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Boston United 1-2 Eastleigh (National League) Boston United have only once before played against Eastleigh. Earlier this season when optimism was high, the newly promoted Pilgrims led on the road against the ten men Spitfires through a first half Sam Osborne goal, only to concede a 95th minute penalty converted by Chris Maguire which resulted in a 1-1 draw. The Hampshire based outfit are making the 360 mile round trip today along with 40 fans as they bid to push themselves towards the playoff places from their comfortable mid table slot. Boston beat Fylde last week and are still hopeful of making up a nine point gap for a chance of safety but lose this, they know things will be incredibly tough to survive the much expected inevitable drop back down to the North. I'm on the road at 12:30, the Mrs late back from shopping and a spot of road works on the A52 has me pushing for time to ensure I arrive an hour before KO. I'm through Grantham where I overtake a learner to notice a parked Police van with a speed gun on my right. Another f*cking speed awareness course now pending. I'm fuming for being caught on a clear country road with nothing around, set up by a deliberately delaying driving instructor and some slow to death hill trudging and a hidden cop with his pants probably around his ankles after catching me. "Haven't they got real crooks to catch" is my cry. The Venue Finally calmed down, arrived and parked up, I'm inside the stadium with plenty of time ahead, where I watch a few minutes of Everton v Man Utd on the big screen in the concourse whilst stirring some milk into a cup of tea I've just brought alongside a kit kat and packet of fruit pastels. Up to the media area the weather is lush, blue skies has the pitch glow bright green, it's always in cracking condition here in Boston, the grounds team certainly do their jobs well. The three sided arena is in healthy spirits ahead of the match, predictions within the media circles are for a tight game and a tough test for Boston, Eastleigh having won their last two would no doubt fancy their chances of taking all three points back south. The Game Boston have set up to not get beat, new signing Brad Nicholson returns after half a season on Scunthorpe's bench, he's left back, traditionally a centre half he has Cam Green ahead of him who can also play left back, a midfield is workmanlike and unimaginative with the legs of Hill and Maguire sitting as subs, Hazel and Knowles up front hardly get any service, it's niggly, stop start, perhaps the way Boston wants it? The Pilgrims using the long throw of Nicholson at every attempt, issue is he keeps throwing it to McDonnell in the Eastleigh goal. There's nothing in the first half, the Referee is finicky and there's hardly any flow, but the away side get in down the right on 38, it's the first time they've really penetrated Boston's defence, the ball falling back to Jake Taylor inside the area, he scuffs one goalwards and into the corner to open the score. Eastleigh should double their advantage before half time, steeling the ball when Woods is caught sloppily in possession, Boutin is set through but his shot is saved by Gregory, the French winger opting for the near post when he had the whole of the goal to aim for. The Score You feel Boston are happiest to get into the break and reset as we discuss the possibilities of changes, one of which you feel is adamant, Martin Woods in midfield who's been a passenger, now 39, he needs legs around him and has really shown his age today, but he's left on as Graham Coughlan miraculously makes four other changes at the break, a message to his team that the first half wasn't good enough. And Boston do start the second half much better, a succession of corners has them in the hunt, but things filter out and on 77 Tyrese Shade dances through their defence. It's a brilliant goal as the left footer cuts in from the right and skips past three or four amber shirts before blasting home a beauty. Shade then stands in front of the Boston supporters, arms aloft, no reaction, as most perhaps prefer to nod in appreciation of his fine work. The difference on the day is how clinical Eastleigh are in attack. You feel that's it, but Boston do have spirit within them under Coughlan, they win a free kick on 90 and Maguire floats in to Connor Teale who heads home, that suddenly springs Boston into gear again as six minutes extra are hosted up on a board by the fourth official, but despite Boston pushing, they in the end run out of time. The final whistle see's a young boy no older than ten who had earlier booted a ball kicked out onto the pitch, he's running around now on the pitch with stewards chasing him, pulling faces one finally catches him and doesn't let go, as we head for the exits we're all in agreement that he's ran more than most of Boston's midfielders today, and that was perhaps the best of the action on show. The Stars Not to be undone, Tyrese Shade's moment of magic was for me a better watch than some kid being a prat with his parents nowhere to be seen, his goal, brilliantly taken, topped an afternoon's good work, always a threat out wide he's now 24, having spells previously with Leicester, Walsall, Swindon and Solihull, perhaps now playing his best football at Eastleigh. Shade was decent out right, as was Boutin on the left, 21-years-old he's on loan from Bournemouth and looks to be one to watch. Ludwig Francillette at the heart of the defence another who shone, with a solid all round performance, leggy and combative, good aerially he had a decent tussle with Jacob Hazel who did well with limited service for Boston, one player worth a mention for Eastleigh, despite not having many shots to save, was goalkeeper Joe McDonnell, not the tallest, but he claimed cross after cross, around seven or eight long throw-ins by Brad Nicholson were claimed by the former AFC Wimbledon man which certainly eased the pressure on his defence, no doubt his manager, Kelvin Davies, a former goalkeeper himself, will be very happy with McDonnell's work. For Boston, no real stand out stars, Zak Mills again playing centre half is one who always puts a shift in, I really like Connor Teale who goes about his defensive work soundly, both Teale and Mills in for a tough afternoon against 'big' Scott Quigley, often stuck to their tasks well. The midfield changes at half time allowed Frankie Maguire to again come on and impress me, "he always looks knackered" said a scout next to me, before an inevitable burst of running again, he works his socks off and should be a player at this level, or above, for a few years to come. Tony Weston also doing well, he's on loan from Derby County, just 21, positive in his play, he's not really taken off at Boston, a largely struggling team, but get good players in and around him and his ball use and energy is often good. The Verdict Eastleigh's win takes them to a place outside the playoffs where they are five points behind Altrincham who they beat a couple of weeks back. I have Eastleigh as a 'solid' mid-table National League side which is by no means of disrespect, quite the opposite, I like what they do, I like their spine and experience and I like that they're the type of team that all opponents in the division will respect. Out wide they have players with pace, through the middle they are all up for the fight. Boston, up for the fight but lacking in height, they feel a little weak for the level, despite having some good players, it feels each game they are still to find the perfect blend, a week before March and the start of spring, that's always a telling tale that a team is just not working. Still, needing a centre half, still, perhaps needing some size and experience in midfield (with legs) and then, we may start to see something of a more settled eleven who can fight to get out of trouble. The Teams Boston United: Cameron Gregory, Cameron Green (Adam Marriott 46), Keaton Ward (Tony Weston 46), Jacob Hazel, Martin Woods (James Gale 71), Jai Rowe, Connor Teale, Brad Nicholson, Jimmy Knowles (Frankie Maguire 46), Jordan Richards (Dylan Hill 46), Zak Mills. Eastleigh: Joe McDonnell, Luis Fernandez, Ludwig Francillette, Jake Taylor ((Jesrum Uchegbulam 65), Tyrese Shade (Connor Underhill 81), Lee Hodson, Angel Waruih, Scott Quigley, Noa Boutin (Corey Panter 88), Ben Close (Lloyd Humphries 59), Niall Maher. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 22nd February 2025, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,832).

Barwell 2-2 Quorn (Southern League Central Division) So that's it then. Over for another year. Christmas day flashes before our eyes and we're already thinking about 2026 , my wife has us already looking at summer holidays to Croatia. I got a whiskey smoking kit and a chargeable heated seat pad, the latter of which I will aim to use over the upcoming games, perhaps a bit overkill for today as it's not that cold out and I'm not entirely sure how it works yet, a bit of drizzle in the air as I head to Leicestershire for a derby match between the counties third and fourth best teams (no prizes for guessing who's top). Quorn are third in the division behind leaders Spalding United of Lincolnshire and second placed Harborough Town (the second best team in Foxes County behind, you've guessed it, Leicester City), Barwell are fourteenth and fourth best in the county of Leicestershire, they drew last time out at St Ives having beaten Banbury United at a game I was at earlier in the month, Quorn themselves lost at home to Worcester having won four straight games pre-Xmas. I've heard their lead up was slightly dented by a bit of illness in the camp, which might have hindered performance in a 4-2 home defeat seven days ago. I'm on the road, heading down the A46, Forest are playing against Manchester City in the Premier League early kick off, my mood was dampened slightly on Christmas Day after hearing former Reds winger John Robertson sadly passed away, I'm joining in with the minutes applause which is played through the radio on five live as I wait at the traffic lights of the Hobby Horse Roundabout, Robbo won two European Cups under the legendary Brian Clough who called him 'a Picasso' when given a yard of grass. A scruffy bugger, you would often see him sitting outside his favourite café in West Bridgford suited up, with messy hair, a fag on and a glass of wine, a lovely humble down to earth man who you wouldn't recognise has done it all, a two-footed footballer, one of the best, who did beautiful things in the beautiful game. My sat nav has taken me a different route today, through Leicester Forest East, as I cross over the M1 which looks very busy indeed, down the A47 Hinckley Road, it's a lot more direct than my usual trek through quiet and bouncy country cut throughs, I've arrived in good time to pull up at my standard spot on Kirkby Road, next to Barwell Cemetery and Kirkby Road Community Park which is just across the way from Barwell Sports Club. The Venue "You can't get a beer inside you know" I'm told as I walk through the turnstile ahead of 2pm. "It's ok, I'm working today, a cup of tea will do". I'm first in, I'm told, but I do notice a couple of injured players and wags already inside the venue sat high up on the top row (8) of the main stand. It's got a real village vibe has Barwell FC, situated next to the bowls and cricket club. The green seated stand is homely hogging half way, the ground condensed by fencing that surrounds the rest of the place. There's a kiosk near the players changing rooms, inside the kitchen hatchet you can smell chip fat and see smoke swirling around the ceiling, I'm starving having felt a bit rough in the morning, still recovering from my festivities and extended use of my new whiskey smoking kit from the night(s) before. I grab some chips and curry with a cup of tea and Yorkie and head up to the back row on half way to fuel myself ahead of the players warm ups. It's fresh up here, a bit of a breeze but a great view, halfway line directly in front, the Quorn players come out to flick their heals and dust off their turkey dinners as Deen Master gets a jovial solitary boo, he used to play here before making the switch to the Stotto Stadium. In fact the stand I'm in is apparently named after him, although the banner behind me reads Dean Masters, whoever he is? Barwell defender Sid Aitcha has just arrived in full tracksuit at 2:20pm, running in with his boots in his hand, he's in the starting XI today but for some reason he's late, the lack of preparation costs him a place in the team as he drops down to the bench with the experienced Isaiah Osbourne instead starting in his place. It's packing in nicely ahead of kick off, there's a couple of old boys sat in front who recognise me from the Banbury match. "Where's your blanket today" they ask. "Wait till you see the heated seat I got for Xmas" I reply. The Game There's over 500 inside but it's a bit of a low key start for a derby game. Quorn have a lot of the ball but there's the odd pass that leads astray, the odd touch that bounces away, the away side look the better of the two, and the league table would suggest so, but Barwell are organised, hard to break down and they have the better chance early on, Jevin Seaton running clear and set free alone, but he places wide when it looked easier to score when one on one. Both teams look similar in shape and style, Quorn attack often down their left, former Barwell left back Deen Master links well with Will O'Boyle who's their creative number eight, not yet having his best match, things aren't quite pulling off for him, top goalscorer Simeon Cobourne is quiet, on the periphery, sniffing an opportunity but nothing of note comes his way. Barwell look dangerous on the break. Ethan Hill in midfield is showing good positivity, I like the look of him, a rough around the edges enforcer who will take the ball and push his team forward, he looks for positive passes to the likes of Kane Richards and Anthony Dwyer, the latter jinks in down the right, it's the first time he's properly got away, his low cross fizzes across the box and Mason Frizelle can only convert it into his own net. A goal which hopefully springs some life into the game. The old boys in front have been chatting about what they had for Boxing Day dinner. One of them tells of his cheese board and some pickled onions infused with bay leaf's and chilli's, giving a real kick to the taste sensation, "they were lovely" he says. They've got the hip flasks out, one of them has a mini bottle of slow gin which is offered over to me at half time. "Have some of that he says, that should warm you right up". The Score Mason Frizelle missed a chance to make up for his error ahead of the break, blasting over from close range when the ball was nodded down to him inside the area, and Quorn have come out in the second half, finding a second gear, a leveller soon comes with Fyfe crossing low to Cobourne who classily converts, it all looks so simple. Quorn are on the front foot and putting their hosts under pressure, Zak Goodson their playmaker wearing seven, he becomes more influential, he has time and space just inside the area, to shoot low and hard, the away side soon have the lead. But Barwell aren't done yet, they ride their luck before Kane Richards gets space out right, he blasts in on the angle and sets up a spicy remainder late on, the rain has been hurling down, the wind gushing across the pitch, it's been a horrible day but a brilliant game that started slowly, brewing into a classic. Substitute Tetlow cracks a post for Quorn as injury time approaches, then Goodson hits wide when he should have made the keeper work, there's nine minutes of added but no winner is found, a bit of relief for Barwell, a couple of points perhaps dropped for Quorn. The players applauded off for giving their all. The Stars The home side certainly worked hard for their point and it was the unspectacular water carriers who dug in, catching the eye the most, Ethan Hill might not have the guile of others but he has charisma and desire which you need in the engine room of midfield, especially aside the immobile Isaiah Osbourne who perhaps has seen better days. I was impressed by centre half Freddie Cook who's a big lad with good feet, defends well and is tidy on the ball himself, in attack Barwell are a nuisance with Seaton, Dwyer and Richards all possessing something different, power, panache, pace. Their right full back Kornell McDonald also doing very well, against a lively left side of Quorn. The second time in as many matches I was impressed with Quorn's full backs, Silvio Bello didn't put a foot wrong out right, Deen Master against his old club, often bombing forward, almost scored with a jinking run, he combined with Will O'Boyle who got better in the game from midfield, as did Zak Goodson who alongside Reece Fyfe look a terrific trio. Simeon Cobourne got his goal, an Ian Wright like poacher who you might keep quiet for 89 and a half minutes. Gafar Abari looked a threat down the right and Dennis Digie looked lively when he came on, an awkward front man who gave Barwell's defence plenty to think about. The Verdict A draw perhaps fair outcome on Derby day, Quorn are the better team but Barwell battled and will fight anyone in the division toe to toe, I think they are perhaps a better team than their position suggests? In Manager Jimmy Ginnelly they have a competent squad that will turn plenty over in the second half of the season, especially at their home known for sponsorship reasons as the Crown Skip Hire Stadium. Ryan Bestwick has built a bloody good Quorn team who are sitting comfortably now inside the playoffs, if they can keep up their form they'll be in it to win it, and promotion will be even closer to reality. Still a long way to go, I wonder will they have their sticky moment? Are they perhaps in their sticky moment? But if they can make the top five come season end, it'll be considered huge success regardless what happens after. The Teams Barwell: Finn Osborn, Kornell McDonald, Will Grewal-Pollard (Sid Aitcha 36), Freddie Cook, Ethan Hill, Kane Richards, Tyree Wilson (Tyrell Waite 74), Anthony Dwyer (Elwalid Elhaghany 80), Sonny Singh, Jevin Seaton, Isaiah Osbourne (Ryan Hayes 83). Quorn: Adam Harrison, Silvio Bello, Deen Master, Luke Cox (Jasper Tetlow 57), Mason Frizelle, Reece Fyfe, Zak Goodson, Finn O'Boyle, Simeon Cobourne (Austin Samuels 83), Cain Noble, Gafar Abari (Dennis Digie 71). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 27th December 2025, Kirkby Road, Barwell (att 543).

Brackley Town 0-2 Morecambe  (National League) So DAZN have decided to piss off the whole of the National League Premier Division this weekend by playing every game at any other time they can bar 3pm on a Saturday afternoon, which in a funny way actually works well for me as I took the dog to see Santa yesterday, and initially thought I might miss out on my last round of games before Christmas. It means I can keep the wife happy with a trip to some puppy play field near Hemel Hempstead and still get to go to work, a Sunday lunchtime in Brackley a satisfying compromise. Both teams are struggling, I last seen Brackley beat Braintree in a stinker of a game on bonfire night, whilst I watched Morecambe back in October lose at Scunthorpe. The Saints are hovering dangerously above the relegation places whilst the Shrimps are just three points below safety, a proverbial six pointer even at this time of the season, all be it with still a long way to go. Morecambe’s last win was actually against Brackley in November, a 2-0 victory at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, was only three league matches ago, they did beat Gateshead last week in the FA Trophy and drew with Yeovil in the league after seeing off the Saints last month, but Ashvir Singh Johal’s team lost big games at Braintree and at home to Boston who are also in and around the danger zone. Since their last win at Braintree, Brackley have lost five league games in a row, they did knock Boreham Wood out of the FA Trophy on penalties last weekend, but things have been tough recently for Gavin Cowan and his team who have slipped down the table, after a good start to the season initially. I’m up early, leaving my home at half nine with a flask of tea, a foggy, misty, cold December’s morning, grey and dull with a crisp bite of winter chill, down the M1 heading south and crossing the A43 from Northampton Services, west, past signs for Silverstone and eventually into Brackley, past the home of Mercedes F1 racing and onto Churchill Way where I pull up in good time, and walk the remainder through a housing estate towards St James Park. The Venue It’s a friendly little place here, as the car park attendant says hello, I walk straight to a red painted shipping container which has a sign on it for ‘ticket office’ and to the back of a small queue where an old boy is standing at the front, telling the woman behind the window he’s had bad depression, and doesn’t do online ticket orders. It’s a bit of a wait until he’s done, before I get to say my name and get my pass, I walk behind the big modern structured clubhouse which looks like a sports centre from outside, I’m around the back to the turnstiles where they have Santa hats which they are giving away free, I’ve already got my best winter headwear on, so decline the offer and make way straight to the press seats. It’s not yet 11am and there’s a queue for bacon rolls which are being served out of the hatch in the clubhouse, the players just starting to come out onto the pitch to warm up, surface looking in fine condition considering the recent wet weather, all be it under light drizzling grey skies, I’m joined by a scout from Carlisle United who’s watching Morecambe today, the Cumbrians travel to the Shrimps a week on Tuesday when I’ll be at Tamworth verses Halifax to close out the year. It's touchline tasty here, the radio commentators line the designated press seats on the back row, so I sit just in front, three rows high, centre of the pitch, obstructed views of the left and right corners where fans stand in my line of sight, but real close to play, spitting distance from the near touchline. The stands are small, some seated, some standing, some open space for perching up against the barriers, it’s red and grey and has modern feeling, but compact, I suppose when you think of non-league football in 2025, this is the sort of place you expect to see. Tree lined opposite side where the dugouts and two tin stands sit left and right of a metal camera gantry, to my right, industrial units and netting hog the horizon background, the Morecambe fans congregated under cover to the left, behind the goal, singing away. The Game A posh couple have sat in front of me, irritatingly, as play only just gets underway, they are standing in front and hopping over seats to take their pews, I’m listening in as they chat away about their granddaughters Mollie and Elsie and which craft pub to go after this match, hardly watching the game in front, so engrossed in their conversation, but every now and again the woman sporadically jumps up off her seat and says ‘C’MON BRACKLEY’. “Sorry, not in your way am I” she says to me as she sits back down. It’s a slow start, Morecambe have more of the ball, I chatted with Carlisle’s scout about how they’ll play before the match and we both agreed they have good players to look out for, one of them mentioned was Miguel Azeez who’s been floating around in midfield brilliantly, subtle deft touches, neat and forward thinking, he starts everything off from deep and is a real positive footballer, easy on the eye. I like Maldini Kacurri at centre half, he’s bigger than I thought, seeing him this close up, I’ve told the Carlisle scout to watch him marauding forward every now and again but there’s none of that today, he’s disciplined, solid, taking no more than one or two touches when in possession, not taking any chances or unwarranted risks. Morecambe are oddly 4-2-1-3 (a simple twist on 4-2-3-1) with Ben Tollitt out on the left wing, Jack Nolan is on the right, Rolando Aarons is central attacker whilst George Thomas, who was brilliant as a left winger when I watched him verses Scunthorpe, he’s floating in the free role, hard to pick up. There’s half an hour gone and really not much has happened, other than the conversations in front of me from this posh couple who keep babbling on, Jack Nolan has the ball out right, he’s dinked a cross into the box, Rolando Aarons should do better, it’s headed up, Cameron Gregory in goal comes to collect the ball, but collides with his defender, George Thomas stabs out a foot and prods home to give the Shrimps the lead. They’ve deserved it, Brackley are every bit as bad as they were when I watched them play Braintree, their 5-3-2 is set up for defending bigger and better threats than Morecambe, but it’s a formation that is probably not best used when you are facing a team below you at home, their defence has been breached, but their forward play is limited. Morgan Roberts offers some persistence running in behind, Scott Pollock in midfield, busy, is getting into good positions, but Morecambe don’t look in any danger of conceding in a pretty drab first half. One which they are most happy about.   The Score I think the Carlisle scout has had enough of this chirpy old couple talking nonsense, at half time he tells me “I’m off for a wonder” as I chat to an old boy who I’ve seen here before, he’s a Northampton fan who tells me stories of their former player Sean Dyche drinking in the town’s establishments. The second half starts but the chap in front’s head is now cold, his wife says, “I’ve brought you a Brackley Town hat for Christmas”. Rolling it out of her pocket she continues “you can wear it now, and I’ll wrap it up again for Christmas Day”. He slips the red woolly over his head and tells her “I love it. Can I get you one” she replies, “I think I brought you the last one”. By now Brackley are pushing with a few near misses off target, striker Danny Newton has come on for Jack Price, Newton who’s a Brackley legend signed for Harborough Town in the summer but can’t get in at step three level, so the Saints have loaned him back from the Bees, the 34-year-old has seen better days, but he still offers a goal threat, sniffing in and around the box. Morecambe however are resilient today, they seem to believe in the game plan from their coach and look better drilled than the last time I saw them, decent on the break, Miguel Azeez starts another move by flicking the ball over an opponent’s head in midfield, he plays to Nolan who plays in Lewis Payne who has a low shot saved by Gregory. Brackley are still pushing, they send players forward for a corner which is half cleared and when Byrne’s loose pass is intercepted, Azeez is set free again, he plays a lovely cross field pass for Tollitt who’s now through on goal, Thomas outside him, instead of shooting, Tollitt unselfishly rolls the ball into the former QPR wingers path who slots it into an empty net. That goal on the break pretty much seals Brackley’s fate, but they do have a chance late on, when Jamal Blackman makes a fine save from Danny Newton, inside the six yard box he looks odds on to score, the big goalkeeper diving to his left to keep out the attempt low down, you can tell from that moment, it’s really not been the home sides day. The away fans sing "Jingle Bells" with the words "Oh what fun it is to see Morecambe win away". The Stars Man of the match for me is Miguel Azeez who looks to be a player who can play at a much higher level. Younger brother of Millwall’s Femi, he’s a very different player, soft and silky, driving forward from midfield positions. It’s actually an impressive performance from all those in grey, and blue, their goalkeeper Jamal Blackman is solid and dominates his box, defensively, centre halves Kacurri and Sesay are very good, full backs Lewis Payne and Raheem Conte, two young boys, both have potential, they were subbed during the second half where Mo Sangare came on and did well at left back, Ludwig Francillette moving to centre half and playing well, as Maldini Kacurri shifted over to right back without stress, Morecambe seem to have around 40 players, if they can get their starting XI all signing and dancing together, they don’t have a bad as team as their league position suggests. Arjan Raikhy who I seen fail at Boston United earlier this season, did well in the centre of the park, Jack Nolan a constant threat out right, he looks a little on the tubby side but he certainly has some skill, whilst George Thomas was floating like a butterfly, stinging, like a bee. Not a memorable match for any Brackley fan to get excited about. An error by their keeper who got his chance after playing well in the shootout win over Boreham Wood in the FA Trophy. I do like their back five, Lyttle, Morrison, Nottingham, Dean, Calder, all no-nonsense defenders, the centre backs head and clear, the full backs get forward and cross well, they always give 100% whilst in midfield they sometimes seem a little light in numbers, I like Jack Price who’s now mid thirties, Scotty Pollock runs around and gets into goalscoring positions, Zak Brown for me is better than bench fodder, but other than that, I do wonder about their goal threat. The Verdict Morecambe are now level points with Brackley (20pts) after 23 played (exactly halfway through their season). They feel like they have a togetherness, they all believe in the project, and certainly have enough squad depth to cope with the heavy festive and winter period ahead. I still don’t know if they’ll put a run together and get out of danger comfortably, they could more likely take things to the last day, or even be down as early as early April, it’s a complete guess, they have the talent, but do they have the tenacity? Do they have the tactics? My concern is the naivety they sometimes play with might prove costly when it matters most? Brackley do have a game in hand on Morecambe, they have the sort of players you would usually want in a relegation scrap, experience, no-nonsense, they have the tenacity, but do they have the goals? Do they have the talent? I do worry that as one of just two part time teams in the National League this year, if they have enough in their armour to survive? The Teams Brackley Town:  Cameron Gregory, Tyler Lyttle, Riccardo Calder (Connor Hall 82), Jack Price (Danny Newton 57), Michael Nottingham, Kyle Morrison (Bryon Pendleton 69), Gareth Dean, Scott Pollock (Zak Brown 82), Morgan Roberts, Matt Lowe, Shane Byrne. Morecambe:  Jamal Blackman, Lewis Payne (Ludwig Francillette 59), Raheem Conte (Mohamed Sangare 59), Maldini Kacurri, Alie Sesay, Miguel Azeez, Arjan Raikhy (Emerson Sutton 79), George Thomas, Jack Nolan (Ma’Kel Campbell 90), Rolando Aarons (Elijah Dixon-Bonner 79), Ben Tollitt. 12:00pm Kick Off. Sunday 21st December 2025, St James Park, Brackley (att 1,055).

Scarborough Athletic 0-3 Radcliffe  (National League North) I was supposed to watch Scarborough verses Hereford last week but the game at Bridlington got called off due to a waterlogged pitch. I didn’t even know that the Seadogs were playing at Queensgate until I got wind of the postponement, so that would have been fun, turning up at the Flamingo Land Stadium and seeing doors locked and half their plastic pitch torn up. I think the move is for this year only, as repairs are undertaken at the Scarborough Sports Village, the fan own club are apparently playing for free at the home of Bridlington Town just ten miles down the road, mind you Brid will get a good return out of it as regardless, Boro always bring with them a good backing. They have been doing ok this season under Jonathan Greening, his fifth season in charge at the club, sitting in the playoff zone but Scarborough have stumbled a bit of late, no win in four, they have drawn their last three league games and have only one win in nine in all competitions. I saw them get beat heavily at title chasers South Shields in October and they have only picked up six points since then. Radcliffe are another funny team, packed with talent they are without a win in six, although they did beat Bradford Park Avenue in an FA Trophy shootout in that run, they can make the playoffs with victory tonight. In charge of the blue ‘Boro’ is Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson, they might sound more like a solicitors firm than a management duo but the pair have pedigree in the lower echelons of English football, you might remember them from their days in charge of managing Salford City and the documentary ‘Class of 92’ but they have been at Radcliffe now for a few seasons, enjoying promotion during 2023/24 and survival during the last campaign at step 2. It's a good couple of hours and more from my house is Bridlington so I’m out the door around 3pm heading towards the A1 and up the M18 as the sun goes down in the west, darkness in the East, a short stop off in Howden has me pack a peperami and pork pie for the rest of the journey, which is up the A614 through Holme on Spalding Moor and Bainton, before circling around Driffield through Burton Agnes and Carnaby, finally reaching Brid for around 6pm. The Venue I’ve pulled up outside a chippy on Queensgate which is opposite the ground, I’ve time to bag some grub so walk in and spot two old boys in blue hats frying some fish, the shop is dated, retro, selling old-skool drinks like dandelion & burdock and lager shandy, they haven’t looked up in around five minutes as myself, another fella and the Uber Eats man waits patiently in the shop, eventually I’m served, freshly sliced potatoes (some wider than others) and battered fish straight from the North Sea, I notice Bridlington Town’s December fixtures are on the wall, the owner of the chippy saying “are you ear for the footy”. We get chatting and turns out he’s a non-league buff himself, in fact the chip shop closes at 7pm weeknights, probably so he can go get showered, changed and walk over to the ground and watch the game. Fed and oiled I’m ready to walk across the road, I’ve parked in a permit spot that allows you an hour up until 7pm, the trick is getting their at five past six and making full use of the system. Bridlington Town Football Club share their facilities with the rugby club who are next door, I’m walking through a large car park full of potholes as I look for the door, the turnstiles hidden around the corner from the clubhouse, which is packed, as I’m directed back through it to get my press pass. “I can’t find you” says a man in hi vis on the clubhouse door, before finally noticing my name jotted down to allow me in. Once inside I’m really impressed with the look and layout of the spacious clubhouse, very inviting and comfortable looking, large and red painted, it’s behind the goal glass windowed and you walk through the door towards the pitch, huge netting in front to catch some stray balls. The ground is beautiful, it’s my first visit and I’m admiring the nostalgic seaside feel to it, wide and long pitch, quite a distance are the spectators from behind the goal, there’s a beer kiosk, a programme hut, the old main stand that runs the length of the pitch is one to behold, seated in one half, standing in the other, a glass box for media and the players tunnels in the middle. It’s full of posts and poles, I’m struggling to find somewhere to sit so I can see the whole pitch, in the end I’m three rows up and having to bend my neck on the near side where I’m partially blinded by a pillar, the remainder of my view however is pretty good, close to the action, cushty. There’s a classic roofed stand behind the goal to my right whilst most of the far side which has the dugouts is open to the elements, you can see the rugby stand in the background as four floodlights beam down on the fluffy and squidgy looking surface below. The Game As I did last night, I’ve brought my scotch blanket with me to wrap across my knees, a fella from Scarborough says “you’ve come prepared” and sits himself down in front of me, he’s brought his cushion, I tell him “That’s the one thing I’ve not got, I’ll ask my wife to get me one for Christmas”. The game gets underway, Radcliffe in blue and yellow, Scarborough at temporary home where everything is painted red, themselves not looking out of place in all red, but it’s a start that tells a tale, Radcliffe take no chances, they smash the living daylights out of anything that comes near their half, they’ll get it and play in midfield and in attack, they’ll chase everything down. Scarborough aren’t at it, they have some good lads, but you don’t feel they want it as much as Radcliffe do, Harry Green poses a threat down the left, he’s taking on the defender and looking a menace, but too many players want to go sideways or backwards, they’ll jog instead of sprint, dangle rather than commit, lean in instead of shove. It’s early doors and Danny Greenfield and Matt Sargent are already running things in midfield, Greenfield is a player I really like, he used to play for Scarborough, Radcliffe have broken with a long ball forward and Kieran Weledji has been caught wrong side, he fouls Jordan Hulme who’s running towards goal, a yellow card, but more importantly, a free kick in a dangerous position, Greenfield stands over it, right footed, slowly running up and whipping the ball home into the top corner before running over to celebrate in front of us. “Fuck off Greenfield” is one cry, “Scarborough reject” is another, “He should still be playing for us” says one fan as Radcliffe trot happily back to their halves with a lead. The Score It’s more than deserved as Radcliffe do everything with intent, I love how their defenders defend, the ball at times hit higher than the floodlights, I presume they are told to simply ‘leather the fuck out of it’ and on instruction take just one touch to get the ball as far away from their goal as possible. It’s causing Scarborough havoc, they have some nice players, Rocco Coyle wants to get it and play it, no-one else is on his ‘academy trained’ wavelength, Jake Hull is a young man mountain at the back, he’s having to do his share of heading, but when Scarborough get it, they pass it with a half arsed hope that the other fella will do something, Radcliffe differ in manner, the lad, whoever is on the ball for them, is saying, ‘I’ve got this, this is me, you’re getting it, let's fucking have it’. Michael Afuye is brilliant down the right, running with pace and tenacity, the two strikers Hulme and Clegg have not stopped running, working hard for the team, the defenders defending, the midfielders midfielding. That said, Scarborough do have a chance, a corner is won and a header by Hull who’s the tallest player on the park by some distance, crashes the ball off the bar, a scare that will give Jonathan Greening some hope at half time? Perhaps? Well. No.. Because Radcliffe win a succession of corners themselves, Afuye crosses into the danger area and Rick Smith rises, 2-0 on the stroke of the break, a goal which probably seals the deal. And no sooner does the second half start do things get even worse for Scarborough, Afuye teasing again, threads a ball through to Rio Clegg, he’s running at defenders back-tracking before letting go a shot which takes a nick, looping over Whitley in goal and adding a third, a sucker blow for the hosts who might have had a rocket up their arse at the interval, to no useful avail. You feel that there’s not enough fight, tonight, from Scarborough, before Kieran Weledji who’s already on a booking, gets himself in trouble after a bad challenge on the far side, mayhem breaks loose, Weledji who has been one of the few committed Seadogs tonight, has over-stepped his mark, a red card for him and an early bath, a night which can’t get much worse, and thankfully doesn’t for the hosts. The later stages are interchanged with numerous subs which stops and starts the flow, there’s a debut for recently signed Bury forward Tyler James who comes on for Radcliffe, whilst Theo Chapman of Scarborough, not for the first time when I’ve watched him, shows guts, coming on when all things are lost, and gives hope by at least battling and trying to make things happen. In the end the crowd filters towards the exits mostly ahead of full time, the few in attendance from Radcliffe have enjoyed their sides efforts upon the whistle, whilst the fella from Scarborough says “sorry for my outburst on Danny Greenfield earlier”. I tell him “you could have done with him tonight”. The Stars I liken Greenfield to a National League North Elliot Anderson, high praise but he’s a midfielder who has it all at this level, drives forward, front foot, he is a good passer and can certainly strike a ball, happy to mix it he combines well with Matt Sargent who is a tall and defensively solid half of the pairing, both keeping out former Chester captain George Glendon which is by no mean feat itself. In attack, Radcliffe have craft and graft, in Michael Afuye they have a talented right winger, one of the best in the division, in Rio Clegg, Jordan Hulme, David Ball, Tyler James, they’ll have no shortage of goals. I really liked the simplicity of their defenders, Rick Smith and Olly Thornton hardly lost a header between them, they hardly had more than one touch at a time, clearing their lines with distance, doing the basic stuff well, full backs Brad Roscoe and Callum McFadzean equally competent. No nonsense. Whilst things didn’t go so well for Scarborough on the night, their best player perhaps Weledji who was sent off? I did in glimpses like what I saw of Jake Hull, in brief moments enjoyed some things which Rocco Coyle did, was even pleasantly surprised by the skill and speed of Harry Green, whilst feeling satisfied that Theo Chapman at least came on and put in a shift as he did when I watched him at South Shields in defeat. The Verdict I said to another Scout at the weekend, “whenever I watch Southport, they are crap” which is nothing to do with how the club have been over the last four or five years, but is more to do with luck, and me just being at games when they don’t play particularly well. I’m starting to feel like that with Scarborough, I don’t exactly know what they are? A nice’ish’ football team with half decent wingers, is how I would describe them, one that leaks goals, that doesn’t particularly score them? They have now slipped out of the playoff places and have been replaced by Radcliffe, who I know exactly, what they are all about. Strong, physical, ugly, they don’t take risks at the back, they get it and play in midfield, and they work hard in attack, sometimes we over-complicate football, when all is needed is the simple stuff to start us off, the only difference that mattered tonight, was that Radcliffe were up for it and Scarborough weren’t, and if you don’t put effort in at this level, you’ll always get found out. The Teams Scarborough Athletic: Ryan Whitley, Kieran Weledji, Will Thornton, Rio Allan (Michael Duckworth 83), Alex Purver, Harry Green (Theo Chapman 68), Luca Colville, Rocco Coyle (Richie Bennett 54), Dom Tear, Noah Wadsworth, Jake Hull. Radcliffe: Mark Halstead, Brad Roscoe, Rick Smith, Olly Thornley, Callum McFadzean, Michael Afuye (Jon Taylor 80), Matt Sargent, Danny Greenfield (George Glendon 79), David Ball, Rio Clegg (Tyler James 86), Jordan Hulme. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 16th December 2025, Queensgate, Bridlington (att 521).

Barwell 1-0 Banbury United (Southern League Central Division) Non league football can be confusing. Eight years ago Barwell were in the Northern Premier League. Just two seasons ago Banbury United were in the National League North, but here for a second successive campaign will the two teams do battle against each other in the Southern League Premier Central Division. I watched a 1-0 win for Banbury at Kirkby Road early last season. The return fixture was 2-1 to Barwell and with the two teams middle of the table separated by just four points I'm expecting another close encounter tonight. Kelvin Langmead's Banbury are twelfth having drew 0-0 at the weekend with promotion chasing Needham Market whilst Barwell managed by Jimmy Ginnelly haven't won in five since I last saw them beat Stratford here 5-2 in mid-November. It's a Monday night kick-off in the rain as I step out the door late afternoon, I nip in to see my sister and drop off my nephew a present for his birthday before heading down the A46 from Bingham, straight over the M1 signposted Leicester through Ratby and Desford and down country roads dipping in and out of main beam in what is more often than not, total darkness. The Venue I'm early so check out a chippy in Barwell as I'm hungry and haven't eaten yet, Barwell Chef's has a 3.6 rating on Google so I'm instantly put off, looking for alternatives, I read Chris's Fish & Chips is ok, but in the wrong direction, I decide to wait, so drive back up the Kirkby Road and pull up outside Barwell Cemetery which is opposite the towns all action sports ground. It seems to have everything here, Indoor bowls, outdoor bowls, cricket, football, there's a boozer called 'the Barn' outside the entrance, I walk through the car park and towards the turnstile, ground lit up in the background as the rain glistens under the floodlights. It's a wet one for sure, cold too, but the surface here is synthetic so there shouldn't be any issues tonight. It's £12 entrance, I'm immediately asked for a go on Golden Goal which is £2, I peel off 38 minutes which I think gives me half a chance, before walking to the kiosk for a drink, and maybe a bite to eat. I'm a funny fucker when it comes to food, I fancy chips and curry or kebab meat tonight but they've got burgers and bacon cobs which I'm really not feeling. I instead opt for a tea and a Lion Bar before walking to the small seated stand on half way, where I expect everyone to sit tonight as it's pretty much the only cover here, the pitch fenced within green mesh has high walls wrapped around full of advertising boards, 'welcome to the Crown Skip Hire Stadium' reads one large blue banner opposite. It's a great view as I'm joined by a couple of locals and Topliss at the Turnstiles who's a Youtuber with almost 4,000 subscribers ( take a look here ). He's brought his camera phone tonight and is hopeful of recording 'almost' every moment for his slowly increasingly popular vlog. The Game There's a Teddy Toss ahead of kick off, fans have bears in hands as the players walk out, they throw them onto the pitch ahead of the club donating them to the Menphys Children's Disability Charity, it's all very Ice Hockey but a really nice touch as both sets of fans get involved and hurl cuddly toys at the players heads in front. No injuries thankfully and bears soon evacuated, the game gets under way on time and is fast paced in cold and wet conditions, frantic from both sides who not only battle with the elements, but battle with each other in true non league manner. Barwell have Dan Jarvis playing for them, he's one of Peterborough Sports better players from the league above, I ask a fan if he's dual registered or signed permanently, he says "I don't know, they never tell you owt here". The home team look up for it, front foot and aggressive, 4-3-3 they have Kane Richards behind Anthony Dwyer and Jevin Seaton up front who I have heard loads about but not seen much of, he's thick set physical, scruffy looking with dreads and beard but seems to be enjoying himself leading the line very well indeed. The away team have less of the ball but in their diminutive midfielder Joel Anker they have the best player on the park, he glides away from players at pace, good control, orchestrating, a good footballer who I believe who signed this season from MK Dons. Despite the action front to back and back again there's not much goal mouth stuff to hand, a couple of yellow cards and a couple of sniffs off target, before Jevin Seaton tries his luck from distance, he's pot shotted from 20 yards out a low fizzing effort which is straight at the keeper, young Jack Harding however has his legs open, the ball spills beneath them and puts Barwell one up, an embarrassing error from the Banbury goalkeeper. The Score At half time Topliss nips off for a pint as I check the scores from the few games around the country tonight, both Manchester United and Redditch are winning, as are Derby at Sheffield Wednesday, I've a thick blanket over my knees, my handwarmers on level two and my furry hat which I brought from New York keeping my head nice and warm, there's a couple of hundred here tonight, not one for the fair-weather fans, certainly all about the die hards. The second half starts and Banbury immediately crash the crossbar, Flanagan up from centre half with a deflected effort which flicks off the metal and goes behind, the Puritans have came out chasing, Wreh shoots wide before a goalmouth scramble has him head towards goal which is cleared off his line by Dwyer, there's a bit of needle in the match created by the mid table stakes on offer, as a Barwell corner up the other end see's some tussling between Prince Mancinelli and Chris Wreh. There's pushing and shoving which carries on after the ball is cleared, suddenly they're all getting involved, arms in faces and players going down, I count four minutes of madness before the female official takes her male assistants to one side, all three have a chat and the verdict is Mancinelli guilty, he's shown red, Wreh gets away with yellow. There's an injury and a couple of subs, before play finally gets back under way, still twenty minutes to go (plus extras) it's now destined to be one way traffic with Banbury attacking the ten men Barwell goal. Anker by now is becoming more influential as a late effort of his hits the woodwork again, he can't unlock the door which by now is defended heroically by the likes of Freddie Cook, Sonny Singh and big Sid Aitcha who's been brilliant since he came on. There's long throw-ins into the box and crosses from out wide but everything is dealt with, the Barwell support becoming more and more vocal, every clearance met by a cheer and a foghorn, the later the game goes with eight minutes added, the more Banbury lack ideas, everything now is being mopped up by Finn Osborn in goal. One last hoorah is cut short by the official, Barwell cling on, you can't help feel they deserved it for digging in, near 30 minutes a man less, they were superb in fending off Banbury's forward play. The Stars A night when defences were on top, for Barwell their back four all deserving credit, Zayn Hakeem had a good game at left back, got forward well and scrapped, before running out of steam, Sid Aitcha coming on late on, heading, clearing, blocking, anything that was kicked towards him. I was impressed with Barwell in midfield, Ethan Hill has a bit of a funny run, he's like a non league Jordan Henderson, he works hard, battles, but didn't seem to have much end quality, wildly swinging at a couple of early opportunities, Prince Mancinelli has plenty of quality, tall and solid for a centre mid, he keeps things simple, is a player I would consider recommending for a step or two higher, but his petulance in getting sent off, almost cost Barwell the game. Dan Jarvis a good solid debut, working hard for the team with real composure on the ball. In attack, Barwell worked hard with threat, Kane Richards is always a persistent nuisance, Anthony Dwyer is a player you back to get goals, Jevin Seaton, the sort that will have one good game in five, he had his game tonight, I think he has real quality, but the question is, does he do it often enough at this level? Banbury saw plenty of the ball but couldn't break down Barwell's resilience, I liked the back four, Keegan Bloom at right back has promise as did his replacement in 16 year-old Max Fuller, Josh Flanagan and in particularly, Alex Worley at centre half did very well, left back George Ball, not his natural position, was very good in forward positions. The Puritans best player however was easily Joel Anker, a product of MK Dons academy is one that I suspect won't be at this level for long. Just 21 years old he looks capable of playing in a variety of positions across the midfield and attack. The Verdict The win takes Barwell to fourteenth a point below Banbury in twelfth, both look like good honest step 3 sides that will be fine at this level as long as they keep doing what they do. For me, a near perfect night, a cold and wet Monday in middle England, rain soaked action down below, wrapped across my knees a warm blanket whilst watching non league football in December, a scrappy one-nil win with a terrible goal, defended heroically by ten men against a late rally with all players giving 120% What is more beautiful than a game like this? (some would argue Manchester United 4-4 Bournemouth perhaps), but my only shame is that it's a game played on plastic, instead of grass. Although had it been, it probably wouldn't have even got the go ahead due to the weather. The Teams Barwell: Finn Osborn, Malaki Reeve (Sid Aitcha 63), Freddie Cook, Prince Mancinelli, Daniel Jarvis (Elwalid Elhaghany 70), Ethan Hill, Kane Richards, Zayn Hakeem, Anthony Dwyer (Tyrell Waite 80), Sonny Singh, Jevin Seaton (Tyree Wilson 90). Banbury United: Jack Harding, Keegan Bloom (Max Fuller 56), George Hall, Aaron McCreadie, Josh Flanagan, Alex Worley, Connor Ferguson, Peter Abimbola, Chris Wreh, Harrison Bradney (James Alabi 85), Joel Anker. 7:45pm Kick Off. Monday 15th December 2025, Kirkby Road, Barwell (att 202).

Ilkeston Town 0-3 Hednesford Town (Northern Premier League) It's a local one today as I'm out with friends tonight, so I've told the wife I'll be home by 6pm. Ilkeston is just 12 miles from my house so a nice cushty little number on a Saturday afternoon. The Robins have been slipping of late. The last time I seen them they were awful at home to Cleethorpes in 3-0 defeat, before going on a decent run of seven unbeaten, they have since lost their last six not including a Derbyshire Senior Cup victory midweek which ended 7-1 against Borrowash Victoria (who did have former Derby and Forest striker Marcus Tudgay score for them), perhaps that result might have eased some pressure surely mounting on Manager Ian Deakin? Hednesford on the other hand are flying high under Gavin Hurren. Top of the division, they are looking to go eight unbeaten after last losing to Stockton in October. I've not seen the Pitmen play for a couple of years so don't really know what to expect this afternoon? A side with good experience, a club always seemingly with a healthy budget, well backed and followed, one thing is guaranteed, it's not going to be an easy one for Ilkeston fans to sit through today. I've taken the dog for a walk into West Bridgford, grabbed a coffee at Cafe Nero and a Croissant from M&S before getting back home and holiday shopping on my mobile phone (Croatia looks nice for next year), the wife's got the hoover out so I'm making myself scarce, nice and early out the doors, I leave at 12:30pm with the intention to park outside the New Manor Ground and sit and chill with my own thoughts for an hour or so. The Venue It's little more than twenty minutes to drive up the Nottingham ring road and across the Derbyshire border where I spit out the window into the fields upon enter, I turn right on the Awsworth Road where you can spot the beautiful iron made Bennerley Viaduct, pulling up on the pavement opposite the Microlise New Manor Ground. Whilst sitting in my car I spot a sign for Ilkeston Town Juniors ahead. Apparently there's a football pitch that runs parallel with the train tracks overlooked by the stunning bridge above, I have never previously noticed it before. I have a listen to the radio and write down some notes in my little black book before I see the Hednesford team supporters coach come down the street. I'm thinking I need to get out my car before the fans jump off that bus, so I hop out and make my way to the turnstile so I'm not stuck in too much of a queue. It's about four deep by the time I get there, concessions one side, full paying adults the other, £13 contactless and I'm in at the corner, goalkeepers out warming up ahead of the rest of the players joining them, I'm walking across the dugouts towards the Clock Tower stand which has a window open serving teas and pies, I order a brew and a Twix which costs £3. Up the stairs to the corner seated pavilion I notice a new scoreboard flashing in red, apparently it's only been up a couple of months, a new addition to a ground that has hardly changed in many years, but for the playing surface from grass to synthetic which occurred in 2021. It's cold up in the seated area, high up, elevated and looking down towards the pitch, covered terracing each end, a large brick built clubhouse opposite, I say 'hi' to the two Ilkeston media lads, one of them has a pint in hand, the other typing out the team on his laptop for twitter. I'm joined by a scout from Stats Perform who I know well, he's brought with him a blanket and seat cushion, which he places on the chair besides me before snuggling up to get settled in. The Game He tells me of Hednesford's last performance as he watched the draw against fellow title chasers Warrington Rylands, solid, no frills, is what I'm told to expect, they do have Montel Gibson who's a former Ilkeston striker in attack, no doubt he'll be hoping to score and silence some unforgiving fans who once cheered his name when wearing Robins red. Hednesford in all pale blue are the early enforcers, they have a bit of pressure mounting in the Ilkeston area who put bodies on the line, there's shots blocked and corners stacking up, Gibson heads a chance wide at the back post which raises some cheers of irony from the Ilkeston faithful behind the goal. Ilkeston aren't bad, perhaps that's down to Hednesford not being great, the home side have a corner on 24 as they mount some sporadic pressure themselves, the ball cleared out to the half way line should be dealt with by Okyere, the Sheffield United loanee playing centre half tries nonchalantly to play back to the keeper, he doesn't get enough on it, Niall Watson nips in, he's a player returning back from a loan spell at Warrington Town, he's a player I liked when he played for Southport, he's 35 yards out running on to a loose back pass, Alfie Roberts is out of the Ilkeston goal, Watson lofts the ball over the back-peddling goalkeeper for a silky smooth opener, which is mostly all Ilkeston's own doing. That goal is a bit of a confidence drainer, suddenly Max Sheaf finds space in the Ilkeston area and he drives low to make it two, it's a half time lead where Hednesford haven't really needed to go up in gears, Ilkeston have huffed with little blow, the home fans are from happy in what they have seen. The old cries behind me of 'get stuck in' and 'kick him' start to come out. The Score At half time I have chat with the Head Scout at Alfreton Town who's here casting eye on those below, I tell him there's not much to look at today, Ilkeston haven't been great, Hednesford hardly much better, but more organised, defensively structured, experienced, they grind you down and take their chances, which is the only difference in the scores so far. Ilkeston come out and try to play with some positive aurora, but Hednesford are better and their resilience offers little opportunity, it's all getting too difficult for the home side who hardly test Tony Breeden in goal, a double sub see's striker Robbie Fox give a bit more energy from the bench, but Ilkeston's attack looks lacklustre against a team who are just solid, no frills, they don't look like conceding today. There is another goal, on 62 Gibson is felled inside the box, Sam Parker has already received a yellow card and gets a second booking for diving in to block the attacker, Referee's verdict is to go all in himself, Hednesford's leading scorer Akheel Rose converting his eighth league strike of the season and a routine win for the league leaders who are looking good for topping the charts this Christmas. Things could, and should have got worse late on, a break by Hednesford had a 3v1 attack verses defence, Niall Watson however with the keeper to beat, ended up kicking the ball to Cotmanhay. The Stars Despite his guilt-edged late chance which looked more like a rugby conversion than attempt at goal, Niall Watson on the left side of attack did very well, a decent size wide man he has pace and power and with his first half finish, you feel a decent bit of quality in the final third. On the other flank, Akheem Rose was a constant thorn, a speedy winger who's direct. Hednesford however were more impressively very solid defensively which allowed their attacking players a good starting base to break from, Chris Hussey in particular, doing well at centre half. For Ilkeston, not a good day against a team who were always expected to give them the run-around. Despite his error young Seth Okyere looked to have some decent qualities, Sam Essien in midfield, as always, putting a good shift in, whilst Dylan Youmbi had moments, if not near regularly enough. The Verdict I said at half time, that Ilkeston Manager Ian Deakin must surely be under some pressure now? But his season won't be defined by performances against Hednesford, it will instead be imperative, that the club perform against those that are in and around them. A place and a point above the drop zone, they'll be hoping to not get sucked in even more than they already are, whilst Hednesford don't have those troubles to worry about, they'll be hoping a win at Warrington Town on Saturday will keep them at the summit some longer to enjoy, with an eye on a return to the National League North where they last sat, for three years between 2013-2016. The Teams Ilkeston Town: Alfie Roberts, Sam Bird, Colin Daniel, Matt Thornhill (Jordan Stevens 58), Seth Okyere, Sam Parker, Connor Dixon (Tyler Whyle 76), Sam Essien (Callum Minkley 76), Dylan Youmbi, Harvey Kirby-Moore (Robbie Fox 58), Jamie Walker (Jackson Blaize 70). Hednesford Town: Tony Breeden, Jamie Morgan, Joel Taylor (Ryan Wynter 65), Dan Trickett-Smith, Ollie Harrison, Chris Hussey, Niall Watson, Joe Doyle-Charles (Simeon Maye 81), Montel Gibson (Jonathan Edwards 65), Max Sheaf, Ahkeem Rose (Dan Turner 73). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 13th December 2025, New Manor Ground, Ilkeston (att 442).

Carlisle United 1-3 Woking (National League) It's so tight at the top, should third place Carlisle get just a draw tonight they'll go back to the summit of the National League table ahead of a cluster of promotion wannabes. Mark Hughes side are unbeaten in nine in the league but did get dumped out of the FA Cup losing 4-1 at Blackpool on Sunday. Woking themselves are on a fine run under Neal Ardley, unbeaten in nine in all competitions, they last suffered league defeat in September. I watched them do a job on Tamworth recently where I was mightily impressed with the way they played. Having watched Carlisle win a couple of games less so impressively this season, I know they'll have to be on it to take all three points against a very solid and structured side from Surrey. Woking to Carlisle is 317 miles, which makes my short 200 mile journey from Nottingham seem like a nip to the shops tonight. I was supposed to be waking up in Bridlington which I thought would have saved me some travel time but I switched my Tuesday night game to Quorn after Scarborough's match verses Hereford at Queensgate was called off, in theory it would have saved me 50 miles of fuel but would have cost £50 on a hotel (seaside accommodation in Brid is cheap this time of the year) so I probably didn't do too bad out of it, especially as last night's game in Leicestershire was a cracker ( you can read about it here ). It's a 4 hour drive, so I'm out early afternoon up the M1, M18, A1, A66 at Scotch Corner to Penrith, beautiful views, I'm listening in to the TalkSport Darts Championship on the radio, which has me fist pump the steering wheel and laugh out loud when Andy Goldstein gets knocked out by Gabby Agbonlahor. Anyone who listens to Drive Time on TalkSport will know that both Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent are avid daily darts players, neither are any good and fail to reach the final which is won by Dean Saunders for a third consecutive year. By 5pm, I'm at Southwaite Services on the M6 eating a KFC, before picking up the last leg and those final few miles towards Brunton Park in Carlisle. The Venue One thing I notice around here, the Warwick Road always seems busy, as I turn into Walkmill Crescent and get out of the heavy evening traffic before pulling over next to a Brewers Fayre pub. I parked here last time and it's a five minute walk to the stadium but is an asshole to get out post match. Dark skies and bright headlights as I walk over the River Petteril where I see a sign on a bridge for matchday parking just £5 tonight. I'm down the terraced road, floodlights on in the distance, I'm looking through the windows of the houses that front on to the street, they look warm and cosy all lit up with their Christmas decorations. I've time to nip in to the club shop which I do. Some cute baby kits and second hand retro shirts on show for a bargain £20. A few bobble hats and scarves, a really warm looking bench coat which I like the look of, but nothing for me in here, my days of club branding long gone. One thing great about this place is the clubs fanzone which is open from 5:30 for midweek matches, it has a huge giant massive screen outside showing the early Champions League kick off, this puts many football league clubs facilities to shame, I'm watching Villarreal v Copenhagen with around twenty others as the Woking bus arrives. There's various catering trucks and a long line queuing for award winning fish and chips, it all looks great but I'm recently fed so I nip to the ticket collections window and grab my lanyard for the press seats. Up the stairs in the Paddock the view is brilliant, the row of press seats are front row, second tier, central, you're elevated but set back where everything looks vast and wide in front, big pitch down below, big stand opposite, the Warwick Road end (roofed) to my right lit in blue, the Petteril End (open) to my left. That stand has exactly 34 Woking fans gathered high up in the cold all standing along one row. The Game We've been treated to a local dance academy doing some cheerleading prior to kick off, I've written down the formations, Carlisle 4231 with two holding midfielders and a quartet of attacking quality that reads Luamba, Conn-Clarke, Linney and Georgie Kelly. Woking are 532 with Olly Sanderson and Josh Kelly up front (no relation to George). It's a bloody good start for the home side who immediately attack their visitors goal and crack a post through Conn-Clarke within a minute. They look to have a point to prove after a disappointing cup exit on Sunday but Woking slowly come into matters, Gabriel Breeze tested by Sanderson on 20 as the contest begins to even out. Perhaps Woking are getting complacent? Suddenly Junior Luamba who's been hobbling around is slipped through on the right by Williams, he takes a touch and rockets a shot home which rises into the net and gives Carlisle the lead, out of nothing? I wouldn't say the hosts have been knocking but you wonder will that goal kick start more one way traffic? The last time I was here Luamba was superb, like my postman during the Xmas run up, he's delivered again. The Score Luamba can't even celebrate his goal properly, he's probably strained his hamstring further following his unexpected rocket and instantly receives treatment before trudging off directly down the tunnel to a standing ovation where he's subbed for David Ajiboye, a like-for-like replacement who assisted Carlisle's goal in defeat at the weekend. Despite having the lead Carlisle don't really look at it tonight. A lot of their football is slow, predictable, they pass back and sideways as they find Woking's five man defence hard to break down, this leads to a few grumbles and moans in the crowd, 'gerrit forward' I hear a number of times from those in the wooden seats behind me. I don't know if it's a northern thing, but I've had this at Hartlepool, when things aren't going well the fans become irate, inpatient, it must translate to them down on the pitch, by now Woking have their confidence back, they have grown into the game, their three centre halves Okoli, Odusina and Tunji Akinola dealing with everything that comes their way, Timi Akinola in midfield is brilliant, fire in his belly he anticipates quickly and is quick footed enough to get away when he nicks the ball, Beautyman and Andrews are solid working with him, the latter has launched a few long throw-ins into the box, before curling home a beauty left footed from well outside the area. It's a stunner which has even a few in the home end applauding, but it's mostly boos from the 5,000 strong Carlisle faithful who aren't happy with how the side have played. It's about to get even worse. The board has gone up for added time in the first half, Woking have a corner, it's partially cleared but the pressure is still on, the big boys from the back have stayed forward, Drewe who's been impressive crosses low from the right, it's hooked by Hayden only to Tunji Akinola who has a couple of swings before slicing home to a chorus of more boos, more anger in the Carlisle crowd drowns the small army of Woking followers who are celebrating away. The wooden clatter of seats heard as folk head for half time a little earlier than schedule. It's a sucker blow for Carlisle who have probably deserved to be behind, you can tell they have the quality but Woking have the character, they have come here with a gameplan, Neal Ardley is shrewd, because he knows how to mix it with the best and his side have been prepared all night for the best of what Carlisle have to offer. The second half is one way traffic but it's nothing Woking can't fend off, Carlisle have a lot of the ball, but do little with it, they are slow, lacking ideas, Chris Conn-Clarke is their best player, when he receives the ball he looks up to get it forward, but there's a lack of option and character in their play, perhaps being humbled against Blackpool has shot some confidence? By now, every time centre half Morgan Feeney gets it, looks up, and see's nothing but aimless balls forward, the boos and discontent continue to louden, Ajiboye is having a beast after coming on for Luamba, 'get him off' is one cry, 'get em all off' is another. Subs do arrive, but perhaps to the relief of Woking, Conn-Clarke the only player I think can unlock the opposition door, is dragged, not many are too unhappy to see him go, then Ajiboye, the sub, is subbed, Georgie Kelly who's been awful tonight, somehow survives ninety. Carlisle have one last push as minute ticks beyond 89, a cross is centred in and Will Jaaskelainen who's been punching everything all night (just like his dad used to) has finally caught a ball. "Send him" I shout as the keeper spots Aidan O'Brien on half way, the beauty of this new 8 second rule is that goalkeepers now look to play quickly, this gives an extra attacking dimension which Carlisle aren't ready for, a big ball pumped forward is perfect for O'Brien in his path, he has two defenders around him but both are useless as O'Brien runs through, he slides it past the goalkeeper and seals an incredible three points on the road, highly unexpected? Not if you believe in this Woking winning machine? The Stars I love the three amigos at the centre of Woking's defence, all strong physically and enjoying the art of defending just like I used to when playing Sunday football back in the day, Chinwike Okoli is the youngest and tallest of the three, just 22 at 1.90m in height, he signed from Millwall at the start of the season and is a man mountain central defender. Tunji Akinoli and Timi Odusina offering that bit of experience beside him, they all seem to cover each other quite naturally. I like the wing backs, more defensive minded like traditional full backs than wingers, both gritty with good engines, Aaron Drewe doing particularly well up against Regan Linney, I thought offensively he was also very good, whilst Caleb Richards was solid, as he always is when I watch him play. In midfield Tim Akinola put in a real honest performance, he's that snappy styled niggler with an engine, he can get around the pitch and has good quality with it, Jamie Andrews was steady in ticking things over, taking his goal superbly, Harry Beautyman worked hard for the team. In attack, they also have real threat, Olly Sanderson is a young lad on loan from Fulham, he reminds me a bit of Patrick Bamford, elegant but physically decent for his age (still just 21), whilst Josh Kelly puts in a proper shift, he's on loan from AFC Wimbledon. Not the night for Carlisle, goalkeeper Gabriel Breeze kicked poorly, neither full back played their best game, Josh Williams often too high and not showing for the ball enough, I felt for Morgan Feeney who didn't have a lot on in front of him, Aaron Hayden besides at centre half was not his usual self, Alex Gilliead and Harvey McAdam not bad in midfield, but not particularly good, neither of the forward four representing themselves to the best of their ability. The Verdict Carlisle need to seriously improve if they are to be serious about promotion. Still third, they are level on points with leaders Rochdale, who now have three games in hand, Forest Green are second, and they are no mugs, York City are only a point behind them in fourth, and in fifth place, Boreham Wood are still arguably the best team I have watched in the National League this season. The best 'team' of the moment though, well Woking will take some beating? Who's to say a few injuries might hamper their all important starting eleven as the games come thick and fast, but as an eleven I think I would back them against most, tactically sound, defensively resilient, they can do a job against anyone in the division. Neal Ardley knows this league, he knows what it takes to get a team into the playoffs, and although Woking right now are ninth, they are just four points from the playoff places, unbeaten in ten, it feels like they are on the up. The Teams Carlisle United: Gabriel Breeze, Cameron Harper, Morgan Feeney, Aaron Hayden, Georgie Kelly, Regan Linney, Junior Luamba (David Ajiboye 27 (Stephen Wearne 79)), Alex Gilliead (Luke Armstrong 69), Josh Williams, Harvey McAdam, Chris Conn-Clarke (Jordan Jones 79). Woking: Will Jaaskelainen, Aaron Drewe, Tunji Akinola, Chin Okoli, Timi Odusina (Jack Turner 90), Caleb Richards, Timi Akinola, Jamie Andrews, Harry Beautyman (Aidan O'Brien 79), Josh Kelly, Olly Sanderson (Ashley Boatswain 49). 7:45pm Kick Off. Wednesday 10th December 2025, Brunton Park, Carlisle (att 5,264).

Tamworth 0-1 Woking (National League)   It's Saturday and they're talking long throw ins and set plays on the radio ahead of the lunch time kick off between Tottenham and Manchester United. The modern game has gone direct with coaching focussed on beating the low block. It seems the only way to conquer it is by getting the ball into the opposition box.   Arsenal are the direct daddies, averaging over 30 touches per game in the opposition box this season, whilst Burnley are bottom of the Premier League table, just sixteen times a game on average they have been in the opposition box, the Gunners Saturday night opponents Sunderland not much better, with less than 200 touches inside their opponents area this season, despite riding high in English footballs top division.   The best in the land at it however, are probably Tamworth? The National League team managed by Andy Peaks are one of the most direct around, famed in recent years for Tom Tonks and his huge throws, he can reach the area from the half way line and will often attempt to do so at every possibility. Woking Manager Neal Ardley has prepared his team for over 60 box entries today from the Lambs attack, he knows the Cards need to be at it defensively in Staffordshire, and is prepared to shuffle his pack to counter Tamworth's physical and direct set piece threat.   I'm out the door for lunch time, Woking's form has been ok recently despite sitting in the bottom half of the table. Two wins and three draws in their last five league games has them heading in the right direction but they should have beat Southend on Wednesday I'm told, but for conceding a last minute leveller. It would have been the first team in the top half they've beaten this season.   Tamworth in mid table have lost their last two, at home to Boston a fortnight ago, they were also beaten in the FA Cup by Leyton Orient on Monday night, despite giving their League One opponents a real good scare. A tight game is assured today as I head across the A42, arriving on a side street around the corner from the ground a little past 1pm.   The Venue   I'm early as the journey from my house was only 45 minutes, as I walk through the main gates Tamworth star player Beck-Rey Enoru arrives in a red Hyundai i30. The steward giving him a nod as he drives through the car park, Kwaku Donkor in the passenger seat, a reminder that it's far from glitz and glamour when it comes to footballers modes of transport at this level.   The Woking bus is here as some players get lightly applauded off by a handful of Woking fans. The huge wasteland outside the Lamb ground is used for a car park but not yet even a quarter full, as I head for the doors of main reception. An old portacabin which has a small glass cabinet with what I think is the Birmingham Senior Cup in it.   I'm not on the list but two friendly girls on the desk let me in and ask if i know where I'm going? I nod my head before walking around the back of the old tin stand, past more warn down portacabins, to my seat, not before grabbing a cup of tea and a twix from the burger truck.   It's great here, the press seats are about eight rows high at the back of a seated stand so it offers you a real close up and personal spectacle of the match, you can see and hear everything from being right on top of the touchline. The stadium itself is intimate, intimidating perhaps, low metal red roofs, an open end to my right, a noisy stand of away supporters high to my left, terraced houses behind, a sloped surface these days of tired looking 4g.   The Woking press guy is here, I ask him how long his journey took? "not long" he tells me... "My in-laws live in Tamworth so I came down last night with the other half to see them".   BBC Radio Surrey are also here today, former Woking Director Ian Nicholson sitting next to me on co-comms, he's a lovely fella as we share intel about today's match line ups.   The Game   Woking have made three changes and it's a change of shape I'm told as Neal Ardley is often conservative with his approach, concerned by opponents threats. The Cardinals have been playing with five at the back in recent matches but today looks like 433. I ask their media man "how has Olly Sanderson been playing" and he shows me a picture of him from the last game, busted eye which I think he did after clashing heads with his own player. "Really well" I'm told, after a slow start from injury he's settling into life at Woking. A player I was impressed by on loan at Oxford City as a teenager, he's still only 21 having joined in the summer from Fulham.   Tamworth have their own number nine (wearing 39) who's a local cult hero at the other end of his career. Dan Creaney has returned to the club on loan after a short spell at Solihull down the road. He's very much a target man for the Tom Tonks long throw which is yet again an obvious tactical ploy today.   It's a frantic start but I'm impressed with Woking in yellow, who look up for it and organised. Anything long is instantly headed back by big Chinwike Okoli at centre back, he's all over Creaney like a rash, whilst Tim Akinola snaps away with physical presence in midfield, young Matty Ward out right offers some guile and quality the few times he touches the ball.   Tamworth do have chances, one falls to Creaney by chance, Tom Tonks bobbles a long range effort into the strikers path who scuffs inside the area. He then scuffs another attempt after good work down the left by Enoru, you feel a year ago he would have netted both, he doesn't look at full flow today, perhaps being used sporadically by Solihull hasn't helped his fitness or sharpness in front of goal?   The Score   There's a good half hour of the ball going back and fourth before a couple of challenges are waved away by the rather relaxed referee who seems to prefer to keep his whistle in his pocket. Tim Akinola comes out with the ball and passes to Olly Sanderson on the edge of the Tamworth area, he turns and shoots low a belting goal to give the away side what I feel is a deserved lead.   That lifts the mood of the media team besides me, the radio guys have banter with the locals sitting in the stand, all in jest, as a number of tackles flying in get waved away by the Referee, I like the games flow, ugly, committed, honest, proper non league, I think Tamworth centre half Kennedy Digie has headed it more than he's kicked it today. It's that sort of game.   Despite a couple of scares with Jaaskelainen nervously flapping underneath his crossbar, the long throw ins have been dealt with and there's a sigh of relief besides me when Tom Tonks is taken off on the hour. He's probably the least talented player Tamworth have got but is the one you would probably keep on the pitch the longest? As soon as he's removed you can tell that Woking are more at ease with seeing the game out without having to defend his missiles, a psychological win for tactical team Ardley with 30 minutes and more to play.   Those final thirty are Tamworth thrusting forward, Woking clearing their lines, Boatswain actually forces the best moment of the half with a long range shot saved well by Jas Singh to his right. The atmosphere by now brilliant, the supporters from Surrey singing their hearts out as Lamb fans lift their vocals to wish home a leveller. But it doesn't come. 92 minutes are played as a corner is floated in, Duku rising unmarked heads wide, it's probably Tamworth's best chance all game, the only time any of their players had been given any space inside the area, unlike at Southend on Wednesday, they got away with that one, and take home a deserving three points against a top half team for the first time this season.   The Stars   As I pat Ian Nicholson on the shoulder I tell him "hard to call a man of the match today" as they all played really well in Woking shirts.   I'm impressed with centre halves Okoli and Tunji Akinola who covered each other when needed, aerially they were both magnificent and put their bodies on the line to combat Tamworth's constant threat. Akinola taking one for the team late on when he hauled back a Tamworth attacker on the one occasion they got in behind him. A deserved yellow card which won't bother him one bit.   Full backs Drewe and Richards doing well against tricky wingers, in midfield Tim Akinola was a stand out with a good strong physical performance. One crunching tackle late on had the Woking media man next to me clench his fists, whilst in attack Oliver Sanderson shown his quality with a finely taken goal, he had another chance on the break where he curled inches wide, he's neat and a lovely striker with a big future ahead of him, Josh Kelly coming off the bench and adding more firepower late on, he works hard with quality and Woking have done well to get him on loan from Wimbledon, whilst Matty Ward out right shown good technique on the ball, he looks a talented winger having come through the Ipswich Town Academy system. Not a good day for Tamworth who's sponsor gave Beck-Ray Enoru man of the match. Lightening quick I don't think he had his best game out left, in the final third his end product can leave a lot to be desired, which is why he's probably still at this level. They do have a really good right back in Kwaku Donkor who I think is up there as one of the best in the division, strong and quick with good defensive attributes, whilst centre half Kennedy Digie is one of my favourites, solid, committed, aerially brilliant, he was perhaps Tamworth's best player on the day. Tamworth's performance wasn't short of commitment, Alfie Bates ran his socks off in midfield, Tom Tonks battled as he always does, their attacking threat doesn't feel as balanced as it used to be, Ronan Maher is talented, but I'm yet to see him sparkle as high as his potential perhaps suggests (he's on loan from Walsall for a second campaign at the Lamb), Dan Creaney in attack just a little off it, maybe he needs more games underneath his belt. The Verdict I was really impressed with Woking and in Neal Ardley they have a Manager who knows how to do 'ok' in this league, defensively solid, midfield they have a good blend and in attack, they look to have goals, it was surprising to see someone as good as Josh Kelly on the bench, whilst I'm told both Tariq Hinds and Joshua Osude (both on the bench) are very good, they even rested Jake Forster-Caskey today, struggling with an arm injury with the game on a tough synthetic surface, it seemed to be a good decision by the Manager as the match may have passed him by, instead opting for a more robust midfield which suited the game plan. As for Tamworth, they'll be more than ok, currently eleventh in the table they'll take some big scalps and might lose the odd game they shouldn't. The Lamb will always be a tough place to come and get a result, not many I predict, will take three points here this season, but those who do, will have to be on it from the start, which is exactly how Woking approached and delivered the game. Tactically, physically and mentally, superb. The Teams Tamworth: Jas Singh, Kwaku Donkor, Kennedy Digie, Haydn Hollis, Luke Fairlamb, Alfie Bates (Jordan Ponticelli 83), Tom Tonks (Ben Milnes 58), Ronan Maher (Harvey Sayer 58), Stefan Mols (Oliver Lynch 70), Beck-Ray Enoru, Dan Creaney (Immanuelson Duku 70). Woking: Will Jaaskelainen, Aaron Drewe, Chinwike Okoli, Tunji Akinola, Caleb Richards, Tim Akinola, Harry Beautyman, Jamie Andrews, Matty Ward (Joshua Osude 79), Ashley Boatswain (Josh Kelly 70), Olly Sanderson (Jake Forster-Caskey 88). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 8th November 2025, The Lamb Ground, Tamworth (att 1,070).

Quorn 3-2 Redditch United (Southern League Central Division) I played over 500 games as an amateur, I coached around 150 semi-pro matches and have scouted ‘officially’ including today 257 games exactly, but I only ever managed three matches, when completely left alone to my own devices. My first, was for Netherfield Albion against Westside, in the early 2000’s which we won 3-1 back in the Notts Amateur League, when I was helping out my uncle who was then Manager (he had something more important to do that weekend), my second in 2014, when both Manager’s above me had food poisoning and were off sick, was a Tuesday night at Rainworth MW which ended in a 4-1 loss at home to Spalding United (they had a big budget), whilst my third and final attempt, was over ten years ago, when working as Assistant to Gary Hayward who sadly died earlier this year aged 59, he was on holiday during a pre-season friendly in 2015 as I took charge of Real United, a now defunct Notts Senior League team, at Quorn FC, and earned a 1-1 draw which I was pretty proud about achieving. I’ve not been back since, until tonight, as Quorn spent a number of seasons in the Midland League, after COVID they joined the United Counties League and earned promotion from the Premier Division North in 2023, what followed were two more good seasons in the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands, which they won last year, to achieve step 3 status for the first time in history, a club that established back in 1924 spent most of its early years (up until 2001) in the Leicestershire Senior League. Redditch United I watched earlier in the season, they derived from Redditch FC who joined the Birmingham & District League in 1921 but formation dates back to 1891 under the name of Redditch Town. United actually changed names in 1971 and since, the Worcestershire side spent spells in the Southern Premier and Conference North, they had a solitary season in the Alliance Premier during 1979/80 which was effectively the conference/fifth tier, their highest placing in the pyramid was a bottom place finish, for the last seven seasons they have played in the Southern Premier League Central which was constructed in 2018 during a shift in tabling where an extra division was added at step 3, in all they have spent the last fifteen years in the Southern League’s top division (which is the seventh tier of English football). This season, both teams have been going really well which makes for an interesting tie tonight. Quorn are third, flying high in their first campaign in the division, having won their last three matches they thumped Needham Market 3-0 on Saturday. Redditch also winning 2-0 against Banbury, to end a couple of hiccups recently, they lost to title chasers Harborough Town 2-0 before being thumped 7-0 by league leaders Spalding, who in my opinion are both far and away the best two teams in the division. I’m out the door for 6pm, I wasn’t even supposed to be here tonight as my match at Scarborough, which was scheduled to be played at Bridlington, against Hereford, was called off, plan B in place, Quorn used to be famed for having a lovely pitch, these days it’s all 4g which means on wet ones like today, the weather shouldn’t be an issue. The Venue I've pulled up on a side street off Farley Way. It's dark with drizzle in the air and nothing around as I walk a couple of hundred yards towards the Stotto Stadium which I presume is called so for sponsorship reasons. You can hear the ball thudding in the warmups as I enter the gates to the car park, it's £12 on the turnstile paid contactless via card, entering in the corner behind the goal it brings back memories. The red brick clubhouse straight ahead iconic locally to those that frequent the venue, Quorn have two lovely low roofed stands that pretty much run the length, one opposite flank to the apex roofed clubhouse which houses bar and changing facilities, one behind the goal where I'm stood, the other end is open, all backed by tall fir trees the venue these days caged in by green mesh wire that also surrounds the synthetic playing surface which as I mention, used to be a lovely flat wide grass pitch. I'm walking around taking a few snaps, some stragglers standing against the fencing as the two teams go through their pre-match paces but most folk are inside having a beer or brew, as I walk around to the red seated stand that runs the length of the pitch over the far side. Rumour has it the seats are from the old Filbert Street when Leicester City moved over to the King Power, only three rows high they're in remarkable condition and the low roof offers you really cosy compact and homely viewing, warm and well protected from the elements. Clubber TV are here tonight. Apparently, the UK's newest destination for sports fans, for £12.99 a week you can gain access to a handful of step 7 league games as well as second tier rugby union. They've a camera set up on some scaffolding by the clubhouse, it seems they've picked a good night for it. The Game As the crowd trickles pitch side out from the warmth the intentions are instant from Quorn who kick off, in all red they immediately pass forward on the referees’ whistle and burst into the Redditch half. The away side are content letting Quorn do the hard pressing whilst looking to counter smartly down the flanks, it's a great opening that has attacks on top, Fabian Reynolds on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, a speedy left winger who scored twice in the win against Banbury on Saturday, he's slipped through by Liam Loughlan and slides home on 3 minutes to put United ahead. The lead doesn't last long, Quorn are persistent and play on the front foot, on fifteen minutes Finn O'Boyle is found in space, he takes aim and rustles the net with a fine effort to level up. It's frantic and within a minute Redditch are back in the lead, they go up the other end, win a corner and big Dexter Dudley-Toole rises highest inside the six-yard box. The away fans have been lively since the start, there’s around 20 of them behind the goal chanting “you vegan bastards” and “you’re not singing any more”. Incredibly, there’s only 18 minutes of this manic match played and next highlight has Quorn striker Simeon Cobourne felled in the box, he’s won a penalty dispatched by player manager Ryan Beswick, the away fans now singing “we’re gonna win 10-9”. But it’s not Redditch who retake the lead, but Quorn who take the lead, for the first time in the match they are ahead, on 22 minutes a shot from outside the box from O'Boyle crashes off the crossbar falling into Cobourne’s path, he stretches his neck muscles to diving head home and put the Leicestershire hosts 3-2 up, there’s still 68 minutes of this match left to play. The Score The first half settles somewhat, by now the home team look the better, more confident of the two, they have some striking power in their side, 4-3-3 they have two attacking full backs, midfielders that like to go forward, wingers that aim to take on full backs and an attacker in Simeon Cobourne that always looks a threat. They have further chances as Billy Kee races through but blasts wide, when it looked easier to score, than on the stroke of half time a shot is cleared off the line as Redditch ride their luck. Both sides make changes at the break, for Quorn one enforced as Billy Kee makes way for Austin Samuels, whilst Redditch bring on Billy Fielding and Matty Warburton, who in particular, starts to pull the strings in a contrasting second half to the first 45. Warburton is brilliant and gives Redditch more control from a deep lying central midfield position, but Quorn sit in, they get deeper during the game and rely on longer forward passes to their pace in attack, often providing much needed respite. Despite the possession dominance, Redditch fail rarely to test Harrison in net, it’s an intriguing half as Quorn defend really well, I’m impressed with Luke Cox beside Mason Frizelle at centre half, their full backs have grown into the match, in fact Silvio Bello at right back has been moved inside allowing winger Zhani Burgess to drop deeper, offering a five man back line which Redditch see no way through. The Stars Quorn have a seriously talented side and it's testament to whoever has instigated their recruitment drive. Presumably manager Ryan Beswick has had a lot to say in the matter, he's still playing, and doing well in central midfield, offering a good level head of experience around a youthful contingent. Silvio Bello is 22 and looks a good athletic right back, Deen Master who I liked at Barwell is a left back who gets forward and drives, trying to make things happen. Mason Frizelle at centre half is captain, he has the odd rick in him but is largely honest, gutsy, dependable, as is Luke Cox who looks a very good defender despite his size. In the attacking third though, this is where Quorn come alive. Zak Goodson has National League experience and is a playmaker these days, looking to get on the ball centrally and score or assist, Finn O'Boyle aged 20 signed in the summer from Wigan, he has guile and a bit of quality with an eye for a goal, Simeon Cobourne, the clubs top goalscorer signing from Sporting Khalsa in the summer, he's a real handful and persistent menace. As for Redditch, who were far from outplayed, they had several players that can hold their heads up high on the night, in goal their on loan keeper Tyrese Warmington is scheduled to head back to Birmingham City in January, he'll be missed if so, always alert, he reads the game well and passes as competently as anyone. I doubt he'll be taken at football league level due to his height, but certainly feel he has a career at a top non league club at least. In defence, Redditch didn't start too well against pacey opposition but they grew in the game, I liked right back Harrison Mole who's a teenager on loan from Oxford United, who played the second half at left back, whilst Morgan Owen looked decent next to Dexter Dudley-Toole at centre half. Redditch vastly improved when the experienced Matty Warburton was brought on in midfield during the second half, he sprayed the ball around effortlessly, but in attack, they have flair, Liam Loughlan is a soft and swiftly footed footballer whilst Fabian Reynolds on loan from Wolves, has pace and dynamism, fast feet, a traditional style left winger with pace and trickery and one with an eye for goal. The Verdict I still think Harborough Town and Spalding United are the best two teams I have seen in the division this season, but Quorn are now knocking in third place just two points below their Leicestershire rivals Harborough, six behind the Tulips at top, but more importantly they have a cushion in the playoff places, now five above Redditch in fifth who are a point above Real Bedford just outside the promotion board game cut off. With only one automatic place, and one spot via playoffs providing promotion, it's going to be a hard ask for both of these clubs, but if either could go on to the next level, it would be quite something, especially for Quorn who have never been there before, at the start of the campaign Manager Ryan Beswick targeted 50 points and survival, well, with over half of the season to go, he has forty points and is already just ten off target. The Teams Quorn: Adam Harrison, Silvio Bello, Luke Cox, Mason Frizelle, Deen Master, Zak Goodson, Ryan Beswick (Reece Fyfe 70), Finn O'Boyle (Dennis Digie 90), Zhani Burgess, Billy Kee (Austin Samuels 46), Simeon Cobourne (Jasper Tetlow 87). Redditch United: Tyrese Warmington, Harrison Mole, Morgan Owen, Dexter Dudley-Toole, Jack Loughran (Billy Fielding 46), Reece Flanagan (Omari Brown 71), Aram Soleman (Matt Warburton 46), Liam Loughlan, Danny King (Jimmy Richardson 71), Alex Cameron, Fabian Reynolds (Bruce Minaker 90). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 9th December 2025, Farley Way, Quorn (att 259).

Leicester City 0-3 Manchester City (Women's Super League) I've not watched a women's game for a while. The wife has banned me from covering Sunday matches when I'm working Saturdays but she's had two Xmas do's this weekend so something had to give. Stuck dog sitting both Friday night and Saturday afternoon, I'm finally let out on the leash this Sunday morning, to do my first WSL game since May. It'll be my first viewing ever of Manchester City women. A chance to see Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw play live. The division's top goalscorer is nearing 100 goals for the Citizens who are top of the league, three points ahead of reigning (six successive times) champions Chelsea after nine matches played. Leicester are a whopping 18 points behind today's opponents with just one win and three draws this season so far. They lie ninth in the twelve team table but are four points ahead of lowly Liverpool who occupy the only relegation place at the foot, Leicester's only WSL victory so far this season coming against Liverpool in September. These days managed by Rick Passmoor, who's previous clubs include West Ham, Leeds and Notts County, Leicester have never even taken a league point off Manchester City, who have won their last eight games after opening day defeat at Chelsea, the Foxes in a run of three defeats from four which includes a 3-0 loss at WSL2 Crystal Palace in the women's league cup two weeks ago. I'm out early, dog walked, I'm on the road with a flask of coffee in hand for a quarter past ten, down the A42 from Nottingham to Leicester and arriving at the King Power for little gone eleven, today's kick off scheduled for midday. The Venue It's grey and drizzling as I slap on a big thick winter jacket, before getting out of the car which I've parked across the way in car park C at a cost of £5 (plus £1.50 booking fee). It's a short hop from the car park to the stadium where there's a big Christmas tree in front of the club shop, not too many around there's usually only a few hundred inside for women's games which is sad, because Leicester do make an effort, a stadium which houses 30,000 when full, but at least today it's easy to get in and out of for me. It's too early for pies, as I wonder aimlessly around the concourse before deciding to head up stairs, sat positioned in the top corner of the stand on row MM (the equivalent to Z here at Leicester) I'm out of sight above the corner flag, out of trouble, kids singing high pitched and waving flags well down below, I'm comfortable on an end of aisle seat with no-one near me for a good five or six rows in front. Spectacular internally the stadium covered in blue seats is vast, sparse, but intimate as the roofing above offers plenty of cover, the players on the pitch warming up are the ones getting wet, no chance of that up here but the odd draft of wind provides a sporadic nip every now and again. The Game Kasabian has finished playing over the tannoy and the teams are out, Manchester City in a rather ugly lime green and grey, Leicester in more traditional all blue, the home side content in the consistent rain to sit deep and defend, to nullify their opponents attacking threat, and it's a first half of few chances, Leicester on the odd occasion break over the half way line but it's largely the league leaders in possession, right forward Aoba Fujino looks lively whilst on the opposite flank, England's Lauren Hemp glides and floats forwards with the ball to cause danger. The target is Bunny Shaw, City's Jamaica international is one of the world's best strikers, she's had a couple of chances in the first half, snatching at a shot that goes wide early on, heading over a cross from Fujino later in the half, before Hemp forces Leitzig into a save from an acute angle on the stroke of half time, Leicester are good value for their clean sheet after keeping the league leaders largely at bay. The Score It's similar scenario in the second half, the odd cry of 'Leicester, Leicester' is shouted by young girls below as Manchester City attack, Leicester City sit back, they look comfortable bar another Bunny Shaw effort wide and another header over, Leitzig in goal has hardly been tested but for a couple of corners right under her crossbar. You start to look at the business end of the match and wonder if Leicester can hold out for a first ever WSL point v City, Swedish coach Andree Jeglertz brings on England international Grace Clinton and Brazilian forward Kerolin, but the Foxes hold firm, until, that is, minute 74, when a hopeful cross from the right is completely misjudged by Boureille, it's the first error any Leicester player has made all match, the ball falls at the feet of Bunny Shaw, she's not going to miss again. That goal sparks the visitors into life, ten minutes later a Lauren Hemp corner is deep to the head of Shaw who rises to nod home her second, and deep in stoppage time Kerolin, who's been lively since coming on, she's running through to dink home brilliantly after a wonderful threaded pass by Shaw, nervy times initially but in the end patience is a virtue, Man City didn't have it all their own way, but kept probing and pushing, until the Leicester defensive display crumbled. The Stars For large periods of this game Bunny was not on the money, i counted four chances she perhaps should have done better with, but perhaps I was being overly critical, expecting high standards, in the end Khadija Shaw gave me those high standards, two good finishes, one assist, and probably three more at least, she should have hit the target with. I don't watch enough football to know if Shaw is the best in the division, but she's top of the scoring charts for a third season running, tall, athletic, quick, powerful, aerially good, predatory in the box, and good in possession, I did like that although she was often on the periphery, as true strikers do, she stuck to within her zone and always provided target to be found. Finding her, more often than not, was Brazilian substitute Kerolin, who came on when space opened up and caused Leicester real problems, she's a very good player with 54 selecao caps, I was impressed with the speed and tenacity of young Japan international Aoba Fujino, who caused Leicester problems down the right, whilst on the left Lauren Hemp glided lovely across the surface, not the quickest from 0-50 but powerful like a purring Bentley Continental. Defensively Man City were hardly tested but both centre halves Knaak and Rose looked at ease, full backs got forward well and in midfield, you always felt they had control. As for Leicester, some tigerish performances that tired late on, I'm always impressed with their goalkeeper Janina Leitzig who stood firm, they played with Janice Cayman, usually a midfielder, helping out as asecond right back in a back five, Sam Tierney as ever, gritty in midfield, whilst young Olivia McLoughlin took my eye, in central midfield she passed the ball well and technically looked good. The Verdict I think Leicester will be ok, because with just one relegation place this season (due to expansion next year from 12 to 14 teams) they'll most very likely have enough points to avoid getting caught by Liverpool. Winnable games coming up against London City Lionesses, Tottenham and West Ham might help towards their points tally for survival. As for Manchester City, well it was very much their day, not only did they win to stay top of the division, Chelsea, who have 8 WSL titles in the last 9 years, well they lost their first game in 35 against Everton, perhaps the writing is on the wall, change is going to happen? Perhaps the Citizens can win the title at last? 2016 was the last time they won it, well they now have a six point lead at the summit, and perhaps no better chance since then? The Teams Leicester City: Janina Leitzig, Julie Thibaud (Nelly Las 85), Chantelle Swaby, Janice Cayman, Celeste Boureille, Asmita Ale, Sam Tierney, Olivia McLoughlin (Rosella Ayane 85), Hannah Cain, Hlin Eiriksdottir (Emily van Egmond 35), Shannon O'Brien (Missy Goodwin 72). Manchester City: Ayaka Yamashita, Kerstin Casparij, Jade Rose, Rebecca Knaak, Leila Ouahabi, Laura Blindkilde (Grace Clinton 64), Yui Hasegawa, Aoba Fujino, Vivianne Miedema (Kerolin 69), Lauren Hemp (Iman Beney 89), Khadija Shaw. 12:00pm Kick Off. Sunday 7th December 2025, Leicester City Stadium, Leicester (att 500).

Leicester City 0-1 Manchester United (Women’s Super League) I’ve not done as many women’s games in recent months but I never mind too much, in frequenting Leicester, not a million miles away from home, down the A46 and on a Sunday, it can be a pain free and quick journey which allows me to park outside, although rumour is they’ll be slightly more in attendance today? The big guns are in town, whether it’s Manchester United men, women, kids, they’ll always bring a backing, and not just that, fans of opposition will often be more inclined to watch when United are in town.. Funny how some can have such pull. I’ve had to purchase a ticket for this one, £16.50 it costs with a booking fee. Extortionate as usually I pay £8… I’ve okayed it with the bosses who’ll reimburse me full value, so I’m all confirmed and ready to go... A Sunday morning walk however has been postponed, it’s not stopped chucking down since the early hours so I’m feet up watching Sunday Brunch as the Mrs goes shopping, me and the dog chilled ahead of my 1pm exit… I’m on the road to watch two teams who have underperformed somewhat in the league this season, United who finished second in the title race last term are so far fourth, whilst Leicester have slipped in recent weeks after a promising start, the are third bottom following their sacking of Willie Kirk (we won’t go there), but are well safe from relegation with Bristol City a cool eleven points below them. The Venue There’s a traffic warden on duty as I pull up outside a factory on Brazil Street. Even they know today that Manchester United are in town. Usually on a Sunday for women’s football there’s plenty of space, crowds often under 2,000 but today they’re expecting 5 or 6k and it seems that bit busier in and around. There’s a mural on the wall of Lineker Road celebrating Leicester’s 2016 Premier League title as I walk down Burnmoor Street thinking to myself, they’ve also just won the Championship, after securing promotion on Friday. The atmosphere is good, as I approach the ground and download my ticket on google wallet, it’s only then I realise why I might have paid so much… ‘Hospitality Entrance’ it says I have to enter through? Looks like I mistakenly paid first class? Oh well, it’s a different route to the norm as I head up the stairs and am told by a nice lady to park myself in the Walkers Lounge ahead of game. It's large and spacious, swanky, lots of TV’s on the wall as I watch Arsenal v Tottenham in preparing for my own kick off. Round tables dressed in white cloth, a view out over the River Soar, I’m off to the toilet where I’m mightily impressed with the facilities, super nice exceeding those even of Wembley where I often frequent. There’s half hour until kick off but I make my way up to my seat, chosen specifically, back row, up and centre, cushioned, padded with a cracking view, the all blue square bowl arena is a cracking ground of Premier League quality, and more than adequate for WSL of course. The Game United are clear favourites because they’re simply the better team, but I saw the Leicester girls at Newport Pagnall Services last weekend after defeat against Arsenal, when me and my mate Daz were coming back, early, from Wembley. I told him then, when he asked, who the best players were, and the Foxes are a league of nations, with a lot of ability, they have quickly taken to life in the top professional tier of English football and they were also more than a match for United, more than I expected in fact. Janina Leitzig is the busier of the two keepers, she’s made a couple of good saves as Leicester keep at bay the attacking threat of United. Geyse the Brazilian right winger is a real threat with pace and trickery, whilst United have a lot of the ball, orchestrated by Maya Le Tissier from deep and Katie Zalem in midfield. The Score The first half is scoreless though as United edge the shots account, Leicester can be proud of their efforts, and the hosts could take the lead early in the second half as Goodwin pokes wide before Momiki’s low effort is saved by Mary Earps. The England goalie had earlier gone down after colliding with the posts and got a huge cheer off both supporters when she bravely got up on her feet to carry on, and it was an England team-mate who gave United the lead, Ella Toone had just came on the field to further huge applause before letting fly from 30 yards and absolute belter into the top corner. Probably the best goal I’ve seen all season man or woman, a proper effort from a proper player. Tooney, Tooney, was the cry from the United faithful. That goal turned out to be the winner, despite a good twelve or thirteen minutes of injury time following the earlier injury to Earps, but Leicester couldn’t knock down United’s door, a defence marshalled well by the world’s best female goalkeeper. The Stars United’s right winger Geyse was no doubt their star attacking asset, Brazilian born she reminded me of Marcus Rashford, lots of ability and pace but infrequently taking the easy or sensible approach to keep possession. Maya Le Tissier and Millie Turner were dominant at centre half as they fended off the often isolated Lena Peterman whilst Ella Toone came on, smashed into an opponent, got a stunning goal, and put in a schoolboy like performance, a touch of the Gascoigne's, making a statement from minute one entering the pitch, it’s little wonder why she’s so loved by both sets of supporters. For Leicester they lacked creation against a side who were bigger, stronger, quicker, the Foxes couldn’t get enough bodies forward to make their efforts count, but plenty of good performances, Sophie Howard at the back, Yuka Momiki in midfield, Lena Paterman up front, even though she was isolated, she always seems to be a strong focal point. In fact late on, Deanna Rose came on and offered a huge pacey threat down the left, wonders if she would be better starting, and also be better on the right, where she can pop shots off without looking to cut inside. The Verdict United’s season may not be all that in the league but they have reached the FA Cup Final for the first time and they take on Tottenham in the final, who beat Leicester in the semi’s, that wil be some day in front of a full house at Wembley. Meanwhile managerless Leicester have advertised on google for their vacant gaffers job. Next aim is to get that sorted, then next season, we’ll see how they progress. The Teams Leicester City: Janina Leitzig, Asmita Ale (CJ Bott 68), Julie Thibaud, Sophie Howard, Janice Cayman, Saori Takarada (Emilia Pelgander 90), Jutta Rantala, Sam Tierney, Yuka Momiki, Missy Goodwin (Deanne Rose 68), Lena Peterman. Manchester United: Mary Earps, Hannah Blundell, Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner, Gemma Evans, Leah Galton, Katie Zalem, Geyse (Nikita Parris 62), Lisa Naalsund (Hayley Ladd 87), Hinata Miyazawa (Ella Toone 73), Melvin Mallard (Lucia Garcia 62). 3:00pm Kick Off. Sunday 28th April 2024, Leicester City Stadium, Leicester (att 6,262).

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Burnley (Women's FA Cup Round Four) *aet Not only my first women's match of the season, my first trip to the City Ground in over a year which is pretty bad for a Forest fan who's bouncing over the brilliance of the men's team right now. Forest women aren't doing bad themselves, top of the FA Women's National League North they are unbeaten so far but they did draw with Burnley in September, the Clarets are third in the same league and going well, tonight will be tough one to call. In the last round it was anything but tough, Forest best Long Itchington 19-0 whilst Burnley saw off Spennymoor 12-0, the winner will take on Newcastle United who pipped both Burnley in second and Forest in third to the title last season to secure promotion to the Championship. Only five minutes down the road, I can leave with an hour to kick off and drive down the Melton Road, parking up on Musters Road where it's free after 6pm, the beauty of the women's game being played at the City Ground is that parking is much easier when the men are in town, just one stand open tonight, so I walk past Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and the world famous Trent Bridge Inn, down Pavilion Rad and into the stadium car park where fans are queuing up at the Peter Taylor Main Stand turnstile. The Venue A place called home, I've been coming here since the 1980's and it's a venue I truly love, situated in a part of town that thrives sport and culture, beside the Trent and across the way from a couple of other sporting homes of note where there's shops and bars and restaurants close by. The City Ground has had a bit of a makeover in recent years, the owner of Forest, Evangelos Marinakis has spent millions, not just on the playing side, but in the background and on the venue too, new signs and scoreboards, everything is red, even redder than when I was last here. The turnstiles are the same though, the Main Stand turnstiles have always been in the right hand corner of the car park, these days they have a scanner inside but are still 'manned' by an operator as opposed to those self check ins many grounds now have. Inside the venue, the Peter Taylor Stand itself, is the oldest of the lot, a couple of posts in view of the playing surface, it's said to be replaced next year, but talk of that has been going for a while, if so you'll lose what is a grotty, but classy old English stand, built in the sixties the roof is low down so where I am at the back of the stand it can be a little claustrophobic, but tonight at least, it's keeping the chill out up here. The Game I've had a steak and ale pie and a cup of tea to warm up, there's a few fans dotted around me but most of the youngsters are in the rows near the bottom, making all the noise, action is underway and as usual in the women's game it's much slower than the men's game, Forest and Burnley both have a bit of possession without really knowing what to do with it, the Reds look best when getting it out wide left, Burnley look to attack through the centre but everything is mostly short, the first half is far from a classic, and I'm already starting to think 'this might go the distance'. Forest are the better team, just, but the best chance of the half goes to Burnley when Walker beats the offside trap but couldn't beat Batty with just the keeper to beat. The second half is very much the same, the home team having more of the ball, without really creating anything, Burnley break with one opportunity, Logan this time sent through as Batty comes to the rescue again. As time goes on i'm getting colder and more frustrated with the lack of opportunity, a fella behind me has had plus three goals in his bet, he's lost the will to live as the stop start second half stutters with substitutions and goalkeepers going down to feign injury. The Score Extra time it is, inevitable really, but these two teams are very evenly matched, both defensively very good, both neat in midfield, both offering minimal confidence in attack, which is unusual considering Forest have scored 47 league goals in 11 games this season and Burnley won their last match v Bradford 11-0. But the last half hour is unusually more open, it feels there's a bit of space opening up and alas a chance for Forest as they enter the opposition penalty area. Locked still at half time they push with persistence in the second period and after Bridget Galloway heads their best opportunity of the night against the bar, Charlie Wellings slots home the rebound and a winner with just 11 minutes remaining which finally kicks some life into the action. By now there's some folk who have already left, they'll be long gone as they hear the news of Forest's winner, but the Reds edge out their rivals and in the end celebrate a hard fought win, they'll be no respite either as they travel to Newcastle to face their fifth round tie this Sunday. The Stars Forest will be indebted to their brilliant goalkeeper Emily Batty who's two saves were vital on the night, but I was really impressed with central defender Katie Longhurst who hobbled off late on having gave her all. She of good stature was brilliantly composed on the ball and read the game well. Another impressing was Millie Chandarana who did well on the wing, Freya Thomas also putting in a good shift whilst Nat Johnson did well at left back when she came on. For Burnley, I had hoped for a little more from them, Grace Palmer was neat in midfield, picking the ball up deep a lot of the good play went through her and Heidi Logan, defensively they stuck to their guns to ensure former Leicester goalkeeper Kirstie Levell didn't have to do much, but in the end they fell short at a critical stage of the game. The Verdict Forest have had some near misses and now is the time that Carly Davies' side should finally gain promotion to the second tier of women's football. They lead their league by a point over Wolves but are yet to lose and will be favourites to finally make the step up, but first they'll have an opportunity for a big scalp in the cup, Newcastle however will be their toughest test yet this season. Burnley aren't themselves out of the title race, four points behind Forest with a game in hand, they have a lot to be proud of in the way they play, in their recruitment and from their performance at the City Ground, and will certainly have a telling factor on who eventually takes the title in what is a three way split, currently in Forest's favour. The Teams Nottingham Forest: Emily Batty, Lyndsey Harkin, Katie Longhurst (Jessica Hennessy 108), Amy Sims (Natalie Johnson 63), Melissa Johnson, Charlie Wellings, Hollie Olding, Mollie Green, Freya Thomas, Millie Chandrana (Hollie Manders 94), Katie Dungate (Bridget Galloway 83) Burnley: Kirstie Levell, Emma Siddall (Charley Docherty 97), Georgia Marshall, Heidi Logan, Claudia Walker (Reanna Blades 81), Grace Palmer, Rhema Lord-Mears (Laura Elford 69), Amellia Hazard (Isabella Reidford 59), Naomi Hartley, Tilly Wilkes, Kelly (Anna Grey 69) 7:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 8th January 2025, City Ground, Nottingham (att 1,000 est).