Quorn 3-2 Redditch United (Southern League Central Division) I played over 500 games as an amateur, I coached around 150 semi-pro matches and have scouted ‘officially’ including today 257 games exactly, but I only ever managed three matches, when completely left alone to my own devices. My first, was for Netherfield Albion against Westside, in the early 2000’s which we won 3-1 back in the Notts Amateur League, when I was helping out my uncle who was then Manager (he had some

Leicester City 0-3 Manchester City (Women's Super League) I've not watched a women's game for a while. The wife has banned me from covering Sunday matches when I'm working Saturdays but she's had two Xmas do's this weekend so something had to give. Stuck dog sitting both Friday night and Saturday afternoon, I'm finally let out on the leash this Sunday morning, to do my first WSL game since May. It'll be my first viewing ever of Manchester City women. A chance to see Khadija

York City 5-1 Aldershot Town (National League) I was in New York last weekend for a shopping and show birthday getaway with the wife, this weekend it's old York and back to the matchday grind. I tell her 'if it weren't for the football we wouldn't get these luxurious long haul trips away' which at least appeases her to release me when we haven't got something 'better' to do. York are going well in the National League under Stuart Maynard, Aldershot aren't, under a new Manage

Scotland 4-2 Denmark  (World Cup Qualifiers)   I'll be honest, I've been looking forward to this one for a few weeks now. Scotland's defeat by Greece and Denmark's failure to beat Belarus on Saturday has set up this European Group C qualifier really quite nicely. If Scotland win, they qualify, if Denmark don't lose, it'll be they who get to go the World Cup.   Our contract with UEFA is to apply in game stats and analytics which are used by the bet markets and live score apps,

Barwell 5-2 Stratford Town (Southern League Central Division) Formed in 1992 as a merger between Barwell Athletic and Hinckley, Barwell FC became Founder members of the Midland Alliance in 1994 where they joined Stratford Town in the division, and the two teams would play each other, at least twice, every season, until 2009/10 when the Leicestershire side would become champions, thus moving to the Northern Premier League Division One South. That same year, Stratford finished

Forest Green Rovers 3-1 Gateshead (National League) I'm feeling a bit guilty cooking sausages for breakfast ahead of visiting the world's first vegan football club today. Forest Green are going well under Robbie Savage, third in the National League a point behind leaders Carlisle whilst their opponents this afternoon Gateshead are struggling this season in nineteenth, just six points above the drop zone. Kick off time has been put back to 3:03pm which is a statement by the Na

Tamworth 0-1 Woking (National League)   It's Saturday and they're talking long throw ins and set plays on the radio ahead of the lunch time kick off between Tottenham and Manchester United. The modern game has gone direct with coaching focussed on beating the low block. It seems the only way to conquer it is by getting the ball into the opposition box.   Arsenal are the direct daddies, averaging over 30 touches per game in the opposition box this season, whilst Burnley are b

Braintree Town 0-1 Brackley Town (National League) I said that Carlisle United's win at the weekend was perhaps the biggest shock in the FA Cup on Saturday, but what I didn't consider was Brackley Town's win against Notts County on penalties, the Saints marching on in the cup after knocking out the League Two side following a 2-2 draw which was largely thanks to a late Callum Stewart leveller in the 96th minute from the spot. Brackley next host Burton Albion in round two but

Carlisle United 2-1 FC Halifax Town (National League) I've had a weekend of wall to wall FA Cup action. I hardly moved from my sofa on Sunday as I watched Shrewsbury beat South Shields on telly, I also saw Port Vale see off the lowest ranked outfit Maldon & Tiptree and Accrington edge Northern Premier League Gainsborough Trinity to annoy the TNT cameras who were no doubt looking for a shock. on Monday night Leyton Orient silenced Tamworth at the Lamb to ensure another league

Mansfield Town 3-2 Harrogate Town (FA Cup Round One) Saturday afternoon, 3pm, the FA Cup. How much more traditionally English can one get? Upon hearing Friday's sorry announcement that the Premier League is playing just one Boxing Day fixture (Manchester United v Newcastle United at the ridiculous KO time of 8pm) this coming Christmas, to have a small bit of traditional value left in our football, is slightly satisfying for one who likes the simplicity, purity and once high

Scunthorpe United 2-1 Aldershot Town (National League) Aldershot have a new Manager. John Coleman won't be taking charge today, leaving duty to Alan Dowson and James Henry in caretaker control, but I'm sure the announcement will make an impression on his new team. Having spent ten years at Accrington Stanley, Coleman knows what it takes to get out of this division, leading the Reds from the Northern Premier League to the third tier of English football during two spells at th

South Shields 4-0 Scarborough Athletic (National League North) The rain is pelting down on my car, that tinny sound it makes sounding harder than it actually is as I drive back down the A19 and through the Tyne Tunnel (£2.50 again) in rush hour with windscreen wipers on the go after my quick stop and go at Starbucks. South Shields are leading the National League North. A team with ambition since Geoff Thompson took on the club in 2015. The Utilitywise founder, owner of a Bri