premier Division Championship, so there was something on that game.

Me and Jevon caught the tram round to the Forest Recreaton Ground and walked the ten minutes across the Forest to reach the ground, I was greeted by the Cavs Founder Karl White who kindly gave me and match day programme and also donated £5 towards the Blogs Charity, which is MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE at City Hospital Nottingham, so the running total now stands at £491.40p. So a BIG thankyou to Karl.

The game kicked off and Clifton started the brighter, with some attacking moves, but Cavs were tight at the back and also breaking and shooting from distance, so at the half way stage it remained goalless.

The Second Half began and in Clifton;s first attack, they took the lead, when a shot hit the bar and bounced out for NIALL O RAFFERTY to head home(as seen in above photo).

Clifton continued to push for the second goal, but whilst it didnt come, FC Cavaliers kept breaking on the counter attack and with better luck could well have snatch a goal, but though playing well, it was to be Clifton All Whites day and the Championship will be presented next Saturday at their home match against Bilborough Town.

I felt all three officials had good games and I must thank Ref Ian Smith for kindly dropping me back at the tram stop, so I could get back to Hucknall..For those of you that read my blog and enjoy Real Ale, the Station Hotel next to Hucknall Tram Station is now a real ale pub, when I arrived it was full of Portsmouth fans who had been to the Mansfield Town v Portsmouth match.

Photos can be seen on this LINK

AIREY FINISH FOR SELSTON TO RETAIN TITLE

Central Midlands League

South Division

SELSTON FC 1 PINXTON FC 0

Programme £3

Att: 522

Today was Selston FC's Chairmans Day, a annual event that the Selston FC Chairman Mark Wilson set up after I took the NSL Groundhop there some years ago and the locals came out to support the event.

Over the years, the event has not only added kids games before the main match but plenty of family fun of the pitch with side stalls like bouncing castles, ice cream van and also a real ale room, which today offered 3 barrels of different ales and 3 different ciders, to which I was sampling Lemon and Lime Cider for most of the afternoon.

Todays Chairmans Day was a bit different to the past, with the Central Midlands South Division title on the line, Eastwood Community FC had finished their games and were 2 points ahead of Selston FC before kick off, so nothing more than a win would be enough for Selston FC.

Just before kick off, I was joined by a lovely groundhopping couple from the North East, namely Lee Stewart and his partner Katie Wallace, who we chattered away during the match.

Selston began the better but Pinxton were very stubborn and proving hard to break down, but after 27 minutes, the ball fell to DOMINIC AIREY who fired home to send the home crowd in to raptures.

Selston were having the better of the half and really should have gone two up but on a one on one, a forward fired wide.

Thee Second Half saw Selston hit the post and crossbar twice and they looked very nervous, as the clock was ticking down, but they more than did enough to hold on and clinch their third step 7 championship title in the past four seasons.

With just the one goal, the Blog Charity of MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE at Nottingham City Hospital, the running total moves on to £486.15p

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

MILLERS ARE NOTTS FA JUNIOR CUP WINNERS

Notts FA Junior Cup Final

AWSWORTH VILLA RESERVES 3 MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS 5

Played at Basford United FC

Firstly I must thank Mansfield Hosiery Mills FC Chairman Russell Booth for the kind lift to and from the Final and would like to thank him for the £5 donation towards the Blogs Charity in Maggies Cancer Centre at City Hospital in Nottingham, along with the £2 for the goals scored in this final, it takes the running total to £485.90p

A chat on arrival with the officials of this evenings game, the Referee Richard Mills and his three Assistants Lewis Quayle, Colin White and Aidan Jackson and also a catch old friends Dave Hunt.

The game kicked off and it was the Huithwaite based side that was first on the front foot and after just minutes were ahead, when LUKE GREAVES cut down the left hand side before shooting in to the near post.

Awsworth were back in the game and on level terms on 7 minutes, when from a corner from the right hand side found the head of GEORGE COOPER to head home.

Hosiery Mills werent stunned by this and carried on playing the flowing football Ive seen them play in previous rounds of this competition and all credit to them when they retook the lead on 25 minutes, when JAKE BATTY made it 2-1.

On 32 minutes, a terrible judgement by the Villa keeper allowed a shot from AARON TURNER squeeze in to the net with a little help from the keepers hand. It got worse for Awsworth as 2 minutes later, it looked like game over, when AARON TURNER curl a superb ball in to the far side of the net from 30 yards out to make it 4-1 to the Underdogs.

Awsworth pushed forward but the Millers missed a couple of good chances to increase their lead, but right on the stroke of half time, Villa reduced the arrears when SAM McELROY pulled a goal back.

The teams came out for the Second Half and it looked like this could be a game where the next goal would be vital and it was Awsworth who came straight out on the attack and on 47 minutes, SAM McELROY made it 4-3, so most of us thought this could well be the fightback, but how wrong we was proved, when on 49 minutes JAKE BATTY burst through and lobbed the outcoming keeper to make it 5-3 to the Millers.

Awsworth;s chances in the second hhalf went high and wide, whilst Hosiery Mills chances were denied several times by the Awsworth keeper.

A very good match, won by the better team on the night.

The Celebration dance by Mansfield Hosiery Mills FC can be seen on this LINK

TEAM DNF ARE THE CHAMPS

Precision Notts Senior League

Division Two

TEAM DNF 8 SELSTON RESERVES 1

Att: 37

Looking at this match some weeks ago when planning m matches, this was top v third and this was the case as the teams went in to the fixture. On arrival it was a matter of getting a cuppa and getting the team line ups. Team DNF's Chairman is ex Aston Villa, Hull City and Notts County man Dave Norton.

The game kicked off and it was very level with both sides probing each other, with few chances but the game being played at a fast pace.

After 14 minutes, TOBY SEWELL danced through the visitors defence before firing DNF in front. Selston refused to lay down and pushed forward and after 27 minutes could well have been on level terms but saw the ball bounce back off the crossbar, they say games have turning points and on 39 minutes, selstons attack from a corner broke down and within 20 seconds CAMERON GRAY had doubled the homesters lead.

The Second Half began with Selston forcing forward and again had a shot superbly saved and pushed on to the crossbar by Mason in the DNF goal. You then knew this wasnt to be Selstons day and the champers was on ice for Team DNF and on 58 minutess, RYAN HASTIE, the home team player/manager added a third.

On the hour, a sub was made by DNF and on came SheldonTuitt and he made a impact straight away on the game when on 64 minutes rounding the visiting keeper to make it 4-0.

On 69 minutes, it became 5-0 when SHELDON TUITT broke through and superbly chipped the keeper for the ball to land in the far corner of the net.

After 74 minutes, a free kick just outside the area was taken by CAMERON GRAY who fired home and made it 6-0, by now the Selston players began to look tired on the 3g surface.

On 78 minutes, SHELDON TUITT comleted his hat trick and the championship came to the pitchside by now, ready to be awarded at the end of the match.

Selston didnt give up and kept pressing forward and after 86 minutes, JAMIE SHACKLOCK cut in from the left wing and fired home from a acute angle to make it 7-1, but DNF was to have the last say, when a minute later SHELDON TUITT fired home to make the final score 8-1.

On the final whistle, I presented Team DNF with the Division Two Championship.

I just say that referee John Beckett had a superb game and he kindly donated £10 of his match fee to the Blogs Charity(so a BIG Thankyou to John) and with the 9 goals scored, we now have a running total for Maggies Cancer Centre at Nottingham City sitting at a amazing £478.90p

The Photos from the match and presentation can be seen on this LINK

REV'S FIVE PUSHES ROVERS UP THE TABLE

Notts Senior League

Division One

ASHLAND ROVERS FC 8 BILBOROUGH UNITED FC 2

A rare Wednesday evening out for me and as always as Dean Seymour sees me, he seems to think Im a bad omen for his Bilborough United side, I think I was for this match!

Ashland were quick out the blocks as I stood with Referees dad Russ Booth and Ravenshead FC player Paul Smith as in the 4th minute, PAUL REVUELTA fired home from close range.

Bilborough fought their way back in to the match with a short corner and a superb cross by Tomlinson which was met by the head of GRAHAM STUART to level up the scores after 27 minutes.

Ashland pushed forward and their next attack on 30 minutes saw MARK SUMMERS scramble the ball home to put the Rovers ahead.  On 34 minutes PAUL REVUELTA made it 3-1 when tucking home past the oncoming keeper.

The Second Half began with Bilborough pushing forward to try and reduce the arrears but on 55 minutes they were caught out at the back, when PAUL REVUELTA chipped home his hat trick after a poor mix up in the visitors defence to make it 4-1.

Bilborough carried on pushing forward and got their reward on 72 minutes when TOM O REGAN;s shot rebounded off the crossbar for him to nod home to make it 4-2.

On 76 minutes, the visitors heads seemed to go down a bit when mistakes were showing in their game and PAUL REVUELTA made it 5-2 when capitalising on a loose ball.

On 80 minutes, PAUL REVUELTA slotted away a penalty to which Nick Day in the United goal got a hand to, but the shot just beat him to make it 6-2 and give Paul his fifth goal of the evening. 

On 85 minutes, KLARKE GREENHAM fired home after finding himself in front of goal to increase the lead to the homesters to 7-2 and in the final minute, ADAM MELLORS shot from 30 yards hit the back of the net to complete the goal scoring for the night.

Ashland played very well, possibly the best ive ever seen them play, whilst I felt sorry for Bilborough Unkited as Ive seen them play alot better in the past and if not for the defensive mistakes, the score would have been a lot closer.

With the 10 goals scored, it now takes the total for MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE to £467.15p

NON LEAGUE NOTTS TV SHOW

NON LEAGUE NOTTS TV SHOW

This charity Blog over the years has been read by lots of people from around the world who are interested in Non League Football and the matches I have attended from as far a field as Nottinghamshire to Cornwall to Lancashire to name a few areas.

I have launched where me and my wife Hazel will be raising money for in next seasons Blog a few weeks ago and decided on MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE at Nottingham City Hospital.

Whilst tweeting it on Twitter, Daniel from Non League Notts TVG Show contacted me and asked if I would like to be the first studio guest on his weekly show to which I gladly accepted.

So yesterday I caught the tram in to Nottingham and met up with Daniel and had a chat in general about Non League Football in the area and  also the Charity Blog.

The show is very good and my interview is set in two parts, so please watch the show on this LINK

WORKSOP STAY UNITED

Midlands Amateur Alliance

Division One

SHIREBROOK WANDERERS FC 0 UNITED WORKSOP FC 2

att: 25

Having to be home quite early due to a family meal later in the evening, I took a look round at the local fixtures and came across the Midlands Amateur Alliance match at Coronation Drive, in Model Village, Shirebrook, just a 15 minute trip for me.

Shirebrook Wanderers have been towards the top of the table all season and a win this afternoon would have taken them back to the summit, whilst United Worksop were in mid table before the game.

On arrival, I was met and greeted by both the Wanderers Chairman and Secretary and local cameraman Pete Waby came along to meet up and watch the match. A nice little tea bar was very welcoming as I was able to get a pre match cuppa and at half time a diet coke.

One thing noticeable was the visitors shirt numbers, most of them wearing shirts numbered in the 90;s, the side were mostly eastern european.

The game kicked off and United seemed to be first to the ball and were a very tall and physical not allowing Wanderers time to settle on the ball.

The homesters tried to press forward but the visitors defence was holding out or passing from the home side was breaking down at important moments.

On 24 minutes, a break down the left side, saw the winger cut in and tap the ball across for BARTOSZ ZUDIN to fire United ahead.

Shirebrook offered very little in return in the First Half apart from a long range shot that just tipped over the crossbar.

The Second Half began and it was all one way traffic with Wanderers on the attack and creating alot more but they found the visiting keeper in very good form. With the clock ticking down, you felt that if the home side was to draw level they may just go on to win this game, but that wasnt to be, as on 82 minutes, United doubled their lead with a very well taken goal by subsitute KAMIL JUZWIN.

With the two goals seen at this game making 50p going in to the Charity Pot as I sponsor 25p each goal I see scored, this brings the running total for MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE at City Hospital to £464.65p. For more information about Maggies, please click this LINK

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

PENALTY DECIDER FOR VILLA

Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League

Junior Cup: Semi Final

AWSWORTH VILLA RESERVES 2 WEST BRIDGFORD AFC 2

Awsworth Villa Reserves win 6-5 on penalties

Att: 58

For the third time in a week, I was at Calverton MW FC, last week I was watching Calverton MW and last Saturday Gedling Southbank, but this time it was for the second semi final of the League Cup Junior Cup.

The game began at a fairly slow pace, with both sides sizing each other, Awsworth a team that had been together for a while, whilst Bridgford in their first season and the eldest player aged only 20 years old.

Only a couple of chances in the first half, saw the 2 sides go in level at 0-0.

The second half I joined local legend Malc Storer on the halfway line to watch the game, which began to pick up pace and a few chances cut out by both sides. After 82 minutes, West Bridgford went ahead through JACK GRAY and it looked to be the winner, as the clock was ticking down.

Awsworth pushed everyone forward and after a scramble in the area in the final seconds of the game, GEORGE COOPER got his foot to a ball to steer it in to the net to take the game in to extra time.

The game went from end to end, wiith players pulling up with cramp, so you thought this match may be a matter of who was going to make a mistake, but after 103 minutes, GEORGE COOPER broke through again and fired Awsworth in front for the first time of the tie.

All credit to the young lads of Bridgford as they fought back and JACK GRAY was bought down and he dusted himself down and fred home the equaliser from the spot.

The game went to penalties, with Awsworth taking the first and it being 5-5 after both sides had taken 5 good pens each, so we was to sudden death. Awsworth score and thhen their keeper saved the next Bridgford pen to send them through to the Final at Sandiacre Town FC on Saturday 6th May where they face local rivals Kimberley MW Reserves.

On behalf of Hazel and my mum who did the Charity raffle for Maggies Cancer Centre, may they thank everyone for their kind donations, where the raffle raised £37.10 and also for the kind donation of £10 from Malc Storer and Kev Goodman, which takes the running total including the four goals to £464.15p

THE MINERS CRUISE TO FINAL

Precision Notts Senior Junior League Cup

Semi Final

KIMBERLEY MINERS WELFARE RESERVES 6 SELSTON RESERVES 0

@ Mansfield Hosiery Mills FC

Att: 141

Division One and holders of the NSL Junior Cup took on a youthful Division Two side Selston Reserves in what on paper looked like it could well be a close tie, with Kimberley laying in 2nd place, whilst Selston sat in 3rd place in their divisions.

Selston began the brighter and the left winger made a few advancing runs and slotted across a few crosses but no one was able to connect to threaten. The cup holders Kimberley began to come more in to the game and began to force openings and on 27 minutes, TOM SLADE smashed the ball home in to the top corner from 25 yards out to give them the lead.

Kimberley continued to press forward and on 40 minutes, a chip beat the keeper and the defender totally missed the ball towards the line, allowed LIAM HONEYMAN to tap home goal number two. Things got worse for Selston as on 45 minutes, a ball over the top left JOSH LEWIS to side foot home to give the Miners a 3-0 half time advantage.

After 65 minutes, a mis-timed tackle saw Selston captain Jack Melbourne receive his second yellow card, thus leaving them with only 10 players to face the final 25 minutes.

On 72 minutes, Kimberley forged in to a 4-0 lead when sub JEZ BAILEY headed home from close range. By now Kimberley were pressing forward and on 80 minutes, it looked as if the ball had gone out for a corner, but the referee consulted with the Assistant Referee and awarded them a penalty to which KYLE WRENN duly dispatched to make it 5-0. With tired legs of Selston and the man advantage of Kimberley, the Miners hit their sixth goal in the 88th minute, when JOSH LEWIS slotted home his second goal of the game.

So now Kimberley Miners Welfare Reserves go on to the Final on Saturday 6th May  at Sandiacre Town FC, where they face the winners of Awsworth Villa Reserves or West Bridgford AFC who play on the other semi final at Calverton MW on Wednesday 5th April.

On behalf of Hazel and my mum who did the Charity raffle for Maggies Cancer Centre, may they thank everyone for their kind donations, where the raffle raised £90, which takes the running total including the six goals to £416.05

SOUTHBANK FIGHTBANK TWICE TO GAIN POINT

Notts Senior League

Division One

GEDLING SOUTHBANK 2 KIRTON BRICKWORKS 2

Was supposed to be going to Netherfield Albion but the game was called off, so plan B was to go to Gedling Southbank. On arrival, I got the team line ups and then was asked if I would take the team photo of Gedling Southbank for their kit sponsors.

With it being REFSPECT weekend throughout the country, a weekend of referees awareness and respect, no ref no game, I felt it would be a good idea to ask both clubs if they would do a guard of hour for the referee and applaud him through before he lead them on to the field of play, to which both clubs agreed in a show of respect.

The game kicked off and it was clear from the start that this was going to be a close match, as there was only a point between both sides in the league table, the play went from one end to the other end with both sides creating and missing chances, but on 11 minutes, Kirton broke the deadlock with a half volley from KEIRON CHAMBERLAIN to make it 1-0. During the match, I stood with Kirton;s Scott Ricketts dad. The first half was a very entertaining half.

The Second Half lived up to its billings as well, as after 47 minutes, Southbank were back on level terms when REISS COY hit home from 25 yards.

Both sides pressed forward and it looked like next goal would be the winner, as defences were holding very tight and on 51 minutes, the visitors regainned the lead through MITCHELL HALL.

The referee Steve Bingham was having a excellent game with just the odd speaking to the odd player but with really no bad tackles and both sets of players were getting on with the match and both playing some attractive football.

On 65 minutes, REISS COY slid home for another equaliser to make it 2-2. With both sides wanting the points, they both pressed forward and in the final minutes, the homesters bought on Ex Stevenage Borough and their Assistant Manager 53 year old Nick Edgar who won a few headers around the box but couldnt find the final touch.

A superb game which was a credit to Division One of the Notts Senior League.

Before the match, Gedling Southbanks JAMES NEEDHAM kindly donated £5 towards next seasons blog which is for MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE and in the club house after the match ANDY CLERKE, Gedling Southbanks manager kindly donated £25 on behalf of the club, so a BIG THANKYOU.

On Thursday evening at the Notts Senior League Meeting, the Notts Senior League Committee kindly donated £200 to te Charity Blog, so this now gives a running total of £324.55p.

More about MAGGIES can be found on this LINK

Photos from the Gedling Southbank v Kirton Brickworks match can be seen on this LINK

COX GUIDES STUDENTS TO THE FINAL

Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League Cup

Semi Final

NEWARK FLOWSERVE 2 NOTTINGHAM TRENT UNIVERSITY 2

After Extra Time

2 - 4 on penalties

At Clifton All Whites FC

Att: 53

Last season Newark Flowserve fell at the Semi Final stage of the Senior League Cup and hoped that they were going to go one better and reach the final, but Nottingham Trent University in their debut season edged through after a penalty shoot out.

The game began brightly for Newark side and cut out a couple of openings but found the Uni keeper in great form.

As the game edged towards half time, the students took the lead on 43 minutes when DAN MEARON slotted home from close range.

The Second Half saw Flowserve push forward in search of a way back in to the game and on 80 minutes, they must have felt it was all over when their keeper Nathan Burrows saw red when clattering into the Uni forward. Flowserve made changes but continued to push forward and on 88 minutes found themselves level through RYAN BROXHOLME.

In the final minute, a quick breakaway saw a flowserve chip over Cox;s head hit the underside of the crossbar and bounce clear to send the tie in to extra time.

The First half of extra time, both sides were very cautious, but with tired legs showing in the second period, TOM POTTS took advantage after 110 minutes to put the side from Newark in to a 2-1 lead. Newark then had a chance to make it 3-1 but again man of the match Jake Cox was to foil the attempt.

On 115 minutes, out of nowhere LEON BAILEY hit a bullet of a shot from 35 yards that the make shift goalkeeper could just look at to make it 2-2. With the clock ticking down, Flowserve then changed goalkeeper for the second time with another outplayer.

The penalties began with Students missing their first, giving Flowserve the advantage, but then as Flowserve lead 2-1 after 2 pens each, Jake Cox saved the next 2 whilst his side scored the next 3 to send them through to the final.

Before the match, Martyn Cheatle kindly donated £10 to next seasons Charity Blog which is for MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE at Nottingham City Hospital and Hazel raised £25 through the raffle during the match, so a BIG THANKYOU to everyone..The running total for Maggies now stands at £93.55p.

CALVERTON SUMMER FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2017

KIMBERLEY AT DOUBLE OVER CALVERTON

Precision Notts Senior League

Division One

CALVERTON MINERS WELFARE 3 KIMBERLEY MINERS WELFARE RESERVES 4

Admission Free

Att: 57

This is a match that I had looked forward to for some time, as top met second in Division One, whilst going in to the match, Calverton held a seven point lead at the top and having played a game less than their opponents, Calverton suffered a last gasp goal in a 3-2 defeat only a few weeks ago at Kimberley.

On arrival, both sides were ready to go and I got both match line ups, Calverton;s main man Tony Mullen who is a regular reader of supporter of my charity blog, kindly donated £10 towards the new charity of MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE and with the goals scored today gives a running total of £57.55p, so a BIG thankyou to Tony.

A bit of confusion lead to the referee arriving late, so the game kicked off at 3.15pm after all in the ground observed a minutes silence.

Calverton pushed forward and in their first attack struck the post, but then Kimberley looked sharper and more keener to take advantage and that they did after just 15 minutes, when a corner from the right was clipped in by ADAM THOMAS. Calverton must have though lady luck was against them when another effort bounced off the other post before being cleared to safety.

Just as the half time break was approaching, the visitors gained another corner from the right hand side, which was half cleared to KYLE WRENN who fired home from 25 yards to double his sides lead.

Calverton came out the second half more fired up and more direct and on 53 minutes were awarded a penalty, to which GEORGE SCRIVENER dispatched to reduce the arrears. This set Kimberley back and they had to defend their lead and play on the counter attack.

On 63 minutes, Calverton gained a corner which made its way out to GEORGE SCRIVENER who hit the ball in to the top corner of the net from some 35 yards out to equal up the game at 2-2.

Then came the turning point of the game on 75 minutes, when the referee gave the visitors a free kick for a back pass, the visitors took the free kick but the referee pull it back for a re-take, the second cree kick was taken and again the referee blew and wasnt happy and awarded a third free kick to which the ball ended up at MATT CLOWES feet to knock home.

The game re-started and the ref blew and produced a straight card to Calverton;s Darren Williamson, so the homesters were down to ten players. This didnt stop them pushing forward to get a equaliser, but on 87 minutes, Calverton were down to nine men when the referee produced a yellow card and then red to Lewis Wheelhouse, who said to the referee, Ive not been booked, so the referee then produced a straight red, everyone in the ground was confused, as no one saw a foul.  From the free kick on 88 minutes, a long ball was played forward to which ALEX FAULCONBRIDGE fired home.

The  nine men of Calverton pushed forward one last time and in injury time JACK HARRIS completed the scoring for the day.

A really good match to watch and you can understand why both sides are at the top of the table.

Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK

A FAIR RESULT AT THE BASIL

Notts Senior League

Division One

BILBOROUGH UNITED FC 2 KIRTON BRICKWORKS FC 2

On the way down the M1, the rain began to come down very fast on the way to Sandiacre Town and when coming off, the lanes were full of puddles. On arrival at St Giles, the rain had stopped and I bumped in to the ref who said he was to do a pitch inspection at 2.15pm but wanted the game to go ahead. Whilst having a cuppa, the heavens opened again but this time, the rain was heavier and the referee ad no alternative to call the game off, as the goalmouth was flooded.

Back on to the M1 north and a quick phone call was plan B and after finding that Bilborough United was on, it was to Basil Russell we headed. On arrival at 2.45pm, I obtained the team line ups from the ref and then on to pitchside ready for the match.

The game began and Kirton had the first chance when the young right winger fired wide, but United was having the better of the play at this stage and on 25 minutes, the home side were awarded a free kick just inside their half, the long free kick was fired in high and met by the head of CHANNON SMALL which dipped over the Kirton keeper.

Kirton from the kick off drove forward and a header by Ricketts went just wide of the sticks. Kirton then were on the opposition box on 29 minutes, when a ball was played out of defence and saw KRISTOPHER DRAYETT fire his side on to a 2-0 lead.

Kirton again from kick off drove forward and got a corner on the right hand side, which was swung in and SCOTT RICKETTS headed home to reduce the arrears.

I was then joined by local hoppers the Hartsthorne Brothers as the rain roared down and we all stood on the steps of the pavillion to stay dry. 

The Second Haf saw play swing from end to end , but Kirton had wasted a few golden chances but on the hour were level, when SCOTT RICKETTS fired in at the far post.

Both sides then had chances to win the game, but a draw was probably the right result.

During the match, Michael Hartsthorne donated £4.30 to the new charity;s blog and I won the scratch card in the pub so have donated £10, so the running total now for MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE stands at £45.80p

Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK

MAGGIES GETS OFF TO FLYING START

MAGGIES GETS OFF TO FLYING START

Only last week, me and Hazel announced that the 2017-18 Aroundthegrounds Charity Blog would be for MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE at City Hospital in Nottingham. A Charity very close to me, having fought and beaten Hodgkins Lymphomia twice in 1990 and again in 1997, I know that I am a very lucky chap as many people havent quite made it through, so I never grumble.

Since last week, I have received many pledges, as we announced the cause and how we were taking donations NOW and also how the Precision Notts Senior Football League would be kindly allowing my Wife Hazel to do the raffle at all 4 semi finals and 2 cup finals for the cause.

We already have a running total, as Herbie and Sue from Newark gave me £10 the other Saturday when I bumped in to them, then our best man at our wedding Greg Osborne and his Dad Mick kindly donated £20 between them, as the cause is very close to them, as Greg;s mum is fighting the dreaded C at present, so our best wishes go out to her and her family. With the  goals scored @ 25p per goal I see scored and I saw 2 scored at Aston United v Magdala Amateurs last Saturday, the running total currently stands at £30.50p.

This Saturday I am attending Sandiacre Town FC v Bingham Town FC with a 3pm kick off, so if any players or clubs or supporters would like to make a donation, then please see me at the game, no matter how little, it all helps. I cant thank people and clubs enough.

The Link to MAGGIES CANCER CENTRE is on this LINK

I will be setting up the new blog very soon