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Birmingham City 2-1 Southampton (Women's Championship) I spent Saturday evening running stats on the New Zealand verses Sri Lanka cricket match as I prepare for the summer ahead and some smaller sized balls to enjoy. This morning I'm up and taking our dog for an hours play before the wife nips to the shops and I head out for a first Sunday game in a while, my first women's league match of the season. I stopped doing Sunday's due to spending more time with the family but after last weekend's trip to Poland I'm making up for lost time, and trying to recuperate some money spent in the museums, bars and restaurants of Krakow too. It will also be my first trip to Birmingham City's St Andrews which is pretty crazy considering I've been to Birmingham hundreds of times, not even driven past or spotted the floodlights previously so there's that bit of kid inside of me who's really looking forward to chalking off a ground I should have long since done. Having been to Villa Park only last week, I know it's an hour door to door with a good run and on Sunday's you get just that, not much traffic on the road as I set off at midday down the A42 and M6. Birmingham are top of the league, going well and are looking good for promotion after three seasons outside of the WSL. Southampton entered the Women's Championship in 2022, exactly the same time as Birmingham but from different directions, they have held their own and are eighth this season, well above any danger of relegation you would think. I'm driving down the A38 past Villa Park as the radio buzzes ahead of the Carabao Cup Final today between Newcastle United and Liverpool, I'm trying to get back in time to watch that game which starts at 4:30pm, I'm on the Middleway ring road before pulling off on a side street five minutes walk from St Andrews, another beauty of covering women's football is you get to park pretty near to these huge stadiums hosting the events. The Venue I'm walking up the Coventry Road past a McDonalds before finally seeing the stadium up on a hill, blue gates, white painted roofing as I ask a steward which turnstiles to enter. It's a contactless entrance but I can't get my phone to work so end up twatting around for a few minutes, nobody in sight to help as I finally find a way to scan a barcode and get in, before ordering a pie and brew at the kiosk. It's pukka, steak and ale, wrapped in plastic, you can't go wrong with them and you know what you get, as I listen in to a few Southampton fans in the home end harp on about their men's teams failings this season. Fed and oiled I walk through to the open, I'm in the Kop stand which unlike most other Kops I've been in, is at the side of the pitch, it's high seats and high roofs offer an open to the elements experience, gladly it's not raining but if it was, I think most of the people inside this arena would get quite wet. It's unusually simple but I quite like it inside, the seating is modern, but if feels older, a bit like Old Trafford looked 30 years ago, the stand I'm in wraps around to the stand behind the goal to my right, the Main Stand opposite, is two tiered with a low roof, ageing amongst the rest of the stadium, the Railway End to my left tall, with a large lower tier and smaller upper tier, it looks quite odd as I keep staring up at it. The Game It's bloody freezing as I left my coat behind for the cooler much lighter Gillet, the remains of a cold cup of tea failing to warm me up, Birmingham are neat, as expected, but Southampton are decent, Molly Pike who I've seen previously play for Leicester, glides in possession with number ten on her back. There's not much action but a penalty is awarded on eight minutes after a ball is played into the box and handled, the diminutive Simone Magill placing home with ease to put the home side one up, the fans, a good few hundred in the lower tier where I'm sat, lightly cheer and applaud, I think they all expect it to be a Blues win today. Whilst Birmingham are good, defensively solid, organised in midfield and dangerous out wide, I'm impressed with the Saints, who are quite a young side with a couple of teenagers in their starting eleven. They have no fear against the table toppers and themselves don't allow many chances whilst looking to attack on the break. The Score On 36 Birmingham's persistence in searching for a second pays off when a lovely floated cross by Holloway is headed home at the back post by Choe Yu-Ri, she's been the Blues most impressing forward player and grabs a deserved goal, but Southampton go up the other end and immediately win a free kick, a lovely cross in by Palmer is touched en-route by Peplow and Southampton's first shot on goal is a goal. That will give the away side confidence going into the break and in the second half they come out strong, but never really penetrate the Blues defence. I really like their ying and yang centre back combination who have hardly looked troubled, Shannon Cooke is tall, blonde haired, besides the tiny bobble headed Rebecca McKenna, who despite being small for a centre half, punches well above her weight in performance and reads the game terrifically well. The Birmingham defence is that good, American goalkeeper Adrianna French hardly has a shot to save, Southampton see plenty of the ball but never look like scoring again, Birmingham themselves have a couple of sniffs, one goal is ruled out for the ball previously going out of play, but in fairness neither keeper is tested too much in the second half. The Stars Southampton shown plenty of promise with their young players whilst I liked the look of Georgia Mullett up front, out wide, eighteen year old Vivienne Lia had a trick or two but was brilliantly looked after by Blues right back Martha Harris, they brought on Brazilian playmaker Ivana Fuso late on who carried the ball well. If goals win matches, then defences win titles, and in goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, behind two solid centre halves, Birmingham have a decent spine to start from, allowing those more further forward to cause trouble in attack. South Korean Lee Geum-Min was very good on the left whilst captain Christie Harrison-Murray was inventive whenever she was on the ball. The Verdict I still remember Birmingham as one of the leading women's sides, winning titles and cups with household names, Rachel Unitt, Karen Carney, Rachel Williams, Eni Aluko, it would be good to see them in the top division and I believe women's football needs those names of past eras for some history to hold on to, why under the current regime of Tom Brady and co, can't Birmingham be great again, in both men and women's departments. Southampton impressed me, a young team with plenty of potential, who will be ok this season, and hopefully stronger still next, the development of the women's game is down to a strong domestic competition, so when you see that there's not much between those at the top, and those down below, you have a feeling that the future of the game is really going to improve some more. The Teams Birmingham City: Adrianna French, Martha Harris, Christie Harrison-Murray, Rebecca Holloway, Simone Magill, Lucy Quinn (Ivana Fuso 62), Rebecca McKenna, Shannon Cooke, Emily van Egmond (Cho So-Hyun 76), Choe Yu-Ri (Tegan McGowan 76), Lee Geum-Min. Southampton: Frances Stenson, Milly Mott, Tara Bourne, Paige Peake, Jemma Purfield (Isabel Milne 80), Chloe Peplow, Laila Harbert, Aimee Palmer (Rachel Rowe 69), Molly Pike, Vivienne Lia, Georgia Mullett. 2:00pm Kick Off. Sunday 16th March 2025, St Andrews, Birmingham (att 1,000 est).

Leicester City 4-2 West Ham United  (Women’s Super League) I’m scratching around for matches and this could be the last (paid) of the season for me, I’m falling short of a hundred games since last summer (just the 93 watched in venue) but I’m ready for my break, a week in Dubai awaits as the English game draws near to a close. It’s the last weekend of the WSL season, and ironically the first Women’s Super League match I’ve been to in a year. Leicester City are second bottom but well clear of already relegated Crystal Palace, West Ham mid table with not a lot to play for but points and placing, elsewhere Chelsea have won the league, Arsenal and Manchester United are playing each other today with the winner taking second prize. I’m waiting for the wife to get back from her morning Gym class and Asda shop, before rushing out the door to get quickly down the A46. I’ve left it late, leaving at 11:30am for a 12:30pm kick off. I’m frantically speeding down the dual carriageway but I’ve made good time, through Wanlip, Birstall and Leicester city centre as I manage to get lucky with some favourable traffic lights, original ETA down from 12:21 to 12:15pm. The Venue I’ve parked in Car Park C which is across the Raw Dykes Road and is now half taken by a huge fan zone, which is these days a thing that ‘Premier League’ clubs have to offer. Not in use today, I wonder if it will be their next season when Leicester City men’s team are back in the Championship. I’m running to the turnstiles as I know I’ve left it late to get my pew for KO, past a queue of kids and mums as I enter turnstiles 6-12 where I can’t seem to work out how to scan my phone. "Slot it in the gap" I'm told. Panic over, I’m up the stairs to my seat at the back of the stand, elevated and high up, away from the noisy kids who are waving flags and blowing on vuvuzelas down below, my seat however is directly in front of the one box in the stadium which is taken by the clubs official drummer boy. I jest with him ‘how long do you think I can sit here before moving’? “2 minutes” is the reply. Luckily there’s plenty of blue plastic spaces available so I take a seat a little further down the line. Inside the King Power Stadium, it really is a fine cauldron, not for everyone, these modern grounds often referred to as soulless bowls, but I like it, the views are good, the pitch immaculate, it’s intimate and when full can create a good noise, even today, with just a thousand or two in attendance, backed by the drummer boy, there’s plenty of noise. The Game There’s not a lot at stake but if Leicester win they can move up a place in the table, and the Blues start positive as they look to go forward every time they get the ball, but they don’t have it much as West Ham hold most of the possession, they look to keep it and probe slowly whilst the Foxes are all about the counter-attack. City do make the breakthrough when Janice Cayman volleys a ball from the edge of the area into the roof of the net, a lovely finish with the laces of her boot to put Leicester one up after just nine minutes. West Ham respond by crashing the crossbar, French star Viviane Asseyi with a cross-shot from out left has Leitzig perplexed but for little reward, and it's Leicester who double advantage when Hannah Cain is set free. I watched a short video of her only last night, on her road to recovery after a year out with an ACL injury, she talked of retirement when at her lowest, but she’s in fine form today, racing clear she has two pops at the cherry, on the rebound her left footed dink is lovely. Much admired by the young Leicester fans, the Welsh international certainly shouldn’t be thinking about retiring as she shines as one of the game’s best players. The Score A two goal lead at half time is deserved but West Ham come out strong in the second half after making a couple of changes, their star attraction is Asseyi who takes every set play, she’s popped up in the box to head in a cross which Leitzig gets hands to but can’t keep out, suddenly it’s 2-1 and the Hammers are back in it. But Leicester are let loose again, Cain racing free as she’s sent through on goal by Ale, West Ham’s high line often penetrated and another left footed dink over the keeper provides the forward with her second of the game. You think that should be it, but Viviane Asseyi is leading a one-woman comeback, she’s set sight from around twenty yards over a free kick where anyone sane wouldn’t even think about shooting, a wonderful whipped effort right footed from out wide into the top near corner of the Leicester goal. 3-2. But every time the Hammers race back, Leicester are let loose, Sam Tierney this time breaking the lines to run through on goal from midfield, Szemik only just starts to race off her line, Tierney has seen it, before having a go at chipping the ball over her, it’s a stunning finish which even has me draw breath, ‘Wow’ is what I say aloud before a gentle round of applause. That has the kids waving flags in front of me as the drummer boy goes wild, he’s been banging his beat for what it feels like an eternity, I’m glad I wasn’t forced to sit in my actual seat today. The Stars Hannah Cain shone with her two goals and what a lovely story for her, back from what must have been hell, she returned to action in October and has played plenty of games since, but in the last month has now scored four goals for club and country, finding her form now at full fitness. I really like Leicester, as a club, they have good players in all departments, Janina Leitzig in goal is one of the best in the WSL for me, her handling impeccable, whilst in defence, Sophie Howard often controls proceedings at centre half, they don’t let too many in. Sam Tierney is also a player I really like, she’s one that goes un-noticed often battling away doing the ugly stuff in midfield, she always puts a shift in but has a touch of quality and good subtle movement which I really enjoy watching, whilst the Japanese winger Yuka Momiki is a fine player too, caressing the ball neatly along the playing surface before jetting off on her way. For West Ham, their single star on the day was Viviane Asseyi, 66 French caps and 14 international goals, you can see why. She’s quick, direct, powerful, technical, she can shoot from distance and score with her head, if only the Hammers had ten other players like her? The Verdict In the end, Leicester finished tenth in the twelve team WSL table, West Ham falling to ninth to end a disappointing season lower than expected, only three points above the Foxes, Chelsea went the season unbeaten whilst Arsenal, who have the Champions League final to look forward to next, finished second above Manchester United after an entertaining last day 4-3 win. Whilst those at the top continue to dominate, clubs like West Ham and Leicester certainly know their place, they have both improved in recent years and are competitive these days against the big guns, they’ll no doubt enjoy their break and go again next season, where they, and the WSL will no doubt continue to improve in quality. The Teams Leicester City: Janina Leitzig, Julie Thibaud (CJ Bott 75), Sophie Howard, Chantelle Swaby, Asmita Ale, Sam Tierney, Janice Cayman, Hannah Cain (Hlin Eiriksdottir 83), Yuka Momiki (Saori Takarada 83), Shana Chossenotte (Shannon O'Brien 60), Missy Goodwin (Nelly Las 60). West Ham United: Kinga Szemik, Anouk Denton, Eva Nystrom, Shelina Zadorsky (Amber Tisiak 46), Verena Hanshaw (Kirsty Smith 79), Manuela Pavi (Oona Siren 46), Katrina-Lee Gorry (Princess Ademiluyi 90), Seraina Piubel (Emma Harries 68), Riko Ueki, Viviane Asseyi, Shekiera Martinez. 12:30pm Kick Off. Saturday 10th May 2025, Leicester City Stadium, Leicester (att: 2,000).

Buckley Town 1-2 Mold Alexandra (Cymru North) We lost a good football man at the weekend. Gary Hayward was a non league manager who I worked with, who had spells at Hednesford and Buxton amongst others, a larger than life character who's ethos was built on team spirit, he had an old fashioned no nonsense temperament but he liked his sides to play, later in life illness got the better of him and he even managed his final few games from a wheelchair after amputation in both his legs, football was his life, without it he sadly deteriorated, but worth remembering so many good times. He certainly taught me a thing or two about the game.  I've been scratching around a bit for a Tuesday night out and I've got a last minute number on the Welsh border, Cymru North rivals Buckley Town and Mold Alexandra are less than five miles apart in distance, four places separate them in the table but the clubs have near identical for and against records, just a couple of games left in the season, neither can go up or down, Buckley in fifth, Mold in ninth, ironically two of the final three games are against each other with the potential for a third in the cup. Formed in 1977 after an amalgamation of Buckley Rovers and Buckley Wanderers, Buckley Town spent almost a quarter of a century in the Cymru Alliance before relegation to the regional Wrexham league which they won in 2018. They became founder members of the Cymru North after the Alliance changed names in 2019 and have sat in the middle echelons of the division ever since, this is their highest finish to a season so far. Famous players include Mickey Thomas whilst Ryan Shawcross appeared for the club as a junior and Danny Collins played for both Buckley and Mold before going on to have a career with Sunderland and Stoke City amongst others. Formed in 1929, Mold Alexandra might be best known as the first ever club of Michael Owen, the former England frontman starting his career as a Junior scoring 34 goals in 24 games during one pre-teen season ahead of his move to Liverpool. The club based at Alyn Park have won the Welsh National League four times and are in their third campaign in the Cymru North. I'm out the door for 3:30pm ahead of a half seven kick off, across the A50 through Stoke and down the Nantwich by pass around Crewe before heading out of Cheshire towards the A55 and Welsh border after passing the notable Snugburys Ice Cream on the old Chester Road.  The Venue I'm parked up outside an industrial estate on the edge of town before making my way up towards the ground entrance, elevated with views out to England you don't actually need to pay at the turnstiles to get a glimpse of the action, one side of the pitch has a high mesh fence to stop stray balls hitting the road, stand behind that and you can see plenty of the pitch.  Inside though is a real quirky home, left in places to rot, in others not, the club house and changing rooms high up behind the goal, a large seated stand to the right is condemned, out of action, one on the left much smaller in use, the pitch hasn't been mowed for a week, plenty of grass on it, looks more fitting for a rugby match than soccer. I take a walk around the perimeter where I kick a few balls back into play under the open barriers that separate the standing section and pitch, of all 'stadiums' I've been to of late, this is easily the most run down, in England it would struggle to pass step 5 or 6 which intrigues me to how lenient the Welsh FA is on facility demands, but it has a tea bar, it has toilets, it has good old fashioned concrete dugouts, and a pitch from the 1970s, you can't help feeling nostalgic about it all, as the two sets of teams go about their warm ups in lowering April sunlight. The Game Buckley in all red, Mold in all blue, it's like an old fashioned Subbuteo set out there as action is under way, players flicked into regimental position, there's no time for getting it down to play. Up an under is order of the day.  It's horrible but high tempo, Buckley manager Asa Hamilton angers his frustration early doors at the linesman who gives a goal kick instead of a corner, "Gavin" he shouts. "I can see that from here". White Turkey teeth and mop top shaven around the sides, the sun tanned Edwards is raging with every decision by now, he's well out of his technical area, there is no technical area, as a crowd of youths behind him stand, encourage, and giggle, in front of a no standing sign. It seems there's no law and order in these parts, "that's fucking shit" is repeatedly sworn by the Buckley manager to the officials, he's marching down like he's on something as his ultras laugh every time he berates the ref, some lads head off before a smell of cannabis floats over, at least my view is less obstructed for sitting on the back row of the stand and trying to peer over their standing heads in front. For all the thud and smash involved in the game it's a moment of brilliance that opens the scoring, the ball falling to Manu Lawal on the edge of the area who perfectly executes a volley into the corner of the net.  That lead doesn't last for long as Buckley level with a belter themselves, the ball sitting nicely for number nine Connor Littler who smashes home from outside the box. It hasn't been pretty, but the finishing is devastating. The Score There's time for a few handbags as the Buckley manager throws yet another tantrum after not getting his way, he kicks the ball at a Mold player to earn himself a yellow card, then Buckley's goalkeeper has a moment of madness, he tries to quickly clear a kick from his hands but smashes it against the backside of an opponent, the ball bobbling around the box falls to Fabrizio Murtas who prods the visitors into the lead. If ever a goal was to sum up a game, that rages tempers further as another home player is booked for saying Mold's striker obstructed their goalkeeper, then back to action as both teams kick it to each other until the whistle for half time. It's hell for leather, real grassroots local rivalry, Mold however are the calm, quieting presence, unattractively but effectively going about their stuff, Buckley aren't nasty, they play percentage football and have an irate Manager, but that gets the crowd of youths up on his side and makes them a nasty bunch to play against. It's far from a classic as Asa pulls off his number eleven after just a couple of minutes of the second half, then he brings on himself, to save the day, but despite a lot of the football played in the Mold Alexandra half, it's not pretty, it's not controlled, and neither goalkeeper, both very small looking in size, are hardly tested at all. In the end I start to will Mold on who have defended exceptionally well against a team that throw the kitchen sink at them, late on Buckley have a goal rightly ruled out for offside, but it's the away side I'm most impressed with, and it's the away side who take all three points. There's still time for some kicking off after the whistle as player Manager Asa Hamilton pushes the Ref's buttons one too many times, he's sent off for saying something which probably included an 'F' word, and on the walk out one of the coaching staff offers a visiting fan out, "you fucking bell end" he says... "Come on you fat bastard". The Stars Despite Buckley being the higher of the two in the division I did feel impressed more by what Mold had to offer. The home side defended well, their centre halves doing the most basic of basics, whilst in striker Connor Littler they have a good forward who knows where the net is. But Mold had a couple of gems, 19 year old winger Fabrizio Murtas carried the ball well on a bobbly pitch, he's powerful and inventive and one who's game could progress, whilst centre forward Owen Cordiner, just 23 years old, he the nice touch for a big man cliche glided on the pitch in movement, reminding me of a player I used to work with, Alex Ford who was briefly at Ilkeston Town and Hucknall many moons ago, Cordiner was often isolated but ran his socks off and his hold up play particularly down the channels was impressive. And on a day when defences were on top, special mention to centre halves Craig Rogers and Dafydd Griffith who with a combined age of 73 played their part in a backs to the walls second half performance of stern and solid resilience. The Verdict Welsh football at level two is more grassroots than I had imagined. It's a shame because the Globe is a beautiful ground, just a little neglected in parts, maybe they don't have the funds, but I would like to see the Welsh FA take charge, organisation is key, the two teams ahead of kick off didn't even walk out together, it was throw back football that is only these days in England seen in Sunday league. Pitch awful, conditions perfect, the players themselves all gave 120% and the fans came in numbers, a good crowd over 300 it felt, a proper derby where both teams will go again in ten days time, to draw curtain on solid seasons for each, I expect more fireworks to come. The Teams Buckley Town: Ryan Goldston, Adam Smith, Adam Boydell, Daniel Burgess, Callum Humphries (Liam Driscoll 58), Nicholas Grogan, Scott McHarrie, Aled Bellis, Connor Littler, Bradley Knight (Asa Hamilton 66), Iwan Jones (Max Moore 47). Mold Alexandra: Michael Crossley, Joshua Watkin (Morgan Roberts 71), Lucas Gregson, Craig Rogers, Ryan Coney, Fabrizio Murtas, Owen Cordiner (Rhys Edwards 90), Emmanuel Lawal, Cynan Edwards (Ellis Hickey 46), Dafydd Griffith, Henry Nash. 7:30pm Kick Off. Tuesday 1st April 2025, The Globe, Buckley (att 300 est).

Caernarfon Town 5-0 Bala Town (Cymru Premier) I'm feeling guilty for leaving the wife and dog overnight so before I head off to Wales for another three games this weekend, I'm fetching some bin bags a baguette some ham and coleslaw from Co-Op, before waving goodbye to the loves of my life and heading west to Cymru all over again. Not as serene as Wednesday as there's a haze in the air today, which slightly greys over the magnificent panorama I get as I drive across this beautiful A55 and look out to the sea, a 3 hour journey from Nottingham through Stoke and up the M6 before taking the M56 and delightful North Wales Expressway, it's really lovely as I pull in to the walled town of Caernarfon a little jaded, the castle add theatre as I park up and walk the remainder to my overnight guesthouse, it's here I drop in my bags before taking a look around the wonderful cobbled streets. A Roman Fort, established around AD80, these days housing shops, cafes and bars with the odd tourist walking within the huge stone walls which back on to the Menai Straight and Afon Seiont, I stop for a quick pint (as I'm on my holiday) in Jac y Do, a modern real ale hipster pub where I get a nice IPA, before heading back, freshening up, and walking again, this time towards the Oval, home of Caernarfon Town FC since formation in 1937. The Venue Located on a hill at the top of Segontium Road, it's very Yorkshire miners welfare this aged looking but idyllic old ground which is squeezed in between grey stone cladded terraced housing and narrow steep streets. Mountains in the distance add beautiful backdrop as I head for the yellow painted clubhouse, a sign on the door says 'members only' and 'guests must sign in' which slightly put me off from entering. It's only an hour to kick off but it's like a ghost town around here, hardly anyone outside in the car park as I walk through the entrance where I'm scanned in by a local, no sooner do I walk through the gates does the rain come down heavy, keepers warming up on the pitch in front as the heavens open out and give it some, I take cover behind the goal which is thankfully a small roofed stand before walking around quickly to the seated yellow and green painted stand on half way. It's quintessentially gorgeous this place, without being perfect, no way near in fact, it has the look and feel of the sort of place you would play a County Cup final as a kid in the 80's. A big huge pitch with a horrible slope from wing to wing (this I'm told will be levelled next season), a roofed stand behind the goal that looks a little wonky, one decent seated area on half way, not a bad seated stand behind the right side goal which is elevated and really cosy looking, but that's it, nothing spectacular, quite simple on the eye, concrete walls around the perimeter, spaced out standing areas are plenty, the terraced houses line one side of the pitch with decent views of the action from some lucky bedroom windows. I love it, the feeling is 'real' and the smell is of damp anoraks due to the weather gushing down but as I found out on Wednesday at Bangor, everyone around here is speaking Welsh, I'm a little uneasy with it all, so keep myself to myself, sit at the back row, hood up, and wait for the play to begin. The Game It's the Championship round of fixtures in the Welsh Premier League, I'm not entirely sure what it all means, but I think, like in Scotland, the league splits after the half way stage, both Bala and Caernarfon have struggled of late, the Canaries in fifth have lost their last two whilst the Lakesiders in sixth haven't won in six. But despite their poor form, the visitors from Bala start well, a marauding run down the right by teenage winger Callum Edwards shows how electric he can be, whilst on the left, the experienced Osebi Ababaki is looking lively with plenty of touches, the hosts however do grow into the game and on their first corner on 33, take the lead through Downey who powers home from close range. That goal gives Caernarfon and midfielder Downey in particular, some new found confidence as a few flicks and tricks pay off, still raining, the hosts now look the more up for it as their full backs start to contain the speedy away side wingers, whilst Ryan Sears barks orders next to Phil Mooney at centre half, both solid and experienced competitors, in midfield they play with some ambition and up front have a couple of likeable forwards, Adam Davies a tall number nine puts himself about brilliantly, taking the strain away from young Louis Lloyd whose going about his business much quieter, looking for pockets of space. He looks to have intelligence aged just 21. The Score At half time I check my phone to see England are beating Albania 1-0. The rain is easing but still falling as the players re-emerge, it doesn't look like Bala have bothered to come out though because Caernarfon blow them away in little more than fifteen, first adding to their opener on 51 when Louis Lloyd gets lucky to beat the goalkeeper then flick the ball home from inside the area. Five minutes later Sam Downey strikes again, this time his low shot from outside the box is too hot for Torrance to handle. Lloyd then gets his second on 63 when the pass of the game by left back Owen carves open the Bala defence, the left footed number two who looks more like an Aussie Rules player with his mullet style hair and socks rolled down his ankles, smashes a 60 yard swerver into the path of Lloyd who runs onto the ball before calmly dinking over the goalkeeper. There's room for one more as Lloyd grabs his hat trick on 75, running through after a lovely slid pass from midfield, but Bala have made it all too easy, they have pressed self destruct and from the moment they first conceded, probably decided they didn't want to be here. The Stars It's convincing from Caernarfon who's striker Lloyd didn't disappoint, he's got 14 goals for the season now and is joint top in the Welsh Premier League with Rhys Hughes of Connah's Quay. Lloyd looks awkward at times, far from the finished article he does seem to have a natural finishing instinct although might lack pace, power, fitness, but he has a talent you can't teach, a player who I think could be worth a punt in taking to England? Of the others, Sam Downey stood out with two goals in a dominant midfield display, he was next to Paulo Mendes who was brilliant in breaking up and starting play, he on occasion shown very quick feet in getting away from opponents, and won plenty of free kicks in the centre of the park. A quick mention for Ryan Sears, a 26 year old English born centre half, who's previous clubs include Grimsby and Shrewsbury, he skippered the side and lead by example, always communicating with his back line and was up for the challenge in keeping the Bala attack quiet. Club legend Darren Thomas getting a late cameo to make his 400th Canaries appearance. For Bala, not a great night, spells of pace from young Callum Edwards aside, their best player perhaps midfielder Lassana Mendes who's had spells in England with Radcliffe and Hereford, but even he didn't have much go his way. Young Irish midfielder Issa Kargbo did at least provide some hope from the bench, he worked his socks off in the centre of the park after coming on and was one of few players in white worthy of their pay cheque this week. The Verdict With only three games left to play of the season, Caernarfon have a slim chance of third place in the league, which will get them into a semi final slot for a Europa Conference playoff. Reaching Europe is a significant financial target for the top Welsh teams. Bala will finish sixth, which is the best and worse they can do, I weren't impressed by their performance, but with the league table split as it is, they are simply playing for nothing but pride, and sometimes, that isn't enough to win football matches. The Teams Caernarfon Town: Ben Hughes, Jake Canavan (Danny Gosset 64), Adam Davies, Sam Downey (Darren Thomas 76), Steph Edwards, Joe Faux (Matty Hill 75), Louis Lloyd, Paulo Mendes (Oisin Ellis 84), Phil Mooney, Morgan Owen (Gruff Williams 83), Ryan Sears. Bala Town: Joel Torrance, Osebi Abadaki (Liam Higgins 64), Aeron Edwards, Callum Edwards, Kieran Lloyd, Daniel Malone (Issa Kargbo 56), Lassana Mendes, Nathan Peate, Louis Robles, Ross White, Ben Woollam. 7:45pm Kick Off. Friday 21st March 2025, The Oval, Caernarfon (att 610).

Penybont 1-0 Haverfordwest County (Friendly) I’ve swapped Mitre Delta’s and Adidas Tango’s for Kookaburra’s and Dukes balls this summer, last week alone I was in Chelmsford, Canterbury and Bristol to watch and report on cricket in a bid to fill my football void. Back to what I know best tonight though, the start of a new soccer season, my first ‘PFS’ of 23/24… Although it’s not exactly worked out how I planned… I know little about Penybont, a club formed in 2013 who play in the Cymru Premier, but what I do know is, they have qualified for the UEFA Conference League this season and face a first ever European competitive match against FC Santa Coloma of Andorra next week. We usually get accreditation for matches in Europe but that doesn’t kick in until the group stages so checking the Welsh sides fixture list for alternatives I noticed a match against Haverfordwest County which looked appealing to go watch, a quick google search telling me Pen y Bont was only an hour and half drive from my house, what I didn’t realise was, it was the wrong bloody Penybont. There’s actually hundreds of Pen-y-Bont’s in Wales (English translation is ‘top of the bridge’), the one I thought I was visiting, near Shrewsbury and Oswestry, is doable in 90 minutes from my door, the one I got, a 350 mile round trip to Bridgend, will instead, take over 6 hours of my life sat in my car. Penybont’s opponents, Haverfordwest County, are one of those names that stick in the mind from when the full times are huskily read out on a Saturday afternoon… Formed in 1899 the Bluebirds have long stood the top table in Wales before recent relegation and promotion again, they finished seventh last season and also qualified for Europe after winning a league playoff against Newtown, Managed by former Yeovil goalkeeper Tony Pennock (who’s son Alex plays in goal for Penybont), they’ll face North Macedonian minnows Shkendija next Thursday night, also in the first qualifying round of the Europa Conference League. It's mid-afternoon, I’ve made the wife a cuppa before heading out the door, down the M1 from Nottingham and across the M42 onto the M5 where it starts raining. I’m driving down the M50 to Ross-on-Wye where I stop off for some petrol and spot a Greggs at a services. Not liking the look of a lone chicken pasty I go for a steak bake and brew, get back in the car and head off down the A40 towards Newport, I’m wrestling with the paper bag whilst driving and eating as a piece of steak falls onto the top of my hand, it’s red hot, the bastard has burnt my skin, I’m in agony, I have to pull over on the hard shoulder and pour some water over my thumb, a big red mark on my hand, these bloody pasties should come with a warning, you never know if it’s going to be ice cold or furnace hot! Back on the road whilst clutching my wrist in pain I’m through the Gibraltar Tunnels of Monmouth enduring a lovely drive to the M4, coming off where I spot the Celtic Manor Golf Resort hotel. Through the traffic of a now busy motorway towards Cardiff, I eventually reach Bridgend and pull up at a Tesco outside the ground where I put some air in my tyres. The Venue Brewery Field is actually a rugby ground and home to Bridgend Ravens who once beat Australia on the very patch during the Wallabies tour of 1981. Not much I presume has changed since then? The match being played here today ahead of Penybont using the venue for their Europa League tie, their usual home of Bryntirion Park considered too small for such lucrative event. With a capacity of 8,000 the venue has two large but lusciously dated stands on either wing, one end has a roofed terrace behind the goal whilst the other is open ended, used mainly for players parking. I’m walking through the puddles ahead of the turnstile where I’m scanned in through the ticket office window, I ask a steward where I can get a cup of tea and a wee “they’ve not opened the tea bar” he says, “you’ve missed a trick there” I reply, having specifically gone to the cash machine earlier in case the club only took pound coins. Bladder emptied but dry mouthed I head up to the centre of the seated stand which has wooden desks across a couple of rows for press, dugouts in front, there’s pillars to the left and right holding up the roof but partially blocking my view, pitch green and flat, it’s been raining heavily but is brightening up, an old woman with a couple of blokes starts hobbling up the steps towards her seat, moaning about the lack of food and drink facility, she sounds English and we get chatting, living on the Pembrokeshire Coast they’re fans of Haverfordwest but her grandma was from Newark, she reminds me of her time going to see her and running to the bridge above the Northgate train station to watch the Flying Scotsman go past. The Game It’s a 7:30pm kick off but the two sets of players are still out on the pitch warming up at 7:35… No PA system in place, the crowd now built up to less than an eighth full, a good few hundred in attendance, chatting away, asking each other “did we get the wrong time”. Finally, fifteen minutes late, the two sets of players come out to play, not your usual formal walkout of the tunnel led by referees, Penybont in all blue first out in old-skool 70’s and 80’s ways, captain leading his side, running out and leaping up to mimic a header as the sparse crowd claps them in, followed by Haverfordwest in their changed yellow and blue, a macron number which looks very similar to my beloved Nottingham Forest away kit from last year. It’s a slow paced start, the away side kick it between their back four and look competent in possession, no real threat up front, they play out from the back and have a few neat midfielders but rarely trouble the Penybont defence, in return the hosts, are more direct, more down and dirty, a massive tackle in the opening seconds by Luke Sylvester sets their tone, they get it out wide quickly, and they’re not afraid to put their foot in. The Score Despite the aggressiveness of Penybont, their lack in attack and the patience and organisation of Haverfordwest ensures chances are few and far between, a post is cracked on half time from a long-range effort by the home side, the rebound put over, but other than that, nothing bar a few corners of note. The second half is hardly much better, it’s competitive and there’s moments, but goalmouth action is a non-event, substitutions are made which interestingly opens things up, Keyon Reffell is a handful for the otherwise cool and calm former Welsh international Jazz Richards to mark, former Wolves defender Mark Little also adds some experience for the Bont, who take a late lead, when a cross by Georgievsky is headed home by centre half Dan Jefferies, up in the box from an earlier corner. That goal, on 89 minutes is enough to win the game, a good honest battle between two sides excitedly featuring in Europe, Haverfordwest having the luxury of hosting their match in a fortnight at the Cardiff City Stadium after a first leg playing at the wonderful national stadium of Skopje next Thursday. Penybont will be back at Brewery Field before heading for the hills of Andorra. The Stars No player caught the eye more than Haverfordwest centre half Jazz Richards who at 32 can still play at a higher level if he so chooses, the former Swansea, Fulham and Cardiff man played largely with a cigar in his mouth and at one stage even Cruyff turned an opponent inside his own area, before nonchalantly playing out of defence, cool, calm, vocal, experienced, a man who’ll be essential if the side are to progress in Europe. Other good shows from County players included winger Dan Hawkins who looked a menace when in possession out wide, midfielder Kai Whitmore who shown some nice touches looks to have elegance, also right back Kaiden Williams-Lowe who I was impressed with at Peterborough Sports last season, the former QPR youngster got up and down well and looks to be a player who could use his ‘European’ experience as a stepping stone to greater things. As for Penybont, skinny number seven Kostya Georgievsky was the talisman with some silky hips and some special deliveries, non-least for their goal, I liked Sylvester and Lewis Harling in midfield and Reffell when he came on, match winning hero Dan Jefferies solid at centre back, they have a good strong physical spine in their team and might be feeling confident about going through in their first ever Europa journey. The Verdict Not one for the purists but a journey, venue and game I rather enjoyed. A friendly with a bit of bite and some friendly people in attendance to make it that bit more enjoyable. Two good teams with a lot to look forward to over the coming weeks, I’ll certainly be keeping an eye out for both sides results and wishing them well on their European travels. The Teams Penybont: Kelland Absalom (Alex Pennock 65), Kane Owen (Mark Little 72), Ashley Evans (Jack Carson 65), Dan Jefferies, Mael Davies (Lewis Taylor 63), Billy Borge (Keyon Reffill 63), Lewis Clutton (Ryan Reynolds 72), Kostya Georgievsky, Lewis Harling, Luke Sylvester, Teejay Vickery (Jack Shaw 72). Haverfordwest County: Zac Jones, Kayden Williams-Lowe (Harri John 60), Iori Humphreys (Lucas Davis 70), Jazz Richards, Oscar Borg, Rhys Abbruzzese (Rio Dyer 60), Tyrese Owen (Jak Wilson 60), Kai Whitmore, Dan Hawkins, Ben Fawcett, Martell Taylor-Crossdale (Lucas Jenkins 76). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 4th July 2023, Brewery Field, Bridgend (att 400).

England 2-0 Malta (UEFA European Championships Qualifiers) Portugal are playing Liechtenstein and Head Coach Roberto Martinez has came up with what I think is a genius attacking 2-1-3-4 formation which has midfielder Ruben Neves playing as an apexed centre half, Diogo Jota, Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva in front of him across the middle, with two attacking wingers in Joao Felix and Joao Cancelo and a couple up front in Goncalo Ramos and Ronaldo. The game ends 2-0 but Portugal have over 80% of the possession and 29 shots in total. Ironically the best chance of the game fell to Liechtenstein who scuffed their one-on-one opportunity, but is this the future to breaking down those international minnows’ defences who regularly sit eleven men behind the ball? Just go all out and gung-ho? “So what if they nick one on the break? ‘In our attacking threat we’ll get seven or eight.” Says Martinez. I’m hoping England will show a little ‘adventure’ tonight. I’ve 6 years long had a Wembley membership and although I tried to hand it back in the summer, largely fed up of nights like this but mainly because it costs too much, tonight I’ve been persuaded to not sell my seat and watch the three Lions live because my Mrs wants to go… After all… She’s half Maltese. So we’re making a day of it. I’ve said no swanky three course meals or Thames view hotel stays, the usual Wembley match costs me five or six hundred quid not to mention the five grand a year tickets which I’m contracted too… So instead we’ll stop off at Milton Keynes Shopping Centre on the way, a quick bite to eat at the Cosy Club and down the M1, onto the North Circular and paying £30 to some Eastern European to scratch my car in his builders yard. The Venue I’ve been here a million times so am all about the entrance and exit strategy. Parking on Fifth Way, Fourth Way, First Way, whichever way I can get out of this queuing traffic, but once I’m out and parked up it’s a short ten minute walk down Engineers Way, where you get a lovely view of the stadium arch through the stunning tall apartment blocks. She’s after a half and half scarf so I tell her best chance is one of the stalls on Wembley Way. There’s a queue outside an ‘official’ merchandise truck opposite Boxpark where we are stung for £20, on towards the stadium where we go under, not up, the steps. The Club Wembley Entrance catching a few out in front of us who are turned away and told to go back upstairs. You’re through a metal detector, then some glass doors, scan your phone at a small subway like ticket barrier and it’s up the escalators to the concourse littered by bars and eateries. Tonight doesn’t seem so busy as we pass a ‘VIP’ champagne reception and grab a pint of Budweiser for £6.40 and cup of tea for the price of 160 Tetley teabags. The wife then buys ‘another’ scarf for her brother before securing a couple of free programmes for souvenirs and out into the open where she gets a photo whilst holding her scarf up for Instagram. Inside the immaculate arena is red, huge, spacious, it’s a whopping great big thing but not imposing, far from it, comfortable, formidable, stunning, it’s the home of English football regardless of it’s upgrade from twin towers to glowing arch, it’s the place every kid wants to play at when they get older, and I always pinch myself that I’ve played here twice. The Game We’ve had a pick and mix for a tenner before taking our seats behind the goal, a moments silence to reflect on the late great Bobby Charlton, but before that, I’ve got issues with my seat. It’s wet. In fact everytime I come here I get a wet arse. And on inspection we find a pin hole on the plastic padded surface, when you press your buttock down a bit of water seeps out. I’m photographing it to send to maintenance. The wife’s gone to the Members desk for a towel for me to sit on but they offer to move us. Problem is I like my seat, I’m happy here, and would be happier without a wet arse, so I simply sit on my coat instead. The minutes applause is spine tingling as ‘some’ cries of “Only one Bobby Charlton” are heard, lights dimmed during a sombre moment. I’m proper clasping my hands together to the point it hurts, Bobby Charlton was a true England great. One of our best ever and I’ve got a lump in my throat. I’ll never forget wearing a ‘Bobby Charlton Soccer School’ sponsored kit for my Saturday side when I was eleven or twelve years old. Some of my friends would even say I copy his comb over to this day! The anthems are blasted out through the PA system, my wife doesn’t even know the words to Malta’s, before I blurt out badly, God Save the King, then no sooner do I sit down and finish pratting around with my phone for pictures, should Malta already be 1-0 up. The ‘minnows’ kick off and whisk a shot inches wide of Jordan Pickford’s goal, he’s scurrying nervously over at full stretch, a few giggles amongst the crowd to say ‘that’s not in the script’. The crowd is huge tonight, over 80,000 for a game that is as predictable as they come. I don’t know the odds but if Malta aren’t a million to one it’s not enough… But they’re doing ok, England are crap… As Roberto Martinez played eight genuine attacking players in last night’s win over Liechtenstein, Gareth Southgate has picked three to see off Malta. He’s gone for three centre backs, two right backs, two holding midfielders, he’s hoping to grind a three points out the old fashioned England way, of boring their opponents to death. Fortunately one of the England attacking players is quite good. Ok, two of the three are (including Harry Kane), but Phil Foden in particular, has started well and he’s running at defenders with pace. He’s taken one fabulous touch to get away from his man and squares a ball into danger which is deflected home by Malta defender Pepe. Bonello has hands to it but it bobbles over the line, it’s all very scrappy but it’s England’s first of many… We suspect. The Score But that goal does little to catalyst England onto another level. Marcus Rashford huffs and puffs down the left but he’s out of form, his tricks and flicks not paying off, he’s running into trouble and falling over, Harry Kane has had no service and gets booked frustratingly for diving, meanwhile Malta have had three or four decent efforts which have them well and truly in the game. At half time there’s no boos but there’s been plenty of kids bored as hell, twatting around and throwing paper aeroplanes. There’s been a few attempts at Mexican Waves, it’s all very ‘traditional England supporting’ that nobody gives a crap about watching the game. One guy next to me has been up three or four times, piss, burger, pint, piss, he’s only watched ten minutes whilst his brat of a child sits with his mates looking for objects to throw on to the lower tier. The wife’s used her sweetie cup for a free water refill. Yes free!!! At Wembley, we stand in a bit of warmth at half time before making way back to our seats, ‘it can’t be as bad as the first half’ I feel as Gareth Southgate makes a couple of subs. Now we have three right backs in the team instead of three centre halves as Kyle Walker joins Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the field of play. Bukayo Saka is also on as Tomori and Gallagher go off… Immediately it settles England into a more dominant structure, 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 (as opposed to a pragmatic 4-3-3) which is much more sensible and attack minded to break down the opposition, but you sense it’s the players, in personnel, not the tactical switch, that improves the England makeup. More attacking options, more forward movement, it’s better but by now Malta have settled into the game and they have good structure too. In fact it takes an injury to out of form striker Marcus Rashford before ‘real’ improvements are made. Rashford has been knocked over by a fellow England player who runs into him (probably deliberately) and he comes off all star gazed for debutant Cole Palmer. Suddenly the home nation spark into life. Trent Alexander Arnold unleashes and the goalkeeper of Malta is forced to make a save. 63 minutes gone and England have ‘finally’ had their first shot on target. That opens the floodgates, on 75 a slick move is finished off by Harry Kane. We all sigh with relief to finally put the game to bed, before Declan Rice with England’s third shot on target, nestles home a belting curling beautiful drive from 25 yards. VAR check… What for? Harry Kane's toe was apparently off and it might have obstructed the goalkeepers vision. A strange decision on a night of strange decisions, not just by the Referee who was poor, but by the England Manager too. The Stars We stayed until the end because we felt that leaving early wouldn't necessarily beat the traffic, because everybody else left early, but on a night where you could pick huge holes in England’s performance, let’s not take anything away from ‘little old Malta’ who my wife was as proud as punch of. Their fans the stars of the night but their number seven Joseph Mbong looked a lively player down the right. It was also good to see Notts County wide man Jodi Jones against England’s elite, he came off the bench and put himself about a bit. Few positives found as I listened to the hoards of calls on the TalkSport phone in on my way up the M1 home. One caller getting it spot on “England have an extra-ordinary group of footballers but they are managed by an ordinary manager”. I’ve always been a Southgate fan, but I really can’t defend undefendable team selections. Jordan Henderson looks out of sought, out of fitness, sluggish, laboured, un-necessary, and certainly not good enough to compete with Malta, having tossed it off for millions in Saudi Arabia, it’s time we thanked him for his previous great years for England, and simply moved on to a younger better hungrier prospect. Rashford likewise needs a rest from duty… It’s mind boggling to think that Raheem Sterling, in the form he’s in, cannot get into this England side. Harry Maguire however is one from the night that can keep his head held high, he got a good cheer ahead of the match and again provided his usual solid performance in an England shirt. Next to him Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, is building his foundations to become potentially Maguire’s successor. He’ll be at a ‘big club’ soon as for me, he’s destined to play regular Champions League football, he oozes class. Phil Foden was a constant buzz and is an exceptional talent we must embrace more, whilst Trent, in midfield, did well, you could argue he didn’t need to be sat with Conor Gallagher and Jordan Henderson for company, or that England would have even got away with him playing right back tonight, but he’s certainly a player who holds his own at the level due to the impeccable ball playing ability he has. The Verdict Are England good enough to go on to win the Euros? Remember, no John Stones, no Jude Bellingham, for large parts of the match England played against Malta without Saka and Rice, they are a better team than this performance suggests, a night to forget, move on, and improve. I wonder whether Southgate has the ability to get this team over the line in major tournaments, but he does deserve one more chance. The only concern with many fans in keeping Gareth at the helm, is that if we do, then could it be another wasted tournament as this team is certainly now good enough for winning silverware. The talent is there… I’m not so sure about the tactics. But if England play their best eleven.. It’s highly likely that against anybody in the world, on the day, that they are good enough, to win. Even with playing two holding midfielders. The Teams England: Jordan Pickford, Kieran Trippier, Harry Maguire, Marc Guehi, Fikayo Tomori (Bukayo Saka 46), Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher (Kyle Walker 46), Jordan Henderon (Declan Rice 61), Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford (Cole Palmer 61), Harry Kane. Malta: Henry Bonello, Steve Borg, Enrico Pepe, Jean Borg (Zach Muscat 79), Joseph Mbong (Cain Attard 86), Yankam Yannick, Matthew Guillaumier (Bjorn Kristensen 59), Teddy Teuma, Ryan Camenzuli, Paul Mbong (Jodi Jones 59), Kemar Reid (Kyrian Nwoko 79). 7:45pm Kick Off. Friday 17th November 2023, Wembley Stadium, London (att 81,388).

Liverpool 3-0 Nottingham Forest (Premier League) The wife’s sorted tickets for me and the lad to watch Forest play at Anfield. He’s been an avid Liverpool fan since they won the league in 2020 and has seen them play twice live so will be happy the seats are in the home end as he joins his fellow die-hards. Her company has some corporate numbers in the swanky Carlsberg Dugout Club and we’ve both been before and enjoyed our day out. Free food before the match, a free pint at half time, a free programme and a wristband like the ones you get in a tacky night club or all-inclusive hotel, it’s very hospitality aimed but beneath the skin of paying over the odds it’s something which has annoyed the Liverpool locals of late, who have felt priced out of watching their team play for casual fans, tourists and people like me who are actually hoping their opponents on the day will win instead. Those opponents, Nottingham Forest (who I've supported since birth in 1978), have being doing ok this season since they survived their debut campaign in the Premier League last. So far, they’ve only been beaten by Manchester City, Man United and Arsenal, whilst Liverpool have been picking up their form and are knocking around those sniffing out a championship threat. The Venue We’ve set off at 9:30am, a two and a bit hour drive from Nottingham to Liverpool, across the A50 and Stoke where we stop off for petrol and a subway brunch at Burton services before heading up the M6 and back across the M62 west hitting the M57 and A580 towards not Anfield, but Goodison Park which is the other side of Stanley Park, where we park ripped off at the cost of £20. “London prices” I say as I swipe my card on a machine held by a woman in high vis. No time for arguing, we’re walking over Stanley Park as we leave Everton’s old looking blue home in our wake towards a newer, better, bigger maintained effort at Anfield, as we approach the huge new Anfield Road Stand there’s music playing in the distance as the ‘Si Senor’ Bobby Firmino song is sang by a guitarist. In front of us and above our eyeline is the Main Stand magnificent in stature, the place we’ll be watching the game today, as fans line up for the team buses outside, opposite the corner of a terraced house has an Ian Rush mural painted onto its wall. We walk down to the club shop which is packed, spread over two floors it has an enlarged copy of Clive Tyldesley’s commentary sheet for the 2005 Champions League Final and a few changing rooms seats that have the players names above, where fans are getting selfies in and sitting down to rest their legs. Back out and through the crowd, we're up the steps and some more to level two of the Main Stand it's plush inside, swabbed in and wrist wrapped we’re into the dugout, a cool looking large bar area, after a smile by the hostesses and having been handed a programme by a gentleman on the door. The lad’s hot and bothered after bringing his hoody, hat and coat so we head straight out, an hour before kick off and take it all in. Pitched on the middle section of the huge three levelled stand we’re in the corner on the back row, near the Anfield Road Stand under development is its top tier which now dwarfs the Kop to our right, in fact the Kenny Dalglish Stand opposite also looks tiny in comparison, but the venue is fab all in red, sun blessed onto the surface. A real welcoming thoroughbred of great football homes. The Game We’ve gone for a quick Katsu Curry at one of the street food stores and a pint back down to the dugout which is packed, there’s nowhere to sit as we place some bets on our phones ahead of the game and get back out, in the open, where the two teams come out to play. ‘You’ll never walk alone’ is sung by the home crowd as the Forest fans below boo before chanting their own scouse chart hit from Paul McCartney, the atmosphere isn’t too hostile though, a lot of tourists these days, it’s nice but flat, Liverpool expected to win, Forest expected to sit back, I think everyone expects this not to be a classic. And true to a word Forest start in 5-4-1 formation with little ambition but to defend as deep as they can, Liverpool prodding, probing from side to side as they dominate possession, only looking on the odd occasion like giving Forest glimmer through their high defensive line. There’s been a few sniffs for the home side but Forest are getting their confidence up. They have men in front of the ball on the half hour as Murillo takes a chance on half way to dribble past Liverpool attackers. He’s robbed as Salah is set free before the Egyptian plays in Nunez who’s shot is saved and the rebound blasted home by Diogo Jota. It's a counter attack goal against a side that have done nothing but defend. That goal quickly leads to a second as Forest like a boxer wobbled for the first time go down again in the same round, this time Salah threads Szoboszlai who’s been brilliant on the day, he plays low to Nunez and he fires in from close range. The Score It’s certainly what the home team deserved as we head in for half time where I’m fuming with how Forest gave that first goal away, having defended commendably for half an hour. Luckily I have a free pint of lager to wash my anger away. Drink drank, bladder emptied and back out, my expectancies for the second half aren’t too high and neither are the away sides, they continue to play damage limitation which frustrates the crowd, one Liverpool fan saying ‘they’re two-nil down, why don’t they have a go?’ That ethos to ensure the goals against column isn’t breached is sensible but when Szoboszlai plays a long hopeful ball over the top and Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner rushes out to completely miss his clearance, Mo Salah has the simple inevitability of tapping home into an empty net to ruin the 'other' Reds defensive record further. A goal gifted without having to work too hard? It’s been that sort of game. Liverpool given a third, they were given a first and scored the second when Forest were wobbling at their worst. They’ve not needed to be at their best today but have been clinical when it mattered. To be fair to Forest, the last ten they have a go but by then Liverpool have downed the gears. Anthony Elanga crashes the bar with a sensational volley before Gakpo at the other end has a goal ruled out, both fans clap off their teams at the end of the match as Klopp punches the air to the Kop, Cooper and co walk out heads held with relief that they won't have to play here again this season. The Stars Liverpool were largely in second gear but at the top of his game is Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai who is fastly becoming one of the best midfielders on the planet. He's a player I've kept an eye on for many years and is one that on a couple of occasions has helped the Magyars beat England, if he continues his early Liverpool form I can see him being regarded as one of the best to play for the club, he really is that good. Next to Szoboszlai, or rather, allowing him to strut his stuff, Alexis Mac Allister is one of those under-appreciated grafters that keeps it all ticking along... The ball playing of Trent Alexander-Arnold and constant threat of Mo Salah giving the right wing real substance. All over the park Liverpool looked in good shape but they'll have bigger tests to come. For Nottingham Forest, tactically their shape and lack of forward creation didn't allow for any stand out performers of note. No doubt Morgan Gibbs-White is star playmaker but he rarely has a player to pass to in front of him. Good shifts from Boly, Niakhate, even Murillo who's mistake led to a goal, but not many Forest players would get in the Liverpool squad, let alone side. The Verdict Liverpool have a fighters chance, the championship isn't out of their reach but they'll need to be on their 'A' game and keep the likes of Salah, Szoboszlai and co, fit throughout the season... Forest will need to hope there's three worse sides than them below... If there is... And there should be... The two teams will meet again here next season, where I hope to get another free ticket, and where I hope to see a better performance provided to please those travelling fans that pay to see their team do more than just, turn up, and try to defend, badly. The Teams Liverpool: Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold (Joe Gomez 89), Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch (Harvey Elliott 59), Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez (Wataru Endo 80), Diogo Jota (Cody Gakpo 58). Nottingham Forest: Matt Turner, Serge Aurier, Willy Boly (Taiwo Awoniyi 69), Moussa Niakhate, Murillo, Ola Aina (Harry Toffolo 69), Nicolas Dominguez (Ryan Yates 69), Ibrahim Sangare, Orel Mangala (Andrey Santos 83), Morgan Gibbs-White (Neco Williams 83), Anthony Elanga. 2:00pm Kick Off. Sunday 29th October 2023, Anfield, Liverpool (att 50,143).

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Burnley (EFL Cup Round Two) I’m meeting the lads at 6pm, the Embankment pub on Awkwright Street just over the River Trent is destination to kick off proceedings, no business tonight, just pleasure, probably passing to pain in the morning from a heavy head filled of alcohol topped with a late night kebab. The young uber driver drops me outside the doors after I’ve given him a lecture on how to get on the property ladder, I’m ten minutes early and on form my boys are usually ten minutes late, so I order a pint of Madri and sit with a couple of old Burnley fans who’ve made the trip south to see their team play. We talk of late nights following football and motorway closures, one of them tells me of the time his flight back from Tenerife was diverted from Manchester to East Midlands because of snow, and getting home 36 hours later. PJ’s first to arrive, then Joe, Daz just misses out on me ordering a second pint as the team news is leaked upon his entrance… Forest playing a 5-3-2 formation tonight at home, to lesser opposition, in the cup, does Stevie Cooper have one eye on Saturday at Chelsea? I’m surprised he’s so negative for a match that hardly matters! Burnley under Vincent Kompany won promotion to the Premier League with 101 points last season, they like Forest of year last have splashed the cash in the summer… 13 in 20 out and that doesn’t even include loans. The Venue A third pint sunk we exit the boozer to make the walk over Trent Bridge and down Pavilion Road to the Main Stand Car Park as the congestion of football fans in scarves and stone island build towards the turnstile entrances. PJ’s whatsapped my ticket barcode to me and I’m in on first attempt, the right corner entrance to the Peter Taylor Stand, the oldest of the four stands at the City Ground built in the 1960’s it’s tired looking and soon to be replaced, but always a good atmosphere in the infamous ‘A’ block although we’re opposite ends tonight, with the footballers wives and children in what a huge red sign states is the ‘family enclosure’. Tucked in the corner close to the two-tiered Trent End stand which seemed to have the glass missing from the recently redeveloped middle rows, it’s not a bad view, unusual for the Main Stand, no posts obstructing as you get a sweeping insight of the City Ground dance floor, green carpet midst packed stands the Brian Clough which olders will remember as the Exec or East Stand opposite, the draping roof of the Bridgford End adjoined, quite a few Burnley fans in fairness, the stadium around 90% full. The Game Mull of Kintyre is sung by all with scarves aloft and the odd phone on record ahead of match proceedings, Forest in red and white, Burnley yellow and black, the game however starts flat and the fans in attendance aren’t up for it either, tickets hard to come by these days you get the feeling a lot inside the stadium (like me) are those that don’t usually attend league games, Burnley are back here in a couple of weeks and tonight is the prequel, not really important, win or lose hardly matters, neither side has much ambition to attack. In fairness to Burnley, they’ve tried to have a go on the front foot, but Forest’s 5-3-2 formation is one that regularly disrupts flow in opponents football philosophy, Coopers tactical approach to stifle the opposition, make things hard, to nullify attempts, it works, but at a cost, Forest can’t get it over half way as they have only two attacking players in their make-up. Kouyate with their best attempt blazing over from the edge of the area, Burnley’s best effort similarly over the bar as Brownhill curls one into the supporters behind the goal. The Score I’m discussing with Joe the frustrating approach to Coopers plan “Why so defensive” in a cup game that hardly matters, against opponents that are hardly Barcelona, the cautious philosophy we agree “might be the Managers undoing” if he’s to continue this season to set up his side this way. In truth though, the Manager is probably pleased with his teams first seventy minutes, as discussion evolves to “isn't this supposed to be the entertainment industry” we shrug shoulders at the lack of invention from a team who Elanga aside has nobody with a forward-thinking edge to their play. Then suddenly the shackles are off… Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White are unleashed off the bench with under twenty minutes remaining… replacing debutant defender Montiel and midfield blocker Cheikhou Kouyate… Time to have a go… the game suddenly has some flow. A neat pattern of play has Elanga sent racing down the left, he crosses into the onrushing Ryan Yates who at full length dives like Keith Houchen in 1987 underneath the twin towers to head inches wide, the best move of the game, finally some life sparked into matters. But as it all dies down and goes flat again we discuss the thought of leaving ahead of the long inevitable penalty shootout as the board reads nine woeful agonising minutes to endure, the ball is bouncing in the Forest box though and substitute Zeki Amdouni finds space to take a touch on his chest and volley home, it’s a surprise goal, Burnley and the games first effort on target, that impulses a few to leave for the exits, we soon follow, a couple of minutes later, hardly bothered for any late pending drama despite there being still plenty of time for Forest to take the game to spot kicks. In the end they don’t, we end up hearing cheers and jeers as we walk back over Trent Bridge for another pint, where already fans stand at the bar, disappointed, that Forest ‘never went for it’ in a game they should have won. The Stars Willy Boly was home team man of the match and he will be an important defender alongside Moussa Niakhate and the returning from injury Felipe of Brazil in the coming weeks, Forest rarely keep clean sheets but they rarely stick with the same defensive trio (or pairing) and the best three are those mentioned with Joe Worrall suspended and Scott McKenna injured, Serge Aurier who played as the other centre back on the night is perhaps better out right and he’ll have to contest with new loanee Gonzalo Montiel, the man who smashed home the winning penalty in both the World Cup final and the UEFA Europa League last season. He's small, gutsy, typically Argentinian, but can be beaten on his outside. In midfield there was a debut for technically talented teenager Andrey Santos on loan from Chelsea, who did ok in the holding role, Ryan Yates was busy and is Forest’s equivalent to a cheap Bryan Robson, whilst Elanga looked a great outlet with pace he's positive and direct, left isolated far too long with not much to link with, Chris Wood put a shift in against his old club and he’ll be a useful asset mainly off the bench this season, the Reds subs Gibbs-White, Johnson, Awoniyi, not given enough time to impact the game. For Burnley, it was a neat performance in midfield from the bald headed Nathan Redmond which caught the eye as one of the few players decent on the ball, he played well alongside Josh Brownhill who comes under the old fashioned Burnley player stereotype whilst defensive pairing Dara O’Shea and Hjalmar Ekdal dealt with everything they had to do. Youngsters Al Dakhil and Amdouni caught the eye off the bench, as did the size and stature of Sander Berge who’s a bloody big bloke. The Verdict I wonder that the tactics used with one eye on stifling Chelsea’s attack at the weekend had the game at the City Ground played in training format, regardless of opposition, for Cooper to work on defensive structure and if it was down to that, he’ll take credit that as long as Forest played their five across the back, that their line was not breached, until the latter stages when the match opened up, that’s when Forest, and Burnley for that matter, became more defensively vulnerable. Only Cooper will know if it was the right thing to do, when Saturday comes I suppose a result for the Reds at Stamford Bridge will suggest whether those tactics pay off, or not, but personally, and back to the ‘entertainment industry’ thing… I felt Forest could have played with the shackles off, from the start, with a more attacking approach to try and win a game of football. Pundits have three worse teams in the Premier League than Forest and Burnley and I think.. Both will be ok.. But from a Reds perspective they have a better team than what we are currently seeing and that is slightly frustrating from a fans point of view. Whilst Burnley like Forest did last year will take not having to go to the final day of this season needing something to stay up, they’ll shock a few teams with some of the good football they play, they have decent players at Vincent Kompany’s disposal and might even enjoy a healthy run in the Carabao Cup this season. Up next for them in the fizzy drink sponsored KO comp a winnable tie away at Salford City. The Teams Nottingham Forest: Matt Turner, Serge Aurier, Moussa Niakhate, Willy Boly, Gonzalo Montiel (Morgan Gibbs-White 71), Cheikhou Kouyate (Brennan Johnson 71), Andrey Santos (Brandon Aguilera 90), Ryan Yates, Neco Williams (Harry Toffolo 70), Anthony Elanga, Chris Wood (Taiwo Awoniyi 88). Burnley: Arijanet Muric, Vitinho (Ameen Al Dakhil 35), Hjalmar Ekdal (Josh Cullen 59), Dara O'Shea, Charlie Taylor, Nathan Redmond (Zeki Amdouni 78), Josh Brownhill, Johann Gudmundsson, Aaron Ramsey (Sander Berge 51), Jacob Brunn Larsen (Wilson Odobert 78), Jay Rodriguez (Lyle Foster 78). 7:45pm Kick Off. Wednesday 30th August 2023, City Ground, Nottingham (att 27,766).

Manchester City 2-1 Manchester United (FA Cup Final) It’s been a while. Well over a month in fact, since my last ‘live’ attended soccer game. I’ve started cricket scoring in the summer so whilst missing out on ‘the business end’ of the football season, I’ve instead opted for the calm and serenity of Trent Bridge, New Road, Worcester and Grace Road, Leicester, for a slower pace of ball game. I’ve had this weekend booked in for a while though, the FA Cup Final and a ‘first-ever’ all Manchester affair in what is English football’s showpiece event, the only issue is, the trains are striking and I’m having to drive down on Friday night to park up at Tower Bridge which I’m sure is going to cost me a few quid. The wife’s already here, she had a swanky black tie works do hosted by Katherine Ryan on Thursday night so I’m meeting her at the hotel, dropping the dog off at the mother-in-law's for 5pm I’m cruising down the M1 which is in parts heavy no thanks to a lack of public transport available. I’m finally off at junction two and onto the A1 before cutting through the beautifully leafy looking Highgate Hill, people sitting outside the pubs in the evening sunshine, Hampstead Heath to my right, ahead of a change in scenery as I hit the graffitied walls of Kentish Town, before bustling and busy districts in Islington and Shoreditch take my eye, finally reaching Tower Hamlets around 8:30pm. We’ve got Sky Gardens booked at 9pm, a quick change of clothes and we're sipping champagne high up before heading back to the hotel where the view from their rooftop bar is equally as stunning, without the hoards of tourists taking selfies. The next morning it’s a bit of shopping on Carnaby Street before heading back to the hotel, we’ve got on the tube at Aldgate to the ground at 12:30pm and as the hoards of United & City fans hop on at St Pancras, we are given some rather annoying news as the train stops off at Great Portland Street. “Due to signalling issues they’ll be no more service on this train, please get off the train and walk to Baker Street” Now, the reason why, I got on at Aldgate, was because it’s the first stop on the Metropolitan Line which takes you straight to Wembley Park, so in guaranteeing a seat we get relative comfort, and having been many times to Baker Street, where the chaos is often, well, chaotic, I didn’t fancy squeezing on with 30,000 plus fans, so instead, made the desperate decision to take a taxi. The wife’s hailed a black cab down who says it’ll cost £60 and take forty minutes, he’s optimistic, it’s roughly 1pm and by 2pm I’m sat on Ealing Road, a twenty minute walk away and the traffic is not moving at all. We decide to hop out, walk the remainder, finally getting to the Club Wembley entrance with a sweat on at 2:30pm, half hour till kick off but I’ve still got to quash down a three-course meal, there’s no way I’m making Abide with Me. The Venue Let’s face it, Wembley is stunning, the arch appears for miles on the horizon, the walk to the ground whether it be down the Olympic Way, or over the White Horse Bridge, gives you tingles the closer you approach, the underground Club Wembley entrance and escalators up to the second tier, giving you that ‘wow’ factor that asks ‘am I really in a football stadium’. Inside is modern, new, littered with bars and food outlets, people drinking and taking in the surroundings, the third level of the Club Wembley section has a couple of members restaurants, we’re paired on a table with another couple of guests today… ‘What time do you call this’ one says, as no sooner have we sat down, a glass of prosecco is poured. We’re eating against time, a salmon starter before a steak main, I’m still annoyed with the transport chaos as I leave my onion rings to head down for kick off, the waiter thankfully asks “would you like your dessert at half time?” The teams are being announced, the name "number ten, Marcus Rashford" echoed as we walk frantically down to our seats behind the goal, the noise incredible, for the first time in a while, City have sold out their allocation, sky blue and white flags being waved in the West End, opposite United fans are in full voice, as the game begins. The Game No sooner have I sat down than the ball from kick off is lumped forward by City goalkeeper Ortega, Haaland challenges in the air, Lindelof nods it partially away, Gundogan volleys it back, and City are 1-0 up. I’m up off my seat, hands on my head, ‘WTF’ I cry to the wife, the United fans have suddenly piped down, the Citizens section goes mad, it’s the quickest goal scored in FA Cup final history, I doubt it will ever be beaten. Gundogan’s volley is exceptional, de Gea didn’t even move. That goal settles any potential nerves that City may have had, they’re into their stride and completely dominant, I think to myself is their style quite ‘boring’? Not the fact that they are so great, so completely better than their opposition, but the fact they keep the ball with not much intent to go forward, just slowly wearing the opposition down who sit deep, United when they do finally get it back, are quickly harassed like flies around shit, off the ball City work ridiculously hard, but they can do, because it seems like it’s not very often they don’t have it. Rodri goes close with a header which has half the blue half celebrating, the ball hitting the wrong side of the netting for a near miss, Haaland then tries his luck, beast like, turning from his defender and carrying forward before blazing over the bar at pace, De Bruyne is next, fizzing a low shot wide of the posts. United haven’t yet had a shot on target, but ahead of the half hour they get a reprieve, Wan-Bissaka heads onto the back of Grealish’s hand, and after a lengthy VAR look, Referee Paul Tierney gives a penalty, for Bruno Fernandes to dispatch, and level up the scores. The Score At half time I race up to the restaurant to finish my dessert, a pistachio filled pastry which is more than ok, swirled down with a glass of white wine, I say to the guys on our table “It’s a good thing United have scored, which will now make City come out and attack”. And that they did, no more than five minutes into the second half, De Bruyne pulls back a free kick to Gundogan who on the volley again, left footed, finds the bottom corner through a crowd, de Gea might not have been happy with his effort to keep it out, the German midfielder rolling one off his shin, via a few bounces into the bottom corner. Marcus Rashford in response fired over with twenty or so minutes left, Gundogan had a hat-trick opportunity ruled out for offside, the lively Garnacho then fizzed wide after coming on as substitute, United’s best chance in the game in the 90th minute, the ball bouncing off Varane and Ortega onto the cross bar before McTominay headed over. The Stars Ilkay Gundogan was man of the match and this was certainly ‘his moment’ as City took their second step to a now likely treble, the German midfielder aged 32 will be in his eighth season at the Etihad next year, only now is he finally being regarded as one of the best players in Premier League history, an underrated footballer who Pep Guardiola always relies on for the big matches. Kevin De Bruyne was energetic, on the front foot for 76 minutes before he was substituted, Erling Haaland, whilst not having one of his best days, always a handful, he looks bigger, more powerful, more confident and more arrogant than anybody else on the pitch, late on he could have ran for goal to wrap things up and add another to his incredible season tally of 52, instead opting for the corner flag where he played it against a defender and punched to the air in front of his fans as he won some valuable time to waste. A real life hero is Erling Haaland, who is more of a team player than you might think? Totally loved by those who regularly watch him play. For United, a tough day at the office, they dug in, knowing that each and every player would have to be on their ‘A’ game. Teddy Sheringham on radio before the match stating they need to be at 9.5’s to take something from the game, no player in a red shirt probably higher than a 7.5, which in the end, led to the inevitable. Garnacho was busy when he came on and looked most likely to threat the City backline, Rashford huffed and puffed in spells, Bruno stepped up when it mattered, he did one huge tackle in the first half which I really enjoyed, I had to look twice when I saw it was him, but it was City’s day, their dominant midfield in front of a solid line of ball playing cigar smoking defenders, keeping their opponents at arms length, whilst knowing they always had another gear to shift. The Verdict City, under Pep, are without doubt the best English club team I’ve ever witnessed, and it will be a travesty if they don’t win the Champions League under his guidance, this side have everything in their locker to suggest that they’ll see off Inter Milan on Saturday for a historic treble, from the billions in backing from their Abu Dhabi owners, to having the best coach, the best squad, and probably the best striker in world football. They may have upset a few accountants with how they have done things in recent years, but who wouldn’t want owners like the ones they have, who wouldn’t want to be riding the crest of a wave as part of Europe’s elite footballing team? It's a funny old thing, as United were very much once that. I felt the supporters in red, even before the game at the weekend were quiet, resolute, subdued, perhaps expecting of what was to come, the noisy neighbours are really starting to move out of their ‘big brothers’ estate, to create their own Mancunian dynasty, and this one can even surpass that created by Sir Alex and his previous famous teams. The only thing stopping City? Other than the courts, is if Pep hangs up his tactics board, then we’ll see really, how money plays a part in winning titles, because I'm starting to think his own guidance, is going to be irreplaceable. The Teams Manchester City: Stefan Ortega, Kyle Walker (Aymeric Laporte 90), Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne (Phil Foden 76), Ilkay Gundogan, Jack Grealish (Nathan Ake 89), Erling Haaland. Manchester United: David de Gea, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof (Scott McTominay 83), Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Christian Eriksen (Alejandro Garnacho 62), Jadon Sancho (Wout Weghorst 78), Marcus Rashford. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 3rd June 2023, Wembley Stadium, London (att 83,179).

Leeds United 2-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League) It’s a game I’m not that fussed about going to in truth… My beloved Reds are in free fall without victory since the start of February, they can’t win on the road, the football and tactical approach to games in recent weeks, especially away from home, has been dire and awful to watch, and the Manager who all Forest fans like myself, love and adore, could be facing the sack should Forest suffer another inevitable away day beating. Add to that, I’m going to be sat in the home end, midst cheering Leeds United fans, I can’t bloody wait. Credit the wife who’s got us tickets though… Her office has corporate ties with Leeds United as well as Liverpool and the 3Arena in Dublin, “we can go to Elland Road whenever we want” she says, so last summer she put our name down for when Forest were in town. The original match was scheduled for September following an equally depressing run, that game was postponed due to the death of QEII and ever since, we’ve been checking the fixtures as to when it would be re-housed, sods law it would be at the stage of season when ‘everything’ riding on it was so important to both clubs. Forest’s last win, against Leeds on February 5th, saw Peacock’s boss Jesse Marsch immediately sacked, replaced by one of Watford’s many former Managers, Javi Gracia, who’s not done much himself, ahead of the match United were in the bottom three but a point below Forest midst a Premier League scrap that has nine clubs all fighting to survive the drop into the Championship. I’m shirt and shoes under a jumper for warmth as the wife’s brought her laptop with her for the car journey to take a couple of ‘teams’ calls as we drop the dog off at grandma’s and head up the M1 nice and early to ensure we enjoy every bit of corporate hospitality pre-match. It’s just gone 4pm and she wants a coffee, so I’m off at Tibshelf Services where I fall in luck, a Costa Drive Thru, I don’t even have to get out of the car as I order a Caramel Frappuccino and regular Latte. A short stop for topping up an annoying slow puncture with air, £1 contactless, we’re back on the M1 and heading past Sheffield Meadowhall at 70mph before spotting Emley Moor Mast in the distance, sunny skies a fresh April day as we come up to the M62 which Sat Nav is telling me to join. I refuse, traffic on the slip road is a nightmare, although I soon find it’s even worse on the M621 as roadworks ensure delays in getting to the ground, frustrating so near, but so far as we’re at a standstill for half an hour plus, trudging along to junction 2. The Venue You can see the huge, cantilevered roof of the East Stand from the motorway as you near the stadium amongst the 6pm traffic, looking for parking there’s roadworks ensuring you can’t get down Elland Road itself, pulling off onto Wesley Street which is opposite the ground, a huge car park thankfully has plenty of space for a fiver cash. There’s a couple of mates who’ve just arrived, I give them a shout as I get out the car, before walking down to the Centenary Club, a plush event space opposite the road, it has the feel of a wedding venue with a marquee style interior, plenty of full tables with a band on, free drinks and a cashless bar for even more booze. We’re sat on a table with four Leeds fans who live in Morecambe, there’s Leigh Bromby and John Hendrie on stage before their former defender Paul Reaney predicts a 3-1 win. It’s all friendly as we chat about the relegation scrap and how we prefer it down at those spit and sawdust grounds anyway, a chicken pate starter with a lamb, sausage and mash main washed down with a couple of Heineken zero’s as the wife helps herself to white wine. There’s time for a lovely pudding before crossing the road to the stadium, ten minutes before kick off there’s a clamber to get through the turnstile, they say technology makes things easier but in scanning these barcodes on entrance, it all feels much slower than it was back in the day when a bloke simply ripped off your ticket and wished you well along your way. Inside the concourse of the huge East Stand it’s dated but spacious, we’re up it seems an eternity of stairs before reaching the third tier, a padded seat on half way but by god we are high up, a great view of the playing surface, nice and cool up here with no worries about the wind and the rain hitting our faces, not that they’ll be any tonight, a huge roof keeps us well covered and closed in. The Leeds fans sing ‘marching on together’ as the two teams come out, you look down onto the green surface lit up by the electronic advertising boards, the John Charles Stand opposite, Forest fans making a noise in the left corner of that, Norman Hunter (South) Stand to the left, behind the goal, Don Revie (North) Stand to the right, you can see the traffic along the motorway above the pitched roof, full to the rafters a good 36,000 plus in tonight. The Game Forest in blue instantly look to frustrate their hosts in white who have some decent early possession, Sinisterra down the left is looking confident with swagger, cutting in and switching play, he coaxes Williams into an early booking and it’s the start of a long night for the Welsh international right back. The away team have a corner though and crack a post against the run of play, Dennis should have probably done better from close range, but it’s no harm as the Reds play some surprisingly slick football down the left, Dennis with a one-two before picking out Mangala who coolly takes a touch before placing home from just inside the area. That gets the back up of a few Leeds fans who start to show frustration, Forest fans are doing all the singing but the away team never look like holding on… Harrison on the right and Sinisterra down the left are getting too much time and space, they threaten on timeless occasions before a shot from the edge of the area is saved well to his left by Navas, nobody in blue reacts as Harrison runs in to slot home the rebound. A defensive error on a night, where both sides seem to make plenty. The Score The goal no doubt lifts Leeds more than it does Forest who surrender deeper, defending with no real game plan when eventually in possession, I like Felipe and Niakhate as individuals, but there’s plenty of space in between them, the Leeds wingers are still proving a menace, and as the board goes up for added time in the first half, Williams is standing off Sinisterra, who glides into the box and smashes home a beautifully curled goal, to cap off a dominant display of creativity and execution on his excellent behalf. At half time I’m stood up already contemplating the best time to leave, it’s not a night where I fancy Forest to get anything at all, too easily picked off, they’ve offered very little as an attacking threat, it’s never nice seeing one you love, suffer in this way, especially when those around you are enjoying it so much. The wife’s sat down checking the score from Eastwood’s match at Pinchbeck, the lads’ came on 1-0 down and helped his team to a point, the only other positive on the night is that Ollie Watkins has scored for my fantasy team. Leeds come out and Sinisterra goes close again, the home team have chances as they look the more threatening to score again, but the melee of substitutes disrupt the second half flow, by now my only thoughts are getting out of the car park before the mad rush, I leave it until 80 minutes before nudging the wife to say ‘come on’. A quick wee and we're on our way. The Stars Colombian winger Luis Sinisterra is one I’ve painfully enjoyed watching the most, confidence, almost arrogant on the ball, he cuts inside with intent and has a great right foot, he’s been the difference but when you look at the two teams, Leeds seem to have so much more in attacking depth than Forest. Jack Harrison plays well, substitute Crysencio Summerville looks like a lovely little player, Wilfried Gnonto also on the bench, wasn’t even needed. For Forest, I see little in stand out footballers who have attacking quality. Just one of those nights? Morgan Gibbs White who I like, just can’t seem to sort his feet out, Brennan Johnson, who I like, offers very little, Gustavo Scarpa who I like, comes off the bench and is asked by his manager to play with chalk on his boots at left wing. Defensively I don’t particularly rate either team, Leeds at times conceding possession when they shouldn’t, a decent side might have picked them off, especially 1-0 up on the night. Forest have more questions than answers now 29 games into the campaign, the more I see of Neco Williams the less I like from a defensive perspective. Trying hard and running around is one thing, but making good decisions is the level he, and a few of his teammates now need to get to. The Verdict I said ahead of the game that regardless of the outcome of this match, there’s still a lot of football to play. Nothing is decided on tonight's showing. But whilst I now think Leeds might have a chance, especially with their next run of fixtures, of staying up, my concern for Forest is growing, without a win in eight, they have now conceded twenty points from winning positions, and have surrendered leads in their last three matches, to return just a solitary point. My biggest fear is not for their survival in the Premier League, but for the survival of Manager Steve Cooper who gave the club and its fans Premier League football after 23 long years. He’s certainly made mistakes in recent weeks, and he has to take the brunt of the blame, but without him, the club would be in a much worse place. Let’s hope he’s given the time to see the job through, as another previous Nottingham Forest Manager once famously said, “I hope anybody’s not stupid enough to write us off”.. Regardless of recent results, Forest can still survive, they'll have a better chance if that's with Cooper, than without him. The Teams Leeds United: Illan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk, Junior Firpo, Weston McKennie, Marc Roca, Luis Sinisterra (Rodrigo 74), Brenden Aaronson (Crysencio Summerville 74), Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford (Rasmus Kristensen 90). Nottingham Forest: Keylor Navas, Neco Williams, Felipe, Moussa Niakhate, Harry Toffolo, Orel Mangala (Jonjo Shelvey 56), Remo Freuler (Cheikhou Kouyate 64), Danilo (Taiwo Awoniyi 56), Morgan Gibbs-White (Gustavo Scarpa 71), Brennan Johnson, Emmanuel Dennis (Andre Ayew 71). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 4th April 2023, Elland Road, Leeds (att 36,740)

England 2-0 Ukraine (UEFA European Championships Qualifiers) It was Non-League Day on Saturday, but I didn’t get to a game as the wife was jollying with friends at Center Parcs whilst I was left home alone with the dog. I did consider taking Bruce to watch Radford v Rainworth Miners Welfare in the United Counties League but after his morning walk around West Bridgford, he wasn’t up for moving and to be honest, neither was I. I did manage to catch a bit of Wealdstone v Barnet on BT Sport and also liked a tweet from Notts County who boasted over 16,000 in their 4-0 win over Scunthorpe. A whopping attendance at Meadow Lane for what is after all the fifth tier of English football. Today, though, I have got a game day pass. The wife’s back from her travels to swap shifts and I’m off to Wembley with the lad. I say lad, he’s 18 now and made his debut as sub for Eastwood Community in their 4-0 loss at Melton Town last week. First pay packet arrived yesterday. A brown envelope with a couple of notes, reminding me of the good old days. He’s chuffed to bits. On Thursday night I watched England on Channel 4 and was really impressed for 45 minutes in Naples. Not so the first half hour of the second half which was quite underwhelming and frustrating, but the last fifteen when a man down against the Italians after Luke Shaw’s sending off, Gareth Southgate’s ‘men’ dug in, showing fighting spirit to win a first match against the Azzurri on Italian soil since 1961. Harry Kane deserving the accolades for his record-breaking goal, but special mention to the gaffer who got his tactics spot on… Who says playing three right backs doesn’t work! Today I’m off at midday down the M1, a now familiar route which is completed in a couple of hours, traffic slightly picking up before Luton, and at the end, coming off onto the North Circular. We’re early doors so use one of plenty of factory car parks on offer down the Great Central Way. £25 the damage although upon my walk I notice there’s closer availability at £20. The Venue The walk from the car park is ten minutes passing industrial units before you get to the high-rise buildings that surround the stadium. Arch peeping through the gaps as the hi-vis brigade gets heavier, fans in half and half scarves walking down the Engineers Way. We’ve a little time so head to London Designer Outlet and the packed Nike store where the lad buys a couple of new trackies for a good two hundred quid. The bags too big to take inside the stadium so we head back to the car and drop it off, before going again, the same walk past student digs that smell of weed as we reach the recently installed Wembley steps and head under the main concourse to our Club Wembley entrance. A quick scan of the tickets and we’re through the metal detectors, mobiles face up to read the bar code as we enter through barriers before heading up the escalators past the Bobby Moore Suite. No fancy nosh today, we’ll just play it by ear as we walk around the many food and drink outlets. I’m at the doors of the Lioness Bar where a man stops me, ‘no wristband’ he says, “you need to walk to the other entrance where they’ll give you one.” We circle back and head for the other door where another fella tells us to ‘go straight in’ we look for a seat but all are taken so opt for chicken and chips from a kiosk on the concourse, sitting down on bar stools eating six nuggets and fries for £11.50 each. I grab a quick drink of Coke Zero and a bag of Maltesers for another small fortune, as well as a programme from the members desk thankfully free, walk out to our seats behind the goal where the crowd is still sparse, an hour before kick off it’s time to put some bets on and watch the warm ups in the cold. The Game There’s nothing like the start of a big match at Wembley, the flags laid out pre-match as the team is read out to huge cheers, many first time fans, families and young kids, enthusiastically applauding louder, when the names of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish are read out. It’s a big day for England skipper Kane. He broke the record for most goals ever scored by an Englishman in International football on Thursday, he’s out with a plaque, wife and kids on the pitch having a photo in front of both sets of teams before the national anthems start and a moments applause for another England great, George Cohen a World Cup winner who sadly passed away earlier this year. The two teams come together for a photo in support of Ukraine over recent troubles they’ve had with their nasty big brother Russia turning on them, the fans in yellow and blue are bouncing, vocal in the corner to my right, around two or three thousand of them in total. The game is kicked off and the usual slow pace of international football sets the tone for a cagey opening. Ukraine look decent in possession, I’m shocked they’ve had more of the ball but they’re not really going anywhere, everything they do is inside their own half but for the odd occasion where they get a break, they don’t look bad with pace out wide through Mudryk and Malinovsky, Zinchenko pulling strings in the middle, but in fairness England’s midfield trio of Rice, Henderson and Bellingham don’t let much through. It seems everything up to half way England are happy with, then they close in like soldiers to block every Ukraine attack. There’s one sniff as Malinovsky who’s five yards offside finds himself in the area with everyone stopped hands in the air. He fires wide under little pressure before the flag finally goes up, an annoying trait of Referees assistants these days to let play continue knowing full well the goal would never have stood had it gone in. England have a couple of attempts as Harry Kane’s outstretched leg fails to connect on a couple of decent deliveries, before he switches play impressively to Bukayo Saka who checks on to his left foot to cross beautifully himself, to the back post where Kane this time dangles his right leg to prod home an opener. That goal on 37 hardly looked like coming but within a couple of minutes it’s two as Saka then cuts in again and curls home into the top corner a real true moment of class. An intelligent footballer who’s beyond his years aged just 21, having the season of his life as Arsenal top the Premier League. A memorable goal for the PFA young footballer of the year in waiting. The Score I’ve got a wet arse from my padded seat, so i'm standing up at half time, my jeans are soaked, it’s not the first time it’s happened to me, the strange thing is that the seat next to me is fine, I’m looking upwards to the sky checking for leaks in the roof, a complaint I need to make to Wembley to get my seat re-upholstered. At the break I’m predicting four or five with the lad but I know from experience England matches don’t always work out like that… I can just imagine Southgate’s team talk now… ‘you’ve won the match’ he’s saying… ‘Don’t let them back in… Close it out… Slow everything down’ England come out and have no intention of scoring again. They hold on to the ball well, they defend in fairness, magnificently, it’s all very boring, people are starting to throw paper aeroplanes and a couple of Mexican wave attempts fail. I feel they need a sub, I’m crying “Get Foden on” to only find out after he’s not even on the bench. He’s had surgery to remove his appendix in the time he flew back from Italy and England travelled from St Georges to HA9… I get the feeling this one wasn’t rushed through via the NHS. People often moan about England’s style when it comes to qualification matches in international football, but often they come up against resilient defensive minded opposition who are tough to break down. Ukraine no different, they very rarely take chances even at two down, I’ve not seen either full back cross halfway. England will get the persistent calls of ‘being boring’ in the media often by footballers, who should know better, it takes two to tango, and if a team is not willing to play ball, it can make matches like this, very regimental, but in fairness, that suits England, as all they are interested in, is getting three points. And get them they do, it’s been truly dominant and from a professional perspective I think it’s as good as you can get from a tactical level. Ukraine don’t have a shot. Defensively England are brilliant, the midfield trio is immense and the wingers, Maddison and Saka are lively, working hard off the ball with good quality on it. Harry Kane doing what he does best, a privilege to witness him live on so many occasions, in years to come I’ll be able to say, the record goalscorer for England, I’ve seen him score plenty at the home of football! The Stars Other than Kane who will one day go down as a true football great regardless of the trophies he does or does not win, Bukayo Saka is a player that I love, for doing the right thing, at the right time, his decision making ‘A’ star and his workrate off the ball the ‘reason’ why Gareth Southgate backs him as Mr reliable when it comes to representing his country. James Maddison impresses and gets around the pitch in little pockets, is unlucky not to add a goal to his game, Jude Bellingham is breath-taking in possession, oozing class, his spider like legs seemingly getting him out of danger even with bodies around him when he receives the ball in the most uncomfortable of places. Nearest thing i've seen to the great Zinedine Zidane, as they did with ZZ, things done by Bellingham just look that much better. John Stones has evolved into a perfect modern day centre half, he blocks everything and his distribution is good, a superb day all around for England’s players, Ivan Toney making a debut, looks like a real athlete, my first viewing in the flesh and ‘what a specimen’ I thought… I wonder if he ‘backed himself’ to get a first England cap? As for Ukraine, their best player by a mile, is Oleksandr Zinchenko. He’s exceptional on the ball in that midfield, a position I thought he would play more often since joining Arsenal. Another player I liked the look of, the experienced Stepanenko in the centre of the park beside him, whilst Everton left back Vitali Mykolenko didn’t do bad against Saka. He looks like he’s filled out a bit since moving to the Premier League and at 23 I believe his game will improve further in time. The Verdict England are doing what England should be doing, winning qualification matches, but let’s be honest, six points from the two trickiest teams in the group, is a start which provides hope and excitement still, that this England team can go on to achieve something more than their recent admiration. The Southgate haters will harp on about performances, like a Maurico Pochettino or a Thomas Tuchel would instantly turn England into the Harlem Globetrotters, like hiring Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte would mean ‘this group of players’ will finally win something… But I still feel England have the right Manager, at the right time, in control of this exceptional talented group, to perhaps finally achieve that piece of silverware we all crave. In Germany 2024, wouldn’t that be a great place to do it? The Teams England: Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell, Jude Bellingham (Conor Gallagher 85), Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, James Maddison (Jack Grealish 85), Harry Kane (Ivan Toney 81). Ukraine: Anatolii Trubin, Oleksandr Karavaev (Vitaliy Buyalskyy 61), Oleksandr Svatok, Mykola Matviienko, Vitali Mykolenko (Eduard Sobol 61), Georgiy Sudakov, Taras Stepanenko (Yevhen Konoplanka 90), Oleksandr Zinchenko, Ruslan Malinovsky, Mykhailo Mudryk (Victor Tsygankov 61), Roman Yaremchuk (Artem Dovybyk 74). 5:00pm Kick Off. Sunday 26th March 2023, Wembley Stadium, London (att 83,947).

Manchester United 2-0 Nottingham Forest (EFL Cup Semi-Final Second Leg) Prior to this two-leg tie, and aside from the playoffs of which I know, there’s been plenty of ups and downs in recent past, the last ‘major cup’ semi-final match that Nottingham Forest were involved in was way back in 1992, when the Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur (after a bomb scare and extra time) at White Hart Lane. Roy Keane scored the winner that day in the rain at the lane to set up a final at Wembley in the League Cup then sponsored by Rumbelows, against a side he would later join for a British record fee, Manchester United the eventual victors at the Twin Towers, in blurry blue & white Adidas sponsored Sharp emblazoned clobber, the tie ending 1-0 with a goal from Brian ‘Choccy’ McClair. I wasn’t at either game, aged 13 at the time I was playing Junior football and watched the final at Prestatyn Pontins whilst on tour at the Easter Festival of Football. So with that in mind, it’s been a long bloody wait, and due to popular demand I couldn’t even get tickets to the first leg, but managed to get hold of one for the second leg, the only problem being, I made my purchase well in advance of Forest getting beat 3-0 at the City Ground. Last week’s drubbing in Nottingham effectively put the tie to bed, but it’s not every day you get to watch your team play in a semi-final at Old Trafford, against Manchester United, so myself, a few friends, and 7,000 other Nottinghamians made the journey regardless, across the Pennines or up the M6, to Manchester, to support our team. The Venue I’ve picked a couple of mates up from Bestwood Village so head through Chesterfield after the M1 picking up the A523 at Baslow before joining the A6 ahead of Chapel-en-le-Frith. We’ve plenty of time so head to the Trafford Centre for a bite to eat at Bills as Joe goes sneaker shopping at JD Sport as myself and Wayne look awkwardly at the latest trend in Nike Air Max. It’s getting on for 7pm so we head for the car and down bags making the short journey to an industrial centre off Village Way where we are charged £5 to use a factory car park. It’s a bit of a walk as we cross over Wharfside Way, the ground eventually appearing underwhelmingly hidden behind a number of warehouses dotted along the drab and lengthy dual carriageway. We walk over the John Gilbert Way bridging the nearby rail track as the stadium starts to become more distinctive, standing alone cantilevered, lit up in the dark as the hurry for the turnstiles see’s men, women and children crossing the car parks in all directions. We’re meeting PJ at the gate of the East Stand where today’s ‘away fans’ are being housed, I’ve already cracked my 10k steps as I spot him stood looking around, we’re in the queue, searched and scanned, through the turnstile and up the endless steps to level three a good 30 minutes from kick off. Like an Oasis in a dessert, there’s a bar at the top of the steps, well a kiosk at least, serving hot food, tea, and more importantly tonight, beer. The queue is large, but it’s worth the wait, a reasonable £3 a pint of Carling, well a plastic bottle poured into a plastic glass which I then throw into a plastic bag used instead of a plastic bin, good to see a club like United ignoring the plastic reduction pandemic. Drink drunk before a quick pit stop we head out to our seats where we have a decent view, centre of the goal but bloody high up, you can see the Stretford End in front, South Stand to the left, Sir Alex Ferguson Stand to the right, it’s a huge vast slightly dated, but daunting and imposing looking arena, noise levels however are not huge, despite the score and a first trophy in six years for United beckoning, it’s the Forest fans doing all the singing. The Game 3-0 up from the first leg I’m surprised that United are semi-strong tonight and not giving too many of their youngster’s immediate starts. Only Garnacho of the ‘famous’ United Academy is graduated to starting XI. The likes of Casemiro, Varane, Bruno Fernandes all chosen by Erik ten Hag to help ensure the job gets properly done. Never in doubt? Forest are much better tonight than last week, they defend with guts and heart, put themselves and their bodies on the line, I’m impressed with the centre halves who are enjoying marking the immobile Wout Weghorst, in fairness United are at a canter, but the first half is even, Hennessey has one save to make for Forest as Dennis at the other end is denied by his own team-mate Surridge getting in the way, then Weghorst hits a post as half time approaches and time to grab another beer. The Forest crowd have been singing “Were gonna win 4-0” but no-one really believes it. The United fans fail to rise to any bait thrown, like chucking a sardine to a shark, we’re a bit too ‘small fry’ for these big fans of this big club, who are probably only here because their brother-in-law who got the ticket, couldn’t be arsed to come. The Score The game is played at what feels like an international friendly tempo (believe me, I’ve been to a few), a bit of quality on show, but those with most ability, probably don’t want to use it up just yet. Brazilian winger Antony offering arguably the moment of the first half with a long range left footed half volley which skims the crossbar to some ooh’s and aah’s of both sets of supporters, Garnacho on the other wing a constant torment to Neco Williams who does really well under the circumstances of dealing with the Argentine’s trickery. It's all going to plan as we discuss being happy with a nil-nil at the break, we even dare to dream of bowing out of the cup gracefully with a sneaky 1-0 win, which would mean nothing to many, under the grand scheme of things, but an awful lot to us. Then, shortly after an hour of third gear football is played, a huge sway of home advantage signifies the gulf in class of these two teams is really just 'massive', three subs on for United, Rashford, Sancho, Martial, whilst Steve Cooper in return takes off Brennan Johnson for a lad who struggled on loan recently at League One Sheffield Wednesday. Poor Alex Mighten who wasn't wanted by the Owls, has looked busy with lots of energy since coming on, but is nowhere near good enough for Premier League standard, he’s been sold short on half way and United are in behind, Willy Boly is out of position and Anthony Martial is running through at pace, he feeds Rashford who’s shot is deflected straight back into the Frenchman’s path who places home the games opener on 73. Three minutes later it’s two, Forest have a knack of quickly conceding successive goals, Fred prods in from close range after Rashford’s pull back, both goals the fault in my mind of Serge Aurier, who’d only been on the field of play ten minutes, his Manager switching full backs at a time he didn’t really need to, we’ll forgive Mr Cooper though, who the Reds fans including myself, chant the name of, despite the 5-0 aggregate deficit. The late goals give the home fans a lift of the noise decibels but the closing minutes see a deluge of United fans up and leave their seats, a semi-final win and most can’t be bothered to celebrate it, it’s been that sort of tie, long won by half time back in Nottingham, United don’t even celebrate at the whistle, their players already in the changing rooms as Forest’s are still out applauding their travelling army with one last take in of the surroundings. I’m disappointed in the United fans and players reaction, but does this tell you more, about a club ‘used to’ winning things, expecting success, beating teams they should beat, in competitions they don't care about, rather than it does about myself, and my own club, just happy to be here, in a semi-final, all be it on the hand of an ass-whooping, having the time of our lives. The Stars For United, I watch Lisandro Martinez who oozes class, he always looks like he has time on the ball, he always looks to make the right decision, a throw back swashbuckling footballer who reads the game so well, he’s proving those annoying television pundits like Graeme Souness wrong that modern centre halves don’t need to be six foot plus, with every game he plays he get’s better, and for me he walks into any team in world football. Casemiro likewise is on another intelligence level to most around him, Bruno Fernandes imperative to the way ten Hag sets up is the creative pivot that allows the rest of the team to flourish from his ball playing going forward, the captain hardly misses a minute for United, he’s more important than you might think, having Casemiro in behind allows him to strut in those pockets, without having too much concern in defensive responsibility. Also impressive is Alejandro Garnacho who certainly has some kind of ‘X’ factor to his game, confident, arrogant, but for a young kid he makes good decisions and knows when to make a simple pass. Antony for his flicks and tricks could take a look at his opposite winger and learn something? Whilst Marcus Rashford’s cameo suggested he still has a big future at the elite level of football, flourishing right now in the form charts, his pace power and agility a mix of raw footballing talent that could see him spearhead the attack on that long wait in return for trophies. Whilst Forest were largely non-existent in the attacking third, the pace of Brennan Johnson did on occasion frighten the full backs of United, my man of the match for the away side was probably Neco Williams who was always nipping at Garnacho’s heals from right back, whilst Scott McKenna and Willy Boly can be proud of their own games, although for seventy minutes they didn’t have the toughest of tasks to deal with, the later stages perhaps proving that much more is needed in bulking the Forest defence if they are to achieve a few more semi-finals like this, within the next 30 years. The Verdict United’s wait for a trophy makes the final against Newcastle United a really intriguing affair. Win that, and returning to the ‘good ol days’ might not be too far around the corner for the Red Devils? Lose it, and Newcastle themselves end an even longer run than both United, and even Forest, for some much needed major silverware, 54 years of waiting for the Geordies, who should they finally lift their hoodoo, will probably themselves, be on the cusp of starting something very special indeed. Luckily I’ll be there on Feb 26th to see it, a shame it’s not Nottingham Forest returning to Wembley with me after their last success in May, but since that playoff victory over Huddersfield, 2022/23 has all just been about Premier League survival, and now, without distraction, Steve Cooper and his side, can concentrate solely, just on that. The Teams Manchester United: Tom Heaton, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane (Harry Maguire 80), Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro (Victor Lindelof 80), Fred, Antony (Jadon Sancho 63), Wout Weghorst (Anthony Martial 63), Alejandro Garnacho (Marcus Rashford 62). Nottingham Forest: Wayne Hennessey, Neco Williams, Willy Boly, Scott McKenna, Renan Lodi (Serge Aurier 64), Remo Freuler (Danilo 64), Orel Mangala, Gustavo Scarpa (Ollie Hammond 80), Brennan Johnson (Alex Mighten 64), Emmanuel Dennis, Sam Surridge (Detlef Esapa Osong 86). 8:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 1st February 2023, Old Trafford, Manchester (att 72,315).