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Peterborough Sports 4-3 Macclesfield  (National League North) Storm Chandra has been threatening to call matches off up and down the country today, but Pims Park is made of hardened stuff these days, a 1pm pitch inspection passed, it’ll be my first watch of Macclesfield FC, the team that beat the FA Cup holders Crystal Palace earlier this month. Formed as recently as 2020 after Macclesfield Town went bust, it’s been a rapid rise since local businessman Rob Smethurst brought the assets to the original football cub and Moss Rose Stadium off a Rightmove ad, the phoenix winning the North West Counties Premier in their debut season (2021/22), the Northern Premier League West Division a year later (22/23), and after a second placed finish in the NPL Premier in 2023/24, they won it last season under Robbie Savage, he’s now moved to Forest Green Rovers and under John Rooney, the side are currently doing ok in the National League North, magnificent cup run taking precedent on a heavy fixture load, should the Silkmen win their games in hand they would be comfortably in the playoffs. As for Peterborough, not so good is their season under Phil Brown, sitting fourth bottom and in the relegation places they did beat Chester 3-0 at the weekend with a hat-trick from Shaq Coulthirst, his first goals since signing from Maidstone United. The Turbines are in their fourth campaign at the level, often brandished ‘the worst supported club in the division’ their gates are that of a step 3 or 4 side at best, so in recent seasons they have been punching above their weight category, there’s been a lot of changes to the side that first Jimmy Dean assembled, which was continued to a level by Michael Gash and Luke Steele, the club are still however ambitious and with Phil Brown in charge, he’s been given plenty of scope to bring in new players of which there are many. It’s 5pm, I’ve cooked and eaten a Gousto meal whilst leaving a plate in the oven for my wife, I’m off down the A1 heading south, to Colsterworth services where I pick up some fuel and a packet of Monster Munch, I pass RAF Wittering before joining the A47 Soke Parkway ahead of pulling onto Bourges Boulevard and eventually Lincoln Road, where I find a side street to park. The Venue I’m told ‘it’s the worst road in Peterborough’ so always keep my wits about me around here, a busy road of takeaways, barbers and convenience stores, the sort that top up your electric, I find it multi-cultural and colourful as I walk into the venue complex past some steward who points a couple of cars where to park. It’s free parking in fact, but I did once get my windscreen hit by a stray ball, so aren’t entirely comfortable with leaving my car here again, behind the goal. From the outside you wouldn’t know it’s a football ground, hidden and tucked away it’s small, the club house and turnstiles (which keep moving places) are furthest point away from the entrance, on arrival I’m asked to show a ticket which I don’t have, “you should have requested a ticket” says the girl on the door, “usually we have our name on the list” I reply, she lets me in, thankfully, and I can stroll towards the press area on the front row of the seated stand to my left, the Macclesfield media team are here, as is the Peterborough Sports chief tweeter, and a local radio reporter who I know, we get asked ‘what do you think the score will be tonight’ and I reply, “anything can happen here”. The Mac team are friendly, they have a laugh about the fans at Worksop during their game on Saturday, Macclesfield beat Worksop 4-2 but they mentioned how angry the home fans were on the day, “they are the worst in football” one of them says, I laugh, having had my own dealings with irate Worksop fans in the past “It’s usually the youngest who eff and jeff from them the most” I say. We get on to Macclesfield’s cup heroics against Crystal Palace, I told them about watching the game under the concourse before my match at Doncaster v Southampton and everybody crowding around the screens to see them win, they are excited about hosting Brentford next, one saying “I’m a little narked it’s on a Monday night but at least we get to host the cup draw on TV”. Inside Pims Park it feels very quiet as kick off approaches, the terrace behind the goal to my left is empty, as is the blue seated stand opposite, the scoreboard in the corner I’m told is not working as it was playing up on Saturday, there’s people behind the goal to my right, as a few players and staff sit close by, Jimmy Dean is here, the Spalding Manager, he used to Manage Sports and I presume is watching more as a fan, than a scout, or to nick back his old job, he’s going well with the Tulips but is a friendly welcome face still respected in these parts. The Game The floodlights glisten above the eyeline, dimly onto the dark pitch as Peterborough in burnt orange walk out alongside Macclesfield in blue, the home team Manager Phil Brown is not in the dugout for the first half, instead he’s above us, on the gantry, he's standing on an elevated platform where he has a great central view, shouting out orders for everyone to hear, the game goes back and front without any consistency, before Duffy runs down the right wing and is chopped down inside the area by Wood, it's a rash challenge, Duffy himself steps up to score after just six minutes played. The lead doesn’t last long, a mix up at the back has Max Dearnley racing out of goal, he’s beaten to it by Max Booth who has an empty net but twenty yards or more to place into, it’s a well taken finish although factually an open goal, Booth still had quite a bit to do, I don't however know what Dearnley was doing? There’s no flow to the football at all as the Referee stops play for an injury to a Macclesfield player and gives possession back to them, “It’s a drop ball” shouts Phil Brown from above, “they don’t do drop balls anymore” shouts Lewis Fensome on the pitch “since when” replies Brown. Neither team can get a foothold, it’s scrappy and passes of three or more possessional plays are rare, but Macclesfield are again racing down the right, Edmondson crosses low and Zach Willis leaves out a foot, he diverts the ball into the back of his own net and it’s another goal made on defensive error. The visitors start to play with confidence as the hosts go into their shell, on 35 Duffy fires a shot goalwards, it hits Booth on the head, loops up high, Peter Crook is scrambling back but can only palm the deflected effort into the net, 3-1 Macclesfield, defensively it's all a mess, Duffy claims the goal but the deflection took an age to loop towards target, Crook certainly should have done better and got the last touch. You feel that will knock the stuffing out of Sports but more defensive woes at the other end have the home team back in the game ahead of half time, a short corner finds Luca Miller, he strikes on target, Josh Kay sticks out a foot and diverts past his own keeper, it’s certainly entertaining, but despite the five goals, it’s not really been any good. The Score As the BBC radio reporter reads out half his written match report to me the second 45 gets underway and you feel the two teams settle more, slower pace, less hasty, a little more defensive orientation, it’s chances at either end but bodies are now firmly behind the ball, you feel next goal is essential, and as it looks like Macclesfield will get it, Peterborough go up the other end, and finally, a cleanly stuck finish wows the crowd, Shaq Coulthirst in fairness has had a couple of sniffs already, one in the first half a lovely volley that flashed wide, he’s freed inside the area and smashes home a fourth in two games, Sports are level and the home support finally begin to make some noise. Suddenly the Turbines are on top, elevated by goals they play with promise, are first to everything, they win a corner, cross it in, and Mustapha Carayol who's been rubbish, heads home at the near post, more jubilation, scenes of fans and players running in different directions, Peterborough have the lead for the first time on the night. Macclesfield make changes, but by now their opponents are buoyed, Peterborough run harder, work more, defend better, the BBC reporter telling me, “there’s a spirit in this side”. It’s a lot of attack verses defence for the final twenty minutes, by now the Silkmen have brought on former Manchester United defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, bleach blonde hair, he offers a great effortless delivery from deep down the left, but everything is cleared, the leggy Altrincham loanee James Gale enters the field but can’t get a break up front, Carlos Dos Santos comes on and shoots over in the final minute of injury time, the ball long gone into the dark Peterborough sky which eats up valuable seconds, as one annoyed away fan walks out early, in passing his media team, he says to them aloud “Carlos is crap”. The Stars It was a chalk and cheese performance by Peterborough who battled well in the first half, but defended badly, they stepped up in the second period and actually picked off their opponents at times, all built on a much sterner back line and counter attacking philosophy, both Macclesfield and Sports however looked ropey in defence, I did like both sides in midfield, Jez Davies was my star man, sitting in the hole and doing the simple stuff well, but doing it with a physical presence, he grew into the game and looks a talented young footballer (formerly of Spurs and Burnley) with nice attributes. Another good midfielder is an old favourite of mine, Sam McLintock is easy on the eye, he can spray a ball and looks more cultured than most at the level, I was told by the Turbines media girl that McLintock has ‘no academy experience’ having come through at Coleshill Town and Alvechurch, still only 24, I remember him from the likes of Rushall Olympic and Boston United, and have been told he’s done well this season, I think the media girl, like me, is a fan. In the opposite engine room I really liked the look of Josh Kay, bald headed, big and aggressive, he put a shift in and despite taking an early clattering got up, continued, and carried on in much the same vein. Elliott Osbourne was also very good for Macclesfield, a midfielder with high level of experience in and around these leagues, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts is no doubt star man with a bit of X-factor but had an off night, Luke Duffy the main threat and you can see how he gets goals, hard working and honest with a good strikers shot. The Verdict The win takes Peterborough out of the relegation zone to twentieth, a point above Oxford City with a game in hand, although poor old Hereford do find themselves below that in 22nd on 22 points, they have five games in hand having had a lot of postponements of late, they also have five points to catch up on the Turbines, who you feel are heading in the right direction. Is this newly arranged side beginning to settle under Phil Brown? Macclesfield have four more games to play ahead of their highly anticipated fourth round FA Cup game with Brentford, by then, their season could be reaching all or nothing territory, they need to keep winning, to keep the pressure on, if they are to stay in the promotion race, but when attention draws to something so big as their day of cup fever, they could be forgiven for not quite having their finger on the pulse. The Teams Peterborough Sports: Peter Crook, Zach Willis, Max Booth (Richard Faakye 77), Sam McLintock (Sam Straughan-Brown 75), Luca Miller, Mustapha Carayol (Maliq Cadogan 77), Charlie Heckingbottom, Jez Davies, Shaq Coulthirst, Marcel Oakley, Connor Wood. Macclesfield: Max Dearnley, Lewis Fensome, Rollin Menayese, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, D'Mani Mellor, Luke Duffy, Sam Heathcote, Luis Lacey (Cameron Borthwick-Jackson 69), Elliott Osborne, Josh Kay (James Gale 66), James Edmondson (Carlos Dos Santos 66). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 27th January 2026, Lincoln Road, Peterborough (att 360).

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Sheffield United  (Women’s Super League 2) I took the wife to theatre on Saturday so no football for me, she has allowed me to work the Sunday instead, so I’ve tied it in with popping out for a few pints with a mate in Bingham later, I can get a lift down to the ground and take the bus which leaves Trent Bridge Cricket Ground shortly after the game. Nottingham is after all my back garden, I live about ten minutes’ drive from the ground, a good 45 minutes’ walk, but I’ve had the plumber in all morning after a DIY disaster (that’s what you get when I have day off from watching football), all now sorted, just, I’m dropped off on Radcliffe Road where it’s very quiet, around 1:15pm. Forest men are playing in London today, at Brentford away, their kick off is exactly the same time as the women’s game which is being played at the City Ground. The Reds have been going well in their first season following promotion to the newly named WSL 2, middle of the twelve team pack they sit above Sheffield United by four points from their dozen games played. The Blades have a new Manager in charge announced as recently as the morning of the match, Stephen Healy joins from MK Dons having worked previously with West Ham Women and Leicester City’s youth team. The Venue A place I call home, is one I’ve not been to much in recent years, but I do fondly love the walk down Pavilion Road and through the Main Stand Car Park, Mr Marinakis has spent a small fortune on tidying this place up, it’s much redder these days, the whole place painted with references to the clubs European winning days emblazoned everywhere. I’m through the turnstile after a steward waves a magic wand over me, ticket on my mobile phone it’s £12 to get in, I take a walk up the steps at the back of the Main Stand, and grab a tea and Twix before taking my pew, which is probably the most central I’ve ever sat in this place. Sat behind the Directors box at the back of the stand, you can see the huge TV which the Forest owner once put his foot through, I’m besides the press area where I spot an old friend, having a quick chat with him ahead of the game, the view is enclosed due to the roof being so low, it’s bloody freezing though as the odd gust of breeze comes in off the Trent, the fabulous two tiered Trent End to my left, the equally stunning Brian Clough Stand straight ahead, the Bridgford End, arched roof (out of view) to my right, red seats light the green field under grey skies as this is the only stand in use today, little under a thousand spectators, but there’s a hardcore of girls making some noise. The Game Forest start well, they are better than I had imagined, keeping the ball and dominating play against their opponents who break on occasion through the nifty Amy Andrews. I recognise a couple of players from the home side, last time I was here (a year ago) only the goalkeeper Emily Batty and star forward Charlie Wellings remains the same, Wellings is popular with the girls down below, ‘she scores when she wants’ is the cry from her fans. I do notice Deanne Rose who’s a Canadian international of 88 caps, she spent a couple of seasons at Leicester City and I feel is a real coup for Forest, a speedy winger of good technical ability. Technical ability is largely spread throughout this eleven who all seem comfortable on the ball, there’s a couple of chances before a shot by Rose is deflected up into the air, Wellings heads deliberately over Rogers in the Blades goal and puts Forest one up. She certainly does score when she wants. It’s a family atmosphere as kids and parents all huddle together down below. I love the fact for many it’s their first time watching football, there’s a grandad telling his lad all about the rules of the game, one girl is sat on her dads knee whilst watching the action, if anything women’s football feels far more inclusive than men’s, it’s a good way to get kids and families involved in the beautiful game, but the action isn’t very enthralling on the pitch, Forest dominate without really troubling Rogers again, Sheffield United force a goal mouth scramble but the Reds somehow survive. The Score The second half is similar to the first, you feel Sheffield United will come at their hosts but in truth, Forest are too good, they have more of the ball, without really looking like scoring, the Blades do have snifters but nothing too serious, and it’s a game which is as comfortable a 1-0 win can be. The only thing of note, Forest men have scored at Brentford, a second goal is celebrated in the stands here, as some folk stand up to watch Taiwo Awonyi on the huge TV showing the game where Evangelos Marinakis is usually sat, a double delight for the Forest Garibaldi, by the time the whistle goes I’m running down the steps at the back of the A Block and out of the car park towards my bus stop at Trent Bridge, I’ve plenty of time, a good ten minutes to wait, I didn’t need to leave so hastily, but it’s been freezing, and I’m glad to get this one done. The Stars Forest have a number of players who impress, their centre half pairing of Georgia Brougham and Chloe Mustaki in particular, do well, both comfortable on the ball, both read each other extremely well, covering and dropping in for one another almost mechanically, heading back anything that comes, Brougham often picks the ball up and glides into the centre of the field like a blonde Franz Beckenbauer. Another player who put a good shift in was Swedish wing back Ebba Hed, she was industrious on the left, Rose often a threat down the right, whilst Charlie Wellings got her goal, just her third of the season after scoring 16 in the league below last year. For Sheffield United, number seven Amy Andrews impressed me most with speed on the break, she ran with the ball well and offered threat on the counterattack, young Tilly Bristow up front also looking sharp during the first half before coming off due to injury, without her they never really offered much offensively, despite being organised at the back. The Verdict Forest have signed Libby Smith from Sporting Club Jacksonville, a forward who lists Birmingham and Leicester City as her previous clubs, one that will bring even more experience to the reds attack, it’s the sort of signing that has been common place this season, the club are serious about promotion under Carly Davies and although they won’t do it this year, next season they might have a real big push? Concerning for Sheffield United who are just two points above the drop zone, I don’t see either side falling into the trap, but Forest now have a nine point cushion, with another nine games to go, the Blades on twelve points from thirteen, are starting to look over their shoulder. The Teams Nottingham Forest: Emily Batty, Carragh Hamilton, Georgia Brougham, Chloe Mustaki, Deanna Rose (Vivienne Lia 77), Amy Rodgers, Rachel Rowe, Ebba Hed, Tove Almqvist (Holly Olding 77), Charlie Wellings (Libby Smith 78). Sheffield United: Sian Rogers, Leanne Cowan, Jessica Reavill, Abbie Lafayette, Simone Sherwood (Lauren Thomas 80), Ella Kinzett, Mollie Rouse, Sophie O'Rourke, Eva Butler, Amy Andrews, Tilly Bristow (Joy Ralph 46). 2:00pm Kick Off. Sunday 25th January 2026, City Ground, Nottingham (att 905).

Stamford 3-2 AFC Sudbury  (Southern League Central Division) I’m back at Stamford, after watching them last Tuesday at Harborough where I thought they did ok against high spending promotion pushers in 2-0 defeat, they since beat Worcester City 1-0 at the weekend, Jack Duffy scoring on his return, he had a 20 match ban after an altercation with a fan earlier this season, oh how the Daniels have missed him. Bottom of the table on 16 points, Sudbury are only a couple of places above Stamford in the drop zone, they have 21 points but have a crisis at centre half, they have scored plenty, 31 in 25 games (as opposed to Stamford’s 14 in 23) but it’s at the other end which has let them down, 63 goals already conceded this season, they have both their main defenders missing tonight with two midfielders asked by Manager Tom Austin to ‘do a job’ for the team. I don’t really know much about AFC Sudbury. A quick wiki search tells me they formed in 1999 due to an amalgamation with Sudbury Town and Sudbury Wanderers, starting in the Eastern Counties before moving to the Isthmian then Southern League and Isthmian again, they are in their third season in the Southern League Central Premier Division after promotion from the Isthmian First Division North in 2023. Stamford are also in their third season at this level after promotion from the Northern Premier League Midlands in 2023, they finished seventh in their first campaign and only just missed out on the playoffs last season finishing sixth in the table two points below the cut, this season is very much about survival with Graham Drury’s side nine points adrift of safety. I’m out the door as soon as the wife gets back from her work jolly in Wales, it’s 6pm and Stamford is an hour away, so it’s no surprise when I hit traffic on the A52, but I make it in good time, a good forty minutes before kick-off, taking the A1 down to Great Casterton before bouncing along some country roads and pulling up at Borderville Sports Centre, home of the Zeeco Stadium and a rather nice looking fitness club, on the north west tip of town. The Venue The car park is stacked, but I find a nice grassy verge to pull up on before walking over to the turnstile where I’m charged £13 to enter, the players just starting to come out and warm up as I find a seat on the top row of the modern looking stand, just five or six levels up near four or five flip down tables for press. I’m the only one in the stand, but a gentleman soon walks by before introducing himself, he’s a volunteer for Rutland & Stamford Sound, the local radio station reporting on tonight’s game, his name is Huw, and he has a passion for grassroots football, venturing down the local levels to report on football and cricket, we get talking and it turns out he commentated for Peterborough United for seven years on their annual DVD, and more impressively, he commentated on Bunbury’s celebrity cricket matches for 27 years, the famous club which has earned over £12m for various charities, is sadly no more, but there’s been some fantastic stories from them over the years, Huw tells me his personal favourite was when Rory Bremner joined him in the commentary box and started doing impressions. Back to football, I tell Huw ‘I miss the old ground’ at Kettering Road but we agree this place is a fantastic facility, modern made from 2014 it has a covered stand behind the goal with a noisy home support slowly filling up, this covered seated area we are in is obstructed only by the floodlighting poles in front, the rest of the ground is open walkways with a big video scoreboard to my opposite right, the changing facilities in a nice brick built club house which sides on to the huge sports centre, behind that you can see a 3g pitch which has lads on it playing five-a-side tonight. The Game Chatting away, I hardly notice the time fly but suddenly the teams appear, it’s a cold old night with a breeze, Stamford in all red, Sudbury yellow and blue, the home team come out of the blocks buoyed by their win at Worcester, front foot looking for an opener as Sudbury sit off, they are on a losing streak of four having conceded eleven in those games. It’s my first viewing of them so I don’t really know who’s who? Young goalkeeper Jack Munson deals well with a couple of balls looped into his domain, left back Jacob Goredema is small in size but packed with forward running punch, he’s a powerful little player, in fact the Suds  have a lot of little players, no17 Marcel Lewis is tiny in midfield but with some real technical talent. Stamford I do know a bit about, they are pushing forward down their right where Marzano and Armstrong combine well, the game ebbs and flows from Stamford’s early pushing to Sudbury suddenly on top, but slightly against the run of play, Stamford take the lead, a neat move, Duffy wide to Marzano who crosses low, Leon Lobjoit running in hits towards the keeper who can’t keep out, the home crowd cheer with just half an hour played. The Score Not much more happens in the first half, Sudbury have sniffs, Stamford go close on a couple of occasions, it’s evenly matched with neither defence impressing, the away side have a high line and there’s multiple offsides “that’s what you get when you ask midfielders to play at the back” I tell Huw. You expect more goals in the second half and it’s Sudbury who strike first, Marcel Lewis is around thirty yards out, he lets fly with little pressure and loops a beauty above and beyond Tom Jackson, a goal out of nothing, and all of a sudden the Stamford wheels have fallen off. Less than a minute later, Callum Page is dancing into the box, “they could get another one here” I tell Huw, and they do, it’s two, the bright blonde haired leggy midfielder has been dangerous down the left all night, he cuts in and shoots low to give Sudbury the lead, their fans all of a sudden show some voice, the tables very much turned. That goal stifles Stamford some more and you feel it might dent their confidence but after a couple of replacements, a corner is forced, swung in, and stabbed home on the hour, Jack Duffy has been relatively quiet tonight, but the slightly out of shape looking number nine still remembers where the net is, 20 games on the sidelines, 2 games back, his second in as many matches. Suddenly it’s Stamford with their mojo and Leon Lobjoit goes close to grabbing his second, before he does, the gazelle like Kai Sanchez-Tonge has been impressive since coming off the bench, he gets into the danger zone before crossing low for Lobjoit who fires home before racing away in celebration, the crowd go wild as this one looks surely like the winner. There’s still twenty to play but Stamford look the stronger of the two teams with a bit more depth helped by a better bench, 40-year-old Jon Challinor now pulling the strings in midfield, they get bodies behind the ball and make things difficult whilst looking dangerous themselves on the break, Sudbury are neat and intricate in the final third, but cannot forge any openings of note, the best chance late on at the other end where Munson flies to flick over from Duffy brilliantly. The Stars It’s a night where you feel both sides gave it their all, but Stamford had that bit more belief, that bit more in depth. Charlie Marzano is a right back I like, bombing on down the wing, he actually played more in advance of Mikey Armstrong down the right tonight, he started well, but faded, and was replaced by Kai Sanchez-Tonge who gave Sudbury something different to deal with. I like George Hobbins in midfield, sticking his body in where it hurts, Jack Keeble doing the same, sat just in front of the back four, whilst the two strikers, combining well, were the real difference on the night. Leon Lobjoit is a new signing who got his first two goals for the club, Jack Duffy an old returnee who grabbed his second in as many matches. Duffy looks a bit like an Aussie Rules player, crap mullet hair and tash, shorts pulled up, socks rolled down, a slight belly but he uses his size to advantage, works hard as the number nine to ruffle a few feathers and wins his share of duals, he also more importantly knows where the net is. Whilst Duffy stays in a relatively similar position throughout the ninety minutes, Lobjoit besides him is full of running, good movement trying to pull away from markers, getting involved and sometimes taking too many touches, he’s a livewire forward who’s come to Stamford with a point to prove, he’s had more clubs than Colin Montgomery but I wonder is that because they all know he has the talent, I hope his form continues but I anticipate a drop off at some point, which could lead to him on the move again? I hope I’m wrong though, I hope he’s found his home at the Zeeco. For Sudbury, their young goalkeeper Jack Munson pulled off a fabulous late save and dealt well with crosses, kicked fairly well, apparently out of the sides Academy he’s a big lad and has a big future ahead of him. Much smaller in size, with equally as big a future is their left back Jacob Goredema, just eighteen years old but one of the best players on show, fast and fit he flew down the wing on occasion and was gritty in combat, I don’t think he’ll be playing at this level for very long. Also diminutive but decent was 24-year-old former Chelsea youth midfielder Marcel Lewis, he was trying to make things happen with subtle intricate forward play, threading balls through from central areas, his finish for his goal of only those with quality can do. I also liked the look of Callum Page, tall and leggy with decent hips, zig-zagging his way to goal, Mekhi McKenzie put himself about a bit up front when he came on, and special mention to Jake Turner asked to play at the back in unfamiliar territory, he had a tough night but gave 110% and he looks like the sort of player you need when battling against a relegation fight. The Verdict The win gives Stamford a glimmer of hope, had they lost it would have been a very big bridge to try and cross, but they are now just six points below the safety cut off over the other side of the river, two below Sudbury who had they won themselves, might have bridged their own gap on those above. Stamford face Needham Market next, which will be tough, before travelling to fellow relegation candidates Alvechurch who they’ll be trying to get within touching distance too, whilst Sudbury are at Kettering then Real Bedford, if they get anything from either, it’ll be seen as positive steps forward. One of the two I think will certainly go down, potentially even both, do Stamford have too much to do? Well, the goals of Lobjoit and Duffy will certainly help, but the gap is still wide on those above, if they can stay unbeaten in their next couple of matches, or at least beat Alvechurch in a weeks’ time, then it might give them a real chance of survival. The Teams Stamford: Tom Jackson, Charlie Marzano (Kai Sanchez-Tonge 61), Joshua Carvallo (Jon Challinor 61), Jack Keeble, Jordan Cooke, Alex Collard, Mickey Armstrong (Aaron Cashmore 84), George Hobbins, Jack Duffy, Leon Lobjoit, Ryan Wilson. AFC Sudbury: Jack Munson, Jacob Goredema, Jake Turner, Ellis Lawson (Kaidon Tower-King 71), Callum Page (Jackson Chukwu-Nsofor 77), Jenson Mulqueen (Sam Cox 90), Liam Pearce (Adam Tilson 89), Finlay Corrigan, Marcel Lewis, Kien Connolly, Theo Hudson (Mekhi McKenzie 70). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 20th January 2025, Borderville, Stamford (att 278).

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 side went through over part-time opposition, but the highlight of the first round weekend was perhaps National League Carlisle United beating Reading of two divisions above on Saturday. Hot shot striker Regan Linney scoring a hat-trick against the League One side as Carlisle came back from two down after ninety minutes played to edge a thrilling contest in extra time after they turned the tie around in twelve manic minutes. Linney even got himself on the telly box with him interviewed on BBC a day later, telling Dan Roan on Football Focus "I'm buzzing, it's a special three points" before realising his mistake that no points were gained from winning a cup match. "I've crumbled here" said Linney live to the nation. Perhaps the only mistake he's made this season. Tonight it's back to league action for Carlisle and they face Halifax in a third v eighth encounter with a chance to go top. The Shaymen were also in cup action at the weekend, losing 2-0 at home to Exeter. It's a place I've had on my radar for a while now, my first trip to Brunton Park, it's almost four hours from my house so it's a big one to do on a Tuesday night, especially as I'm covering Braintree v Brackley tomorrow down south, but I'm hoping it's worth it, as I leave Nottingham for 2pm, up the M1, A1, and A66 from Scotch Corner to Penrith. The Venue I'm off at junction 43 of the M6 where the traffic starts to build up heading into Carlisle, the cars in front are crawling as I notice a Cattle Auction off the Rotary Way and a farmer cleaning out his cows in the distance on my left. The A69 Warwick Road takes you straight to the stadium and I pull up a couple of streets away outside a Brewers Fayre pub hopeful of a quick exit back home later. It's no more than a five minute walk, dark and wet the odd firework cracking off, the traffic still at crawler pace as I dodge the headlights to cross over the busy road. It suddenly appears behind some Victorian terrace houses does Brunton Park, home of Carlisle since 1909. I'm trying to avoid the puddles around the club shop where there's a statue of Hugh Mcllmoyle outside. He's a player who in three spells scored over 70 league goals for the Cumbrians and even played in the top flight with United during the 1974/75 season. At the back of the stadium, I'm walking around to the media entrance which is in the Paddock Terrace where behind in the fan zone it's full of cool independent eateries, only a few people hovering outside for now but there's a huge TV screen which is playing Arsenal's Champions League match at Slavia Prague as Bukayo Saka converts a penalty. I watch for five minutes before asking a steward where to get my press ticket, he points me to a collections window and a girl provides me with a lanyard and points me upstairs, telling me there's sandwiches and drinks at the bar. There's two bars, Murphy's Bar and the Glass Bar (named after club legends Peter Murphy and Jimmy Glass), I have a walk around both and look at the snippets of memorabilia on the walls before taking a coffee outside, lights still dim the pitch looking magnificent, wide and lush green down below. "Pitch looks good" I say to a steward who shows me to my seat. "It always does here" he says as the rain continues to soften it. From the press seats you get a magnificent all be it packed in view, half way up the Paddock Terrace, central to the action and behind the dugouts, the stand opposite is modern but for some reason off centre? There's open terracing to my left and to my right, an old stand which has quirks, apexed in several places the Warwick Road End is a famous old triple triangle roofed number which gives an iconic nod to the seventies and those glory days when Carlisle were a top tier force. The Game It might feel like another life from the days when this town faced Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal here (they were at the time a league above Manchester United and Aston Villa) but an old fan taps local historian and match reporter Jon Coleman on the shoulder, he's sitting next to me and covering the game for local press, the fan saying to him ahead of kick off "Regan Linney might catch Hughie Mcllmoyle's club record of 39 goals for the season, he already has 14". Linney in fine form is one of the best players in the division but Carlisle have an old team mate of his, in Chris Conn-Clarke who's here on loan from Peterborough. Conn-Clarke and Linney played with each other at Altrincham and forged a brilliant partnership before going their separate ways, now back terrorising National League defences together, during the 2023/24 campaign there was no better player in the division than Conn-Clarke (in my opinion). The two line up in attack with Junior Luamba on the right, Georgie Kelly as the shaven headed central number nine, it's a forward thinking line up from Mark Hughes but Carlisle have hangover from Saturday's cup success, they don't start well, it's scrappy and neither team can get a real foothold in the game. Terell Thomas was named as a substitute before the match but an injury to Aaron Hayden in the warm up had him rushed into the starting XI at centre half, problem is, Thomas has picked up an injury just ten minutes in, and now he's replaced by Jack Ellis who wasn't even on the bench half an hour ago. Fifteen minutes in Regan Linney has a bit of space in the centre of the field, he plays out to Junior Luamba on the right, the winger cutting in and striking low, a daisy cutter which creeps into Sam Johnson's near post, a soft goal which has hardly been coming, but one to settle down Carlisle you think, after a start I'm not too impressed with from either side. The Score In fact the performance continues to be underwhelming, Halifax are no better than Carlisle, neat in areas but in the final third they struggle to carve openings, the midfield battle is more chess-like than Warhammer, Mark Hughes men are unquestionably the better team, but they aren't playing much better than their visitors, as I tell the scout next to me "this could be a potential banana skin tonight". In truth though, Halifax don't really have it in them to trouble Gabriel Breeze's goal. They have a spell after half time where they come at their hosts, but Carlisle soon step it up a gear, Linney for the first time gets past the impressive right back Thierry Latty-Fairweather on the hour, his cut back should lead to a goal, but Latty has now decided to down tools, he's on the canvass before being lead away by the physio, that shifts the power, Carlisle's left wing is now a real threat, and they make chances, a corner leads to Feeney heading goalwards and Luamba flicks out a foot, the ball nestling home as the former Salford winger runs off fists pumping, telling everyone nearby 'the last touch was mine'. Georgie Kelly has a fine volley that forces a brilliant save by Johnson, Luamba by now is having fun, full of confidence he's leaving Linney and Conn-Clarke in his shadow as games best player, he's beat two men before running at goal, firing over, he really deserves a hat-trick tonight and has had opportunity, but eludes that third goal for an otherwise perfect nights work. The Stars Just 22-years-old, Junior Luamba is brilliant cutting in off the right wing and causing poor Angelo Capello at left back real issues with his pace, power and technique. Chris Conn-Clarke on the other flank is in a completely different way just as mesmerising, perhaps not as effective, but some of his ball control in tight spaces has the crowd wow in awe, he's a real talent and just a couple of games in to his time at Carlisle could get even better, as long as Peterborough don't recall him back from his loan spell too soon. Regan Linney had a quiet night but always possessed threat, he had a couple of long range efforts fizz wide, Georgie Kelly battled well and held the ball up brilliantly, but defensively it's worth noting, Morgan Feeney was solid as ever, Jack Ellis beside him doing well after being thrown in at the deep end, left back Cameron Harper and right back Archie Davies give the team a real good balance. McAdam and Gillead nothing spectacular, sitting in midfield, but breaking down play effectively, playing it simple to their four attacking stars in front. For Halifax, I've been disappointed before with them, and was disappointed tonight, but they are a team better than this performance suggests. They look to lack real goal threat which might be of concern, defensively they aren't bad, at right back Thierry Latty-Fairweather looks to be a solid dependable defender, disappointed that he went off with injury, whilst Shaun Hobson at centre half offers solid experience next to young Jevon Mills who did well. Both Will Hugill and Jay Turner-Cooke, each only 21 years old, playing central midfield, battling in vain, good on the ball, but lacking the options in front of them, Josh Hmami huffing and puffing in a ten role whilst Owen Bray out right did ok, the Shaymen however look to lack a goalscorer, Will Harris worked hard, but he only has four for the season so far. The Verdict As I started to pack up my laptop away and the players walked off the pitch in the rain, chants of 'we are top of the league' circled Brunton Park from the outgoing supporters. Carlisle United have a manager with real pedigree, they have players with pedigree at the level, and I feel they can win matches in a variety of ways, they can score all sorts of goals, I've now seen them beat Scunthorpe with a solid defensive away performance through netting a set play, I've seen them play badly, relying on a match winning performance by one of their star assets, tonight against Halifax, they have other players in their locker who they can rely on too, which makes them a very dangerous beast with variety. Halifax I suppose are the sort who when it all clicks, can be just as good, like any team in the division on their day, but they won't click near often as Carlisle, they'll be ok in the middle shuffle and might even flirt with the playoffs, but I don't yet, see a side under Adam Lakeland, that is ready to take the next steps forward. They sit ninth now and if they end the campaign in ninth, I won't be shocked at all. The Teams Carlisle United: Gabriel Breeze, Archie Davies, Morgan Feeney, Terrell Thomas (Jack Ellis 10), Cameron Harper, Junior Luamba, Harvey Macadam, Alex Gilliead, Chris Conn-Clarke (Stephen Wearne 71), Georgie Kelly, Regan Linney (Luke Armstrong 87). FC Halifax Town: Sam Johnson, Thierry Latty-Fairweather (Owen Devenport 60), Shaun Hobson, Jevon Mills, Angelo Capello, Will Hugill, Jay Turner-Cooke (Jack Jenkins 84), Owen Bray (Cody Johnson 73), Josh Hmami (AJ Warburton 72), Jamie Cooke (Dylan Crowe 72), Will Harris. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 4th November 2025, Brunton Park, Carlisle (att 5,897).

FC Halifax Town 2-1 Boston United  (National League) A ground I’ve been trying to get to for an awful long time is the Shay, longstanding home of Halifax Town and of course Halifax Panthers Rugby League which is very big around these parts of West Yorkshire. Before liquidation in 2008, I always thought of Halifax as a football league club, founder members of the Third Division North in 1921, they stood firm in the bottom two tiers of the league until 1993, following five seasons in the Conference they returned to the league for four campaigns before relegation again, in 2003, and after failing to gain promotion, the clubs finances slowly worsened, before liquidation after ramping up over £2m debt. The club has since reborn under the ‘FC’ banner and it feels like it’s been heading in the right direction ever since, they took six years in getting back to the fifth tier of the football pyramid and after one relegation setback, which they quickly rebounded from a year after (gaining promotion in 2016/17), they have been in the National League Premier Division for nine years and the last two campaigns, like this one, have been there or abouts in playoff contention, mixing it with those gaining sights on promotion to League Two. My memories of Halifax probably date back to the time Nottingham Forest played them in the 1987/88 FA Cup third round, I can just about picture the grainy images of a cow patch pitch under yellow lights, Forest in all red winning 4-0 in front of 4,000, the stadium at the time had increased in capacity following restrictions imposed following the recent Bradford stadium fire, the ground back then was used for speedway and had a grey track running around it, nothing like it is today. The Shay itself actually dates back to the 1400’s, named after the small woods around the vicinity it was largely privately owned land which didn’t actually begin use as a sports facility until 1921, but you feel that ever since it has grown into the towns natural central sporting hub, although uncertainty over its future lies with the council owned facility up for sale with Huddersfield Giants owner Ken Davy said to be keen. As for Halifax Town, there form has been good in recent weeks under Adam Lakeland, they comfortably beat Anstey Nomads 4-0 last time out in the FA Trophy, I saw them play over New Year where they were impressive in beating Tamworth, they did lose a tight match at Forest Green but are hovering just outside the playoffs and are in a position with intent to pounce. Things haven’t been going so well for Boston, I watched them a couple of weeks ago get beat 2-1 at home to Eastleigh, they since drew 0-0 at Braintree but that wasn’t enough to save Graham Coughlan his job, former Grimsby Town and Ipswich Manager Paul Hurst returns to the Pilgrims for a second spell, during 2009-2011 he shared managerial duties with Rob Scott before moving on to a decent spell at Blundell Park. It’s around an hour forty my journey north, as I head up the M1 and west across the M62, coming off at junction 26 I’m on the A58 to Hiperholme, the view over the valleys sometimes stunning, a mixture of mist and sunshine straight ahead but to the south the skies are grey. The Venue The Saturday traffic is busy as I hit Halifax town centre, it’s not a place I know much about but feels like it’s a real traditional old working town carved in between the hillsides with road and rail bridges hogging the eyeline around Northgate. I’m driving over cobbled streets and past sandstone mills before finally arriving at the stadium, it’s unassuming, hidden, set back off the leafy Shaw Hill as I cross the road to walk towards the car park after pulling up on a side street where I parked, the Boston United team coach arriving at the same time as myself. I await the players and staff to get off the bus before heading into reception, where I tell them my name on the door, ‘up to level three’ I’m told, as I take the lift, before walking out into the open, birds eye view on the pitch down below, the sun now beaming over the stand to my left behind the goal, it’s a lovely football home, big and spacious but intimate, the Shay is carved into the hills that surround it, the Skirkoat Stand opposite is literally carved into a grassy bank, the oldest stand of the lot is apex roofed and propped up by posts, behind each goal, North & South are large covered terraced areas, the stand I’m in is modern, all-seated, views set back but perfect, I’m a good twenty rows up it feels, probably more, as I take my desk besides a local reporter. Peter Costello has arrived; he used to play for both clubs and is on radio duty today for BBC Lincolnshire. “It’s lovely to be back here” he tells the reporter. “I came here on loan once you know. 1993, one goal, one assist, one red card” Costello continues “I’m from Halifax, I used to come here as a kid, I was here the day they beat Man City in the FA Cup, that must have been 1980”. I’m earwigging as one of three people inside the ground, but my attention is drawn to my mobile phone whilst watching todays Manchester City side getting beat 2-0 by United in the Manchester Derby. The crowd does eventually pick up ahead of kick off, not by many though, officially the Shay holds just over 10,000 (I reckon it could double that) but crowds only average around 1,500, which is disappointing, the stand I’m in has a healthy spreading of mainly old boys, dads and lads, watching, seated with a view, to the left there’s a splattering of ultras stood at the back of a very large stand, opposite in the corner of the Skirkoat is around 150 from Boston, whilst the stand to the right of that is empty, but for a large number of flags tied to the terracing barriers. The Game There’s breaking news as the Shaymen’s star player Josh Hmami isn’t included in the matchday squad, he’s apparently attracting football league interest, and looks to be wanting away, Halifax look to be 4-3-3 with a workmanlike midfield trio, they start well as Angelo Capello races down their left wing, he centres for Owen Bray who’s free at the back post, the ginger haired forward nodding home down, softly into the corner of the net, for an opener after 18 minutes. It’s perhaps been a little harsh on Boston who haven’t started badly, their new Manager Paul Hurst has also opted for a 4-3-3 with Ken Aboh and Jordy Hiwula in front of Frankie Maguire who’s given some license to get around the park, they all interchange well and attack with fluidity, non the least on 25 when Marcel Lavinier crosses from the right, the ball falling back to Ken Aboh who blasts a volley goal wards, into the net, it’s his first since signing on loan from Norwich, his first in senior football in fact, I remember seeing him score a fabulous overhead kick for the Canaries U21’s against PSV Eindhoven last season, he certainly strikes a good ball, just 21 years old, I think he has a decent future ahead. Boston are good value, they should perhaps take the lead on the stroke of half time when Hiwula misses an opportunity saved by Johnson from close range, it’s an even contest between too solid National League sides, both want to try and play and both offer attacking threat, but defences are mainly on top, Hobson and Smith strong at the heart for Halifax, Teale and Gallagher forging a solid pairing for the Pilgrims. The Score The home side are front foot attacking the South Stand and win a corner early in the second half. Jay Turner-Cooke’s outswinger is headed towards goal by Will Smith and Cody Johnson sticks out a foot, the long haired midfielder has (again) been brilliant today. I really like him, too good for this level, he’s busy and industrious, he’s also in the right place at the right time to regain Halifax the lead, Johnson running off before doing a golf swing celebration. There’s a good 30 minutes and more to go, Halifax retreat and let Boston come at them, which is risky manoeuvre, as they don’t look all that convincing to see out the game, too many times they give the ball away, there’s moans and groans from the home support, the biggest culprit is Thierry Latty-Fairweather at left back, he’s not had a great game, after watching him play brilliantly at Carlisle earlier in the season I was shocked to see him not feature at Tamworth, but having watched him today, I’m less so impressed, he looks like he doesn’t fancy the dual, but fortunately Shaun Hobson beside him does. Ken Aboh sets off through the gears to run through the defence, Hobson keeps up and shifts a couple himself, seeing off the flying youngster to marshal a ball out for a goal kick, besides the two goals, it’s the biggest roar I’ve heard today. Late on, Boston put balls into the box which are well dealt with, they have a number of corners but can’t convert, Hiwula again misses from close range, before Aboh has a deflected effort flick off the woodwork, the visitors have been the better side, but the hosts take all three points. The Stars It’s a day for digging in and those who did so for Halifax shone the most, Cody Johnson brilliant, working hard in midfield, he has power and energy when getting the ball, driving through the centre of the park, wanting to make stuff happen with his will and desire, good work ethic with good quality, he puts an equally solid shift in without the ball and is for me, first name on the sheet for the Shaymen. Another high up on that list is Will Smith, centre half who is a threat in both boxes, whilst Shaun Hobson is that steady calming presence besides him, with Sam Johnson in goal they have a good defensive spine offering grit and experience, Angelo Capello out left offers them dynamism going forward, AJ Warburton out right is one youngster to watch. For Boston, a good all-round performance but not the result to match, centre halves Teale and Gallagher did well. On loan from Lincoln City, Oisin Gallagher had been playing in midfield for Boston, but news is his parent club want to see more of him at centre half, and he looked very competent in the heart of defence, he had a bit of a ding dong with Halifax striker Will Harris which I liked, it shows ‘both players’ competitive edge and that they enjoy the physical and mental battle of defender verses attacker combat. As forward threats go, Boston attacked well down their right hand side, Marcel Lavinier getting forward often from right back, he looks to enjoy bombing on, whilst it wasn’t the day for the likes of Frankie Maguire and Dylan Hill, they still put in their usual shifts running around a lot, Jordan Richards usually unnoticed in midfield, doing the simple things well. The Pilgrims best player for me was Ken Aboh, he certainly has something about him and with a loan extension I’m hoping to see some more goals from him this season, it was also good to see Arjan Raikhy come on in midfield, loaned out to Morecambe earlier in the season, he’s a neat footballer who’s been given a second chance by the new regime. The Verdict With or without Hmami, I still see Halifax as potential playoff contenders, they are solid throughout and have the bits and pieces needed to put a good run or two together, should they lose Cody Johnson though, that would be a bigger void to fill. Boston’s focus is on survival, under Graham Coughlan I would have backed them, under Paul Hurst it feels a bit start again, he’ll need time to implement his style. The Shay is a lovely ground, well worth a visit if you’ve not yet been, a busy old town is Halifax, but sadly not enough supporters inside this great football stadium. I would like to see the town rally round their troops more, which will certainly be needed, if they are ever to return to the football league. The Teams FC Halifax Town: Sam Johnson, AJ Warburton, Will Smith, Shaun Hobson, Thierry Latty-Fairweather, Will Hugill (Max Wright 78), Cody Johnson, Jay Turner-Cooke, Owen Bray (Florent Hoti 78), Will Harris (David Kawa 87), Angelo Capello (Adam Alimi-Adetoro 90). Boston United: Rhys Lovett, Marcel Lavinier, Connor Teale, Oisin Gallagher, Alex Lankshear (Matty Carson 71), Greg Sloggett (Arjan Raikhy 79), Jordan Richards, Dylan Hill (Liam Waldock 79), Frankie Maguire, Jordy Hiwula (Kieren Donnelly 84), Ken Aboh. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 17th January 2026, The Shay Stadium (att 1,441).

Harborough Town 2-0 Stamford  (Southern League Central Division) On Saturday, Harborough Town were beaten in the top of the table clash at Spalding United, a 3-1 defeat in Lincolnshire leaving the Bees nine points below the Tulips going into tonight’s match with bottom of the table Stamford, but with four games in hand. Ironically Stamford’s last game was also against Spalding at Christmas, the Daniels have had almost three weeks without a match following wintery postponements and are now at the foot of the table, a good nine points adrift of safety, all be it with a couple of games in hand on those above them. My last visit to Harborough was also for the match against Spalding, early in the season, the two title fighting heavyweights locked horns and played out a thrilling 1-1 draw, it was clear to see even back then in August, that these two teams would be at the right end of the Southern League Premier Central this season. I’ve cooked beef bourguignon tonight, the wife’s got me on a Gousto subscription to assist with her healthy eating habits as she does every January, this meal is low in calories simply because there’s probably only enough for one, not two of us. Fed, partially, I’m out the door for 5:30pm with a Wagon Wheel and flask of coffee, heading down the A46 through the East side of Leicestershire and the pretty villages of Queeniborough and Tilton on the Hill, before an hour in hitting Market Harborough, as I pass a McDonalds which I'm tempted by on the A6. I love the town itself, the centre is right up my street, traditional, pretentious, real rural England, a classic High Street with beautiful old buildings, and shops that your granny would shop in, Joules, the White Company, Jigsaw, Peacocks, Oxfam, Savers, outlets for grannies of varied wealth, but there’s plenty of pubs too, that should keep grandad happy whilst he waits. The Venue I’m through the town and turning right at a roundabout signposted Leisure Centre, it’s here that Harborough Town Football Club and Market Harborough Rugby Club are situated, a relatively new complex that has a big car park and a dozen pitches, there’s mums and dads in huge people carriers dropping off their kids who play on a floodlit 3g surface across the way. I’ve sat in my car for ten minutes people watching as women in huge vehicles try and park into the tight space besides me, one thing is certain these days, cars have got bigger, but thank god for parking sensors, without them, I really don’t think it would be possible for some folk to park. No scratches or bumps, yet, I’m out my car and walking through the car park for 7pm, a modern pavilion all lit up has the club bar inside, I’m down the side of that to the turnstile where I’m let in for £15 contactless. You enter the venue behind a corner flag, a lovely glistening view of the flat 3g pitch in front, everything is new, modern, well-kept, I walk around to the pavilion where there are toilets and a tea bar, it’s glass fronted and has trophies gleaming in the windows, inside it has the Managers offices and players changing rooms, it even has a TV on the wall in the corridor with a live league table and tonight’s fixtures, you feel this club is very proud of its idyllic and new little home. For £4.25 I’m given a machine made Americano and take a snickers and pack of fruit pastels as I head out into the open, walking behind the back of the goal I notice a modern video scoreboard, last season Harborough Town reached the second round of the FA Cup, it seems they have put that money to some real good use, in making these facilities the best they possibly can, for the league they are currently in. I’m seated in one of two metal roofed stands either side of half way, opposite is roofed standing areas and each end is open, it has similarities for me to Basford United’s ground which is closer to my home in Nottingham, another forgetful 3g facility perhaps, but Harborough is more immaculate, and even though feels modern and flat pack, is not as bland as it first seems, although one or two more additions could give the ground a little more aesthetic charm (something behind the goal would be nice). The Game Clubber TV are here tonight, they are set up in the stand next to the one I’m in, a decent crowd of around 500 including a few from Stamford, credit to them in making the hour long journey to see their side probably take an ass whooping. Stamford in red, managed by Graham Drury, actually start well, as Mitch Austin’s Harborough in yellow struggle to tactically assemble themselves, do they go big, go hard, or do they just knock it around with the time and space they are given? They end up doing a bit of all, a bit of neither, which creates confusion, they don’t look at it, and make mistakes, with the experienced Liam Dolman at centre half they defend deep due to his lack of obvious pace, which creates space in the final third for Stamford to attack, Ryan Wilson is given too much time to get his shot away, a long range left footed attempt which fizzes past a post. There’s injury on the far side as Harry Vince collides with Connor Kennedy, this see’s both players substituted after just ten minutes, but the change advantages Harborough, Josh Walsh is a player who really impressed me last time out, he played midfield against Spalding here earlier in the season, apparently he’s played left side, right side, forward, at the back, he started tonight as centre half, but moves over to right back as Robert Morgan comes on, Walsh can now get on the ball and is dictating as a deep lying right sided quarterback, think Trent Alexander-Arnold and the original inverted full back. “He’s that good he can play anywhere” says a fan sitting besides me, Walsh does things quicker in mind than any other player on show, he passes better, and starts moves off, he has an aura, calming, assured, he’s just a bloody good footballer. Another player who I like, is Brady Hickey, tonight, playing in a midfield three, more reserved and structured than the forward running ten role he used to employ at Barwell, he’s not the same player as he was when that team went solely through him, these days just another cog in a good side, sacrificing his own game for the good of the team, I like his performance in a very different way to how I have previously seen him play. The Score The improved shape to Harborough has them create a couple of chances, Riley O’Sullivan is their number nine and star attacker who's missed one or two, he’s having a bit of a verbal squabble with Connor Bartle on this near side. “Shurrup you faggot” he says to Bartle, who immediately calls the linesman “did you hear that lino, he’s being homophobic”. Not one to get involved the linesman completely ignores their petulance, but I keep an eye out on their needle, it threatens to boil over but never does, as attention draws over to another Harborough attacker with quality. David Kamara is a 20 year old forward on loan from Peterborough United, he’s had a couple of moments where the crowd roars its approval, some neat touches to get away from markers, he’s got some pace to burn, and is powerful, Kamara has picked up the ball in the attacking third, cuts in, drives low, and gives the Bees the lead at the Beehive ahead of half time. That goal is probably just about deserved, but Stamford haven’t been bad, they have had sparse entries into the opposition box where new signing Leon Lobjoit has looked lively, but in truth the hosts have too much about them, early in the second half Kamara should make it two, when racing through on goal he shoots wide when it looked easier to score, but he does make up for that guilt edged miss, after Josh Walsh runs into the box from the right, he centres and Kamara flicks home, a second goal of the night. There’s still a good half an hour to go but it’s one of those games where if you offered Stamford the handshake on the hour they would have gladly accepted a two goal defeat. The Lincolnshire side are gritty and play well, they aren’t completely outclassed by Harborough who probably can shift up a few gears, but most importantly it’s a win for the home side, a big one in the title race, whilst Stamford will head home knowing that they didn’t do too bad against top opposition, they still have half a season to save and it will be against those in and around them, where they’ll look to take their points. The Stars Josh Walsh is a cracking footballer and one who I think can certainly play a couple of levels up, he’s only 25 and is a former Leicester City youngster who signed for Harborough in 2018 after playing for nearby Oadby Town. Walsh can play anywhere which might be to his detriment, shifted out of midfield where I would suggest he has a more vital role, but as a full back or centre half to look equally as competent suggests what a good football brain he has. Another one with a good football brain is Devon Kelly-Evans the diminutive holding midfielder that is employed to keep the ball ticking, to give the side shape, and to take set plays. Whilst Brady Hickey, or perhaps even left back Elliot Putman, once of Stamford, was my best of the rest, on the night, David Kamara shown real exciting glimpses of a talented and threatening forward, he has a big future in the game, whilst Terell Pennant came on off the bench and did well, progressive forward direct running at defenders and positivity down the left, he is the nephew of Jermaine Pennant and has certain similarities in good old fashioned wing play. A night where Stamford dug in and worked hard, they have good full backs in Connor Bartle and Charlie Marzano, a decent centre half in Jordon Cooke, I thought George Hobbins did well in midfield, whilst out on their left, Ryan Wilson had that bit of class, right sider Kai Sanchez-Tonge shown promise in patches, their best player was their new signing Leon Lobjoit who worked hard without a break, I don’t feel that Stamford are far off, just missing perhaps, some spark. The Verdict The win takes Harborough to within six points of Spalding having three games in hand, the title is still very much in their hands, even after Saturday’s loss, which they have now at least bounced back from. I like Harborough, I get the feeling they’ll bully teams with good football, but on a sticky or soddened pitch where they have to scrap, they might sometimes fall short, which might be why Spalding could nick the title from them, but if David Kamara can shift up gear, they perhaps have a match winner that they have otherwise been lacking. Of the twenty top goalscorers in the division, none, play for Harborough Town, which is remarkable considering their league position. As for Stamford, they have a huge task to stay in the division, on 13 points after 22 played, yes, they have games in hand, but even if they win them, it probably won’t make much difference. Key to their campaign now is improved progression, if they can get some confidence and pick up some more points, they’ll at least give themselves a fighters chance, but this next month will be huge, if the gap is still so wide in four weeks’ time, plans will be focused on next season, instead of this. The Teams Harborough Town: Elliott Taylor, Connor Kennedy (Robert Morgan 10 (Terell Pennant 46)), Elliot Putman, Liam Dolman, Josh Walsh (Paul Malone 90), Alex Morris, Devon Kelly-Evans, Brady Hickey, Riley O'Sullivan (Luis Rose 74), David Kamara, Ben Stephens (Rory McAuley 79). Stamford: Tom Jackson, Charlie Marzano (Jon Challinor 68), Connor Bartle (Mickey Armstrong 60), Jack Keeble, Jordon Cooke, Alex Collard, Kai Sanchez-Tonge (Michael Frew 76), Harry Vince (Aaron Cashmore 11 (Josh Cavallo 60)), George Hobbins, Leon Lobjoit, Ryan Wilson. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 13th January 2026, Bowden Park, Market Harborough (att 504).

Sheffield United 3-4 Mansfield Town  (FA Cup Round Three) It’s been an incredible weekend already. On Friday night Wrexham beat Forest in a thriller on penalties to provide headline writers with their much anticipated ‘Hollywood Ending’… Yesterday sixth tier Macclesfield trumped even that by knocking out holders Crystal Palace to write themselves into David verses Goliath territory, the Silkmen became only the ninth non-league club in 100 years to beat top flight opposition in the FA Cup. And just as you thought the Premier League might not be all that after all… Manchester City put ten past Exeter, eleven different scorers in a quite remarkable game at the Etihad. I need a lie down, exhausted myself from Friday’s trip to Port Vale and yesterday’s humdinger at Doncaster, back on the road today, for more action in round three, surely Sheffield United and Mansfield Town will quietly go under the radar? I actually saw the Stags play in round one against Harrogate Town in a cracking match which ended 3-2, they beat Accrington Stanley on penalties in round two midst a terrible run of league form, but things have picked up recently for Nigel Clough’s side, having beat Barnsley, Bolton and Bradford in their last three League One matches. Sheffield United had a miserable start to the season, but under Chis Wilder have started to climb up the Championship table, sixteenth, they have won their last two games having saw off Leicester City most recently at Bramall Lane on New Years Day. I’m suspecting a bit of a banana skin as I jump in my car and head north up the M1, Mansfield in recent years have twice beat Sunderland and gave Sheffield Wednesday a scare in 2023, they’re bringing almost 5,000 fans today although I don’t expect huge amounts of home supporters in attendance, I’m leaving early so I can ensure I get a spot within reasonable walking distance of Bramall Lane, Sunday around the ground is decent as permit parking only comes into play Mon-Sat, so if I play my cards right, I might just get to park a stones throw away which is good news, as it’s cold and wet outdoors. The Venue I’m off the M1 at Chesterfield and pass the SMH Stadium as I head up the A61, remarkably it’s only 9.5 miles from Bramall Lane, but still takes a good twenty minutes in traffic, the snow not yet gone in these parts as I drive through Meadowhead and Woodseats ahead of seeing a sign for the Antiques Quarter, although I fail to spot an antiques shop near here. Bramall Lane itself is closed as traffic is re-routed down Alderson Road which is busy, but I’ve found a space there outside somebody’s terraced house. There’s cars papping horns as the congestion causes mayhem but I’m out the door, down the road and walking past the Golden Lion Pub, past the Railway Hotel as the stadium nears, I’m through the terraces of the South Stand, the Tony Currie Stand, where I ask for a Bovril and a Twirl, one of only two chocolate selections on offer, along with a Dairy Milk. There’s a good hour to go before kick off so inside is relatively empty, I take a walk to my seat which is on a wing, high up, hopefully out the way where the view is good, looking down on the pitch, green grassy grey skies above, there’s some fine rain swirling around, the red seated venue enclosed, a proper English football ground, the Kop not in use today on my right, as everywhere else fills slowly around, Mansfield have the end to my left, they fill the bottom tier and have a good proportion in the tier above too. The Game There’s a couple of Japanese tourists taking selfies in front of me, as kick off approaches the block I’m in fills, a lot of dads and lads, but families too, some people can’t figure out where they are sitting, by the time the two teams come out it’s like musical chairs, people everywhere, I thought the place would be half full, but having the Kop closed seems to mean every Blade fan in Britain is in here with me. In fairness it’s great to see, I didn’t expect it, but it’s warm with all these bodies huddled in together. As the Chip Butty song is sung the game kicks off with Mansfield happy to sit off and allow Sheffield United to stroke around the ball. Chris Wilder’s side look strong and I quite like their shape, Ben Mee is centre half, debutant Ki-Jana Hoever is right back, it’s a first live viewing for me of Harrison Burrows who I’ve been impressed with when watching on TV, ditto Ollie Arblaster who starts well in midfield, besides Djibril Soumare, he’s a big powerful looking lad in the centre of the park. Tahith Chong is in there with fuzzy hair, Gus Hamer in that attacking eight role, Tyrese Campbell and Danny Ings up front, it’s a good quality eleven and they stroke it around, but on the few occasions they get the ball, Mansfield have purpose. I’m not sure if Nigel Clough has set them up to defend and break, or if it’s just natural in their DNA? The Stags have made one change to the side that battered Bradford 3-0 and that’s to rest their 35-year-old left back Stephen McLaughlin, they play a sort of 5-3-2 but possess pace in attack, Moriah-Welsh, Lucas Akins, and especially Rhys Oates, all look dangerous when on the ball. Mansfield have already tested the palms of Davies in goal before a corner is pumped in and half cleared, Louis Reed is left free on the edge of the area, he takes a touch and volleys the ball back, into the top corner for a stunning opener. The Score Anything Reed can do Hamer can do better, the Dutch playmaker is a footballer I’ve always liked, he gets the ball off Soumare and spins around 25 yards out, sets himself and shoots right footed, curling, whipping, into the top corner for a super special leveller. Special footballer indeed. But United don’t learn, a corner on the stroke of half time is again half cleared, headed back out to the edge of the area where Reed is free again, again he shoots, this time first time, a volley deflected into the roof of the net for a second. That sends the Blades fans down the stairs for their chip butties, and no sooner do they return for a rendition of their famous song, do Mansfield take strides early into the second half, Rhys Oates racing down the right, he pulls back for Lucas Akins who sends 4,800 fans behind the goal in which he scored in, absolutely bloody wild. The Stags fans have been brilliant, some real noise made as they shout ‘yellows, yellows’ and ‘you’re just a shit Sheffield Wednesday’ the United fans are quiet, shell shocked, it’s not been a good afternoon. And it gets worse, Ben Mee is tangled in knots by Rhys Oates, who runs through to dink home one on one, delirium behind the goal as the Stags lead 4-1. Instantly there’s people in the home end walking to the exits as the Mansfield fans sing ‘cheerio’. Chris Wilder has just made three subs, before they could even take position they are taking another restart. But you feel this game has a few twists yet, United use Patrick Bamford who gives them more in five minutes than Danny Ings gave them all game, he’s unmarked from a corner and reacts quickest to prod home. The fella next to me tells his son, “I’m telling you, we’ll win 5-4”. That prediction looks even more likely as shortly after, another lively sub, Andre Brooks, teases down the right before crossing a dangerous ball into the box, Oshilaja dives to head clear but misses the ball completely, which might have distracted Moriah-Welsh, because he puts into his own net under no pressure, and suddenly, it’s game on, again. However, for all the late pressing and probing, Mansfield contain the Blades limited threat, United see no way through, a few corners provide scary moments, but if anything the Stags look more capable of nicking another one on the break. Neither side looks particularly great in defending, but it’s the League One outfit who you feel are more clinical when it comes to attack. As United fail to take the game to extra time, the whistle blows and with it some huge celebrations over on the far side, the Mansfield lads are all dancing in front of their huge away following, as one bloke behind me, queuing to get out, says “I can’t believe we got beat by a tin pot club”. The Stars Nothing tin pot about Rhys Oates who was fantastic as an outlet, on the break, he’s had his injury troubles in recent seasons but back now delivering, this season he looks back to his normal mazy dribbling self, a powerful forward who looks great down the wing, who can run at and past defenders with pace and strength, he links well with Lucas Akins who at 36 looks ageless, another powerful footballer with pace, strength and maximum output and work ethic. Mansfield didn’t look particularly convincing defensively, they didn’t have a lot of the ball, but they took their chances and no one more clinical than Louis Reed. He worked hard in midfield alongside young Jamie McDonnell as Sheffield United dominated possession 79 to 21% For United, I was actually impressed with a lot of what they did, perhaps making ten changes from the side that beat Leicester was always going to be too much? But despite being picked off too easily, they had a lot of the football, and in Ollie Arblaster, Djibril Soumare, Gus Hamer, they have three fine midfielders, although they looked a much better side when their substitutions were made, Patrick Bamford giving the attack real focal threat, whilst Femi Seriki and Andre Brooks linked brilliantly down the right, Seriki a physically strong and fast young defender, Brooks a tricky and talented winger, two United players to at least come out of the game with some credit. The Verdict Half empty stadiums (although not in my block), big away following, unfashionable team from the league below, ten changes to a side not exactly firing in the first place, this is one of them, if I were a betting man, where I might have had a few quid on the upset, as it had all the signals of the stuff which in the end inevitably happened. Sheffield United probably won’t lose too much sleep over this one, as league survival is first and foremost, far more important, but it does put pressure on the regime, if they deliver at Charlton on Saturday, I’m sure it’ll all be forgotten. Not so quickly, will this game leave the memory bank of those 4,800 Stags supporters, who had one hell of a party, celebrating yet another famous cup victory under Nigel Clough. As one United fan said whilst fuming with witnessing their celebrations post match “I hope they get fucking City” and if they do, I’m sure they’ll put up a better fight than Exeter did. The Teams Sheffield United: Adam Davies, Ki-Jana Hoever (Femi Seriki 57), Mark McGuinness, Ben Mee, Harrison Burrows, Tahith Chong (Andre Brooks 57), Oliver Arblaster (Jairo Riedewald 84), Djibril Soumare (Tom Davies 70), Gustavo Hamer, Tyrese Campbell, Danny Ings (Patrick Bamford 56). Mansfield Town: Liam Roberts, Adedeji Oshilaja, Ryan Sweeney, Bailey Cargill, Lucas Akins, Jamie McDonnell (Aaron Lewis 76), Louis Reed, Frazer Blake-Tracey, Nathan Moriah-Welsh (Jon Russell 76), Rhys Oates (Victor Adeboyejo 76), Will Evans (Stephen McLaughlin 84). 2:30pm Kick Off. Sunday 11th January 2026, Bramall Lane, Sheffield (att 17,514).

Doncaster Rovers 2-3 Southampton (FA Cup Round Three) So I chose the right game to go to last night, not putting myself through a miserable watch as a Forest fan, they were beaten by Wrexham on penalties and became the first ‘giant killing’ of the round, today they’ll be more of the same as I head out the door towards Doncaster, who host Southampton, for more FA Cup action. 23rd in League One, Doncaster Rovers have never been as far as the fifth round in the FA Cup, their recent history saw them beat Blackburn in the third round during 2022, before a 4-0 walloping at West Ham a round later, other famous efforts include beating QPR in 1985 when Billy Bremner was Rovers Manager, and a decent 0-0 against Aston Villa in 2009, before losing the replay at Villa Park, when replays were a thing. Southampton famously won the competition in 1976. A late Bobby Stokes goal seeing off Manchester United in front of almost 100,000 at the old Twin Towers of Wembley. Still celebrated today, literally, the club are even wearing a special retro faded yellow and blue shirt to mark fifty years of that fabulous achievement. The Saints under Tonda Eckert are doing some serious rebuilding after relegation from the Premier League last season, fifteenth in the Championship they have picked up after a disastrous short spell under Will Still, but are without a win in six, thumped 4-0 at Middlesbrough last time out. I’m out the door for midday, Donny is only an hour away and it’s one of the easiest grounds to get to from my home in Nottingham, up the M1, M18, A612 White Rose Way, then suddenly it appears, behind a few tasty eateries and modern shopping outlets at the nearby Lakeside. The Venue I’ve had Macclesfield and Crystal Palace on the radio in the car, the holders are 1-0 down to the National League North minnows, it’s what the cup is all about, I soon forget about it however, as I park up on Lakeside Boulevard and take the fabulous scenic walk towards the ground, the beautiful man-made lake glistening as dog walkers and football fans mingle around the circular route. I love how the stadium appears behind a grassy bank, there’s a Lakeside Hill with stunning views which looks a bit muddy to walk up today, as I enter the turnstile, and for the second time in as many days have my pockets searched by security. Inside at ground level there’s a kiosk serving food with nobody waiting, I’ve ordered a steak pie and Yorkshire tea but they give me a chicken balti which tastes pretty decent, so no complaints, there’s a play area for kids who are kicking soft balls at a dart board, the TV is on, Macclesfield are now two up, football history about to be made? If they win it will be the biggest victory gap between two sides in the competition, I’m standing watching the closing minutes, joined by many others, all wanting the same thing, the holders to get beat by a bunch of part-timers. After all, I repeat, it’s what the cup is all about. Crystal Palace score a late free kick, but Macclesfield hold on, there’s a few sighs aloud on the final whistle, but most just walk away, I take a bit of it in, a fabulous feat, before making my way up to my seat. Out in the fresh crisp air, blue skies, frosty glistening pitch in more than adequate condition, red seated bowl like it’s a fairly new ground is the Eco Power Stadium, formerly known as the Keepmoat, it was built in 2006, opened in 2007, and has a record crowd of 15,001 against Leeds United in 2008. It’s actually like a much smaller version of St Mary’s as I look over to my right and see a huge following behind the goal of Southampton fans, the two sets of teams warming up as the ground half full, begins to create some sort of atmosphere with locals now taking their pews. The Game I’m sat in the corner a row off top, with a panoramic angled view of the playing surface, the two teams walk out to round applause, everyone around me is standing up, as I take in awe the yellow vintage shirt of Southampton, against the red and white familiar hoops of Donny. The Championship side are in no mood to mess, they menace down the left where teen winger Jay Robinson shows promise, he’s bundled one into the path of another Southampton Academy graduate Cameron Bragg, the midfielder fires home to open the scoring, just eight minutes gone. Southampton look strong, Flynn Downes pulling strings in midfield, Japanese star Kuryu Matsuki next to him showing good movement, nice touches, running a lot, their back three is in control with Taylor Harwood-Bellis given acres on the ball, it’s all very pedestrian by Doncaster, so it’s no surprise when the Saints make it two? Cameron Archer lets fly a right footed shot from outside the area which is deflected, looping over Lo-Tutala in goal, before Matsuki makes it three, a few minutes before the break, he’s on the end of a Fellows cross, to head down brilliantly home, Rovers fans start to make way in numbers for the beer taps down beneath. The Score I hear somebody joke to their mate on the walk back up at half time that ‘were gonna win 4-3’ as folk around laugh, not believing an ounce of it, but Donny’s start is at the races, their second half performance is like chalk from cheese with the dismal first, no changes at the break, just in mentality, front foot, they immediately press, they win a corner down the left, Robbie Gotts floats in, Max Pearson heads home. Suddenly the crowd are on their side, the noise levels increase, Rovers push and probe some more, Jordan Gibson gets a break, before lashing home a second on the hour, Southampton in a mess, the Rovers fans sing to those on the far side “It’s all gone quiet over there”. Doncaster give it a good go, as Tonda Eckert looks to shuffle his pack, taking the sting out of the match, he brings on some experienced subs, which improve his side somewhat to a steadying ship, Nathan Wood, Leo Scienza, Ross Stewart and Adam Armstrong giving more strength and solidity to the Saints soul. There’s pressing until the end as the kids behind me kick chairs and jump up and down in excitement, they are a breath of fresh air in the second half are Doncaster, but they can’t find a leveller, and in the end, the first half costs them their run in the cup. The Stars For 45 minutes Southampton looked brilliant, which might have been a shock to their own fans, who at one stage sung “How shit must you be, we’re winning away”. I was really impressed by the cameo from Jay Robinson down the left, a sizeable thick set teen he has ability, didn’t always make the right choice, but always it seems, tried to make something happen. In defence, the longer the game went, the more I liked Joshua Quarshie, he’s a player I first saw as a teen playing for Dusseldorf the day after England beat Switzerland in the Euros, he’s a player I liked in size and stature from the off, enough to think he was fit for the English game, which he is. Quarshie was sometimes shaky on the ball but in defensive duty he reads it well, is physically strong and he knows how to clear his lines with no-nonsense. Next to Taylor Harwood-Bellis who's a little easier on the eye in possession and Nathan Wood, another solid competitor, I’m surprised they aren’t more defensively sound? Welington looked a lovely forward running full back, typically Brazilian, he can beat a player, or two, or three, perhaps not so good going the other way? Bragg was brilliant in midfield, Downes a solid competitor of high quality, he goes under the radar and for me, is Premier League 'squad' material, I liked the look of Kuryu Matsuki, and am in awe of Southampton’s Japanese scouting success. Already they have had players like Maya Yoshida and Yukinari Sugawara who have done well for them in the past. For Doncaster, Luke Molyneux reminds me of one of those old-skool wingers that stay at a club for many years, so long that you can define the club by the player himself, perhaps thinking along the lines of a Peter Beagrie once at Scunthorpe, a proper fit, it just feels right him in a Donny shirt, as it does with Billy Sharp, as it did with James Coppinger. Molyneux has actually only been at the club for four seasons, but he’s played a large amount of games in those years, and is a standout player for Rovers every time I see him play, the one to watch, the one to be weary of, 'keep him quiet and we’ll be ok'. He did well, as he always does, a lively threat down the right, whilst Jordan Gibson did well in midfield, a good engine, a neat footballer, he might have had a late leveller had he kept the ball down following carnage from a last minute corner. The Verdict Both teams have their own relegation concerns, Southampton will be trying to avoid the drop, after a tough start to the season under previous boss Will Still, they’ll see the cup as a nice distraction, they should get the points they need to survive, so a day out or two for the fans might be a good way for Tonda Eckert to try a few new things? Doncaster are well down in League One and I don’t see them surviving in a tough division that has plenty of teams with probably more money and more about them, all trying to do the same. The re-signing of Hakeeb Adelakun from Salford might give their fans something to cheer about, but in 21-year-old Francis Okoronkwo they are reliant on an Everton loanee getting them the goals they need to survive? It’ll be a tough ask for Grant McCann’s men to stay up, but if they play like they did in the second half today, then there’s always a chance, especially if they can get the fans behind them, who I feel, can be a real twelfth man on their day. The Teams Doncaster Rovers: Thimothee Lo-Tutala, Jamie Sterry, Matt Pearson, Jay McGrath (James Maxwell 54), Jack Senior (Darren Robinson 84), Owen Bailey, Luke Molyneux, Robbie Gotts (Brandon Hanlon 85), Jordan Gibson (Billy Sharp 76), Hakeeb Adelakun (Glenn Middleton 76), Francis Okoronkwo. Southampton: Daniel Peretz, Elias Jelert (Nathan Wood 62), Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Joshua Quarshie, Tom Fellows, Flynn Downes, Kuryu Matsuki (Adam Armstrong 87), Cameron Bragg (Caspar Jander 75), Welington, Cameron Archer (Ross Stewart 74), Jay Robinson (Leo Scienza 62). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 10th January 2026, Doncaster Rovers Stadium, Doncaster (att 7,671).

Port Vale 1-0 Fleetwood Town  (FA Cup Round Three) It’s the FA Cup Third Round weekend, the David against Goliath of annual football fixturing, although tonight I’ve got a pair of David’s to go see play. I was slightly concerned that I wouldn’t get to see any football at all this weekend, Storm Goretti threatening to cause havoc, but it looks like we are through the worst of it, the covers have been on at Vale Park and a midday inspection has given the match all clear. Vale have a new Manager, an Aussie chap in Jon Brady who gained promotion with Northampton Town in 2023, he knows League One well and has been brought in to save the bottom of the table side from relegation back to League Two after promotion last season, but first and foremost, he debuts in the dugout for the Valiants against a division below Fleetwood Town, thirteenth in the fourth tier, under Peter Wild, they saw off Barnet in round one, before beating Jack Wilshere’s Luton, on penalties, in round two. Cup history isn’t exactly iconic for either of these teams, Vale did reach the semi-finals of the 1954 competition, losing 2-1 against eventual winners West Bromwich Albion at Villa Park, they famously knocked Spurs out in the fourth round in 1988, Ray Walker and Phil Sproson with the goals for a John Rudge team who were then going places, they had the likes of Darren Beckford and Robbie Earle in their side that day. Fleetwood’s best efforts were the fifth round in 2023, they have a few faces featuring tonight who played against Burnley in a painful 1-0 defeat at Turf Moor, a ninetieth minute winner seeing the then Championship side through. The Cod Army previously disposing of Oxford City, Ebbsfleet, QPR and Sheffield Wednesday, along the way. I’m out the door with a Wagon Wheel and flask of coffee, heading across the A50 towards Stoke-on-Trent, traffic isn’t too bad as I hit Burslem ahead of 6pm, an earlier kick off than usual tonight, 7:30pm. The Venue I’ve pulled up on a side street of terraced housing near Burslem Park, before walking down the Hamil Road, dark skies and frosty flooring making it slightly slippy on foot, I pass a metal sign for Burslem, one of six towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent. With a population of just under 7,000 it’s not that much bigger than Nailsworth (home of Forest Green) which was recently the smallest town to have a team in the football league, although this suburban area is a make-up of a larger practice, it feels like the place has it’s own identity, it’s not like Nottingham, Sheffield or Bristol, which have two obvious clubs, it feels like Burslem, not Stoke, a nice little town centre of its own, a pretty park, a fire station, factories, warehouses and a block of flats opposite the stadium which appears set back and spacious as I continue down the hill. There’s a statue of John Rudge in the clubs car park, the Manager who I mentioned previously, he led the side from the fourth tier to the Second Division taking charge of over 800 Vale games between 1983 and 1999. Picking up the Football League Trophy in 1993 with a 2-1 win over Stockport at Wembley. I’ve time so I take a wonder around the club shop, spacious inside and brightly lit, it has the clubs 150th anniversary shirts on show, and a few from the 90’s era made by Dutch company Copa, some retro efforts that you imagine stink of Robin van der Laan’s very own brut. With an hour to go before kick-off, I’m through the turnstiles at the Railway Paddock, the famous end that home supporters indulge in, the stadium vast inside, open, lit glowing with orange seats enclosed underneath superb high roofing, it’s bloody wonderful as a football ground, wide pitch, slightly humped from middle to the wings, the stand opposite, the Lorne Street Stand, is large, modern, impressive with it’s VIP seating and many executive boxes, each end have big banked rows of seating under cover, to my left the away end where there’s a handful of Fleetwood fans in one corner, to my right, a few more Vale supporters in the Hamil Road Stand, as kick-off approaches the crowd around me gets busier, the players walk out onto the pitch, Elvis Pressley belts out the Wonder of You on the tannoy and everybody joins in. The Game It feels busy, but that’s because all 3,000 of tonight’s support are squashed into just a couple of blocks in each stand, all are open, the rest of the venue glows under the floodlights bright sparkling down, empty surrounded below by those orange seats of which there are many, as Fleetwood, the away side in red, do most of the attacking, they keep the ball as Vale come to grips with their new tactics imposed by Manager Jon Brady. 3-5-2. Fleetwood attack largely down their left where they look to isolate Vale full back Mitch Clark who’s up against arguably the Fishermen’s best player in Manchester United loanee Ethan Ennis. He’s left wing back but plays like an orthodox winger, attacking on the front foot, running at defenders, jinking on the outside and cutting in, he’s direct, positive and I really like the look of him, his end product perhaps letting him down on occasion, after initially doing the hard work to get buy his man. At the other end, Vale’s stand out is perhaps Devante Cole. Son of former Manchester United striker Andy, he looks more powerful in attack than his dad did, pace and strength, an eye for goal, not quite the finisher of his old man, he should score when Hall pulls back, his instinctive shot is fabulously saved by David Harrington. It’s about the only clear cut opportunity of a stuttering half, which stumbles some more as Lewis McCann goes down on the far side, he’s collided with a defender and it doesn’t look good, the delay for treatment is that long one Fleetwood player nips down the tunnel for a wee, after a good ten minutes McCann is stretched off, taken immediately to the ambulance near the exits on this near side of the pitch, rather than back down the tunnel. A gentle applause had all wishing him well. The Score With play back underway the board goes up for nine minutes added and it’s on that moment, when Vale attack down their right, Devante Cole get’s the better of his man on half way, he powers past his marker on the outside and races into the box, cutting back to Jordan Shipley arriving from midfield, who blasts the home side into the lead. The second half continues in much of the same fashion, stuttering, not enthralling, Fleetwood have the ball, but don’t really convince enough to carve out chances, Port Vale can’t really get into any real gear, no flow when they go forward, but they do look better when Mo Faal comes on up front, offering Devante Cole a bit more support in attack, Faal is leggy and awkward, has the pace to run away from defenders and due to his size can be a menace when the ball is aerially sent towards him. Faal’s best work however was to intercept a pass late on and relieve Vale some defensive duty after holding firm against Fleetwood’s persistence, they bring Ched Evans on to a chorus of boos but the Welsh striker can’t help his side score a first goal in four games, the best chance for Fleetwood is when Ennis now on the right hand flank, smashes across goal and the deflection goes agonisingly wide. The Stars Ennis is good for Fleetwood, 21-years-old he’s actually the first player to move from Manchester United from Liverpool in 57 years, moving between the clubs as a boy, he’s got a big ask to break through at Old Trafford, perhaps a bridge to far? But he’s awfully talented, committed, he works hard and has quality with two feet, and can certainly have a big future in the game. Fleetwood for long parts were the better side, young Northern Irish defender Conor Haughey also having a good game, only 18, he threw himself into a block in the first half which stopped a near certain goal, former Arsenal youngster Zech Medley strong and powerful besides him in a back three, Harrison Neal and Mark Helm both looking decent on the ball from midfield, but not enough attacking threat, which is evident on recent form, top goalscorer Ryan Graydon has just moved to Salford City, which leaves the club light in that department. As for Port Vale, Devante Cole is no doubt their star asset, he looks better than relegation fodder in League One, I’m surprised he’s not at least playing in the Championship by now? George Byers their Scottish midfielder put in a good shift with some elegant touches beside energetic matchwinner Jordan Shipley in the centre of the park, whilst Jayden Stockley was a handful within the 18 yard lines, Mo Faal a more awkward menace in attack ran around a lot, Jaheim Headley coming on at left back late on, he looks like a defender with good strength and pace. The Verdict January is a time to do, and if Port Vale do some business, it could save their season from falling? If Fleetwood do nothing, their campaign could stagnate towards something long and miserable? I actually like a lot of what Port Vale have in their makeup, some good players and a mix of youth and experience, but something hasn’t been clicking under previous manager Darren Moore, perhaps Jon Brady can solve what’s been missing here? A bit of dynamism, a first clean sheet in six is a good start. They are a fantastic club though and a visit to Vale Park is a reminder of just that. You feel that the magnitude of the place, they are under-achievers perhaps, and I think their fans know it, perhaps they are happy with that tag, plodding along in the football league, a big ground and a big pitch, a nice place to come and watch a game, before they all head off into Burslem and paint the town black and white. What better way to do that I suppose, then on a Friday night? The Teams Port Vale: Joe Gauci, Mitch Clark, Ben Heneghan, Cameron Humphreys, Marvin Johnson (Jaheim Headley 75), George Hall (Mo Faal 62), George Byers, Jordan Shipley, Ben Waine (Dajuane Brown 78), Jayden Stockley (Ryan Croasdale 62), Devante Cole. Fleetwood Town: David Harrington, Toby Mullarkey (Shaun Rooney 59), Conor Haughey, Zech Medley, Harrison Neal (Kayden Hughes 59), Mark Helm, Jordan Davies (Mathew Virtue-Thick 71), Elliot Bonds, Ethan Ennis, Lewis McCann (Ched Evans 42), Will Davies (Owen Devenport 72). 7:30pm Kick Off. Friday 9th January 2026, Vale Park, Burslem (att 3,366).

Tamworth 0-2 FC Halifax Town  (National League) I’ve spent a couple of days in Whitby, with the wife and in-laws, we went up to Sandsend and Staithes, before coming home through Scarborough, Filey and Bridlington, stopping off at a lovely beach at Fraisthorpe full of dog walkers, heading back home, over the Humber Bridge at Hull towards Nottingham, where I would unload the car, have a brew, then head off again, down the M42 towards Tamworth. The Lambs took a tonking  on Boxing Day in the derby at Solihull, beaten 7-1 by the Moors which nobody saw coming, especially after beating Southend in a much closer encounter ahead of Christmas. Andy Peaks team sit mid-table but might have one eye on those below them, they take on a Halifax side who are doing ok under Adam Lakeland, knocking on the playoffs door as they always seem to, the Shaymen unbeaten in five league and cup since a 2-1 defeat at Boreham Wood in November. No shame in that, as the Wood  are a very good side. I’m looking for somewhere to park on the Kettlebrook Road, it’s actually free parking inside the club’s car park tonight but I don’t realise that until I’m walking through it. A queue of vehicles lining up towards a single security man at the gate as I walk on through the entrance to a huge waste ground, the famous Tamworth Snowdome lit up directly to my right in the dark, the Lamb ground not so well lit, dimly to my left. The Venue From the outside it looks like it’s been put together with anything the club can get its hands on, corrugated iron, various bits of scrap metal, wood, tin, ply, you name it, they’ve used it to build this red painted home that has stood here in some parts since 1934, named after the pub which also stood for many years outside the entrance. Yep, you guessed it, called the Lamb Inn. I head past the VIP door, to the main reception and entrance, where I’m told tonight, I’ll have to wear a wristband, “Is this a new idea” I ask one girl on the desk. “Yep, although I’m not doing it for you” she replies “I keep getting the stickers caught on peoples arm hairs”. Strapped up with a red tag over my wrist I’m walking around the back of the main tin stand, it has the feel of a scrap yard as I pass an old scruffy Portakabin labelled as the boardroom which has one old bloke reading a newspaper inside, then I'm around a tight corner, finally appearing pitch side, where I flash my new arm band to a casually dressed fella to get by to where I’m seated. There’s still an hour to go until kick off, the synthetic pitch slightly sloping shimmers under the partly on floodlights not yet switched fully lit above, a crisp cold one it’s been a mild winter thus far, but you sense the feel that January around the corner is going to be very different. The dark skies wrap around this tiny intimate venue as the Halifax media team chat to each other about some delays to getting their team sheet. They seem to have taken all the tables with radio and reporters filling the best spots so I’m sat to the side, at the back of the seated stand on half way, all of five or six rows up, opposite the dugouts sit almost as high as the roofed standing area behind, a TV gantry alone positioned centrally like a small shed on top of a roof, to my left, the Halifax fans slowly fill a roofed terrace area which has some big red ‘Vertu’ sponsor banner draped along its top, to my right, if I look around the red post I’m sitting next to, its open ended usually of Tamworth hardcore standing in the cold. The Game As I always do, I checked the line-ups from the last game and noticed Tamworth played three at the back and were quite obviously bad at it, so I’m surprised today, when they start with the same shape, all be it with four different faces as Matt Curley, Tom Tonks, Teo Kurtaran and Joe Rye all get the chop. Halifax are similar in formation, both teams a sort of 3-2-3-2 style (3-5-2 or 5-3-2 it always seems to evolve during the match), it’s defensively structured with Shaun Hobson sitting inside from a makeshift right back position to allow Angelo Capello at left back bomb on, whilst AJ Warburton on the right side plays almost like a wing back, rather than a traditional winger, the two holding midfielders Will Hugill and Cody Johnson start brilliantly, they are the pace setters in the centre, snapping off the ball, driving forward on it, setting Josh Hmami free in his fluid 10 role, supplying two big strikers in Will Harris and Owen Davenport with ammunition. Halifax have already forced a couple of corners as Hmami swings another from the left, Will Smith starts on the back post, races to the front post and in doing so, nods home around abouts the middle of the goal, 0-1 to the visitors after just five minutes played. Tamworth are awful, I really don’t think the shape suits them. Right back Kwaku Donkor is a good full back, but he’s not a wing back, left-wing-back Ronan Maher is a good attacking player, he’s definitely not a full back. But the midfield battle is being won which dictates everything else, Hugill and Johnson controlling things with pace and tenacity, authority, desire, you can tell when a team is up for it, they are, Tamworth just aren’t, wounded from the weekend’s loss where they were stunned for seven, young AJ Warburton has been lively down the right for Halifax, he centres a beautiful whipping cross early doors for Will Harris to tap home, 0-2 after 19 minutes, it could be another long night for the Lambs. The Score It’s whole hearted as Halifax front foot win the battle and beyond, they get the ball forward at pace, Tamworth are game, just not fully on board with how to break their opponents down, they fight hard as Kennedy Digie heads back most that’s thrown at him aerially, Milnes and Bates aren’t really helped out in midfield though, in attack they are awful, and hardly register a sniff at Sam Johnson before the break. At half time you feel they’ll make changes but they don’t, leaving it almost 20 minutes until they do, and when they do, they shift to a 4-3-3 and suddenly look more menacing going forward, Beck-Ray Enoru off the bench, instant impact with pace down the left, Ronan Maher switched over to the right side now, running at full backs like he should be, he fires over before Ben Milnes forces a good save by Johnson, suddenly if they score you feel they’ll be well in it. Somehow. But Halifax ride the storm, they defend well themselves, confident of keeping out their opponents, by the time Tom Tonks comes on they have just a couple of long throw-ins to defend, and only a few minutes to do so, even with six added on, you feel they are always too good slip up from here. The Stars Some impressive performances on the night from the away side who came to Tamworth and did what you need to do, early on, set precedent, and ensure you are ready to fight. Will Hugill did this, on the front foot from the off, setting the pace and shirking nothing in midfield, next to him, Cody Johnson is a footballers footballer throwback, classy and sassy in what he does, mostly doing it simple, chucking himself into a big tackle on the odd occasion if and when needed. I thought AJ Warburton was very lively down the right, he’s just twenty and back from Marine where he’s been on loan, Angelo Capello on the left is one of the division’s best in his position, Will Harris always a threat up front, whilst Owen Devonport was big and awkward a menace, Josh Hmami having one of his better nights under my watch, no doubt he’s a lovely footballer, when things go well for Halifax, he tends to look very good, and they tend to play better through him than not. Special mention to the back three, or three of the four who spent most of the evening in their own half. Shaun Hobson on the right side of defence, giving key instruction to Warburton in front of him, Will Smith with a goal, Adam Alimi-Adetoro offering an intimidating presence, huge in size and stature, as a left sided centre half. For Tamworth, the players I like, didn’t do too well, was that confidence? Was it down to tactics? Kwaku Donkor is a very good right back, but he was taken off midway through the second half having earned himself a silly booking, Ronan Maher did get to play all ninety, but at one stage late on, his fresh air shot nearly led to a Halifax breakaway. Alfie Bates was honest in his midfield role, young Oli Lynch improved hugely as the game went on in attack, but having started so poorly, he didn’t set a bar that was initially very high. The Verdict I want to see Tamworth do what they did in the last twenty of this game, and that’s give it a go in their true Tamworth style, down the flanks, putting balls into the box, whether it be with feet or throw, they didn’t do the basics for much of the match, and if they don’t get back to doing the basics quickly, things could become very tricky for them, in the second half of the campaign. Halifax, seem to be that team that will always be in and around the playoff places, whether they have what it takes for promotion? I’m not sure? They aren’t far off from being a very good side, they aren’t a bad side at all, but missing perhaps an extra ‘X’ factor that gives them the edge? Will Harris will score goals, Josh Hmami will make goals, but will other teams in and around them have exactly that, with slightly better players? Par for Halifax will be giving themselves a fighters chance by Easter, whilst if Tamworth are ahead of the drop zone by then, they'll be very happy indeed. The Teams Tamworth: Jas Singh, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Kennedy Digie, Haydn Hollis (Luke Fairlamb 66), Kwaku Donkor (Matt Curley 66), Alfie Bates, Ben Milnes, Ronan Maher, Stefan Mols, Oliver Lynch (Tom Tonks 80), Immanuelson Duku (Beck Ray Enoru 66). FC Halifax Town: Sam Johnson, Adam Adetoro, Shaun Hobson, Will Smith, AJ Warburton (Thierry Latty-Fairweather 90), Cody Johnson, Will Hugill, Angelo Capello, Josh Hmami (Jay Turner-Cooke 77), Owen Devenport, Will Harris (David Kawa 88). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 30th December 2025, The Lamb Ground, Tamworth (att 958).

Rushall Olympic 5-0 Chorley (National League North) I’m legging it to my car parked a good 500m from the Bescot Stadium but I’m out of breath by half way. I’m walking the last bits coughing up all sorts, this last year has been unkind to me. Now touching 45 I’m no longer playing football, not even five-a-side and other than dog walking the only exercise I get these days is a few stretches whilst singing in the shower. My wife keeps telling me I need to join a gym. I’m frantically shouting to my sat nav, ‘direct me to Rushall Olympic Football Club’ it’s just gone 2:30pm and it’s a 14 minute drive as I aim to get from one game at the Bescot to the next at Dales Lane. Foot down through the roads of Walsall as I finally pull up opposite the Royal Oak on Bosty Lane which is now an Indian Restaurant, I hop out the car and run towards the ground entrance where I ask a steward if my names on the list. “I’ve just been to the Villa match” I proudly tell him… “I’m knackered, I’ve ran here” as he responds “I hope it was worth it”. The Venue There’s a good fourteen minutes until kick off so I’m quite proud of myself but I’m still out of breath. I’m walking around the ground, taking it slow to catch my second wind as the subs warm up on the playing surface below. I do usually slightly detest these 4g surfaces but the last time I came here, with Grantham Town in 2013, the pitch was a mud bath, sloped hugely left to right, it’s flattened out somewhat but the ground has kept it’s quirky identity. Nobody ‘back then’ liked coming to Rushall, not many these days would be that keen. The low roofed stand across the length is elevated and has a steep bank below onto the pitch, a stand behind the goal ditto, in fact all sorts of quirky separate standing and seating arrangements are dashed here and there, it’s a bit of non-league football porn as a venue, put together with no thoughts for aesthetics but bustling with testosterone, ad hoc built, bit by bit as and when needed… This once huge sloping ground on a hill now with a flat(ish) synthetic pitch that has one side’s viewing facility much higher than the other, is a throw back place to watch a game of non league soccer. I walk down towards the dugouts opposite the low black roofed standing area that has Rushall Olympic Football Club written across its roof. I’m now standing lower than the playing surface at shin pad level on the concourse down from the home dugout which is on my left, as a guy next to me tells his mate “have you seen that new wooden cabin here? It looks more and more like Center Parcs every time I visit”. He's on about a glass windowed wooden bar area which is built like a chalet in one of the corners of the ground. It looks to house ‘hospitality’ as there’s tables with people sitting and watching the game behind the windows. To the side of that the players changing rooms are in the same building as the ‘original’ breeze block built clubhouse behind the goal. It’s a real mosh pit of a non league football ground and although not the most pleasing on eye, certainly has lots of character. The Game The players are out and I’m closest to the action as I’ve been since standing along the touchline for a match last year at Loughborough Dynamo, it’s great to be close up and pitch side in the open air, you can sniff the deep heat and hear every word said on this right hand wing, you really feel part of the game, especially when Rushall's goalkeeper kicks out oh his hands, everytime the ball is launched you feel it's going to hit you. Chorley in a jade number are having to battle with Rushall in yellow who put the ball on them early doors. It’s all very frantic and fast paced with no room to breathe, a cross is chucked into the back post which is headed home but the Assistant flags for the ball having previously gone out of play. "Are you sure" says one of the Rushall players to the linesman. Chorley centre half Wilson is down receiving treatment after landing funny. Another pet hate of mine on these pitches, no give. His days done, just five minutes played and he’s hobbling off. It’s a significant point of the match which sees the away side midfielder Mike Calveley forced to play at the back. Calveley is a good tidy number eight but he’s no centre half, he’s tracking back treading rubber as a ball over the top finds Danny Waldron on 38.. The big number nine is running down the wing and is allowed to cut inside before smashing home on a tight angle. The stand in defender is at fault but take nothing away from Waldron who’s run and finish is brilliant. That goal gets Rushall’s peckers up some more and after Maher is allowed to dribble into the area his low shot is palmed only into the path of Waldron who doubles advantage from close range. The better side two up at the break and flying. Celebrating right in front of us as the club photographer snaps away besides me. The Score At half time on loan Rushall sub Luther Munakandafa is warming up with a team mate as he talks to him about his parent club Manager Luke Williams at Notts County. “What's he like” says Jake Gosling a former Bristol Rovers midfielder who has caps for Gibraltar, “I love him” says Munakandafa as the two play keepy-uppy together whilst chatting away... “Do all the lads love him” says Gosling... “Yes”.. I’m trying to listen in for more Notts gossip but the venue announcer is on the PA giving raffle numbers out, the two teams then reappear as the two subs continue their chat as they walk back to the dugouts ahead of the second half. “Notts County are a huge club aren't they” says Gosling.... “Yeah they got over 14,000 to break the National League record last year” replies Munakandafa. “They'll probably go up again” predicts Gosling. It’s more of the same in the second 45. Rushall by now have Chorley on the ropes and when Maher squares it to Waldron to tap home a third that draws relief in the home team dugout that it’s pretty much match over. One player who knows this is Mike Calveley who isn’t enjoying his time at centre half. He gets in a mess when trying to play a ball back to his keeper and Waldron nips in, the striker netting his fourth of the game as he beats Urwin comically and passes into an empty net. There’s even time for a fifth. Munakandafa on as sub by now for his debut getting two bites down the left wing, his deflected cross nestling home with little more than ten to play. The Stars With four goals and a fine centre forward performance Danny Waldron was undoubtedly star of the show. His first goal was brilliant, his second two ever satisfying for a number nine right place right time inside the six yard box which is his domain, he’ll have enjoyed his fourth all be it gifted, it was his dogged persistence that made the opportunity. A tall quick player good with back to goal, a man very much in form at 27 years old. Making a couple of Waldron’s goals, left winger Ronan Maher was a lively threat off the flank whilst on the opposite side the equally diminutive Callum Coyle was almost as effective with his constant nibbling away. In midfield number eight Alex Moore, nicknames ‘Scholesy’ was spraying the passes around whilst the defence was well marshalled in particular by goalkeeper Jake Weaver who every time he touched the ball had the crowd singing his name. "Weeeaver". For Chorley, it couldn’t have been much worse. In the opening 45 I was really impressed with left winger Justin Johnson who had a good battle with Pics right back Kristian Green and even had Alex Fletcher on an early booking after fouling him in the corner. His game fizzled out as goals went in but his technique and pace didn’t go unnoticed. Jack Sampson looked like a neat number nine with good attributes but it really was slim pickings to name another player from Andy Preece’s side who did well. The Verdict Anyone can beat anyone in the National League North. No truer description than any league I’ve ever watched football in. Chorley despite defeat sit level on points for a playoff spot whilst that win takes Rushall out of the relegation zone. There was less between the two teams than you might think, just one fancied it much more on the day, the difference often at this level is 'who wants it' and Rushall from the off were a different beast more game, more up for it, more deserving, Chorley meanwhile will cross this off as one to forget. The Teams Rushall Olympic: Jake Weaver, Kristian Green, Lewis Hudson, Alex Fletcher, Jourdain Nkalambi Masidi, Mitchell Clarke, Callum Coyle, Alex Moore (Tom Tonks 83), Danny Waldron (Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton 75), Andre Carvalho-Landell (Luther Munakandafa 77), Ronan Maher. Chorley: Matthew Urwin, Adam Blakeman, Scott Wilson (Ollie Shenton 6), Mark Ellis, Jack Lewis Moore, Joe Nolan, Mike Calveley, Billy Whitehouse, Justin Johnson, Jack Hazelhurst (Josh Popoola 46), Jack Sampson (David Moyo 75). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 21st October 2023, Dales Lane, Rushall (att 350).

Boston United 1-2 Eastleigh (National League) It's been a cold frosty start to the new year and as I wake up this first Saturday of 2026 I'm soon checking my phone if today's game between Boston and Eastleigh is on. They've had the covers on overnight at the Jakemans Stadium and the head groundsman is optimistic, pitch in his opinion playable but the Referee will confirm upon his arrival at 12pm. The Eastleigh team have been staying in the area so every chance will be given to get this game on. The Hampshire based Spitfires are in their twelfth successive season in the National League. Changing their name from Swaythling Athletic in 1980, they found success at the start of the Millennium and rose from the Wessex League to the Conference South in three seasons, gaining promotion to the fifth tier in 2014 after winning the title. Ever since they have been relatively solid at the level and are unbeaten in four just four points above Boston, fourteenth in the table, the Pilgrims looking over their shoulders, eighteenth just a couple of points above the drop zone. Graham Coughlan's side lost at home to relegation rivals Brackley Town last time out, they have won just one in nine which was a 3-0 defeat of another of the division's strugglers Morecambe. Today will be testing, a win could help push the Pilgrims away from danger, a defeat may draw them in further. I'm out for lunch, the cold crisp frost is thick around my home where the black ice is very slippy, but further east I'm told by friends they've had no snow, as I head out of my estate the sun shimmers on a whitened floor that is thinning every mile I take, by the time I'm on the A52 I'm feeling optimistic that we'll all be ok. The Venue I've pulled up in Wyberton for 1:30pm having already checked my phone for updates, it seems the game is on and there's no evidence of the white stuff around here, just a bitter cold chill in the air as I walk towards the ground, trapper hat on my head, huge wind breaker coat keeping me wrapped and toasty, I've brought a portable heated seat cover and hand warmers for some extra warmth. The sun is out as I enter the ticket office where I wait to be served, then through the turnstiles, scanned in, a much needed wee before a brew and a Twix, I'm up the stairs to my seat at the back of the modern main seated stand, I noticed earlier upon arrival that there's some works going on behind the goal to my right, Boston United's Community Stadium is a three sided venue right now, but by next year it looks like the fourth stand will be finally added. The club have been at the Jakemans since 2020 when they moved from their long old home at York Street. Slowly filling are the stands and so to the media area around me, Radio Lincs, the Eastleigh lads, a couple of scouts, one who's working with Hartlepool United this season, one who's from Grimsby who's brought his lad with him to watch. "You've not been here for ages" he says. It's the first Boston game I've covered since they drew with Scunthorpe in mid October. The Game There's a minute's silence before the match, a sombre moment to reflect on those of the Boston United family lost during the last year. The Pilgrims are in retro looking orange and black, I like the simplicity of their kit, the Eastleigh side look like a 1980's Leicester City with white pinstripes on their blue fronted shirts. I should be thinking of Gary Lineker or Alan Smith but I can't get Steve Lynex out of my head. The away side managed by Kelvin Davies start well. 3-5-2 in formation they look to set Aaron Blair and Harvey Saunders in attack free at every opportunity, midfielder Lloyd Humphreys playing in a back three is launching the ball forward right footed as often as possible, but in Waite, Evans and Lundstram they have plenty of the ball centrally too. Boston are dogged in their start, my favourite player Frankie Maguire has a white headband on today, running around and falling over, not convincing the Referee, but he's in the mix of things, crossing an early corner to Gallagher who forces a flying save by Townsend, also in the mix is big Lenell John-Lewis being man handled up front and winning a foul off Eweka who in return is carded, the resulting free kick pinballs inside the area, shouts for handball are ignored as a shot cannons off a defender, the ball bounces to Sloggett who does what his name suggests he should do, Boston one up after nine minutes. It's a good game this, open and sparse from attack to attack as the Referee lets some go, you feel either team can score at any point and it takes fifteen minutes for Eastleigh to equalise, a really neat move ending with Harris crossing from the left to Saunders who heads down to send 69 singing supporters wild. The away fans have sung non stop and deserved their celebration in the sun on the far side, as the sky starts to glow a similar orange to the Boston shirts. The Score I say at half time I didn't expect it to be quite so entertaining, the scout next to me says "it'll probably be much scrappier in the second half". You feel both teams would be happy with a point today but Boston come out again on the front foot, another corner offers danger as Lankshear forces Townsend again into action, but as the game starts to slip into some middle minute mediocrity a long ball forward by Eastleigh should be cleared by Boston goalkeeper Rhys Lovett, he gets his clearance all wrong and Aaron Blair has suddenly an open goal to walk into, some last ditched defending can't save the day, Eastleigh have been given a gift to take the lead. Shortly after the hour, Ken Aboh comes on for Boston but at the same time Kelvin Davies makes three changes, completely reshuffling his side who then go to 4-4-2, this helps them manage the later minutes brilliantly as Boston fail to lay a glove, Aboh shows promise but chances are limited, I'm surprised Graham Coughlan leaves it until 88 minutes to make a further attacking change, when he does, Jordy Hiwula instantly forces a free kick on the edge of the area, Matty Carson who's scored from these areas before, curls agonisingly over. The Stars A very good away performance by Eastleigh who had Nick Townsend to thank for a couple of important stops. Defensively they were physical in big Aaron Pierre and Temitope Eweka with Lloyd Humphries moving into midfield from his right sided defensive position to manage the last half hour with more steel and substance centrally. I liked some moments from Sam Pearson at right wing back, Archie Harris very good down the left, Will Spiers on loan from Cardiff, brilliant when he came on, whilst in midfield James Waite, Kieran Evans and Josh Lundstram all had plenty of work ethic, decent fight with a bit of quality on the ball. The front pair also doing well, Harvey Saunders getting a well taken goal as did Aaron Blair, who's a hard working runner and ponytailed irritant who I really like the look of, he's done well since a summer move from Maidstone were he also scored a lot of goals. As for Boston, they weren't bad at all, plenty of promise in the first half, they have good young players in Alex Lankshear who can play left back or centre half, in Connor Teale who can play right back or centre half, in Oisin Gallagher who on loan from Lincoln, looks to be ever more accomplished at this level the more he plays, he can play centre midfield or centre half, a big lad who's decent on the ball, rumour is that Lincoln City see him more as a defender and that's where they prefer Boston to play him. I like Frankie Maguire's endeavour, Kieren Donnelly looks like an honest centre forward and that honesty will always lead to chances, Ken Aboh who's on loan from Norwich City came on and made a real positive impact, he goes back soon but I would like to see him play more at the level as he's certainly got ability to beat players, Boston happy to give him the ball and let him work his magic. The Verdict There's plenty of worse teams in the division than Boston this season, but Eastleigh aren't one of them, they were relatively solid across the park and I was most impressed how they switched formations with half an hour to go, and saw the game out convincingly, they only had a couple of chances, which they took, whilst they had one corner and defended a dozen from the home side, defensively strong, they look capable of hurting opponents on the break, and they'll be more than comfortable in the middle of the National League pack this season. This time last year Boston were a million miles worse off than they are now, at least their heads are currently above water, no win in four is a slight concern, and they have Braintree next who are just a point below them, win that and troubles ease, lose it, and they may start to panic, but my advise is don't, because I do see this side winning more than enough points to survive, they just need a run of good form to lift them away from troubles. The Teams Boston United: Rhys Lovett, Marcel Lavinier (Matty Carson 44), Connor Teale, Adam Crowther, Alex Lankshear, Oisin Gallagher, Greg Sloggett, Jordan Richards, Frankie Maguire (Jordy Hiwula 88), Kieren Donnelly (Ken Aboh 63), Lenell John-Lewis. Eastleigh: Nick Townsend, Luke Humphries, Aaron Pierre, Temitope Eweka, Sam Pearson (Will Spiers 63), Josh Lundstram (Angel Wariuh 89), Kieron Evans, James Waite (Luey Giles 64), Archie Harris, Harvey Saunders (Paul McCallum 63), Aaron Blair. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 3rd January 2026, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,678).