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Scotland 3-1 Greece (World Cup Qualifiers) The international window has lured me back north to Glasgow, Hampden Park and a return to watching Scotland play, for the first time since that famous soddened night when they beat Spain 2-0 in March 2023. It's actually a busy weekend for me as I head over to Belfast tomorrow to watch Northern Ireland v Slovakia, a day off on Saturday will give me chance to cast eye over an Irish Premiership clash before returning to Hampden on Sunday when Scotland play Belarus. Tonight's opponents Greece actually beat Scotland earlier this year. A thumping 3-0 victory at Hampden overturned a 1-0 loss in Piraeus to gain them UEFA Nations League promotion. Since, the Greeks have been largely hit with a miss, thumping Slovakia, Bulgaria and Belarus, they were beaten 3-0 at home to Denmark in their second World Cup qualification match, currently on three points from two played they'll see tonight as a must not lose game. So too Scotland, who having impressively drawn against Denmark in their opener beat Belarus in of all places Hungary, behind closed doors, to go into this round of qualifiers with four points from two away matches, they are yet to concede. It's a long drive for me is Glasgow, over five hours but I've done it before and to ease the journey I'm setting it up in stages, having various checkpoints to look forward to on route to tick off. Checkpoint one is from my home in Nottingham, getting across the M1/M18 and onto the A1. Checkpoint two is the A1 to Scotch Corner, checkpoint three is when I finally hit the M6 after driving over the stunning A66 where I fill up on way to Penrith. Checkpoint four is when I hit the Welcome to Scotland sign and checkpoint five is Hamilton services, where I have a Costa Coffee before heading off for the final few miles to Mount Florida. The Venue I've arrived, pulling up on King's Park Avenue with plenty of time to spare. The housing estates within Hampden are all permit parking on matchday so I'm a ten minute walk away but it's straight line up and down the hill as I walk north along Kinghorn Drive and into the venue car park, through the media doors beside the huge glass main entrance where the steps are at the home of Scottish football. Inside I'm greeted by a couple of men with a list by a table, where I can already see an envelope with my name on. I'm given a programme and a lanyard and am told to take the lift, where the TV gantry is on the fifth floor. Upstairs i'm directed to my pew, as a steward opens the doors for me to this wonderful arena shining light under darkening skies, high up, looking down, the green pitch centre of a rounded bowl, seats in red and blue opposite read 'Hampden'. I've loads of time so write down the two teams and have a read of the matchday programme before being joined by a local scout who's brought his girlfriend along, he makes it just minutes ahead of the match, by now the two teams are out and the Scottish fans have burst into a fabulous rendition of their national anthem. The Game After a minutes applause to remember the life of former SFA president Rod Petrie, we are down to it, as Greece in white gain a lot of the early possession against their hosts in all darkest of blue. The away side are good, smooth on the ball, dominating as they pen Scotland in without creating too much, Steve Clarke's side are rigid in 451 with Che Adams a lonely figure working hard up front. Greece are slick, progressive, all players comfortable in possession, full backs Tsimikas and Vagiannidis get forward at every attempt, moves are started by Koulierakis and Mavropanos who look to have forged a real balanced partnership at the heart of the back four. In midfield, Zafeiris is slick next to Kourbelis, the enforcer, whilst in front of them, Tzolis on the left impresses, looking to feed Pavlidis, the Benfica star leading the line. There's a shot from outside the box but nothing much else in a first half which is edged by Greece on the judges scorecards, I'm disappointed by Scotland who rarely forage forwards, perhaps the second half will be better? The Score I chat to the scout beside me who's Scottish through and through, he knows the ins and outs of this team and is already planning Stevie Clarke's next subs, but none are made at the break, and it's more of the same, Greece dominating, and it's they who look like scoring first. After a couple of near misses, that's just what they do. Smart wing play by Tzolis sees the ball cut back from the right, it's bobbling around in the area before Tsimakis belts hard low, the goal has been coming and boy it's been deserved. That shocks Scotland surprisingly into life, who go up the other end and immediately win a corner. Ryan Christie takes and on the second phase the ball is pumped back into the box, bobbling around it ends at the feet of Christie who smashes home from close range. Suddenly Scotland believe and they have the bit between their teeth, the Hampden roar bursts again into life when Tsimikas fouls McGinn on the edge of the box, Robertson floats in, another bouncing around the six yard box, the ball touched down by Hanley who grapples a defender into the path of Ferguson who blasts home for more wild celebrations. Greece are suddenly gone, like a boxer, on top for the early stages of the fight, counter punched, knocked for a standing eight count, they are hanging on dazed but regain focus as Konstantelias forces the best out of Angus Gunn, his stinging shot flicked behind for a corner when it looked to be heading for the top corner, and as Scotland close out a huge win by bringing on some defensive reinforcements, a lumped ball forward for Lyndon Dykes is chased down, Goalkeeper Tzolakis trying to stop a header back to him going out for a corner, completely spills the ball, and Dykes has a chance on a plate to seal the match, which he does, there's people on the pitch, they think it's all over, it is now. The Stars For a large proportion of this game it was Greece who looked the better team, in Zafeiris pulling the strings in midfield, and in Tzolis on the left, cutting in, dribbling, playing delicate passes in the final third. Aside from Tzolis who is a player I really like, Tsimikas was their star, a left back who is on loan at Roma from Liverpool, a player who joined in every attack, who floated in places that full backs simply should not be seen. Whilst Ryan Christie was perhaps the pick of an average bunch for Scotland, they lifted off with important substitutes to help get them over the line, and in Billy Gilmour especially, and in Lyndon Dykes late on, they had two players who were able to come on and improve a team that looked to be heading for defeat. Even Scott McTominay was poor, not up to his usual standards on a night his team were mostly second best, with some folk scratching their heads to wonder just how Scotland turned things around to win. The Verdict And that win for Scotland is huge in the race for World Cup qualification, on a night when Denmark won 6-0 against Belarus, it now looks a two horse race with second spot guaranteeing a playoff spot at least. As for Greece, who flattered to deceive after promising initially they disappointed their travelling support with a terrible end result. They are certainly a very good side right now, they have very good players and a decent coach in Ivan Jovanovic, but it seems that they aren't getting the rub of the green they need when it matters most, in losing heavily to Denmark, and now in Scotland, they have an awful lot to do if they are to make the plane to North America and World Cup 2026. The Teams Scotland: Angus Gunn, Aaron Hickey (Anthony Ralston 68), John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Andy Robertson (Scott McKenna 90), Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson, John McGinn, Ben Doak-Gannon (Billy Gilmour 59), Che Adams (Lyndon Dykes 84), Ryan Christie (Kieran Tierney 83). Greece: Konstantinos Tzolakis, Georgios Vagiannidis, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Dimitros Kourbelis (Petros Mantolas 83), Christos Zafeiris (Christos Mouzakitis 83), Georgios Masouras (Fotis Ioannidis 72), Anastasios Bakasetas (Giannis Konstantelias 72), Christos Tzolis, Vangelos Pavlidis (Konstantinos Karetsas 72). 7:45pm Kick Off. Thursday 9th October 2025, Hampden Park, Glasgow (att 46,006).

Scunthorpe United 3-1 Morecambe  (National League)   Scunthorpe United fans know all about suffering concerns of their clubs uncertain future after financial hardship, multiple relegation and threatened administration, now a ship steadied and sailing through much calmer waters steered brilliantly by a local businesswoman in Michelle Harness, helped by a good Manager in Andy Butler with a decent playing squad, a community club that has supporters now rallying behind its team with positivity and optimism as the Iron climb up the National League.   Morecambe have had their troubles well documented in the summer after relegation from the Football League, for three years they have induced seriously bad financial issues under previous owner Jason Whittingham and finally, came under new regime after it all looked too late. Panjab Warriors the new owners of the club, saving Morecambe FC from possible extinction, their first job was to pay some owed bills and get in a new manager, Ashvir Singh Johal becoming the first Sikh to Manage a professional football club in England, his first job was to add to the five players contracted to the club when the league season in August was already under way.   And after a promising start where Morecambe beat Altrincham 2-1 in their delayed season opener with a new look side, things haven't gone quite so smooth for the Shrimps who foot the bottom of the table, with games in hand they have a long hard season on their hands, but if they take a leaf out of Scunthorpe's book, survival is not just where they finish in the league, but more importantly in staying afloat regardless of their tabled position come May. Achieve that and better days will come, I promise.   Formed in 1920 where they played Lancashire Combination league football, Morecambe were a Northern Premier League club from 1968 to 1995, winning the FA Trophy in 1974 when they beat Dartford at Wembley.   After twelve years in the fifth tier, they reached the Football League in 2007 and stayed there for 18 years, gaining promotion to League One in 2021 but in the years since, the slide has disappointingly slid low, it seems the Shrimps could even be heading back down again, for a third relegation in four years.   That said, there's still plenty of football still to be played. Tonight's game rearranged, was supposed to be earlier in the season when Morecambe didn't even have a team.   On to today, it's my second Scunthorpe match of the season, my second since Saturday in fact, as I head along a route I'm now familiar with, north of Lincoln up the A46 and A15 towards signposts for Grimsby and Hull, before turning left away from the Humber, on the M181.   The Venue   I'm parking on an estate behind the ground which is a short walk through the club’s huge car park, the roads around here all named after towns in Derbyshire, like Chesterfield, Ripley and Glossop.   It seems quieter and calmer tonight than it did against Carlisle on Saturday as I walk past the Iron Bar and towards the media entrance, where for some reason there's no list on the door tonight. I'm told to go to reception to see if my name is down before angling my way in without that unwarranted nuisance of extra yards. "Just walk through this gate" I'm eventually told after arguing my case.   Inside, I grab a cup of tea before heading up to the media seated tables in the back of the corporate padded seat section, same place as Saturday, post slightly obscuring the box to my left, radio coverage for both Scunny and Morecambe sitting close by, a sole media representee from Morecambe sits track suited alone.   There’s 86 visiting supporters in the ground to my right, as the numbers slowly half fill the stadium tonight, Scunthorpe are cheered out in their Burnley-esq claret and blue, Morecambe in white and black, as they enter the Attis Arena to applause, a four-sided straight edged bowl propped up by plenty of steel posts rising from the floor.   The Game The early exchanges are neat and tidy interchanges, Morecambe are typically, not as bad as you think, whilst Scunthorpe’s start isn’t perhaps as good as you would expect. The home side having made a few changes from the weekend, one enforced, with Jean Belahouan playing centre half for the suspended Andrew Boyce who was sent off against Carlisle, 4-3-3, there’s a start for Joe Rowley in midfield as Declan Howe and Danny Whitehall are brought back to add some goal threat in attack. I actually like the principles of Morecambe’s team set up by Ashvir Singh Johal, a relative mix of youth and experience, he wants to get it out and play from the back, problem is goalkeeper Archie Mair is shaky with it at his feet, but both centre halves are good, comfortable in possession, I liked Ludwig Francillette having seen him play for Eastleigh previously, beside him, young Albanian international, Maldini Kacurri, on loan from Arsenal, thick set and confident, looks a good player with the ball at his feet. The full back areas impress me less, at left back midfielder Jake Cain with ten on his back fills in, whilst in midfield they lack a bit of physical presence and legs, George Thomas sits with the smooth looking Dixon-Bonner and Miguel Azeez struggling to stamp authority, but pulling the strings is left sider Gwion Edwards, the Shrimps captain formerly of Ipswich Town has already turned right back Starbuck inside out to deliver a cross to Aarons who should have scored, he’s also cut in and blazed over to offer two scares to Scunthorpe, who’s high line has been caught out a couple of times, on occasion helped by the linesman’s flag.   The Score We are creeping towards half time and it’s the away side who are doing well, just as you feel it could be ‘one of those nights’ for Scunthorpe their talisman, Callum Roberts, is set free, running into the box he has time and space, too much of it, only one outcome is possible with the ball on his brilliant left foot, Roberts curls home into the corner to put Scunny one up. There’s minutes of madness as Roberts replaces his shirt having torn it during the celebrations, a booking for Dixon-Bonner following a foul thirty yards out, Danny Whitehall, recalled to add goals after being benched for the defeat by Carlisle where Scunthorpe blanked, lines it up, takes aim by curling home, into the bottom corner, brilliantly, right footed, I've seen him do that before, Scunthorpe are two up, and now probably out of sight. It’s harsh on Morecambe who I don’t think have played badly in the first half, twice undone, one exceptional free kick, the other perhaps not helped by their lack of a left back. And the second half crawls towards the finish line with an air of inevitability, Morecambe now lacking belief, Scunthorpe strutting with sideways balls along the surface, probing for another opportunity, they tickle the Shrimps back-line without really penetrating, the ball is very much owned by claret and blue, but something out of nothing comes on 70 minutes, a lovely flowing football goal ends with Cain crossing to Tollitt who is unmarked at the back post, the home side switching off, to suddenly be themselves, in a game again. But that goal mattered not, some instant changes made and fresh legs in Tyrell Sellars-Fleming who's lively, he already looked hungry before picking up the ball and driving at the visitors defence, cutting in from the left he whipped low, left footed, into the corner to wrap up the nights work, and give Scunthorpe all three points, taking them back up to fourth in the table, just two points from Rochdale who sit top. The Stars On loan from Hull City, Tyrell Sellars-Fleming looked to have the bit between his teeth after coming off the bench for the final twenty minutes. He was subbed at half time when Scunthorpe were down to ten men on Saturday, never really got going, but tonight he looked sharp, powerful, quick, and a serious talent, just 20 years old. Exposed a little at the back tonight, Scunthorpe didn’t defend brilliantly, the away team had chances and made goalkeeper Rory Watson work, but individually, I like Belehouan, Evans is thick set, solid, loves a long ball, Denton and Starbuck both get forward well, in Branden Horton who came on late at left back, Scunthorpe also have depth to their defence. In midfield, Joe Rowley was awarded sponsors man of the match, he played the ball too often back and sideways, but he has really good feet and is neat in that holding role, not the best nights for Oli Ewing or Alfie Beestin who still put in their shifts, the attacking trio of Roberts, Howe and Whitehall I really like, all dangerous in their own way, and all should achieve double figures this season. For Morecambe, they have some good players with a lot of promise, in defence, Maldini Kacurri, named deliberately after the Italian legendary defender, might not be up to the levels of the former AC Milan star, but he’s game, he’s gritty, he likes to drive forward on the ball, and beside Ludwig Francillette I think gives Morecambe a good solid defensive base, they just need to fill in the pieces around them to improve. In midfield, talented are Miguel Azeez, brother of Millwall’s Femi, and Elijah Dixon-Bonner, but they did lack some steel and bite, out wide they have a proper footballer in Gwion Edwards, who faded during the second half, I also like Jack Nolan who was on the bench, and Yann Songo’o who was on the bench, both should be starting for me, whilst another substitute, Emmerson Sutton, on loan from QPR, has something about him, swagger, speed, skill, only 18 years old, I want to see much more of him, please.   The Verdict   Scunthorpe have a real opportunity this season to trouble the promotion pretenders and get back, in the Football League, where I feel a club like this, belongs. They have a good squad, decent depth, plenty of goals, will certainly be in the mx, whilst Morecambe, well they might go down, currently on eight points from twelve games, whilst all is not lost, they will certainly be competitive in the division due to the way they play, and the players they have, I would like to see some faith in the long term plan, as even with relegation, I back them to bounce back, I think they are in good hands, transitional hands, they just need more time and love to adapt, to be at the levels they need to be at. The Teams Scunthorpe United: Rory Watson, Joe Starbuck, Jean Belehouan. Will Evans, Tyler Denton (Branden Horton 71), Joe Rowley, Oli Ewing (Kian Scales 63), Alfie Beestin (Zain Westbrooke 63), Declan Howe (Tyrell Sellars-Fleming 70), Callum Roberts, Danny Whitehall (Joey Dawson 79). Morecambe: Archie Mair, Lewis Payne, Maldini Kacurri, Ludwig Francillette, Jake Cain, George Thomas (Arjan Raikhy 71), Elijah Dixon-Bonner (Yann Songo'o 59), Miguel Azeez, Rolando Aarons (Emmerson Sutton 71), Gwion Edwards (Jack Nolan 59), Ben Tollitt (Harry Panayiotou 83). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 7th October 2025, Glanford Park, Scunthorpe (att 4,126).

Scunthorpe United 0-1 Carlisle United  (National League)   I'm fully invested in the National League promotion race right now. Having already watched the top two in the table, Forest Green & Rochdale (who also play against each other today) and having seen Boreham Wood and Halifax who occupy the playoff positions, I now have a match between third and fourth at the Attis Arena, live on DAZN, a 5:30pm kick off between two old Football League foes in Scunthorpe and Carlisle.   Scunny have started magnificently, unbeaten after promotion last season, they have excelled in the early weeks under Andy Butler and will be considered serious promotion challengers, in the mix with several others, to go up again this season.   In that mix are Carlisle United, relegated from the Football League last season, Mark Hughes men are going well having signed Regan Linney from Altrincham in the summer, he's top scorer in the league with nine goals and United have bounced back after a couple of big defeats, to York and Rochdale, to beat Hartlepool in midweek, and get their season back on track.   On track am I, ahead of 3pm, as I battle storm Amy down the A46 towards Lincoln, up the A15 and across the M180 where the weather changes from bright to wet and back several times over.   The Ground   Eventually, I pull up on a housing estate which has a cut through to the car park at Glanford Park, cutting through a jitty (or ginnel) behind Chesterfield Road, the ground appears all grey, looking like a derelict warehouse in the distance.   A beautiful monstrosity, it's decrepit and unloved, from the outside the letters of former sponsors faded on the grey corrugated steel, floodlights rising high into the grey sky, the grey wasteland around the ground with the odd sporadic parked car between muddy potholes with fans getting out in coats and scarves all of an hour and half before kick-off.   I'm walking around the back of the Britcon Stand where the Iron Bar is packing the punters in, there's free NHS blood test stalls but I'm feeling queasy, instead opting straight for the media entrance, a little side door unassuming painted dark claret by a couple of turnstiles.   My name is on the list, unlike at Boston on Wednesday, and I'm through the walkway level with pitch side as I head for the catering hole and a cup of tea.   It smells of Balti Pies which make me hungry but I've got dinner to go back to tonight, so instead, I have a brew and a couple of bags of chocolate. The young girl serving takes an age to add up £7 in her head for some Milky Bar buttons, Aero minis and a tea.   Sat down with my cuppa at the top of the stand, you’re pretty close to the action from the press seats fifteen or so rows high, sporadic tables and sockets under the padded chairs, the Carlisle media team is behind along with Radio Humberside, a post in view to my left obstructs a bit of the penalty area, as I check my phone for the 3pm results, Forest Green have been beaten by Rochdale in the big game of the day. Scunthorpe are now the last team standing unbeaten, in the division.   I love the noise here, the fans pack in behind the goal and create a buzz by signing the Boon theme tune, ‘Iron, Iron’ is the usual shout, a low roofed bowl like venue, you’re enclosed, intimate, comfortable, cosy, the posh seats just below us have sponsors out taking selfies on the pitch, a guy sitting in front asking ‘what I’m doing’ and ‘do I come here often’ tells me he’s a West Ham fan, “at least you can wear your club colours today” I tell him.   The Game   The weather is changing, from grey to bright to rain and back as the wind sweeps across the soggy looking green surface, Carlisle in changed kit are defensively structured, rigid, rugged, whilst Scunthorpe attack with pace and power, taking little chances defensively themselves, go long on occasion, but aim is to get it out wide where Callum Roberts hogs the right touchline The home side shape up with a traditional four in defence, two attacking full backs and two big centre halves, they have two in midfield, Oli Ewing and Zain Westbrooke two recent acquisitions, allowing number eight Alfie Beestin to get forward as he runs powerfully with the ball at his feet. Beestin is a good player, but Scunthorpe’s best outlet is Roberts, he’s out right, cutting in on his left foot, young Hull City loanee Tyrell Sellars-Fleming is the other side, whilst Joey Dawson, son of Andy, brother of Michael and Kevin, a big footballing family in these parts, he’s up front, a big lad, ginger, he’s certainly got the Dawson genes. I like the shape of Carlisle who come here with a gameplan. Their four defenders are all good solid looking players, shaping up in similar fashion to Scunthorpe, they have two attacking full backs with centre backs Hayden and Feeney both loving the battle as the rain swathes down onto the surface. In midfield it’s a three from Ellis, Gilliead and Wearne whilst Regan Linney is busy on the left side of attack, right is Junior Luamba whilst George Kelly, number nine on his back, shaven headed, he’s really enjoying his tussle against Scunthorpe centre halves Evans and Boyce. The Score There’s not a lot between the two teams, Scunthorpe have a couple of sniffs and play some positive forward moves early on but Carlisle have had a corner crossed under the bar where Rory Watson in net looks shaky, their second corner in swinging on twenty minutes is another played into the six yard box by Archie Davies, Aaron Hayden is at the back post, unmarked, allowed to bundle one home from close range.   It’s their first attempt but Carlisle have the lead, and from there can set themselves up to be even harder to beat, and 'thou shall not pass' is their mantra, the next twenty minutes they pick up four bookings, whilst Andrew Boyce is carded for Scunthorpe after a ‘reducer’ on Georgie Kelly. Irishman Kelly really impresses me, he sticks his arse into the centre halves and irritates them to give fouls away, winning more than his share of headers, he holds it up well and has a neat touch, he scored hat loads in the League of Ireland during his early career, not nearly as much since moving to England, but he’s a useful target man and brings others into play, intelligent, you can tell he enjoys the craic he gets off centre halves, laughing with the crowd as he plays party villain when they boo him for taking some spray off the physio on the touchline after Boyce straight legs him. By now, Boyce is fired up, too fired up, he’s over aggressively gone to win a header against Junior Luamba, there’s an elbow involved, and it’s knocked Luamba for six, Referee Greg Rollason hasn’t exactly been shy with the cards today, he doesn’t hesitate to give Boyce a straight red. That leads to subs all around, Luamba still dazed is taken off propped up by a team mate and physio as he heads down the tunnel, Joey Dawson is subbed by Andy Butler for defender Jean Belehouan. The first half ends in a chorus of boos and cries from the home crowd towards the officials of “you don’t know what you’re doing”. At half time there’s another change for Scunthorpe as striker Danny Whitehall is introduced, I was surprised before kick-off, seeing their team with both he and Declan Howe on the bench, two forwards who have a very good knack of scoring goals, neither starting in such a big match. But with both Howe and Whitehall now introduced, Carlisle are still not giving many chances away, they do what any good visiting side does and digs in, defends, slows down the game, but they break themselves and create opportunity for further damage, Harper forcing Watson into a diving stop to his right, Kelly scuffs a half chance wide after a goalmouth scramble, but the later the game goes on, the more ten men Scunthorpe take aim, a neat move ends with Ewing blasting agonisingly over, he should have done better, in added time Belehouan then smashes into orbit from close range, as the kitchen sink is thrown at the visitors, and a final chance, Roberts crosses to Howe who heads into the corner, I’ve already shouted out 'goal', knowing how prolific the former Gainsborough man is, often needing just one chance, but the effort comes off the inside of the post and is away to safety, the closest Scunthorpe would come, Carlisle relieved and welcoming, as the final whistle ends a good go given by the hosts, and a solid victory for Mark Hughes in North Lincolnshire.   The Stars Georgie Kelly was my standout for Carlisle who I thought was brilliant on the day, but defensively they all played a part front to back, I like George Breeze in goal, a local lad, only 21, who bleeds blue and white. Goalscorer Aaron Hayden was solid next to former Everton centre half Morgan Feeney, full backs Davies on the right and Harper in particular, on the left, got forward really well, and whilst Regan Linney perhaps had one of his quieter games, you can see the threat he offers, racing in to the box with the ball at his feet on the left. He’s the sort of powerful and pacey talisman that can be the difference between promotion, or not, in this division. As for Scunthorpe, in a terrific, but tasty game, often interrupted by an overly strict Referee (who brandished nine yellow cards and a red), they played their part, and were man for man very good, in particular Alfie Beestin who often drove powerfully forward from attacking midfield positions and in Oli Ewing, who they signed from Leicester City in the summer. I watched him play on loan for Buxton last season where he impressed at National North and he looks a real talent for this level too, cultured, classy, lovely in possession but hard working, a real honest grafter who will run all day. The Verdict The National League table now reads Rochdale top on 30 points having beaten Forest Green Rovers who are second on 29, Carlisle now third level with FGR and a point above Boreham Wood on 28, Scunthorpe on 25 ahead of Halifax on 24 and York, Southend and Tamworth all on 22. I honestly haven’t a clue, at this stage, how it’s going to go, but one thing for sure is that both Carlisle and Scunthorpe, have as good a chance as any of the others, in gaining promotion this season. They'll be many more twists and turns, points and goals, wins, draws and losses, it could even be the closest race for some time, so get strapped in because it'll no doubt be a bumpy ride for all involved. The Teams Scunthorpe United: Rory Watson, Joe Starbuck, Andrew Boyce, Will Evans, Tyler Denton, Zain Westbrooke (Declan Howe 76), Oli Ewing, Alfie Beestin, Callum Roberts, Joey Dawson (Jean Belahouan 44), Tyrell Sellars-Fleming (Danny Whitehall 46). Carlisle United: Gabriel Breeze, Archie Davies, Aaron Hayden, Morgan Feeney, Cameron Harper, Stephen Wearne (Callum Whelan 90), Jack Ellis, Alex Gilliead (Josh Williams 77), Junior Luamba (Josh Grant 44), Georgie Kelly, Regan Linney (Luke Armstrong 77). 5:30pm Kick Off. Saturday 4th October 2025, Glanford Park, Scunthorpe (att 5,472).

Boston United 0-0 Forest Green Rovers  (National League) It’s October, which means my cricket season is finally over. I spent the last weekend of September at Lords watching Middlesex against Gloucestershire so no footy game for me last Saturday, but I’m back now for the foreseeable with 100% dedication on my number one sport until May, this month is going to be busy with a few internationals to also enjoy. The last game I was at was over ten days ago when Boston lost at home to Boreham Wood, who are, as I keep telling everyone who’s interested, ‘a bloody good side’. Since 2-0 defeat, the Pilgrims beat Braintree Town 2-0, and also drew with Sutton Town on Saturday 1-1, Graham Coughlan’s men were leading at Gander Green Lane until the dying seconds after a fabulous Matty Carson free kick and even had a chance to make it 2-0 late on through Dylan Hill, but a 93rd minute leveller leaves Boston 19th going into this game averaging just over a point per game which is much better than they were this time last year (when under Ian Culverhouse). Also going better than last season, Forest Green, under Robbie Savage. After missing out on promotion via the playoffs, Steve Cotterill lost his job, and former Macclesfield Manager Savage has stepped up, bringing a couple of his old lads with him, and the Rovers start to the season has been magnificent, top of the table, unbeaten, they come into this match having drew with York City 1-1 last time out but they do have one eye on Saturday when they host second placed Rochdale, so have made a few changes tonight, which might play to Boston’s advantage. The Venue It feels like I’ve been here a trillion times before, the wife’s been working in Birmingham so I await for her to get home at 5:30pm before leaving for Lincolnshire, down the A52 from my south Nottingham home less than 90 minutes away, through Grantham and the usual green fields en-route as I listen in to Newcastle United’s Champions League victory over Union Saint-Gilloise of Belgium. I’ve parked up on the new estate across the way, with plenty of time, it’s not yet 7pm as I head over the busy A16 and towards the quaint modern stadium that appears set back beyond a few bushes and beside a Costa on the edge of town, where there’s a few more franchise eateries to enjoy like Greggs and Burger King a short hop away. I’m inside at the usual collection point where I’m told tonight ‘my names not down’. The lovely lady behind the glass window sorts me out a complimentary ticket but she tells me “the press box is full” as Forest Green and DAZN, BBC and the Papz, have all taken advantage of this intriguing Wednesday night clash. After a quick scan of my ticket, and pee underneath the bright yellow concourse which is not yet full, I walk up to see a few old faces in the media area, I tell a couple of local scouts that “I’m in with the fans tonight” as the two sets of teams warm up on the pristine green carpet neath the bright amber floodlights glowing the darkened sky. There’s a young lad who works for Forest Green who I say hello too, I last saw him at Hartlepool on the last day of last season and he tells me it’s taken him just as long to get here as it did that day, “I thought our ground was hard enough to get to” he says. The Game I’m lucky enough to get a spare pew in front of my usual place so it’s not too distracting from the norm, as the two teams come out to applause, a crowd just under 2,000 and some just under 100 have made it from rural Gloucestershire. Forest Green are in bright pink, Boston as always, amber and gold, as the two teams get started, the visitors are the early enforcers, but in truth, there’s not much happening anywhere on the pitch. Organisation, is key, Boston look organised, well drilled and well set for taking on the divisions top team, they play a 4-5-1 type formation that has Jordan Cropper, Connor Teale, Zak Mills and Will Lankshear across the defence, Jordan Richard sits in midfield with Greg Sloggett, Matty Carson and Dylan Hill offering legs, Owen Hampson sits off lone striker Lenell John-Lewis but he’s isolated, leggy, now 36 he doesn’t get much support and lacks the energy needed to make a nuisance on the limited occasions that Boston cross the halfway line. As for Forest Green, they are much changed having ‘rested’ a few for the Rochdale game at the weekend. A big side, defensively they have good athletic full backs, Kengni left, Pemberton right, whilst the huge Ryan Inniss partners Jordan Moore-Taylor in the heart of defence. In midfield they have the impressive Laurent Mendy sitting, he’s been a revelation since stepping up from Macclesfield where he helped Robbie Savage win the Northern Premier League last season, besides Mendy, James Balagzi and Kyle McAllister, more central than usual, in attack, Tom Knowles is out right, Yahya Bamba out left, with Kairo Mitchell up front and in goalscoring form. The Score There’s hardly a shot at goal in an intriguing, but lacklustre first half, as I have a chat with my old mate from Forest Green who’s on Radio Gloucestershire comms during the break. “It’s the worst we’ve played this season” he tells me, but I notice there’s more pace and athleticism in attack compared to last year, one thing I notice is that Forest Green have a huge squad for the division, a lot of quality, and Robbie Savage doesn’t hold back on the changes, as he makes one half time sub, in bringing on Nick Haughton, who they signed from Fylde in the summer. In fact, just a couple of minutes into the second half, Savage subs again, as he takes off Tom Knowles and by sixty minutes he drags off McAllister who’s been disappointing in his unpreferred central midfield position. By 69 he’s used all five subs as he introduces Harvey Bunker and Christian Doidge who are both big solid units. I like that the Manager has done things early, on a night where he’s spotted his team aren’t at it, he’s prepared to mix things up and admit perhaps getting the starting XI wrong. But even with the new faces, Forest Green just don’t look like scoring, they’ve hardly tested Lovett’s goal before a right-wing cross is flicked wide by the head of Doidge on 78. In fact, late on, it’s Boston, who have been brilliant defensively, with the tail between their legs offensively. They should score when Sloggett whacks one close range into the grateful diving hands of McNicholas, and as time ticks Hiwula goes close with a shot deflected behind, the following corner is then crossed to the back post where Mills effort is scrambled away by the goalkeeper. Relieved in the end are Forest Green just to take something from the game on a tough night for them, whilst Boston’s fans also go home happy, with cheers on the final whistle which goes a long way to telling the players just what the fans thought of their efforts tonight. The Stars On a typical workmanlike night it was Dylan Hill on his hundredth game who took the home sponsors man of the match gong and it was he who epitomised the Boston performance, chasing everything, running his socks off, but adding a bit of quality on the ball when needed, he’s growing and growing as a fine footballer in this division and seems to get better every time I watch him play. Next to Hill in midfield, you can’t fault the efforts of Greg Sloggett who is probably Boston’s best player? Although Zak Mills, since moving into a more central defensive position, who hasn’t put many a foot wrong in the games I’ve seen him play, who’s essential to how Boston defend, he’s probably as important as Sloggett, in having the experience and bite in his game to give off the right education for those younger around. Mills made one huge tackle in the second half, taking ball and man, which led frustratingly to a free kick, with every man, woman and dog in the venue bar the referee, agreeing that to them, it looked ‘fair game’. For Forest Green, it wasn’t a night which shone their attacking qualities, but defensively they were good, and in Luke McNicholas they have solid foundations between the sticks, in Moore-Taylor and Inniss they have two solid centre halves who do the ugly stuff well, in full backs Kengni, and in particular, Tre Pemberton they have pace and product, Pemberton gets forward from the right and whips a lovely ball in. My eyes during the game were often drawn to Laurent Mendy who sat in front of the back four and issued a calming physical presence, whilst Tom Knowles I thought looked a threat on the right before being subbed early on, Harvey Bunker did well when he came on, he’s a player I like, who I’m told hasn’t had much chance yet under Savage. The Verdict Boston will take confidence from that performance, in some ways you feel Graham Coughlan has them set up well, so that when they play those at the top of the tree, they know how to defend and nick points, which will get them a few nice bonuses during the season, but it’s the matches against those in and around them, when it matters most, where I feel they need to do better. Still lacking some goal threat, I wonder if they might dip into the market, ahead of injury return for last season’s top goalscorer Jacob Hazell? That said, available strikers at this time of the year are usually like rocking horse sh*t. From the outside, Forest Green fans might see this as a poor result? Especially after Robbie Savage rested one or two of his better players with Rochdale on Saturday in mind? But I think what Savage did well, was see the signs early, that his side weren’t at it, and that could easily have been a 1-0 loss, in the end he made the changes to earn a good point on the road, should they beat Rochdale on Saturday, it’ll be a fairly decent return this week. Will they win it? They certainly have the squad, but there’s a few in the mix, Rochdale, Carlisle, Boreham Wood, York, Scunthorpe, Southend? Even Halifax shouldn’t be written off. I'm off to see two contenders in Scunthorpe and Carlisle next, so will hopefully know better about more of those involved in the promotion race after that. The Teams Boston United: Rhys Lovett, Jordan Cropper, Connor Teale, Zak Mills, Alex Lankshear, Greg Sloggett, Jordan Richards, Matty Carson (Michael Kelly 83), Dylan Hill, Owen Hampson (Kieren Donnelly 62), Lenell John-Lewis (Jordy Hiwula 62). Forest Green Rovers: Luke McNicholas, Tre Pemberton, Ryan Inniss, Jordan Moore-Taylor, Neil Kengni (Christian Doidge 69), Laurent Mendy, James Balagizi (Harvey Bunker 69), Tom Knowles (Jili Buyabu 49), Kyle McAllister (Jayden Clarke 60), Yahya Bamba (Nick Haughton 46), Kairo Mitchell. 7:45pm Kick Off. Wednesday 1st October 2025, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,695).

Boston United 0-2 Boreham Wood  (National League) In three of the last ten seasons, Boreham Wood have finished in the playoff places in the National League. In 2018, they lost to Tranmere Rovers in a Wembley final, the nearest they have come to reaching the Football League. In 2020 they were fifth when their season was early curtailed by COVID with just nine games to play, whilst in 2023 they were beaten by Notts County in the playoff semi-finals after a sixth placed finish, but surprising relegation, during 2023/24 cost long-serving Manager and club legend Luke Garrard his job, a job he would regain off Ross Jenkins exactly a year ago, and ever-since, promotion from the National League South via the playoffs was achieved, and this season, the Wood have really meant business. Formed in 1948 the club were long established in the Isthmian league (largely from the 70’s onwards) but in 2010 they gained promotion to the National League South and enjoyed their first taste of step one football in 2015, when they were promoted to the Vanarama Premier Division. Bar that one season last year, they have been in English football’s fifth tier ever-since, and following promotion have started this campaign really well, playing attractive football amongst the division’s front runners with five wins two draws and just one defeat from eight games played. I won’t bore you with Boston United’s past, as frequent flyers on this aircraft of mine will already know that it’s a club I often visit, but since my last journey to south east Lincolnshire, the club have this week announced that the much anticipated fourth stand of their impressive new Jakemans Stadium will be built. Adding to the three-sided modern venue that has been home to the Pilgrims since leaving York Street in 2020. The Venue I’ve arrived in Wyberton which is a suburb on the outskirts of Boston, for around 1:30pm, a fresh grey day in September, I walk past a new looking service station which wasn’t here the last time I visited in August, on the A16 roundabout there’s a Starbucks, a Burger King, a Greggs, a Papa Johns, a Costa Coffee and now a huge petrol station with a Co-op attached, all within touching distance to the Jakemans Stadium, named by sponsors, the local sweet making company (who do lovely menthol lozenges). As I get my ticket and walk through the turnstile, I’m up the steps of this fantastic three-sided arena, looking forward to seeing the upcoming works that will turn the building site behind the goal to my right, into an impressive new stand. I’m joined by a fellow scout from Lincoln, the BBC radio Lincolnshire team sat behind me, Mark Clifford, a former Pilgrim on co-comms, the Boreham Wood media team nearby are asking for the Wi-Fi code, as the two teams warm up the crowd slowly fills up, it always seems to feel pretty full here, the ground intimate but spacious, the terracing across the way has less than a hundred visiting supporters to the right (92 in total), to the left, a few more than that standing in Boston yellow and gold, whilst the stand on my left always packs in the home following behind the goal, the seated stand I’m in, offering comfortable viewing, it’s arguably the best ground in the division, in my personal opinion, and that’s even without the stand soon to be built on my right. The Game I’m excited to see Boreham Wood after doing a bit of video research from their impressive win over Altrincham. Unfortunately, their two goal hero in a 3-1 win, Erico Sousa is not playing, but there’s another player I’m looking forward to seeing, in Abdul Abdulmalik, and he starts well, small and stocky with oiled legs, his close control is frightening, as he zips around the pitch from right to left, looking all busy and set free by his Manager to play where the hell he wants. A player I’m disappointed with initially is Chris Bush, the experienced left footed centre back, hair in a bun, he starts sloppy, a little too laid back for my liking as he gives away a couple of passes, but he is improving as we go, eventually playing triangles with his centre back siding Callum Reynolds and young West Ham loanee goalkeeper Finley Herrick only 19 years young, who I joke, looks the best player in possession, on the pitch. The Wood are in fact at ease in possession in their own third, but don’t really get things going forward, they play a traditional four with good full backs in Jeff King (always looking to bomb on) who has one attempt when cutting in and shooting over from the right and in Femi Ilesanmi on the left (who defends first and foremost) a bruiser type enforcer of experience. In midfield, they have two holding things down in Charlie O’Connell and Tom White, both very good, this allows Zak Brunt a free role wearing number eight, whilst Abdulmalick, Lewis Richardson and Matty Rush up top, get to run around, interchange, and make themselves a nuisance. Boston, have a few changes since the last time I’ve seen them play, it seems Manager Graham Coughlan prefers the wing-back system, despite the club probably not having the best players to do so, they look after Zak Mills who plays a middle three of a defence that includes Connor Teale as a right sided defender and Alex Lankshear, brother of Tottenham Hotspur youngster Will, on the left. In midfield, Boston look to fill every gap, with Jordan Richards sitting, Greg Sloggett, Owen Hampson, Dylan Hill, all central, Matty Carson is left wing back whilst Jordan Cropper is right, with poor old Jordi Hiwula up front, he can’t hold anything up, often isolated and against a solid looking visiting back line who easily contain him. The Score The first half passes without real threat of a goal, the away side the better of the two, whilst Boston are probably content with holding them to blanks, their Manager Coughlan however does see reason to change, and adds another forward at the half time break when he brings on Lenell John-Lewis for midfielder Owen Hampson, but as quickly as he does, the visitors take the lead. It’s a good move on 49 that ends with Tom White disguising a pass into the feet of Brunt, he’s a player who left Barnet in the summer, one formerly of Notts County, who seems to be playing with freedom, and confidence, in the heart of this Boreham Wood midfield, he has space to take a touch inside the area and fire home. It could be two, a free kick awarded on the edge of the area is crashed off the post by Jeff King, a curling effort by a set piece specialist, I remember watching him score similarly for Chesterfield a few years previously, he’s a player who I think is a savvy capture for Boreham Wood since moving from York City. It is two, when King delivers on the hour, he cuts in from the right with a chop, just like he did in the first half before blasting over, this time however, common sense prevails, he cuts back instead to the on-rushing Abdulmalick who doesn’t even break his stride to stroke low, home a second. That goal pretty much gives the game up for Boston, they haven’t really looked like a side who have believed all afternoon, and have been second best to a decent football team, who have way more in attack, and defence, and in midfield, than their opposition. The later stages are played out with relative ease by Boreham Wood, as I hear Mark Clifford behind on the radio, frustrated with Boston’s lack of intent, "they could play for another 90 minutes and they won't score" he says, whether it be down to formation, style, substance, it’s all second best today, and they get what they deserve as the rain starts to fall, which is nothing, all three points heading south, as the final whistle is blown to put discontented Boston fans out of their misery. The Stars For Boston, they award a sponsors Man of the Match each week and this week they ‘had to’ give it to someone, that someone was Jordan Richards in midfield, who received a mild applause from the crowd on announcement, although I did hear one shout “Do they already sponsor him” from someone who was less impressed. I thought, as he always does, Zak Mills gave 110% and he’s a player that has really stepped up since Boston have been in the National League, another I’m nearly always impressed with is Connor Teale, who was often pulled out to the right back area from his role in the back three, but as a centre half, I feel he has a big future in the game. Another player with a big future, is Abdul Abdulmalik of Boreham Wood. I asked one of their members of staff about the players story, a former Millwall youth player who also played for England U17’s now aged 22, I was told, “If we are to go up this season, it will be down to him”. He’s fondly thought of as a match winner on his day, and everything good that goes through him, is key to how Boreham Wood progress. Football however, is a team game, and I think contributing to Abdulmalik’s form is the fact Zak Brunt, recently signed from Barnet, where he often underwhelmed me, has found a new lease of life, as the key figure in a team, designed to get players like him, on the ball, to play. Brunt is intelligent and neat, always progressive as that high number eight, he’s allowed to get on the ball and make things happen in the final third whilst behind him, O’Connell and White do the ugly stuff brilliantly. Whilst defensively I think Boreham Wood look very good, they have already conceded eleven goals this season, to my surprise, a young keeper in Finley Herrick wasn’t tested on the day, keep an eye on him, whilst Jeff King moving forward is probably one of the best in the division on the right, they have relatively solid combative winners, in the likes of Bush, Reynolds, Ilesanmi, all the type to put body on the line to keep clean sheets. The Verdict I think Boreham Wood now fourth will continue to do ok, with Forest Green, Carlisle and Rochdale above them, with Southend, Scunthorpe, Tamworth, York and Hartlepool below them, it’ll be tough against teams with higher budgets, but they do have pulling power being the top non-league team in London, and if they can keep the majority of their squad together, could easily mount a promotion challenge, off the back of the playoff places which I believe they are good enough to reach. For Boston, a long hard tough season ahead, they like last year will look to survive, and perhaps are better equipped than last, already, for doing so, they do have a couple of injuries to key players, which they’ll be wanting to get better soon, if they keep their heads above water, until then, they have every fighters chance of survival, but it will need a lot of improvement against sides in and around their own battle, starting with Wednesday night at home to Braintree. The Teams Boston United: Rhys Lovett, Connor Teale, Zak Mills, Alex Lankshear, Jordan Cropper (Ben Grist 80), Jordan Richards, Greg Sloggett (Rocco Coyle 80), Matty Carson, Owen Hampson (Lenell John-Lewis 46), Dylan Hill, Jordy Hiwula (Kieren Donnelly 60). Boreham Wood: Finley Herrick, Jeff King (Cameron Coxe 76), Callum Reynolds (Jon Benton 90), Chris Bush, Femi Ilesanmi, Tom White, Charlie O’Connell, Zak Brunt, Abdul Abdulmalik (Junior Dixon 76), Lewis Richardson (Charles Clayden 68), Matt Rush. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 20th September 2025, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,812).

Ilkeston Town 0-3 Cleethorpes Town  (Northern Premier League) It’s the penultimate round of the County Championship. Nottinghamshire are at Surrey playing out a huge match in Division One to determine who’s most likely to win the league, whilst I’m at Derbyshire who face Glamorgan in a third verses second battle in Division Two. Like last week, when in Sussex ahead of my trip to Lewes, I’ve worked out on a Tuesday night, I can probably make it to a game of football, and Ilkeston is local to Derbyshire’s County Ground, just a 20-minute drive although there’s numerous routes through various fields that can be taken. I’ve not seen Ilkeston play this season, I’ve never seen Cleethorpes play in the flesh, and whilst the Robins have stumbled in recent weeks, four straight losses going into this game, the Owls picked up from four defeats in a row themselves, to win against Leek 3-0 at the weekend, since securing promotion from the division below this summer, they have given themselves a fighters chance of doing the same again, both teams in the middling pack of the table, Ilkeston however have one eye below, whilst Cleethorpes have one eye at those above. No sooner is stumps called for day two of Derbyshire’s match with Glamorgan am I hopping into the car at a twenty to seven, setting Sat Nav for the quickest route, which takes me shortly along the A52 and up through Spondon and Kirk Hallam, pulling up on the Awsworth Road a good 45 minutes before kick-off. The Venue It feels quiet tonight, £13 I’m charged as I scan my debit card at the turnstile, taking a walk around the back of the goal, the players on the synthetic surface already warming up, the clock tower stand in the far corner iconic, dark greying sky above, there’s kids around the perimeter of the pitch, they must be in the youth academy, track-suited, having finished their training sessions on the same surface which both Ilkeston and Cleethorpes first teamers are now trudging on. It's a lovely ground when full, but tonight it’s not, I’m walking under the terrace of the home end where there’s hardly a soul, towards the tea bar where I order a brew, a steak pie and a chocolate aero. It’s hole filling at best as I take up my paper cup to the top of the seated section in the corner of the ground, where you get a view down below of the playing surface, the long low roofed standing section behind the goal to my left, the right, a smaller covered area for standing only in the distance, opposite the old clubhouse which has the odd dotted spectator about in front. It’s eerily quiet for Ilson as they’re known, I’ve seen healthy crowds of 500 plus die-hards often at the New Manor Ground, not tonight, half of that, but then results haven’t been good and there’s a bit of Champions League action also on the telly. The Game I’m joined by a scout from the West Midlands who I’ve seen plenty of on my travels, usually at Alfreton Town, as we discuss their clubs’ shenanigans in recently sacking Manager Billy Heath. Apparently, I’m told, they are trying to go all ‘Made in Wrexham’. They have an American owner who dictates what happens from his cross Atlantic pad on Zoom, he’s very interested in fly on the wall documentary stuff and has already ordered his media team cameras in the changing rooms during matches, last week for the game against King’s Lynn they streamed a matchday vlog on YouTube, perhaps they’ll be a Netflix documentary on them soon? Back here, whilst chatting away, the players slowly appear on the pitch below, walking out to a low level of applause ahead of kick off, the place feeling very sparse as one fan seated up from me shouts ‘Cmon Ilson’. Cleethorpes in all blue start well, they don’t mess around with the ball at the back, they have pace and persistence up front, dogged in midfield, Ilkeston a high line defensively, look vulnerable to the counter-attack, they don’t look to have any game plan and are playing (not for the first time under my eyes) their best forward, Jamie Walker at left back, whilst a player I’ve seen play at left back for Basford United previously, Robbie Fox, is playing up front. It's not the prettiest as a few moans and groans are heard from behind me, one fan is laying into his goalkeeper for punching, rather than catching the ball, Alfie Roberts is making his Ilkeston Town debut tonight, ‘catch it’ is the cry, “come out for it” is the shout “bloody useless” is the verdict. You get the feeling it can get a bit grumpy around here when things aren’t going well, and things haven’t been going well, as the ball is headed between midfielder to midfielder, another fan shouts “forty love” which is followed off with a couple of sniggers. Ilkeston have hardly laid a glove on Cleethorpes despite a few corners, they have been dealt with by defenders kicking and heading everything up in the air and away, it’s bitty and gritty and the Referee has given a million free kicks. “We must be up to twenty already” I ask the scout sitting besides me “fifteen I’ve got” just 25 minutes in, there’s a lot more to come throughout the night. The Score Despite the stop start nature of the match the visitors do take control and it’s largely down to Ben Andreucci who’s been busy playing off the shoulder of Ilkeston’s centre halves all night. He breaks down a ropey looking offside trap with what ‘might be’ a well-timed run and holds the ball up for the on coming Adam Haw who blasts home hard and still rising from the edge of the area, a deserved half time lead. The second half, you feel is more set for Cleethorpes to see off Ilkeston’s attack, which is a minimal threat in itself, the visitors sitting back deep with men behind the ball, but they also look more capable of scoring again, and do so, when Haw grabs his second, this time latching onto a loose pass to dink over the keeper neatly. Ilkeston have the look of a side who don’t really believe, as Cleethorpes battle hard and all dig in, the second half like the first is niggly, so much so, two of the coaching staff of Cleethorpes have been booked, there’s been umpteen free kicks and by now, the few home fans inside the ground are already resigned to defeat. As Cleethorpes ring the changes a deserving third is added late on. Josh Walker this time tapping home from close range, a group of five of six away fans sing to the Ilkeston manager Ian Deakin ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ as the under-pressure Robins boss angrily chirps back a few expletives. The Stars James Blunden and Callum Foster dealt with everything defensively thrown at them, and gave a platform for those in front to play, in midfield, Bailey Conway who I’ve previously seen at Gainsborough, did well, busy, hard-working, half decent on the ball, whilst Callum Ainley was neat, Curtis Bateson has something about him, the key is that Cleethorpes look to have goals in the team, Adam Haw took his two well, whilst Ben Andreucci worked the defenders tirelessly with his off ball running. Not a night when many Ilkeston players stood out, which was a shame as both Tom Marshall and Jamie Walker were acknowledged ahead of kick off for making 200 Robins appearances. Walker, in particular, I find wasted at left back. On asking the clubs media guy I asked ‘why’ has he been playing there so much. “Just filling in” was the answer, even though the media man admitted he would rather see Walker play up front. Sam Essien did at least provide some hope in midfield, his hard working energetic performance not going un-noticed, but a real lack of belief in the side contributed to some underwhelming football which had no real end-goal or motive, perhaps the club have a few injuries, I noticed L’Varn Brandy and Colin Daniel watching from the sidelines, two players who could instantly improve the side, if and when fit. The Verdict Cleethorpes move up to sixth in the division and are two points and a place below the playoff places, they are a team that are every bit capable of pushing for promotion. Craig Rouse having done a good job last season, looks to be continuing the trend, backed by some good players, I certainly feel they’ll be in and around the mix come May. As for Ilkeston, I like what Ian Deakin has done at the club, but I wonder why fans are voting on their feet? Why they have had so many good, through and back out the door, why players aren’t being used in their best positions? Or even being used off the bench? Why the club are now 5 and 0? Perhaps there’s pressure on the former Forest and Buxton goalkeeper to keep his job? The concern, a sliding team now sits seventeenth just four points above the drop zone. The Teams Ilkeston Town:  Alfie Roberts, Callum Minkley, Jamie Walker, Matt Thornhill, Tom Marshall, Sam Parker, Jordan Stevens (Tyler Whyle 68), Sam Essien, Robbie Fox, Harvey Kirby-Moore, Rooney Youmbi. Cleethorpes Town: Ollie Battersby, Kwame Boateng, Connor O’Grady, Jack Vann (Aaron Braithwaite 70), James Blunden, Callum Foster, Curtis Bateson (Brad Abbott 63), Bailey Conway, Ben Andreucci (Josh Walker 70), Callum Ainley, Adam Haw (Nicky Walker 75). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 16th September 2025, New Manor Ground, Ilkeston (att 267).

Lewes 0-1 Chichester City (Isthmian League Premier Division) I'm at the cricket between Sussex and Hampshire this week, staying in Hove, I now have the perfect excuse to take a Tuesday night game in at the Dripping Pan. Football's bucket list venue for non league nerds and groundhoppers like me. I've never been before, but it's long been one to chalk off, the venue often appearing in 'great ground guides' and 'top 100' homes of football to pay a visit, as well as on many social media bio's where football aficionados often rave about the place's wonderful quirks. I'm telling everyone I talk to "I'm off to Lewes" mentioning to BBC Radio Sussex commentator Adrian Harms on the second morning of our cricket match that tonight is my big night. "They're called the Rooks aren't they". He says. "I did my research last night. There's been one or two stars who have played for Lewes". I tell him. "Harvey out of So Solid Crew. Mark Wright from the Only Way is Essex". Other than Guy Butters, Ian Selly, Jimmy Glass, Lyle Taylor, Jason Puncheon, and Rangers Manager Russell Martin, there's not actually been a host of household 'footballing' names to play for Lewes, but certainly some 'known' players have donned the Red & Black within the dripping pan bowl on a Saturday afternoon. The club actually reached the National League in 2008 after winning the Conference South. Their only season at the level was short, finishing bottom of the table before another relegation the season after, whilst getting into bad financial difficulty, they were saved by six fans, for just £1 in 2010, who have since turned the club into a community initiative (anyone can own a slice from £50 a year) which is popular especially through the turnstiles and on matchday due largely to it's stunning location and wider appeal to visitors. As for Chichester, well they have a little less notable past. Formed in 2000 from a side that dates back to 1878, City were a Sussex county side until 2015 but they have since moved up through the Southern Combination and Isthmian South East to sit their second season at the level which is 7 on the pyramid. Tonight's match is between two sides that have started the season well, whilst Chichester lost at home to Potters Bar on Saturday, Lewes drew 2-2 with Cray Wanderers, both teams outside the playoffs, Lewes in sixth with an eye on promotion this year whilst Chichester are eleventh, five points behind tonight's opponents. The Venue Stumps called at the County Ground (day two) for around 6pm so I'm off towards the A27 and East, past the home of Brighton & Hove Albion and signs for Falmer, before entering the beautiful looking village centre of Lewes, a pub on the corner of Southover High Street, the Kings Head looks very appealing, traditional, as I pull up and pay £4.50 on my Ringo app to park a short five minutes walk away. It's a quaint and quiet walk down the cobbled street, quintessential terraced housing in immaculate condition, before crossing a train bridge which you wouldn't know is there, and the venue, on the right, appears next to a tiny car park, which I was told to avoid, knowing it would be full before I arrive. You enter at the back of the ground at the stand which kops down to the playing surface in the flat valley below, and I'm scanned by a friendly man and woman who checks my bag, before being greeted by a lady standing alone at the top tier, as I look down to the green playing surface, she asks me if I would like a go on the raffle, or golden goal. "No cash" I say, before she persuades me "we take card". I have a quick chat with her as she notices it's my first time at the stadium. Apparently it's an old salt pan, built into the chalk hills, the mound, behind the ground, which is a 45 foot mount and can be seen from afar, was made by the Monks from the nearby Priory, who used to dig into the salt pan down below and sell their white gold to aristocracy. You can't really see the Mound from inside the ground, restricted by the quirky roofed stand and clubhouse behind one end, from where you feel high up, looking out to the chalk cliffs beyond brick buildings, to the right is a smart red seated stand, up ahead a small section of open terracing carved into the hillside, on the left you have a walkway, again high up, looking down on the pitch down sat beneath the grassy slope, it really is a place which offers every high vantage point needed, you can see why people come here. I'm off for a pint, and a pizza, as I'm told at the Rook Inn there's beer and food, both are very good. As I sit and drink and eat, ahead of the match, players warm up on the lush level and green playing surface, I'm eating a lovely stone baked pizza made in one of two tiny pizza presses, by a lovely lady in a serving hatch, washed down with some locally made lager which has club logo on its pump, I've spent a fortune and I'm here to work, which I forget, a scouting mission can only start, when I'm sat down in the cosy press seated area, to the right of the dugouts a good six or seven rows up, as the match kicks off under dimming skies and soft yellow floodlights, I'm joined by the clubs assistant manager, Nathan White, who's getting an elevated view of the action, ahead of frequently running down to the dugout, to offer another Assistant Manager Ben Austin information. Bradley Pritchard is Lewes Manager and stands in the technical area looking lonely, you wouldn't perhaps know, from his much calmer, quieter persona than others around him, that he's the man in charge. The Game It's slow paced and low intensity which has Nathan White seething, he looks a nervous wreck doing doggies down and back up from the technical area every few minutes before checking a message he gets off his iwatch, probably off his wife, Lewes are neat in possession, they play a 3-5-2 which stretches their opponents who themselves sit off and play for containment, without really looking to penetrate the Lewes back line. The home side have chances, Perry Iandolo curls a right footed free kick low, which is saved well by Kieran Magee. Ryan Bernal flashes a header wide from a corner, then two big opportunities for Kaan Bennett, twice one on one, twice Magee gets the better of the young striker. The Score Despite the missed opportunities, I'm impressed with 21-year-old Bennett, a player who drops deep for the ball, who glides lovely along the surface and looks to play through low passes to split defences. Formerly of Colchester United, I ask the Assistant Manager "does he score enough goals?". "He will do" is his reply. Between screaming out instructions to down below, White tells me "it's a completely new side" from last season and there's a lot of young players on show. Another impressing, is left wing back Antonio Morgan who has brilliant feet, technical, quick, powerful, only 19, he's got a few levels in his tank still to reach I feel. Despite having a lot of the ball, and a few chances, Lewes aren't great, and Chichester take encouragement by going in at half time nil nil. And in the second half, it's the away side who's kick up the back side, has them on the front foot. Suddenly Lewes are having to defend, and don't look entirely comfortable, as Bello launches in a few long throws, a couple of corners are collected, Louis Rogers is forced into action, not once, but twice, but on 65 Emmett Dunn lashes out at a Lewes player off the ball, he receives red to the cheers behind the goal. That should work in the favour of Lewes, who have a lot more of the ball, but don't get through the now stern deep defending Chichester defence, led by big Ben Pashley who's having an excellent game at centre half.. They sit behind the ball and wait for one chance, which comes, eventually, somehow, on 82, when Isaac Bello gets the luck of the bounce. He's run through from half way after an incentive pass by Rowlatt, still running the gaps in the Lewes defence have widened, Bello suddenly has just the keeper to beat, and beats him, to surprise the majority of the home crowd, and put the visitors one up. That brilliant goal is perhaps the icing on the cake on a night like this which I've seen many times before, for Lewes they huff and puff, but don't have that killer edge, to put sides like Chichester away, who themselves, well drilled, have came out during the second half and got exactly what they deserve, even better with ten men, a victory that moves them up to seventh, two points behind Lewes. The Stars Wide man Isaac Bello has a good game for Chichester and takes his goal superbly, he has pace and tenacity and is pretty useful chucking balls into the box. Ben Pashley is decent at centre back whilst Kieran Magee in goal is called upon to do his job brilliantly at times. It's not a great showing in possession from Chichester, but off the ball they work hard as a team and look very well drilled. In possession, it's been a night where Lewes have dominated. All three in midfield looks competent and neat, Iandolo grows into the game coming deep and getting on the ball to start momentum, he's a really good player, Finlay Chadwick who I've seen previously for Worthing is busy with a good engine, Cameron Andrews beside him looks to play forward, likes a tackle, is good on the ball, but all three you feel do similar things, and they lack a real leader of experience in the heart beat of the engine room. Defensively they sit too deep for me, but that's because the ageing Ian Gayle, middle of a three, wants it that way. Right sided centre back Jack Burchell is very good, I like their left sided defender Clem Asiedu, who's tenacious but not overly comfortable to watch on the ball, I'm not sure if he would be better as an out and out full back, as opposed to playing in a back three. Out wide, Antonio Morgan is really good, a star asset on the left and a player to keep an eye on, Ryan Bernal has his moments, not short of ability on the right, but not nearly enough on the night, whilst in attack Kaan Bennett has some serious football IQ. I was also impressed by substitute Arezki Hamouchene who looks to be a tidy little playmaker in that ten role. The Verdict I highly recommend a visit to Lewes, to take a good look around the Dripping Pan, to probably make a day of it and have a few beers too (there's a train station within walkable distance which is useful), because it seems it's a place where if you love football, the football comes second, it's all about the look and feel of the surroundings that surround you and taking it all in, is a huge part of the enjoyment which football brings, from a wider perspective. That said, worth watching, Lewes have a capable team this year, if not in need of one or two experienced heads, whilst Chichester had guts and determination, they are a side that could easily upset a few in the division this season, both, I would expect to give promotion an outside push from afar. The Teams Lewes: Louis Rogers, Ryan Bernal, Jack Burchell, Ian Gayle, Clem Asiedu, Antonio Morgan, Finlay Chadwick (Mark Swainston 59), Cameron Andrews (Arezki Hamouchene 59), Perri Iandolo (Devonte West 82), Kaan Bennett, Charlie Walker. Chichester City: Kieran Magee, Ryan Davidson, Rob Hutchings, Joe Clark, Jamie Horncastle, Ben Pashley, Isaac Bello, Emmett Dunn, Lewis Russell (Joe Moore 46), Lloyd Rowlatt, Ethan Pritchard (Theo Baines 90). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 9th September 2025, The Dripping Pan, Lewes (att: 567).

Brackley Town 2-1 Rochdale  (National League) Brackley Town were promoted to the National League last season. They were the best team in a league that contained 'big spending' Scunthorpe United and 'Phil Brown's' Kidderminster Harriers. And after 13 years of playing in the National North, have made it to level five of the football pyramid for the first time in their history. The 2018 FA Trophy winners were formed in 1890 but only during this millennium have they forged a serious climb up the higher echelons of the non-league ladder, and this afternoon they take on a team who were once famous for having the longest spell in the Football League's lowest tier. From 1921 to 2010, Rochdale were mainstay staples of English footballs 'fourth' professional division. But after a couple of promotions, they have suffered a couple more relegations, and since 2023 have been in the National League, fighting to return to where they believe they should rightfully be in the sport of football’s domestic food chain. And in fairness, Rochdale are one of the favourites this time around to gain promotion back to the football league. They have won all their three games so far and sit top of the division, they have signed the likes of Emmanuel Dieseruvwe and Anthony Gomez-Mancini from Hartlepool, Levi Amantchi on loan from Walsall and Casey Pettit from Maidenhead amongst others. Brackley have also bolstered their title winning squad under Gavin Cowan. In come goalkeeper Cameron Gregory from Boston United (who switched clubs because he wanted to stay part-time after the Pilgrims decided to go all in), Ryan Haynes from Cheltenham Town bringing Football League experience, Kyle Morrison and Zak Brown from last season's title rivals Kidderminster, and a few more extra pieces to give much needed depth during their season bid for survival and stability in the division. I'm out the door for midday and down the M1 heading south to junction 15A and the Northampton Services turn off, signposted A43, Brackley, Silverstone, this part of the world is very much Motorsport hub. So much so, as I pull up the Oxford Road towards the ground, I see two people walking to their offices in Mercedes-AMG Petronas t-shirts. A huge new facility is being built on the outskirts of town where the F1 team are already based. The Venue I'm early enough to get a spot on Churchill Way. The residential road leading to St James Park is often full of cars parked in avoidance to pay a few quid in the club car park. I'm surprised nobody has got their cones out, it must be annoying for any weekend visitors on matchday. As I walk through the gates the ticket office directly in front, is in a red Portakabin and serving us today is an American, from New Jersey, who tells me “Britain is full of miserable people who all attempt to look happy, whilst America is full of happy people all preferring to appear miserable” before wishing me to "have a nice day". I’m directed to the turnstile, and my bag is searched for alcohol, pyro and narcotics of which I have none, a quick scan of my pass and I’m at the corner of the ground, where the away fans are segregated, before walking through a gate where a steward lets me through, to continue my walk to the press area. The ground, which I last visited two years ago, is quaint, closed in, a beautiful pitch in pristine condition, the stands small but the walkways wide, as water sprays the green surface an hour ahead of kick off, I’m walking towards the press seats behind the clear plastic partition on half way to be told there’s no room at the inn, so instead I’m asked to sit in front, three or four rows up, where the view is good and close to the playing surface. I’m joined by a scout I know from Leicester who’s been watching tennis matches all summer, next to our seats is a table looking out to the pitch which sells cold drinks out of a cool box, with crisps, chocolate and sweets on offer, I ask for a can of coke and a kit-kat but they only have Dr Pepper left, which is served in a plastic glass with a couple of cubes of ice. The Game There’s quite a crowd squashed into this compact arena as Rochdale, in changed all jade strip start with early possession domination against their red and white striped hosts. The home team comfortable in letting their visitors have much of the ball, as they often keep it for the sake of keeping it, a clear and obvious instruction it seems, from their Manager James McNulty. It feels like a low intensity defence v attack drill in training, 3-5-2 v 4-5-1 as Rochdale defenders Tutonda, Hogan & Moss pass it left to right, before Pettit and Burger in central midfield pick it up often coming deep, and when there’s no forward ball on, they’ll start all over again. A free kick leads to the first attempt at goal, Griffiths blazing over, before a rare counter from Brackley wins themselves a free kick in shooting range. Thirty yards from goal, the ginger haired Ryan Haynes standing over the ball, steps up and curls home a beauty left footed past the fully stretched Myles. One fan in front says “That’s how you do it Griffiths” followed by a few expletives which I won’t repeat. You feel it’s a goal the game needs, but Rochdale continue to keep ball, in an uneventful first half, as Brackley, now ever more content, contain their rivals to tapping it side by side largely on halfway bar the odd shot off target from range. The Score At half time, annoyed by his side’s performance, McNulty brings not one, but two substitutes onto the field of play, and that at least forces Rochdale into a more progressive forward-thinking nature, as the second 45 really hots up into quite the game. Within seven minutes, Rochdale are level to delayed cheers behind the goal as McBride stabs home a chance which looks like it should have been dealt with by Brackley defenders, and that suddenly opens up the game into a frenzy, end to end with tackles flying in, big centre half Gareth Dean is booked for a cruncher outside his own box, Price carded for an outburst, the resulting free kick whiskers wide and at the other end all hell breaks loose when goalkeeper Myles races out to narrow down the angle, he flicks the heels of Brackley number ten Roberts as he enters the box and not only receives a yellow, but concedes a penalty which has the home support up in jubilation. Connor Hall stepping up, to see his shot saved by the former Manchester United U21 keeper Myles before smashing home the rebound to regain Brackley’s lead. And that’s how it stays. The game resorts to defence verses attack but Brackley are content again to sit and watch Rochdale pass pass pass, they defend their box exceptionally and limit chances to their opponents who do clip the cross bar from a snap shot by Dieseruvwe but other than some late pressure and sending the goalkeeper up for a last minute corner flurry, the hands of Cameron Gregory are hardly warn at all, and Brackley deserve their win, which is a popular ending for the loud and happy home support. The Stars Despite being on the end of a defeat, Rochdale had a lot of the ball and you can see in a lot of their players, they do look to have the minerals to be mixing it top end come what May. I really liked Jake Burger in midfield who often got it on the half turn and drove, only 20 years old he tried to make things happen for his team with progressive nature, he has talent too. Next to him, was Casey Pettit, only 22, a recent signing from Maidenhead who sat slightly deeper, but he has a good football brain and is lovely on the ball. In attack, experienced forward Ian Henderson didn’t really get great service before being replaced at half time, the best threat perhaps down the left where Tarryn Allarakhia liked often to cut in, but on loan Walsall striker Levi Amantchi was a big powerful handful. I do think with Manny Dieseruvwe and Toby Adebayo-Rowling on the bench however, that Rochdale missed a trick, by not having their best footballers on the field of play, from the off, to give them best chance of winning. For Brackley, I was really impressed with how they worked as a team, and how well drilled they were defensively, I already liked Cameron Gregory from his days at Boston United, in between the sticks, but in the back four, Tyler Lyttle at right back kept the tricky Allarakhia largely at bay, Gareth Dean and Kyle Morrison got stuck in from centre half as only they know how to, and Ryan Haynes at left back not only scored a great goal, he was also a threat when in possession. In midfield, the leggy Zak Brown looks a savvy acquisition from Kidderminster, Morgan Roberts looked busy at the top end in that ten role, and in depth, the manager brought on Bailey Hobson, Danny Waldron, Scott Pollock, useful footballers that will certainly do a job at this level when asked. The Verdict Brackley were probably one of those tipped to struggle following promotion, but I think they’ll do alright, whilst Rochdale, may have slipped up on this occasion, at a tough venue where many others will struggle also. I expect them to pick up and be at the forefront of the title race, eventually, they probably won’t have it all their own way as the likes of Forest Green and Southend will also be at the heavy end of the National League table, but they should have the tools to certainly mix it with the best on a consistent level, they'll certainly at least, pass most opponents off the park, the next stage for the Dale I suppose is scoring the all important goal, when they are clearly on top. The Teams Brackley Town: Cameron Gregory, Tyler Lyttle, Gareth Dean, Kyle Morrison, Ryan Haynes, Zak Brown, Zak Lilly, Jack Price (Bailey Hobson 68), Morgan Roberts, Matt Lowe (Danny Waldron 80), Connor Hall (Scott Pollock 68). Rochdale: Tom Myles, Dan Moss, Liam Hogan, David Tutonda (Sam Beckwith 46), Tarryn Allarakhia, Casey Pettit, Connor McBride (Harvey Gilmour 64), Jake Burger, Jack Griffiths (Toby Adebayo-Rowling 65), Levi Amantchi (Emmanuel Dieseruvwe 65), Ian Henderson (Anthony Gomez-Mancini 46). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 23rd August 2025, St James Park, Brackley (att 1,136).

England 2-0 Andorra (World Cup Qualifiers) My next door neighbour who works for the FA has asked me if I would like to go with her to watch England v Andorra at Villa Park. I could be at Boston United v Solihull instead, getting paid, but it's England, the white St George's flags are flying high on every bypass bridge right now, so why not. I just hope they're better than the last time I saw them play against Senegal. I'm still an England member, but not one that regularly attends as many matches these days. I formerly paid around £5k a year for a corporate membership at Wembley over six or seven seasons long, but got sick and tired of the paper aeroplanes being thrown on me from the tiers above, they'll be none of that nonsense today, I hope. So just sporadic international appearances for me these days, it does help though with a neighbour in the know. She gives me important intel too, like players kit sizes which is her area of expertise. Apparently Djed Spence has asked for XL so he can drop the baggy look, the only other XL wearer is Dan Burn which is an issue, because with only one International window remaining after this one, England are running out of 'biggest sized shirts and shorts' ahead of their new kit release early next year. I'm told there's also a lad in the U17's wearing XL. Sixteen year old forward Brian Madjo is huge and plays for Metz in France, he is a prospect so hot that he even had his kit flown especially out to him ahead of the game in Germany against Venezuela on Thursday. A sad situation in the match was that some England players perhaps including him, were racially abused and were asked by officials if they wanted to walk off the pitch, which they did for a short time before at least winning the match 2-1. Madjo in full fresh XL clobber on the scoresheet too. Back to today. It's an hour's drive from mine and my neighbours door to Villa Park, we've been told we can park at her friend's nearby but as we drive past the packed Witton Arms pub where England fans are queuing to get in, we find a much quieter boozer called the Yew Tree on Witton Lane, a ten or fifteen minutes walk from the ground with ample parking opportunity outside. It's £3 to get in. Apparently all the pubs on matchday charge the same, so we cough up the cash begrudgingly and enter for an hour with a Birra Moretti whilst watching the lower league goals go in on Soccer Saturday.  At one stage as the crowd gathers some more I say to the barmaid "you'll be glad when we've gone I bet". She replies. "You want to see this place at 2am, all I can see are rows of heads waiting at the bar" It's that sort of pub. The Venue The walk up the Witton Road is not one I've done before, but is pretty straightforward especially if you're located in the Doug Ellis Stand, or North Stand, which unfortunately we are not, so a walk through the busy car park to the back of the Trinity Road Stand is our mission, as my neighbour spots Morgan Gibbs-White's other half getting out of her car, Djed Spence's mum is taking a selfie with a young fan who spots her in full Nike England shirt with rightly her own sons name on her back. Inside the stadium we stop off for a quick drink, before walking up to our seats ahead of the anthems, just, we are still trying to figure out the row layout as 'God Save' is being sung. Finally, in our spot, row 28 of the Trinity Road Stand, bottom tier, but perched up just behind the media desks, it's a cracking view and you feel close to the action, the steep incline has you more 'over' the pitch than set back away which always helps when creating a cracking atmosphere. And it is a cracking atmosphere, four sides of claret and blue seating draped in largely white, flags are plenty, as action gets underway in this famous old stadium, supporters expecting goals from England, but it's not quite the night we all want. The Game The stale state of England internationals against inferior opposition, I've been here many times before, basically, Andorra, with their part time and Spanish based third or fourth tier players, they play damage limitation, actually really well, coached by Koldo Alvarez, they line up with two banks of five and have no interest in going forward, which really makes it hard, even for England's world renowned highly paid superstars, international football is tough these days, you don't get rolled over nines and tens like you used to, as long as you set up right, which Andorra do. But we still expect, we want England to excite, we want movement and skill, high level technique, stars starring too talented for these ultra defensive minds, gaps will appear, eventually, but Thomas Tuchel's rigid system is to pass the ball, pass the ball some more, get to the edge of the area, try another pass, and when it gets cleared away, repeat. The Score There's actually no shots on target other than an Eberechi Eze effort tamely into the goalkeepers clutch from the edge of the area, Eze is playing number ten, but fails to re-ignite his former Crystal Palace form, now an Arsenal man, he's quiet, often taking a touch too many and can't get it out of his feet. Harry Kane has hardly moved, I've hardly seen anyone get up and support him, then suddenly Madueke who's at least tried to be creative, puts a hopeful ball into the box, and it's headed into his own net by Garcia. Funny, that the first real ball of quality that gets played into the area from out wide, also contributes to a goal. We can't wait for half time fast enough and are down the stairs ahead of the whistle, the neighbour wants a drink so we go down to the kiosk where I'm passed upon order two free pints of Poretti as the card machines are broken. Result, as I wonder why they actually gave the pints away, instead of shutting up shop, I presume they thought it would be better, to keep peace or cause a riot, so nice gesture that was win win for those involved. There's a couple of oohs and aahs as we head back to our seats a few minutes into the second half, Eze has gone close again and Elliot Anderson, on debut, should have scored, he's played well and is the one bright light on a dim days play but Declan Rice provides at least some more joy, he's ran in the box late to get on the end of a brilliant Reece James cross. It's a classic number eight goal, headed down, made by wing play via the overlapping full backs, like football used to be, the way we all want it to be. Hardly a bum is lifted off their seat, just a mild fist pump for Rice's goal, but the bums soon take off as fans boredom creeps in when a number of subs are made, and fail to make any real difference. By the time it's all over, the stadium, like many similar nights at Wembley, is already half empty. The Stars Elliot Anderson is official man of the match, and he has that sort of game, where you can tell he's up for it, you can tell he's the one who wants the ball and will make every pass neat and forward, because he's new, keen to impress, to show the nation what he can do, perhaps England should have played with ten other debutants to give the desired effect. Too many 'stars' who didn't perform. Harry Kane, a player who I would bow down to for his achievements with England, looked slow, lethargic, immobile, well-contained, Marcus Rashford, who every time he steps on the field, has a point to prove, it seems, proved the point that he's probably past his sell by date? Declan Rice though was a solid six, as he always is, at least, so too Marc Guehi and I thought the whole defence generally were very good, all be it hardly tested, they at times each ventured forward and tried to help out what looked a very stale attack. It was nice to see Reece James who looks to be getting back to fitness following a couple of years too many that have been hit and miss. For Andorra, their centre halves and whole back line can take credit, Ian Oliveira, as he was when the two nations met in Barcelona, was very solid, aged 20, and reading the game well for one so young, also decent was centre back partner Max Llovera, and right back Biel Borra Font, only nineteen himself, kept a certain Marcus Rashford very quiet. The Verdict There's something off with Thomas Tuchel's team but I think we'll know much more about where they are at after Serbia on Tuesday night. The Head Coach seemed happy with his sides work rate after the match, and I wasn't unhappy with a lot of the stuff they did, just that final end ball, and having enough players dare break into enemy territory, to have players just take a risk every now and again, it's all a bit same old, but then during World Cup finals, once England get there, we hope, nobody will remember the qualifying nights when you underwhelmingly beat minnows like Andorra 2-0, and I'll be hoping to erase this game from my memory, as quickly as you can say 'get me on that plane to America'. The Teams England: Jordan Pickford, Reece James (Morgan Rogers 68), Marc Guehi (Ezri Konsa 76), Dan Burn, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice (Tino Livramento 68), Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze (Morgan Gibbs-White 78), Marcus Rashford (Anthony Gordon 68), Harry Kane. Andorra: Iker Alvarez, Biel Borra Font, Max Llovera, Christian Garcia, Ian Oliveira, Moises San Nicolas, Aron Rodrigo Tapia (Adri Gomes 81), Marc Vales (Joel Guillen 59), Pau Babot (Marc Rebes 90), Joan Cervos (Jesus Rubio 90), Cucu (Guillaume Lopez 59). 5:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 6th September 2025, Villa Park, Birmingham (att 39,202).

King's Lynn Town 0-1 Kidderminster Harriers (National League North) Speaking of road signs ( see last night's visit to Chelmsford )... As I pass the sign for Norfolk on the A17 it says 'Nelson's County' in homage to the great explorer, Lord Horatio Nelson, who was born in Burnham Thorpe near Hunstanton (23 miles from King's Lynn) and also has his own column in London. I'm knackered today. Home well past midnight from a cracking game in Essex, I'm heading East again as tonight's viewing takes me to King's Lynn Town who face Kidderminster Harriers in a tasty National North encounter between two of the division's high riders. The Linnets won 4-0 against Merthyr Town on Saturday. Kiddy beat Curzon Ashton 1-0. Both sides are going well on eleven points in the playoff places with near identical records having lost just one of their six games so far. Last season, Kidderminster finished third after losing their last match of the campaign, had they won against Southport, they would have won the league and gained promotion, instead they fell in the playoffs and Phil Brown lost his job, replaced by former Mansfield Town legend Adam Murray who has started his tenure well at Aggborough. King's Lynn also flirted with promotion and reached the playoffs before being knocked out by Chorley, they too have a new Manager after Adam Lakeland left to join Halifax, James Rowe, who has previously managed Gloucester City, Chesterfield and AFC Fylde, taking over in May. The Venue I've arrived in good time, after a spot of KFC at the Hardwick Industrial Estate Retail Park on the edge of town, my usual parking spot on Goodwins Road is out of sought as traffic cones and temporary lights line the streets near the stadium, I finally manage to find a quiet spot on York Road and walk up the Vancouver Avenue where the Kidderminster supporters bus is holding up the traffic as it pulls in to the Walks to let their fans off the coach. It's leafy and suburban, a lovely area, Tennyson Avenue has some big Victorian houses on it and you feel as far away from a football ground as you can be until turning the corner where the thin floodlights appear. A long fence runs along the back of the ground, high trees, then suddenly you see the huge grandstand hidden away, one of my favourites in all of English football, apexed, corrugated metal roofing, wooden floors, blue and yellow plastic seats. I'm inside the stadium with a scan of my screen capped barcode, walking up to the grandstand to my seat in the Directors Box, it's perched as the pitch down below looks flat, across the way a small standing area roofed, each end open, to my right, tonight, a huge post covers the entirety of the goal. Nothing that a bit of ducking and diving can't fix. The Game The sky is darkening as kick off approaches, Kidderminster in their 'famous' red and white halves, King's Lynn in AFC Wimbledon like blue with yellow trim. The ball bounces from end to end without a real foothold, Kiddy look committed, Lynn look the better in possession, the Referee wants to stamp his authority, the start is stop start until the end of the first half, ugly bitty, players feigning injury, others getting booked for things like taking too long with throw-ins, the crowd is an angry mob, fuming every time a Kidderminster player does something they disagree with. The enforcers are certainly the home side, I'm impressed with their right side, Reece Hall-Johnson a decent acquisition from Barnet in the summer, linking with the agile Joseph Nyawhema who looks a tricky customer just 20, signed from Spalding, up front they have Gold Omotayo and the speedy Michael Gyasi but Kidderminster defend well and throw themselves in front of everything that moves. It's a half of half chances before a set play into the hosts box is headed down by Thompson, the ball looks to be going into the bottom corner but big Emeka Obi slides home to make sure it does, Kidderminster one up on 25 minutes. The Score That irritates some locals, one woman in the stand down from me squeals high pitched abuse, the goal only encourages Kidderminster to break up play, take their time, go down with injury, they have an experienced make-up and know all the tricks of the trade. By half time there's boos, as the second half starts there's more of the same irate, King's Lynn coming at Kidderminster who's plan is to fend off, slow down, irritate, which they do exceptionally well. There are chances for a leveller, Crane heads inches wide before Williams tests Dibble's palms from a fizzing free kick, Collins hits a post and there's ten minutes extra time added, as Kidderminster players go down with cramp, some of it real, most of it fake, late on the sub is subbed as Riley Reynolds a half time introduction is taken off hobbling towards the dugout for big centre half Jordan Tunnicliffe, Harriers heading everything out their box, and clearing their lines with bodies behind the ball. They've taken a few bookings, a few too many blows, they have dug deep, ran down the clock, ground it out scrappy doo, and are deserving of their clean sheet. As the whistle finally brings down King's Lynn's gallant attempts for a leveller, a chorus of boos rings around the Walks, cries of 'cheats' as one fan walking out confronts a Kiddy fan waiting for his son who's having a piss... "If I supported your team I would be ashamed" he says. The Stars Nothing shameful about the way Kidderminster defended, man and boy they put in a real heroic shift, the sort of perfect away day, winning ugly, up against it, snatching a goal and clinging on. No better player on the pitch than goalscorer Emeka Obi, a towering centre half over 6ft5in tall. He's superb, heads everything and marks another big lad, Gold Omotayo, out of the game. Obi stars in a three man defence including Kam Kandola and Pierce Bird, wing backs Alex Penny and Joe Foulkes, often penned in against their wingers, Foulkes in particular is gutsy, a player I really like, one who I think should be playing in the Football League. Up front is the ever green Amari Morgan-Smith who's certainly worth a mention, he didn't win much up against big Tom Wilson but he fought for the cause and used all his knowhow to get the odd free kick, to take pressure off his team, and to leave late on with an injury which I'm sure he'll recover from, in time for Saturday. "Still shit Amari" is one cry I chuckled at during the game. You don't say that if you aren't annoyed, by his antics of experience. For King's Lynn, they gave a debut to experienced 6ft8in 35 year-old goalkeeper Aaron Chapman who had a decent pro career, but in the last two seasons, has had spells at eight different teams, which questions what is going on with him? He did well behind a ball playing defence that weren't really exposed, which often had the neat looking Morgan Williams dropping deep to get on the ball from midfield, Michael Clunan doing the same, looking for those slide rule passes to set the likes of Nyahwema, Gyasi and Ross Crane away. The Verdict Like it or not, King's Lynn Town met their match, against good, organised, up for it, opposition. I think Kidderminster, are the kind of side, with the right credentials, to go one better than last season, but they may lack goal threat, as Morgan-Smith as a lone front man, was often very isolated. They do however have the likes of Dan Mooney, Kurt Willoughby, Jason Adigun, all waiting in the wings, how long can Adam Murray keep them all happy, whilst sitting them on the bench? With South Shields currently flying high at the top of the table, it'll be a tough ask to finish above the North East outfit, whilst Kiddy can certainly do it, King's Lynn probably won't, but another playoff push is a real possibility, to help them, they could perhaps do with something big and ugly to mix it with those nasty teams, something they lacked in this match, which was in the end the difference, a set play aside, they were schooled by physical power and in-game naughtiness, something which this relatively young side don't really have in their locker. The Teams King's Lynn Town: Aaron Chapman, Reece Hall-Johnson, Bailey Clements (Sam Collins 71), Tom Wilson, Michael Clunan (Adam Marriott 88), Gold Omotayo, Michael Gyasi, Joseph Nyahwema (Jack Lambert 90), Tom Dickens, Morgan Williams, Ross Crane. Kidderminster Harriers: Christian Dibble, Alex Penny, Kam Kandoola, Emeka Obi, Seb Thompson (George Walker 57), Amari Morgan-Smith (Reece Devine 88), Joe Foulkes, Kuke Spokes, Kai Innocent, Zanda Siziba (Riley Reynolds 46 (Jordan Tunnicliffe 90)), Pierce Bird. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 2nd September 2025, The Walks Stadium, King's Lynn (att 1,284).

Chelmsford City 2-5 Farnborough (National League South) Welcome to Chelmsford. Birthplace of radio. A road sign I pass in the pouring rain, for the first time properly noticing the bragging rights to this cities wonderful history. Apparently in 1899 an Italian inventor named Guglielmo Marconi set up the world's first wireless radio factory in Chelmsford. Improving communication for everyone, which is a sore subject as whilst parked up off Salerno Way I'm on hold to Virgin Media in the hope that they might pick up the phone and help me downgrade my TV package. No such luck. The big bully broadcasters don't like to 'communicate' when it comes to attempting to spend less with them. I'll try again tomorrow. Back to football. Chelmsford City have started their season well under Angelo Harrop. In the National League South playoff places they have eleven points from six played and have lost just once. Farnborough are the 'entertainers' of the division. Can't defend, they can certainly attack and drew their last game at Tonbridge 3-3. In the bottom half after three defeats two draws and one win they have netted nine times but conceded 12 in their six games. I'm expecting goals tonight. The Venue The rain has stopped and the sun is back out. It was bucketing for moments during my journey south down the A1 & M11. Much needed September showers are here after months of warmth and sunshine but my walk up towards Melbourne Stadium is a dry one as I enter the car park to this purpose built athletics arena situated in the north of the city midst many houses mostly semi-detached. I'm through the turnstile, scanned on entrance with my matchday pass ahead of walking past the modern clubhouse, around the back of the pitch which feels a mile away behind the huge hammer throw netting and a small raised area behind the goal for some fans with flags to congregate closer up to the action. The 'big' Main seated stand is behind a coffee truck and a pizza van which smells of burning dough. Homage perhaps to transfer deadline day as I read on my phone Alexander Isak has joined Liverpool for £125m. Up to the seated area which is high up and set back, I find a quiet end of aisle pew back row and start writing down tonight's teams, just thirty minutes or so to kick off, the venue filling nicely, panoramic surrounds, across the way is the quirky Leisure Centre which has a roof attached for fans to park themselves under, a clock face in white is very noticeable high up, behind both goals are temporary standing areas for fans, the running track circling behind below the cloud covering an orange sky, as the two teams come out on my left, Chelmsford in claret and white, Farnborough fetching in pale lemon and blue. The Game The track suited Hemel Hempstead Town management team are here, scouting, back row with clip boards. Marc White of Dorking Wanderers is here too, customary baseball cap, chatting to locals. The action underway seems far away, but a set back pitch perfect view offers at least some guesses of shape as the early blows are traded across the running lanes, Chelmsford lively down their right as Archie Tamplin causes problems for young Charlton Athletic loanee Toby Bower at left back. Chelmsford are the enforcers early doors as they terrorise the divisions worse defence down the flanks, they've had a succession of corners but are undone on 18 as Bloomfield counter attacks. He's sent through with a straight low ball and races in on the keeper before slotting home. At the other Turner is called into action with a smart point blank save, but City keeper Haigh wants in on the action too. He's raced out to another slide rule pass that exposes the flaky Chelmsford defence, he tackles Collis but the ball falls to Ryan Huke who's at least 40 yards from goal. No problem for the young Farnborough midfielder recently signed from Charlton, as he lofts the ball into the empty net for a second. The Score Chelmsford to their credit hit back almost immediately when Castiglione is played in by Grimwood before chipping the goalkeeper exquisitely, but in a crazy five minutes Farnborough restore their two goal advantage when the lively Dominic Poleon sets aim from a ridiculous angle and powers one in past Haigh who might have done better, had he even seen the bullet like blast coming from wide left. That leads to a number of people getting up off their seats around me, for their pre-half time pisses and pints, and as the second half plays out slowly to defence v attack, Farnborough looks settled to protect what they have before a trio of substitutes for the home side at least add more impetus. That attacking threat however plays one too many passes with often stale and ineffective possession, Lyle Taylor, fresh off the bench with bleach blonde hair, recently signed to add Football League experience, he gives the ball away. Farnborough immediately go up the other end and score again, as Huke slides in a second to put the Yellows 4-1 up. Former Forest and Charlton striker Taylor does make amends, when Turner is punished for bringing down an opponent on the edge of his area, Taylor steps up confidently by walking towards the ball on the penalty spot and blasting it home, but it's all in vain as Farnborough score again, Bloomfield adding his second in injury time. This time the fans leave their seats, and don't come back. The Stars It's a weird one as Farnborough don't have that much of the ball, they are clinical in attack and have probably only had five shots on target, scoring them all, but in Dominic Poleon they have a striker, a wide man, with Football League experience, who now 31 is a real handful, pacey, powerful, he scored over 70 goals in five years at Ebbsfleet before moving to Cherrywood Road in the summer, the goal he scored brilliant, one run in the second half saw him carry the ball for thirty yards whilst weaving in and out of challenges. Other impressive performances from Farnborough, Mason Bloomfield as the 'number nine' wearing 23 got his two goals, a target man of 'more clubs than Sandy Lyle' sought but with talent aged maturing at 28. Ryan Huke was a busy runner from midfield and took his two goals brilliantly, only 20 years old he has a lot of potential, but behind him, Renny Smith sat in the holding role and kept everything ticking winning tackles along the way. Chelmsford didn't actually play badly, they just defended badly, and in Archie Tamplin, they have a good young footballer through the academies of West Ham and Arsenal, who has natural ability and an urge to make things happen. Tamplin tall and solid looking, technical with talent, appeared mostly on the right but was substituted in the second half to the annoyance of some supporters which suggests I'm not on my own in thinking he was the stand out star of a bad night at the office. Others to impress, Dominic Odusanya in midfield was the one knitting it all together when in possession, which they had plenty of, whilst Ricky Holmes was busy trying to push his team forward from a similar central position, a second half sub in Shiloh Remy added some extra pace, slightly lacking some end product, the former Spurs and QPR youngster now 24, was at least positive in play when running at defenders down the left. The Verdict As I walked back to my car I overheard a fan saying "I still don't know what we are" as another replied "a playoff team at best". That's probably my feeling towards Chelmsford City too, who cross off some bad defending and some terrifically taken goals, just met Farnborough on a night they needed, a night when they were clinical, after a run of poor results for the Hampshire based outfit. At this early stage, tables do lie, Farnborough aren't as bad as their position suggests, they'll let plenty in, but they'll score some too, perhaps Chelmsford aren't as good as their stats states? A long way still to go though, many twists and turns assured, I'm sure both teams will be ok this season and will give it a real go, but I'm not sure if either will taste promotion? I have, however, been wrong plenty of times before. The Teams Chelmsford City: Chris Haigh, Harry Barbrook (Ben Tompkins 83), Joe Grimwood, David Longe-King, Josh Castiglione (Junior Nkeng 65), Dominic Odusanya, Ricky Holmes (Shiloh Remy 65), Louie Kudiabor, Archie Tamplin (Lyle Taylor 65), Taylor Clark, Kai Corbetts (Jack Barham 55). Farnborough: Jack Turner, Luciano D'Auria-Henry, Ollie Robinson, Lachlan Byrd, Connor Harris, Dominic Poleon, Renny Smith, Toby Bower, Ryan Huke (Dan Bradshaw 74), Teddy Collis (Harry Clout 76), Mason Bloomfield. 7:45pm Kick Off. Monday 1st September 2025, Melbourne Stadium, Chelmsford (att 1,451).

Redditch United 1-0 Stratford Town  (Southern League Central Division) Yesterday I was at Lords watching Middlesex v Sussex from one of the most iconic and impressive state-of-art press boxes in the country, today I’m in Redditch, watching seventh tier football on a plastic seat facing a plastic pitch with an obstructed view of plastic dugouts whilst getting hit in the head by some woman’s (probably plastic) handbag which is dangling down from a ladies shoulders who’s stood behind me. It’s a local derby though, in cricketing terms Worcestershire v Warwickshire, as just 20 miles and an imaginary border line separates both Redditch United and Stratford Town’s football homes. My first trip to the Valley Stadium is the second game of the 25/26 campaign for both these middle England non-league sides, Redditch losing 2-0 at Sudbury on Saturday, whilst Stratford lost 3-0 at home to Banbury United. It’s been on my ‘to do’ list a while is Redditch (who often play on a Monday night), the town 15 miles south of Birmingham is odd and ugly, as I enter through a rather confusing ringway that takes me into the centre, eerily quiet as I head up then down the Unicorn Hill and back up the Bromsgrove Road towards destination. The Venue The car park is full tonight (£3 a car), so I’ve parked on Edward Street and walked the last remainder, the route that centres Redditch is in fact, a National Cycle Route (No 5) and starts a leafy suburban climb out of town until a signpost on the right directs you towards the venue. The walk down the single track to the stadium is peaceful before the loudening noise of the tannoy and the smell of chip fat has you in more familiar football surroundings, a quick scan of my pre-purchased mobile ticket (£11 entrance) and I’m through the gates, in the corner of this old styled fabulous home with unfortunate modernised surface, my second league match of the campaign and my second synthetic flooring thus far, it seems that these days, fake grass is very much the ‘go to’ in lower league football. The 3g surface might pay the bills, but it’s that ‘seeking surface perfection’ that has impurified this otherwise imperfect venue, it’s a bloody great ground ruined, by yet another pitch which is exactly the same as the last pitch I saw on Saturday just gone, and will probably be the same as the pitch I’m going to see tomorrow night, no character, no quirks, just same old 3g, fenced off in green plastic, spare goalposts irritate in the background, pitch with a slight slope that has been levelled further since the removing of the grass. Around the perimeter, however, is still thankfully offering your traditional aesthetics of ‘proper’ old skool soccer ground of the UK. The biggest stand is iconic, red roofed with a bit of seating down below, glass windows high up for those in suits, whilst opposite, the place I’ll be sitting, is a long roofed terraced area, with one row of seating, so the people behind you can stand, it offers a slightly elevated view, all be it obstructed by the dugouts in front. Either end, down the bottom, is nothing but open end standing wide enough for a couple of rows of fans, but at the top is a fabulous terrace, set back, partially roofed, on the hill, the home end, is where the noisy young supporters go. The Game As I’ve sat down I’m met with an influx of locals edging nearer to my behind for kick off, I’m hearing every conversation as the smell of cheap brut hits my nostrils, it’s a really powerful smell, I don’t dislike it, reminding me of the days when I was 18 and going out ‘down town’ on Friday nights out with ‘the lads’. Not dis-similar to Saturday at Hemel Hempstead, this game goes front to back rather quickly, not much time on the ball for either side who play their percentages under the grey sky, Stratford clear it long, Redditch do the same, but there are some chances, each team getting a big one in the first half, first Flanagan curls an emphatic attempt towards goal for Redditch on eleven minutes, Weaver stood still watches the ball hit his left post and flash past him across the goal and away from danger to a series of ooohs and aaahs, whilst on 34, a miss-placed pass is intercepted and Ty Deacon runs through on goal, his effort denied by the athletic looking goalkeeper Tyrese Warmington who’s a youngster on loan from Birmingham City. That save proves critical as up the other end centre forward Alex Cameron is right place, right time, to head down and home a lovely left footed cross by Dexter Dudley-Toole, the home side have the lead and it’s probably what they deserve. The Score I’m expecting more from Stratford in the second half, but they don’t really trouble Warmington enough to take anything from the match, if anything indeed, Redditch grow in stature the longer game goes on, in defending what they have, they enjoy the battle against their opponents, the centre halves committed, the midfielders gutsy, the forwards working hard to close down because that’s what they do at this level, by minimum non-league standards they are requested by fans and coaches just to put a bloody good shift in. All subs are used, a couple of injuries are feigned, there’s six minutes of added time, the loudest cheer of the night arguably is when substitute Billy Fielding crashes into two consecutive tackles on half way, he injures himself in the process, but gets up to warm applause to continue with good work ethic which in the end helps secure the win, a first of the season for Redditch, they’ll be pleased with that, whilst Stratford’s few fans in attendance might be feeling a little underwhelmed by their opening weekend of the new season. Two losses from two. The Stars Not really one for the purists, Danny King on the right side of attack shown some good quality and positivity in his play at times, Tyler Bruck likewise, opposite flank, shown good feet, whilst behind him on the left, Dexter Dudley-Toole was very good at full back, but it was out of possession, where both teams probably impressed more, good shape, good leadership, from the likes of Roberts, Flanagan, Warburton, their best player was perhaps their on loan goalkeeper Warmington, who is small in size, too small for league football I would guess (still only 18 with time to grow), but he held everything he needed to, he made one smart save, and was really good with his feet, I also noted he was fabulous in defeat against Sudbury on Saturday. For Stratford, no such stars in my eyes? Ty Deacon at least imposed himself as a threat in that number nine slot, he never gave the centre halves a clean header to win, and battled well, but should have scored when through one-on-one. AJ George was handy when he came on, defensively however without anyone standing out, they were organised and hard to break down, just edged by a slightly better side with slightly more quality in depth. The Verdict Redditch United finished last season a place and just three points above the relegation zone, whilst Stratford ended their Southern League Central campaign in eighth, not a million miles outside the playoffs. If anything, I see roles reversed this time around? I fancy Redditch to do ok, and Stratford perhaps to struggle, but early days are so, remember leagues aren’t decided in August, there’s still an awful long way to go. The Teams Redditch United: Tyrese Warmington, Joel Shambrook (Harry Eden 76), Dexter Dudley-Toole, Robbie Bunn, Joe Hull, Aaron Roberts, Reece Flanagan (Billy Fielding 76), Matty Warburton (Morgan Owen 71), Tyler Bruck (Omari Brown 84), Danny King, Alex Cameron (Max McNulty 66). Stratford Town: Jake Weaver, Brad Burton (Brad Stretton 84), Josh Hawker (AJ George 64), Alex Collard, Korey Roberts, Henry Landers, Lewis Ludford-Ison, Ty Deacon (Cyrus Bruce 64), Dan Lafferty, Jourdain Masidi, Harry Reilly (Fin Brennan 46). 7:45pm Kick Off. Monday 11th August 2025, The Valley Stadium, Redditch (att 656).