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Alfreton Town 2-2 Warrington Town (National League North) Warrington Wolves Rugby League team are playing against Wigan Warriors in Las Vegas tonight. Warrington Town Football Club are a little closer to home, making the shorter trip over the Pennines to play Alfreton Town in what is a gorgeously sunny spring day in Derbyshire.  Things haven't been going too well for either team of late, Warrington are in the relegation zone and a good few points a foot from safety, rumour is they're already planning for next season in the Northern Premier League, whilst Alfreton are in a sticky patch and are starting to look over their shoulder a bit, club tweeter Liam has called out for the town to get themselves down to the Impact Arena today as support is much needed to help them over the line, I've told him I'll be there but he's not impressed. I'm yet to see Alfreton win at home this season and he would rather I stay away. Regardless, I'm on my way at lunch after the usual morning dog walk and a quick hoover of my downstairs living room, England's cricket team are getting a spanking against South Africa, and an old goalkeeper I once coached at Rainworth Miners Welfare when on loan ten years ago or more, Liam Roberts, now playing in the FA Cup for Millwall against Crystal Palace, has just been sent off for kicking Jean-Phillipe Mateta in the head, I've watched it back as the socials grow in anger, even Piers Morgan has got involved saying he should be sent to prison, feeling sorry for the guilty party, despite him lucky not to be done for GBH, Mateta has gone to hospital where he has several stitches but I know Liam, who's not a dirty player, I'm hoping he won't be singled out for his costly error of judgement, things in football sometimes look far worse than they actually are. Up the M1 and off on the A38, still listening in to the radio as Palace beat their South London rivals, I'm parked up a couple of streets from North Street, home of Alfreton Town, just a half hour or so drive from my house, and a ground I always enjoy going to thanks largely to the hospitality I get. The Venue Sat midst a council housing estate on a narrow street with speed humps it's a lovely old stadium 66 years old, quintessentially English non-league and well worth a visit, the Warrington bus parked outside the entrance as I walk through the tiny door at reception by the turnstiles after first shouting "is anybody there". Inside the sun kisses the red roofed home whilst the grass looks a tad churned, bumpy and muddy, slightly sloped, it's had a bit of wear and tear in recent weeks. Club tweeter Liam walks by and says hello as I make way to my seat, I have a quick chat with a Ram supporting photographer about Derby County's disastrous season, I fail to mention I'm a Forest fan and loving every bit of it. The view from the tightly squeezed press box is close up to the pitch, so much so you can hear every word from the away team dugout, a panorama offers rooftops in the distance above the open ended stand to my left, the stand opposite, propped up by posts, has a TV gantry erected slap bang in the middle on its roof, to my right a steep bank terraced area with small cover part high up on the hill, a real quirky home, simplistic and imperfect, but at the same time beautiful, falling apart in places by looks but not really. The Game I've been given cake, a lovely chocolate muffin, washed down with a cuppa which I made myself inside the press lounge that backs on to the seats I'm sat at, before a Cypriot scout who works at Derby County, sits next to me (I talk more about Derby's downfalls with him, but it's ok, because he's a Liverpool fan), and a usual face from the circuit, a bearded Brummie who I often say hello to and chat with, he appears as usual with his own flask of tea. There's plenty of kids as mascots today, making a racket beneath us, and they cheer the home side towards a good start. Alfreton push forward from the off, they look confident under the sunlight after some struggling times of late, four straight defeats they've had but with that injuries too, a new signing up top has given recent positivity, Akeel Francis has been banging them in for Brighouse Town two steps below, aged 25 he's on his 18th club already at Alfreton, "if he scores a goal that keeps us in the division, it's a gamble well worth taking" says Liam. Francis in fairness is lively, a real threat with energy and pace he's grafting hard as do all the Alfreton players, as Adam Lund launches his usual succession of throw-ins directly into the opponents box. They look uncomfortable from the early pressure do Warrington and succumb in less than ten, a hand ball inside the area is punished by Josh Clackstone from the penalty spot. Not the usual taker I'm told. Alfreton are worthy of their lead and it should be more as Lund forces a save from Atherton before crashing a wonderful van Basten like volley against the crossbar, he also heads a chance down and onto the bar from a corner as the Reds media team beside me wonder if it's going to be their day. "Another Needham Market" they repeatedly say... The Suffolk side beat Alfreton 3-2 in January after coming back from 2-0 down. The Score At half time I say it's as well as I've seen Alfreton play this season, my Brummy friend agrees, before replying "yeah but Warrington are pretty crap". The visitors lost their top scorer Connor Woods to Chester last month, they haven't won a game since before Christmas and have earned just two points from their last eleven. I think it should all be very routine, and although Warrington improve in the second half, Alfreton double their advantage on the hour, Sam Osborne unleashing from the edge of the area a daisy cutter which hits a bobble and bounces over the goalkeeper who should probably have done better. That's it, done and dusted, we all agree to call it early as the home fans even start to head off to beat the traffic, but Warrington have one last roll of the dice, roundly shaped striker Josh Amis, club captain, aged 30, has came on up front, he's headed one in out of nothing on 80 and suddenly the away sides peckers are up. You feel a nervousness about the home team, and Warrington attack, on 83 they break away, the lively Rodwell-Grant feeding Amis on the counter, he's on the edge of the area and can't run, so decides to unleash a rocket instead, a thunderbolt shot from distance that sails into the top corner of the net. From nothing, Warrington have something, and they go for more, late on as 43-year-old Peter Clarke forces a save from Askew, it could have been a late winner from the former Everton man, in the end Alfreton relieved they didn't lose, whilst being disappointed they didn't win, Warrington will take promise from the point they got and on how they dug in when all looked to be long lost. The Stars A match saving performance from striker Josh Amis which nobody saw coming would rightly earn him star of my show, but there were some good performances by some decent young players for Warrington on a bloody awful pitch against some tough, niggly, combative opponents in Alfreton.. Their right back, on loan from Wrexham, 19-year-old Aaron James doing well, he got forward on a couple of mazy runs but also defended with intelligence, going forward I liked the ability of Mworina Doro on the left, a recent signing from Oldham just 20-years-old, and Joe Rodwell-Grant up front, pacey and direct, he's on loan from Wigan Athletic. For Alfreton, their usual suspects grafted with Stefan Freund arbeit, the best at it in midfield, George Cantrill, Liam stating "he never gets free kicks, but they always go against him". Dwayne Wiley heading and kicking at centre half next to the tall Adam Anson, David Salademi at left back did well, Sam Osborne and Lewis Salmon ratting around in the attacking third, it's never pretty but it always seems to be effective. The Verdict The draw probably does neither no favours, Alfreton fans now nervous due to facing Brackley and Scunthorpe next, where they don't expect to get any points from, whilst Warrington have a winnable game at home to Rushall on Saturday, before a trip to Chester where they'll take on the league leaders. I think, despite those two goals from veteran striker Amis that Warrington still need a forward to replace those regular net bulgers lost by Connor Woods, they are eight points from safety whilst Alfreton have an eleven point cushion above the drop zone. I said "they'll be fine" and genuinely believe they will be, and according to Chat GPT last week, they'll be in the National League by 2029, so not a thing to worry about as promotion is soon pending, if robots and AI are to be believed. The Teams Alfreton Town: Jake Askew, Josh Clackstone, Adam Lund, Adam Anson, Dwayne Wiley, George Cantrill, Lewis Salmon, Jed Abbey (Liam Waldock 85), Sam Osborne (Nathan Newall 80), David Salademi, Akeel Francis (Jake Day 90). Warrington Town: Dan Atherton, Aaron James, Hamish Douglas, Peter Clarke, Andy White (Murphy Bennett 76), Dana Amaral, Matty McDonald, Joe Ackroyd (Mikey O’Neill 60), Mo Doro (Josh Amis 60), Joe Rodwell-Grant, Lee Williams (Devarn Green 60). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 1st March 2025, North Street, Alfreton (att 504).

Hemel Hempstead Town 2-1 St Albans City  (National League South) A couple of clubs on my radar for a while now are playing each other tonight, both Hemel Hempstead and St Albans is under 2 hours, just, from my door and straight down the M1 with easy access in and out, so I’ve long wanted to make the trip to either venue with a few near misses, finally given the opportunity with this re-arrangement after the original match between the two at Christmas was abandoned due to a floodlight failure. Just six miles, the A4147 and a bridge over the M1 separate these two small Hertfordshire towns, derby day is here with both sides improving in form of late under two relatively new Managers despite some relegation concerns, St Albans are unbeaten in seven under Ian Culverhouse who’s work I know through previously at Boston United, whilst Ian Allinson has led Hemel away from sticky times with just one defeat in eight. The Saints however have won four of the last five matches between the two whilst the Tudors haven’t won against their rivals at home since 2020, it’ll be tight tonight as two of the National League South form sides do battle, Hemel having consecutive nil nils, their most recent at home to Maidstone United on Saturday, whilst St Albans won at Bath City 1-0 at the weekend thanks to an Aidan Daush winner. A bit about the two as it’s the first time I’ve watched either in person, Hemel Hempstead Town were formed in 1895 as Aspley End but got the name we know them as today first in 1955, before dropping ‘Town’ after merging with Hemel Hempstead United in 1971, in 1999 they rebranded again as Town after some successful seasons in the Isthmian League, winning Division Two at the turn of the Century, they moved to the Southern Premier in 2005, becoming champions in 2014 and ever since, have been in the National South, finishing a best place fifth, and reaching the playoffs in 2017/18. St Albans City formed in 1908 joining the Spartan League and Athenian League before playing most of their stuff in the Isthmian until restructuring in 2004 had them become founder members of the Conference South. The club did gain promotion in 2005/06 to the fifth tier but finished bottom in their single season in the Conference Premier and although since had three seasons in the Southern League, from 2015 have been at this level, a level they are trying desperately to stay in right now, despite hovering dangerously in the drop zone even with their good run of form of late. It’s 4pm, I’m out the door and down the A46 with a Waitrose Meal Deal, onto the M1 and off at Junction 8, two hours later pulling up on the corner of Vauxhall Road, a leafy old housing estate, walking the final few yards towards the stadium entrance where I notice quite a crowd tonight is building up. The Venue Tucked away on a quiet road in what looks like a pleasant old once council estate, the ground gates are welcoming, lit up everything is red, the club colours underneath the dark skies as I walk towards the turnstiles as people park their cars being told where to put them by stewards. Through the turnstile with a scanned mobile ticket which the club sent me on Friday, I’m in after a quick bag check and into what feels like a quirky but beautiful non-league home, the pitch is higher up than the periphery, behind the goal is a seated stand, it feels lower than the roofed terrace at the opposite end, I presume it used to have quite a slope but nowadays the 3g pitch built has levelled things somewhat, a nice stand running down the side-line over the far side is where I’m looking to sit, near side has a bit of seating which looks like for media and members, either side of that, there’s Perspex dugouts, the tunnel drawn back from the changing rooms adjacent to the clubhouse which sits in the bottom corner, it has a real feel of community here, there’s a club shop and a racing pigeon club shed next to the men’s toilets which is my next port of call. The Game I’ve sat in the corner of the seated stand on the far side, getting my spot in early as I anticipate a big crowd, 1,533 in tonight, the away end is packed and looks spectacular behind the goal to my right, the bottom end has the home side hardcore who are making all the noise, as the two teams walk out you feel this is what we do best in Britain, derby nights, football in the dark and cold played to a packed loud following, getting behind our teams and giving it some for local bragging rights. Hemel in all red have a lot of the ball early, St Albans in yellow sitting off, letting them play, Culverhouse has them in a solid five with wing backs, a workmanlike midfield is combative but they have a couple of silky players too, Rasulo who I’ve previously seen play for Banbury and Banton who I really like the look of, their stand out talisman. The home side are most prominent down their left, I’ve taken a shine to their on loan full back from Barrow, former Arsenal defender Mazeed Ogungbo, in front of him is the flying winger Brandon Barzey, he’s giving another former Arsenal youngster James Sweet a tough test, he’s at right wing back and signed for St Albans in September after being released by the Gunners. Nothing bar a huff and a puff though, the first half is largely incident free but for an early injury for Hemel’s Dan Pybus, a bit of a goal mouth scramble on the stroke of half time offers St Alban’s best chance but it’s very even, two organised sides who don’t look like they want to over commit. The Score It’s freezing, bloody cold as I bounce up and down for warmth at the break, but I’m engaged in a good honest battle, two sets of fans giving everything, two sets of players cautiously playing ball. That caution I predict to continue into the later stages, but it’s an early strike for the home side which opens up the game somewhat five into the second half, a ball played into the box by George Williams is headed at Johnson by Ogungbo, the rebound eventually falling to Barzey after a good save, the winger volleys home to send the home support into raptures. That support is soon quietened on 66 when a delightful long ball by Claridge is even more delightfully taken down by Banton, he pokes home a leveller out of nothing, and the game is at scratch, once again, going into the final half hour and more. You feel it’s fair reflection but the later match goes you wonder if there’s to be a twist, there’s people upping and leaving to beat the traffic as the time ticks on, the board goes up for seven minutes of added, and one last throw of the dice as both teams open up their legs, it’s end to end as they tempt to have a go between settling up to stall time with substitutions that suggests they’ll be also happy to stick, Hemel have a free kick pumped deep into the box, the ball is suddenly bouncing around and Ogungbo, the player I’m most impressed with on the night, with an all important winner, the stuff of legends locally, the Hemel team are all jumping in the crowd behind the goal as the goalkeeper Johnson kicks out at a runner arms aloft, not interested in retaliating, just joining his mates and jumping in with the wildest of late winning celebrations. The Stars The name Mazeed Ogungbo may now be written in Tudor folklore, he’s an otherwise unassuming left back who does the simple stuff well, solid, dependable, average height, average speed, one who makes decent decisions, a player now 22 who’s previously spent time at Crawley Town, at Barrow, his parent club, things haven’t worked out, at the Arsenal Academy from the age of thirteen, perhaps he just feels happier, closer to home? The buzzing Brandon Barzey was also eye catching with some positive running and quick feet, in defence Samuel Adenola at right back was gutsy, Kyle Ajayi and Ben Tompkins dominant, the midfield worked hard, George Williams the classiest, but then he does have seven Welsh caps, whilst Joe White was a physical threat up front. For St Albans I was impressed with a lot of what they did, David Longe-King at centre back won all his duels and was particularly good in the air alongside Deon Woodman and James Claridge, left sided wing back Brandon Mason had a really good game whilst opposite side James Sweet shown promise, Alfie Bendle, an on loan midfielder from Colchester United, looked to be a player with football league potential, silky with swagger, Rasulo and Banton adding a touch of elegance in their play, whilst eighteen year old Olly Davis came off the bench and made an immediate impact with genuine technique, tenacity and quality, he’s on loan from Ipswich Town and looked a real star asset. The Verdict The win takes Hemel to fourteenth in the table and twelve points above the drop zone, they’ll be ok with thirteen games to play, St Albans though are not out of the woods yet, they have fourteen matches remaining, are on 28 points and are four adrift of Enfield who in twentieth are sat in safety buffer zone. I think St Albans should do it, they have the players right now that are better than their position, a tough start to the campaign has them in this predicament, but in Ian Culverhouse they have a Manager who looks to have revitalised himself after testing times at Boston, he knows how to survive at ‘this’ level and he looks to have the players to do it, they’ll need to bounce back though, starting on Saturday, at home, in another Hertfordshire derby against Boreham Wood. The Teams Hemel Hempstead Town: Brad House, Samuel Adenola, Mazeed Ogungbo, Kyle Ajayi, Ben Tompkins, Dan Pybus (Kyran Wiltshire 10), George Williams (Eoin McKeown 90), Mathew Achuba, Oliver Lynch (Millar Matthews-Lewis 90), Joe White, Brandon Barzey (Philip Chenudu 90). St Albans City: Matthew Johnson, James Sweet, James Claridge, David Longe-King, Deon Woodman, Brandon Mason, Josh Castiglione (Olly Davis 62), Alfie Bendle, Zane Banton, Giorgi Rasulo, Aidan Daush (Shaun Jeffers 90). 7:45pm Kick Off. Monday 17th February 2025, Vauxhall Road, Hemel Hempstead (att 1,533).

Alfreton Town 0-2 Kidderminster Harriers  (National League North) I’ve got a family birthday party tonight and need to be back by 6pm so am restricted on distance which means it’s one of two choices, Basford United, a ground I don’t particularly like going to, but one that’s closest to my home, or Alfreton Town, a good 40 minutes’ drive, up two junctions of the M1, and a place which seems to always provide the best in hospitality, a friendly football club at what feels like a proper non-league ground, and extra bonus they’re playing Kidderminster Harriers, a team I’ve not seen this season, who are managed by ex-Premier League icon, Phil Brown. Even better news, Alfreton have put out a post on Twitter/X that Bill Wheatcroft the club’s photographer has baked a cake. They’ll be two for those in the press box to enjoy today, a Malteser Cheesecake and an Apple Crumble. Now you see why I love heading to the Impact Arena. Alfreton have had it tough in recent weeks, injuries, and long ones too, have decimated their usually small squad, it’s taken a toll on the pitch as the Reds have won just twice in eight, losing the rest, stumbling down the table from playoff pretenders to middle pack obscurity, whilst Kidderminster themselves, flying at the early part of the campaign are without a win in five, they’ve fallen surprisingly out of the playoff places but drew with league leaders Chester last weekend, a win today would have them hovering again in the mix. I’ve taken the dog out for his morning walk, whilst listening to a grassroots podcast interview of new Eastwood CFC owner Lee Wood, a lad I played football with many times and one who still owes me a tenner from 20 years ago, a good lad, is football through and through, he was once Hucknall Town FC’s youngest ever player after making his debut at 16, I never imagined he would one day own a football club. Eastwood are currently doing well at the top of the United Counties League under Lee, managed by former Carlton Town duo Darryl Thomas and Martin Ball, they have some serious players too. I’ve warmed up from my walk, had a brew and sat with the Mrs for an hour as she watched last night’s repeat of Love Island before I move gratefully out the door at 12:30pm, I’m out early as the earlier I get to Alfreton the better for parking (not just because I can't stand Love Island), I’m up the M1 and arrive on North Street before half one, parking outside almost opposite the ground, remember I’ve got a quick getaway tonight and need to be back for six so it’s all in my tactical exit strategy plan. The Venue Drizzle in the grey skies, the Kiddy bus is weaving down the tight road between cars before reversing into the club car park as I speak on hands free to my mate who’s phoned up to tell me he’s moving house. Chin wag over, I make a move a good ninety minutes before kick-off, the shutters being pulled up to open the gates as I walk through reception and say my name. “Have you been here before?” I’m asked upon entrance, “loads of times” is my confident reply. Walking into the corner of the ground where there’s been a pitch inspection already passed, it looks sticky on foot does the sloped muddy pitch, the rain not too bad as I make my way to the press area and sit myself down. It’s a classic football home this place, you can hear the thud of the music coming out of the dressing rooms, the rain on the tinned roof, open ended to my left, a stand propped up by many posts opposite, a section behind the goal to my right which is segregated for away fans only today, offering elevated views under the covered bank, and the one I’m in, a tight squeeze almost on top of the pitch, as the players walk out, Kiddy Manager Phil Brown parks himself at the away team dugout, cream chinos, black suede boots, a green wax jacket and flat cap, a passer-by shouts “you going shooting Phil” before he starts to gently walk across the squidgy pitch as I question if he really chose the appropriate footwear today. The Game The pitch is cut up just from the warmups, it looks heavy on foot, and I wonder if it’ll impact more the Alfreton game as pressing and harassing would be more difficult, if none of their players can stand up. And in actual fact it does seem that Kidderminster take to it better, they are up for it today, after a decent result against Chester, they know that they’re in for a battle, everyone who comes to Alfreton knows that they are in for a battle, and their players make good choices, don’t over play it, they get rid and long, getting the hosts turned, Phil Brown and Neil McDonald, a former player for Newcastle United many years ago, in thick North Eastern accents, encouraging their players shouting “go whon, go whon”. It's far from classic, a stalemate of a first half is underwhelming but the away side have a corner, they’ve done more pressing and look the better of the two teams, Reiss McNally up from the back gets the ball bouncing underneath him, he swings a right boot and finds the bottom of the net through a crowd. The Score That gives Kiddy a cushion going into half time, which also offers myself the perfect opportunity to go get some cake. The press room is full at the break, it backs on to the press seats and is basic to say the least, looking out to the pitch beyond the glass, it has a few chairs a fridge and kettle, some biscuits on the windowsill, and this week cake. I always bring a pound coin as the club don’t fund the media section, but those who work for the club always ensure there’s something to eat, something to drink, and at half time I pour myself a coffee and take a slice of apple crumble which is divine. Hats off to Chef Wheatcroft. On with the second half, I’m chatting away with the scout next to me on destinations covered this season, he’s Burton based with a Brummie accent but loves as much as I do the travel and ground hop of various grounds largely throughout the Midlands. That passes the time in what is a pretty drab affair, but credit Kidderminster, they stifle everything Alfreton throw at them, Kam Kandola and Reece Devine are brilliant at the back, heading, kicking, clearing their lines and enjoying the competitive tussle with Alfreton striker Gerry McDonagh. Ashley Hemmings is lively on the left of the Harriers attack; he’s clipped a shot against the outside of a post which is the nearest either side come to adding to the score-line before the same player is felled on the edge of the area, adjudged, just, to be inside the box, penalty to Kidderminster, and after a five minute wait for a fan to be ejected behind the goal, for having a go at an official, Amari Morgan-Smith steps up, sends Askew the wrong way and puts the game to bed. The Stars Alfreton without their usual goalkeeper George Willis are indebted to Jake Askew who makes a couple of flying stops to keep the score down, but his kicking is wayward on a tough day for the home side, Andy Anson is gritty at centre half, George Cantrill, as ever, works his socks down to his ankles in midfield, new signing Sam Osborne trying without success in attack, but the better team is clearly the away side. Christian Dibble hardly having a shot to save, the back five impeccable in tough and tricky conditions, McNally a centre half at stand in right back for the injured Joe Foulkes, Kandola and Devine having solid matches at the heart, left back Caleb Richards also very good. Going forward, Amari Morgan-Rogers as always puts himself about and scored an important goal, on Friday I searched Jordan Pickford’s time on loan at Alfreton Town, to see that in 2013 Morgan-Smith had scored the opener for Kiddy v Alfreton in a 3-1 win, his first ever Harriers goal, his most recent some 12 years later. The Verdict Kidderminster have the tools, for promotion, they have a celebrity Manager who looks like he’s at home in rural Worcestershire, coaching a talented team that gives nothing less than 110%.. No egos, no superstars, just hard work and graft, with a bit of quality on top, they’ll be in the mix come what May, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better team in the Division, perhaps on a par with Chester and above Scunthorpe as the standout teams for me. Alfreton as always will be ok, not the season they had hoped, the injuries haven’t helped, but they’ll be far from falling into any relegation scraps, too good for that, perhaps not good enough to go up, they’ll be ok in the middle shuffle, and will no doubt go again with similar effect next season. The Teams Alfreton Town: Jake Askew, Adam Lund (Owen German 75), Adam Anson, Dwayne Wiley, George Cantrill, Lewis Salmon, Jed Abbey (Liam Waldock 59), Nathan Newell, Gerry McDonagh, David Salademi, Sam Osborne (Billy Whitehouse 86). Kidderminster Harriers: Christian Dibble, Caleb Richards, Paul Downing, Reece Devine (Charlie Lutz 90), Reiss McNally, Amari Morgan-Smith, Ashley Hemmings, Zak Brown, Maz Kouzhyar (David Davis 82), Jim Kellerman, Kam Kandola. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 15th February 2025, North Street, Alfreton (att 613).

Peterborough Sports 2-1 Oxford City  (National League North) I’m back at Pims Park for only the second time this season and second time in eight nights in fact, impressed on my last visit between Sports and Farsley with the new media area seating arrangements of Lincoln Road, it makes a whole lot of difference when attending games to have a decent view point, which previously wasn’t the case, so return I do and looking forward to seeing a match (in comfort) between two sides looking to stay safe in the National League North this season. This mid to lower table battle has two clubs a little out of the playoff race, looking nearer like they need to avoid the drop zone as soon as possible as the table stands, Peterborough in thirteenth beaten at Brackley 1-0 on Saturday, eighteenth placed Oxford losing 2-1 at home to Leamington, it’s not been a great season for ‘the hoops’ who were relegated from the National League last year, they are at least still in the FA Trophy and have a home tie against Woking to play in the quarter finals. It's been a quiet day, after spending the weekend watching mainly FA Cup football, I recovered on Monday from a failed late night NFL Superbowl attempt, just about recovered by Tuesday morning, I’ve had the dog picked up by friends as the wife is working, sorry shopping in London, made myself a Gousto and have headed out by half five, a different route tonight, through Melton Mowbray and Oakham, past the beautiful Rutland Water (although I can’t see it because it’s dark) and onto the A1 at Stamford where there’s only 6 miles of trunk road before turning off at Peterborough, it’s less miles than my usual route (A52/A1), much more idyllic, slightly longer by ten minutes but I have time, arriving at my unofficially designated car parking space on a side street next to the Thistlemoor Medical Centre. The Venue It always feels an airy walk around here, I check nobody’s hovering around as I get out my car, the walk down Lincoln Road takes me past a hand car wash and convenience store packed with so much stuff you think it’s impossible that half of it would be in date, shady foreigners walking around outside in groups, I turn a sharp left before trudging down the final track on foot to the ground where two polite stewards say ‘Hello’ and ask how I am tonight. It's dark and cold, a bit of light drizzle in the air is turning to mist, I walk through the small turnstile and into the ground where again I’m met by friendly people, on the door there’s some bubbly girls who let me in with a smile and a joke, in the clubhouse there’s a polite chap who says ‘ayup mate’ as I walk to the toilet, an Oxford fan opens the door for me with a nod of his head, the one thing I love about this level is the friendliness of the people involved, not doing it to fill their pockets, although it helps, but doing it for their community, for their club, shining a light on the beautiful game and non-league football in this great country of ours. I walk down slowly towards the media section half way between the new covered seating area and the new(ish) covered standing area that hog the left hand touchline, Radio Oxfordshire is already here, but the media tables are wet, above there’s a Portakabin which hosts the matchday PA but there are gaps in the ceiling where rain can get through, I head back to the clubhouse to ask for some tissue, where the friendly chap hovering around who previously said ‘ayup’ now asks if he can help, before passing me some blue roll from the bar. Back at my seat, slightly drier, I chat with the Radio Oxfordshire guy and a girl from Oxford City who's an interim who records the clubs stats, they tell me strikers Josh Parker and Corie Andrews had a fall out at the weekend after Andrews wouldn’t let Parker take a penalty, keeping the ball for himself, he then had his spot kick saved, it’s been one of a number of penalties missed by City this season. Suddenly the Radio Cambridgeshire guy trundles over, he’s not happy, the media seats are taken, “I’ve had a nightmare getting here” he says, “I can’t sit next to them” he says, pointing to the arch-enemy public radio service. “If I knew they were here I wouldn’t have come”. He’s an old boy the Peterborough Sports reporter for BBC Cambridge, a Leicester City fan, a football fan who loves doing the rounds at various grounds locally, he tells me of the time he almost missed reporting duties at the likes of Gloucester and St Ives due to over-enjoying their hospitality services. “They had roast beef and Yorkshire puddings” at one ground, he tells me. Still chatting away, I’m joined by a fellow scout who was at the Boston match with me on Saturday, it’s like a mothers meeting as we all chat outside in an otherwise empty football ground, players warming up on the far side as the odd straggler walks past to their standing point. Finally, the commotion calms, we all sit somewhere suitable, the view here is quaint, a post in view, sat on a slightly raised platform, the end opposite a mish/mash of seated area, dugouts, changing rooms, a TV gantry, to the left and right roofed stands behind the goal, the top end full of home fans, the bottom end empty but for one or two. The Game Oxford surprisingly and welcomely walk out in lime green, Sports in burnt orange, the mist is rolling in so the bright kits do help on a foggy night like tonight, and the away side start bright, they look up for it as they get their head and foot in when needed, I feel they’ve had a telling off from Manager Ross Jenkins after being beaten by Leamington, the response is good, against a gutsy and fierce opponent, Peterborough are ‘always’ up for the scrap, but tonight it seems Oxford are too, and they are the better team in a first half where they force the home team keeper into action on a couple of occasions. Corie Andrews eventually breaking the deadlock on 37 minutes, he capitalised on a defensive error by Sports player Manager Michael Gash at centre half, Andrews in on goal finishing past Crook who had earlier made a decent stop to keep out an inevitable opener. It’s what Oxford deserved, both sides can play, both sides choosing ‘route one’ is better suited, but through McEachran in midfield, Alfie Potter and Josh Ashby, Oxford have good footballers, with a lively pairing, now friends, in Parker and Andrews up top, they’ve been combative with Peterborough tonight and in big defender Jalen Jones, and left back Chi Ezennolim, they have more than matched their opponents physical threat. The Score At half time I wonder how can Oxford lose this? The away consortium sat beside us quietly confident, as I work out with everyone if Zach McEachran was booked on the stroke of the half? The midfielder certainly had a tackle worthy of a yellow, he certainly took a talking and the Referee wrote something down, but it was never obvious, whether he brandished a card, or not. Onto the action and Peterborough make a change for the second half with Kieran Wallace, on loan from Hartlepool United, formerly of Forest, Burton Albion, Mansfield Town, he’ll add quality and experience in the middle of the park for young Jonathan Bland who struggled somewhat. Peterborough do improve, they look lively when direct, through the pacey Michael Gyasi up front, whilst Dan Jarvis from wide is always a threat, the longer the game goes though the more you feel Oxford are comfortable, but after a couple of sub changes, which includes Mark Jones coming on for the injured Max Booth, suddenly Sports level from nowhere. Gyasi dancing into the box, striking a post, Jones is on hand to bundle in the rebound. That sets a lively crowd of 190 off, some screaming kids and locals have been constantly shouting out to the officials about Oxford’s time wasting and gamesmanship, those jeers turning to cheers, now the home side are level, up for it, suddenly, let’s see what they have got. The final minutes are spent with Peterborough pushing, Josh Parker goes down injured on 90 and the officials don’t let him back on the pitch, that leads to a couple of minutes of intense 11v10 pressure, Parker never returns, by the time the sub is finally made, Oxford are clinging on, Gyasi dances into the box again, he’s at the by-line and pulls across for Jarvis to slot home unmarked and arriving late, in true Jarvis fashion, a winning goal in 90+4. It’s a sickener for Oxford who don’t deserve to lose, they were for many minutes the best team on the night, a draw might have been the fairer result, but the home team won’t care about that, a win that takes them to eleventh, it’s a happy place is Pims Park on the final whistle, as I say good bye to my new found Oxford friends and wave with a fist pump towards the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire chap who has long decided to park himself in the comfy Directors seats. The Stars For Oxford, I thought they played the better stuff on the night, they looked energetic and front footed, defensively solid for most of it, left back Ezennolim thick set and solid, Jalen Jones at centre half is huge, in midfield Alfie Potter and McEachran often shown good feet, the tall Josh Ashby sitting in behind, up front both Parker and Andrews paired well, but it wasn’t to be, it sounds like it’s been like that all season. Peterborough did have their spells, and in particular in the second half, had a lot of possession as they pushed for their late goals, Peter Crook their man of the match by a mile in the first half, the goalkeeper is one of the best I’ve seen, in the division, tall, good shot stopper, claims crosses, kicks well, everything you need to be a National League regular. In the second half we saw more from their frontmen, and Michael Gyasi grew into the game, to become the deciding factor, his pace and persistence one reason why they won it, but in Dan Jarvis they have a man with a knack of getting important goals, he played well as did Mark Jones who put himself about up top, after coming on as sub. The Verdict Peterborough are up to eleventh and they may eye an outside chance of a playoff chase. Rumour is next season, their owner is going to give it one serious go at promotion, failing that, I don’t know what the ceiling is at this club? Less than 200 fans on a Tuesday night in a small town of Posh followers can only get you so far? For Oxford, survival is key, maybe Wembley would be nice, but for a club with real history in non-league (they won their first FA Amateur Cup in 1905), it would be good to see them survive, even if it restricts them to the Northern Hemisphere of the step two ladder? Quite clearly this club would fear better in the south, where attracting players would be easier, where travel would be less, but in what they have already got, they are clearly good enough for this division too, something is not clicking, but when it does, like when they play in the FA Trophy, as they did in beating Forest Green, they are a match for anybody, and they’ll need to take that kind of cup mentality into their next run of games, if they are to ensure they won’t get dragged into a drop fight. The Teams Peterborough Sports: Peter Crook, Elliot Putman, Ryan Fryatt, William van Lier, Dan Jarvis, Kaine Felix, Hugh Alban-Jones, Jonathan Bland (Kieran Wallace 46), Michael Gyasi, Michael Gash, Max Booth (Mark Jones 56). Oxford City: Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Andre Burley, Chi Ezennolim, Josh Ashby, Jalen Jones, Lewis Coyle, Corie Andrews, Zac McEachran, Josh Parker (Jayden Carbon 90), Alfie Potter, Aaron Drewe. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 11th February 2025, Lincoln Road, Peterborough (att 190).

Boston United 0-0 Barnet  (National League) A fortnight ago, during my last visit to South East Lincolnshire, Boston beat Barnet’s National League title rivals York City at the Jakemans Stadium, another tough test awaits though as Dean Brennan’s Bees are top of the table unbeaten in fifteen whilst since Graham Coughlan has taken over from Ian Culverhouse the Pilgrims have picked up in performances, if not hugely in points total. Word is the 72 National League clubs including north and south have asked for three up three down into the Football League. I’ve voiced my opinion on it as not so sure, whilst the concept is perhaps deserving, I like the fact that non-league football is harder to get out of, and the Football League has that bit of protection for its members, but with thirteen of the fifth tiers 24 teams having played in the Football League previously, you do feel with increased professionalism the bridge is now less, but even last year when Gateshead were omitted from the playoffs for not having the appropriate lease on their ground, there will be similar teething issues with a further place to go up, and I doubt the 72 Football League clubs would all vote in favour of losing an extra place. That shouldn’t affect Boston this year, who are well down in the relegation places and fighting just to stay in step one, although should Barnet go up they might kick themselves should they finish 22nd in League Two next season, although club Chairman Tony Kleanthous says “it’s the price we are willing to pay”. It’s 12:30pm, the skies are grey of drizzle and I’m out the door heading East, through Grantham and across the fields of the A52, my usual quaint, quiet and very flat green root towards Boston, where I arrive whilst listening into Leyton Orient v Manchester City on the radio. It’s 1-0 to the O’s and Jamie Donley has just scored from near the halfway line. The Venue I’m walking across Wallace Way past Starbucks and Costa towards the ticket office at the Jakemans Stadium, the club shop full of winter wear I do take a shine to the Boston bobble hat but despite covering the club on numerous occasions in recent years, I still must show a level of impartiality, despite really liking the stadium, really liking the club, it’s hard not to feel so at home when the place now feels like a second home. Through the turnstile and under the concourse I’m watching Orient v City which is now 1-1, Pep has just brought Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden on so I leave it there, pretty sure in the know what is about to become. I’m upstairs and at my seat in the media area, a lad from Southend introduces himself before asking for the WIFI code, he tells me “it took 2 and a half hours” to get to Boston, I ask Christian the PA man at the Jakemans to tell me his predictions today and he says “6-1 Barnet” as optimistic as ever, but when you look through the Bees attacking line up you do feel they’ll be goals to come. I’m joined by a couple of scouts whilst Radio Lincolnshire have former Pilgrim Gareth Jelleyman on co-comms, the teams walking out to a pretty full feeling arena, three sided of course, the stand I’m in all seated, the one opposite and to my left for standing. The Game Barnet wearing purple and white are popping the ball around with ease, similar to York a couple of weeks back, they play good football, have composure, have talent out wide, up front in Lee Ndluvo they have a serious centre forward. The game has not really got going, the atmosphere is stagnant and despite the possession stats, Barnet don’t really penetrate the Pilgrims defence, led by Zak Mills as a makeshift centre half, he’s playing with some swagger and enjoying himself in his newfound position. Not much action to speak of before a heavy tackle out of nothing on 41 changes the games dynamics, Daniele Collinge takes out Oisin Gallagher on half way, he’s shown red before Gallagher hobbles off, Barnet down to ten and suddenly Boston have a man advantage and a serious chance of getting something from the game. The Score A bit of pressure from the home side results in Connor Teale clipping a deflected effort off the top of the crossbar on the stroke of half time, suddenly tails up, Boston are the more dominant force and the one with attacking intentions to take the game to the opposition. The second half is very much home side pushing, but credit Barnet, league leaders for a reason, they settle in shape and make it difficult to surpass, if anything you feel they could go on and nick it, but despite the odd half chance in both areas, the game is severely lacking a bit of final quality, by the later stages Boston are still knocking, and a late peppering during seven minutes added gives Dean Brennan incentive to concede for a point, he takes striker Ndluvo off for Joe Grimwood as Barnet look to keep their clean sheet in tact, in the end a point each is perhaps pleasing considering the scenario, Barnet happy not to lose reduced to ten for so long, Boston, another point against strong opponents, states that they are heading in the right direction. The Stars Barnet defended well and in South African born centre half Nikola Tavares they have a very cultured defender who is easy on the eye, he was partnered by Adebola Olowu following Collinge’s red card, Olowu aerially very good and aggressive, whilst in midfield the likes of Anthony Hartigan and Mark Shelton, solid players for the level, also put a shift in. It wasn’t a day for the attackers but Idris Kanu out wide right caused problems with pace, Ryan Glover on the left was useful, neat in possession, whilst Ndlovu always a threat, was in the end marshalled well by the Boston defence. Boston have Cameron Gregory back, who despite a couple of nervy moments with his feet, is a solid, reliable, dependable goalkeeper for the level, in front of him, Connor Teale and Zak Mills are forging a decent partnership, whilst Jai Rowe and Cameron Green have certainly improved over the course of the season in the full back positions. Not much in the way of going forward for Boston, Dylan Hill as always putting in a shift from midfield, whilst James Gale had a chance when breaking late on, I like his galloping forward and rangy leggy look, but instead of shooting when he had the chance, he took an extra touch and tried to force a foul, which in the end led to him getting booked for his trouble. The Verdict Barnet have a three way race with York and Forest Green to go up, I’ve seen them all this season and probably like Forest Green the most, but Barnet importantly have the points in the bag right now. Remember despite the leagues request for an extra promotion place, only two out of three will go up this season, so no prizes for second, unless through the playoffs. Boston are now nine points from safety but with a couple of games in hand on those above, the great escape still seems a way off, but the side will have confidence where especially at home, in recent weeks they’ve been able to mix it with the best. The Teams Boston United: Cameron Gregory, Jai Rowe, Zak Mills, Connor Teale, Cameron Green, Martin Woods (James Gale 80), Tony Weston (Jacob Hazel 62), Dylan Hill, Oisin Gallagher (Jordan Richards 45), Keaton Ward (Kieran Coates 80), Jimmy Knowles (Adam Marriott 86). Barnet: Owen Evans, Daniele Collinge, Nikola Tavares, Myles Kenlock, Anthony Hartigan, Mark Shelton, Lee Ndluvo (Joe Grimwood 90), Callum Stead, Idris Kanu (Jordan Cropper 76), Ryan Glover (Dominic Telford 79), Zak Brunt (Adebola Olowu 44). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 8th February 2025, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,973).

Peterborough Sports 2-0 Farsley Celtic  (National League North) Last time I was at Pims Park late last season in April sunshine I watched Peterborough Sports play Farsley in a game that would go towards securing National League North status for the home side, the visitors looked doomed after a 1-0 defeat but eventually survived the drop on a technicality despite finishing in the relegation places, this season for Peterborough looks much better sitting in mid table but for Farsley same woes, even worse, now without a home, they play their games at Buxton following some pitch issues at the Citadel, they have a new Manager in Neil Redfearn, a young side, too young perhaps, and are hovering dangerously close to the relegation places without a win in six. I’ve been filing a report on MK Dons today, it’s taken most of my day up so I’m glad to get it done before heading out at 5pm, down the A52 and onto the A1 south towards Peterborough where I’ve not been for a good while due to not really liking the venue too much. I can never really find a good vantage point so it’s not the easiest ground to scout from. Only small in size the seats on offer have never been the best and believe me, I've tried a few different locations from pitch side perimeter to sitting as high and as low as possible. It's not one I look forward to but an hour or so drive is one where I quite enjoy the commute. Finally arriving at 6:30pm where I park up on a side street, I’ve plenty of time for a couple of phone calls before walking over to the ground on Lincoln Road, a few changes since the last visit though as I can’t seem to find the entrance? The Venue They’ve moved the turnstiles from where they were last season, towards the back of the ground where the clubhouse is at, so I walk through the car park, still decorated with pretty trees which always impresses me, and towards the new turnstile where my name is on the list. Inside the ground I notice changes too, there’s a huge new stand hogging the left touchline which is great news for me as the old one where I often sat wasn’t the best place to watch the game, orange and black seats, the Turbines new colours, everything is well covered as I walk down the line and see racing seats for the Directors at the back, before noticing a press area on half way, tables and chairs, this was highly unexpected, as I park myself down to see that we even have plug sockets to use if needed. Since my first visit three years ago this place has really come on, new stands seem to pop up each time I come and it has turned into a really decent set up from the quaint and quiet quintessential non-league beginnings, the side I’m sat in is near all covered with terracing to my left, seats to my right, the stand behind the goal roofed and elevated, on my first visit in 2023 there was nothing but hedgerows and houses behind that same goal, now look at it, a fine viewing platform with covered standing room only fit for a good few hundred or more fans. Not tonight however as they'll be a handful sporadically spread at most. The Game From my new seat on halfway I’m joined by a scout who works as a rival data analyst who I’ve seen on the road a few times, from Leicester, he usually covers Brackley Town games. There’s a bit of drizzle in the air and a chill, the dark skies only slightly brightened by the dim floodlights as smoke from a nearby fire fills in the air, Peterborough looking all men like in clockwork orange whilst Farsley look young, teen boyish faces dressed in Celtic hoops of green and white. The game starts to a lively tempo, Peterborough Sports managed by Luke Steele and Michael Gash who’s on the pitch at centre half, direct but game, they break the lines from midfield and are positive in everything they do, this young Farsley team however have some teenage talent, technical footballers who work their socks off and fight for everything, they impress me as they did in a recent beating at Scunthorpe, you feel their players, mostly, aren’t ready for this level, but they aren’t out of place at the level, just lacking a spine of experience to help guide them away from trouble. Peterborough have shot after shot, a busy keeper is Farsley’s Will Brook who is tall and agile and makes a number of good stops before finally Max Booth heads home a cracker from a right wing centre on 32. That goal has the crowd of 191 largely break cheer but despite the hosts dominance I’m impressed with Farsley’s endeavour, apparently the highest ranked village club in England I’m told, Isaac Abankwah looks a bloody good defender at right back, Cole Hyde looks hardly old enough for shaving but he’s running around on the pitch like a player 15 years his senior, he’s only 18 but to me looks a real prospect and is far from out of his depth battling against men in the centre of the park. I’m also impressed with Robbie Fox up front, tall and strong with good feet, whilst Manny Mampala wearing 18 is equally as large, the Farsley team has plenty of big lads, not aggressive, they are decent in the air and compete with what is a solid unspectacular Peterborough Sports side, they do have plenty of diminutive little souls though and at this level you feel that size matters most. The Score It’s 1-0 at the break and both sides would probably take that, Sports you feel have the strength to go on and run away with things but Farsley until they’re out of it, aren’t out of it. They had a good chance towards the end of the first half when Fox forced a stop from Crook, but the number of chances Peterborough created were well into double figures and they might perhaps have rued some missed opportunity. The second half is pretty much same again, both sides have made changes but Peterborough continue to press, you feel it’ll be like buses once one goes in but it doesn’t seem to come, and Farsley are still in with a fight, but on 65 Max Booth breaks away, he’s felled inside the area and gets up to dispatch the penalty, surely no way back from Farsley here. There’s plenty of time left, but Peterborough continue to pepper, I ask the Data guy next to me his shot count and he says “including the goals there’s 27 attempts for the home side against five of Farsley”. But whilst Peterborough are good, solid, efficient, manly, against mostly boys, Farsley have something, character, effort, technical ability, in Neil Redfearn they are well drilled to compete, and where I’ve seen plenty of young sides like this, when chips are down, fall and drop and domino to disaster, I don’t see it with these, a test of character, they probably go into each game expecting to lose, but boy that doesn’t stop them giving 110%, it's refreshing to see that they are game until the end. The Stars Whilst the youngsters of Farsley impress me in the form of Brook in goal, a Nottingham Forest loanee, Cole Hyde in midfield who played the second half out right, Abankwah at right back who has experience with Macclesfield and Stockport Town, Fox in attack, 22-years-old who’s scored goals down the levels and 23-year old Mampala who served his apprenticeship at Everton, you can’t help feel the Peterborough lads are a cut above them and readily accommodated for the level. Hugh Alban-Jones is a player I like, a midfielder with guile, Jonathan Bland also impressing in the centre of the park, Max Booth lively up front whilst 19-year old left back Bayley McCann on loan from Barnsley, only played 45 minutes but he looks a really good player. William van Lier from Peterborough United on loan, another to keep tabs on. The Verdict Farsley will go down, they have too much youth and not enough experience to stay in the division, the fact that they are being forced to play their home games 65 miles away in Buxton doesn’t help, their few fans standing on the terraces calling for the ownerships head, can only be appreciative of their young players efforts in vain. After the win Peterborough now sit eleventh, which is about where I would have them to finish, solid, always competitive, good at home, they’ll take points, drop points, and probably build another new stand before I’m back again. It’s certainly a ground I’m warming to is Pims Park, bettered by the latest addition of press seats on halfway. The locals always friendly and the club is well ran, punching against some much better established and in size, this is their third season in the National League North, accomplished at the level, they won’t be going anywhere too different soon. The Teams Peterborough Sports: Peter Crook, Eliot Putman, Ryan Fryatt, William van Lier (Kane Felix 80), Mark Jones (Michael Gyasi 71), Bayley McCann (Jonas Mukana 46), Hugh Alban-Jones, Jonathan Bland, Michael Gash, Ben Lomax, Max Booth (Ben Challinor 90). Farsley Celtic: Will Brook, Isaac Abankwah, Rudy Misambo, Essa Essajennah, Harry Sheridan (Tyler Polworth 90), Manny Mampala, Cole Hyde, Dylan Youmbi (Rafael Monteiro 46), Joao Silva, Robbie Fox, Justin Iwobi (Chris Konodolo 46). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 4th February 2025, Lincoln Road, Peterborough (att 191).

Boston United 3-1 York City (National League) I'm back in Boston, following the abandonment against Southend United ten days ago when we were beaten by the Lincolnshire fog, the Pilgrims were well beaten themselves by Tamworth last weekend but beat Middlesbrough in the National League Cup on penalties midweek, Graham Coughlan's side are second bottom of the fifth tier, whilst York City managed by Adam Hinshelwood, are second top. The Minstermen beat Oldham last time out but have stumbled of late, knocked out of the FA Trophy by Northern Premier League side Gainsborough Trinity they were beaten at home against Sutton United before a 2-0 victory over the Latics last Saturday. Today they'll be huge favourites against a side that hasn't won in the league since November. It's midday, Boston is a 70 minute drive from my house, I'm nursing a hangover from a few Friday night drinks in town but well enough to soldier on through the drive, listening in to Talksport as they preview the days matches, the sun is out and the traffic is calm, down the A52 it's very rare you get any incidents which makes it a nice pleasurable drive to Boston as you look out on to the flat green pastures all around you. The Venue Arrived by 1:30pm, I'm ahead of schedule which allows me to park up pretty close to the stadium across the way. I notice quite a few York fans as I walk past Starbucks and Costa half thinking I should grab a coffee, but instead I'll save my coins for something inside the stadium, a quick sign of my name at the ticket office where I notice former Pilgrim Mark Clifford is also on the list, he's doing radio commentary today for BBC Radio Lincolnshire. Inside the stand I'm ordering a pie, chips and gravy with a cup of tea and some fruit pastels for some extra energy. I've had good food here before but today's isn't up to much, not that into it, I chuck a large proportion of chips in the bin along with the outer rim of my firm and colding pie, before walking up to the media area where it's already full with a large section taken by the visitors. The view is great, the pitch as always in good nick, I'm joined by a couple of familiar scouts as the players finish their warm ups. No chance of fog today, blue clear skies, crisp is the air as the two teams come back out to applause from a pretty full three sided modern arena. The Game The Referee has had the players out a couple of minutes early, he waits an age with them lined up to start for a 3pm kick off which is bang on the dot, but when they do start, it's evident that York, playing passing football, are in full control of the ball. It's patient, it's slow, it's possession based, and within seven minutes the visitors are one up. Tyrese Sinclair, son of Frank, collects the ball out wide left, he cuts in, looks up, smacks it and buries an absolute beauty past Cameron Gregory from all of 30 yards. The view we have is right behind the ball, right footed, swerving and dipping past the despairing dive, Sinclair's only intention when he got the ball was to 'have a go' and give it a 'thwack'. That sparks some untasteful scenes. I noticed earlier plenty of York fans sitting in the Boston end, one of which is being ejected, his son crying his eyes out as first the stewards then the police grapple to get dad to unrestraint from arrest. Drama over it's back to the pitch and York continue to dominate the ball, but Boston spark into life when a sloppy pass out by Cameron John is intercepted inside his own area, Jimmy Knowles kicks into the ground but forces a good save from Harrison Male who tips over, which leads to a spell of pressure, Connor Teale going close before staying up for a half cleared corner, Cameron Green finding him with space and time to slot home like a proper centre forward, not like a centre half which in fact he is. The Score At half time I have a chat with Mark Clifford who formerly managed Basford United of the Northern Premier League, asking him if he has any intentions to return back to the hot seat, he replies "No chance, I'm enjoying coming to games with no stress for a change, not dealing with players and agents" The Boston PA guy Christian says "it'll be very Boston like if we lose this 3-1" after being impressed with his sides first half, he expects York to roll them over in the second 45, but as the game kicks back into life, you just don't see it, York are slow and predictable, Boston by now have the bit between their teeth, you can imagine their Manager Coughlan at half time saying "We can win this". York by now have changed their goalkeeper as Harrison Male who injured his neck in trying to keep out Boston's leveller was subbed at half time. Rory Watson in his place is called into action as he saves one on one from Jimmy Knowles. Watson however can't keep Knowles out as he finds himself unmarked at the back post on 67. Jai Rowe crossing to the former Mansfield striker who's on loan from Accrington, in space he smacks home the Pilgrims into a deserved lead. You expect an onslaught from York in response but it never comes. Cameron Gregory has little to do in the second half after a couple of stunning saves in the first 45, and as the latter stages get more nervy those home fans feelings of pressure are eased as Jacob Hazel with space, bundles one home with four to go, exit a huge number of York fans who get off to beat the traffic. The Stars I'm disappointed with York, not for the first time this season, but they have proper footballers, who just weren't that at it today. Joe Felix and Callum Howe are a good centre back pairing, in midfield Alex Hunt is a bloody decent player, Ollie Pearce was largely anonymous in a number ten role, murmur is he needs to play further forward if they are to get the best out of him, I liked the physicality of new signing Josh Stones from Wigan up front, but he offered little threat in behind, it simply wasn't York's day and the Manager at the end of the match took responsibility for that, after making changes he stated "It was my fault". Boston in contrast, after a nervy start were brilliant. Each game I watch Frankie Maguire I like him more and more, combative with energy his work rate stands out in the centre of the park, 39 year old Martin Woods in midfield next to him also showing his worth as a true leader and player you need in a relegation battle, in James Gale and Jimmy Knowles they look to have that goal threat which has alluded them during the first half of the season, Zak Mills doing well as an emergency centre back beside Connor Teale, that is a position they could do with addressing though. The Verdict York will have better days and are still one win with one game in hand of going back to the top of the division above Barnet and Forest Green. City face Dagenham & Redbridge next with further winnable games against Woking and Ebbsfleet. Boston are still seven points from safety,  but they'll be confident now that they can beat anybody on their day, surprisingly that's the double over York this season, not yet completely out of it, they have a slim chance of survival, but it's a big ask despite still having 20 games still to play. The Teams Boston United: Cameron Gregory, Jai Rowe, Zak Mills, Connor Teale, Cameron Green, Oisin Gallagher (Keaton Ward 88), Martin Woods (Jordan Richards 78), Dylan Hill, Frankie Maguire (Tony Weston 88), Jimmy Knowles (Jacob Hazel 80), James Gale (Kieran Coates 73). York City: Harrison Male (Rory Watson 46), Joe Felix, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Callum Howe, Cameron John (Marvin Armstrong 68), Billy Chadwick (Lenell John-Lewis 75), Alex Hunt, Ricky Aguiar (Dan Batty 68), Tyrese Sinclair, Josh Stones (Ashley Nathaniel-George 68), Ollie Pearce. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 25th January 2025, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 2,362).

Scunthorpe United 2-0 Needham Market  (National League North) I’m back in Lincolnshire, It’s funny as I see Scunthorpe United as a bigger club than Boston United who I watched on Saturday, but for now at least, Boston are in the National League and Scunny are sixth tier and struggling still, to get out of a division they have largely topped since they have been in it, currently sitting second behind Chester, and having watched them recently destroy Leamington, I’m not too convinced that Scunthorpe will have an easy ride for promotion, the battle at the top also includes Phil Brown’s Kidderminster whilst Curzon Ashton, Brackley Town and King’s Lynn are all going well. At the other end there’s Needham Market, the unlucky Southerners based near Ipswich in Suffolk, are this seasons Bishop Stortford, somehow wondering how being half an hour from Felixstowe has earned them the right to be considered ‘northern’ but hey ho, here we go, unfortunately someone has to be it. Results wise they have been competitive, beating Alfreton Town last time out after coming from two down to win 3-2, they haven’t been hammered recently despite one win in seven, often losing by the odd goal, since being thumped at Buxton 7-1 in October their goals for and against column reads 10 scored 15 conceded in 12 games where they have drawn six and lost four. Despite being in the relegation places, they aren’t quite the whipping boys the table suggests. Needham Market is a sleepy town of just 4,000 people. The football club was officially established in 1919 but has only really taken off since the turn of the Millennium, topping the Eastern Counties League in 2010 they entered the Isthmian League before joining the Southern Premier League Central in 2018, winning it last season to reach step two football for the first time. Scunthorpe it seems are quite a few levels apart in both size and stature, a population of 81,000 they were a Football League stronghold from 1950-2022 before back-to-back relegations has them here now, you feel this will be their lowest ebb but there’s a sense of community at the club after some turmoil, their fans are backing them with huge crowds and it feels a happier place right now than it has been, winning football matches no matter the level always helps with that. It's 5pm, I’m out the door, across the A46 towards Lincoln and up the A15 where I notice a new McDonalds at Scampton, I’m on the hands-free chatting to a friend about Arsenal on the phone as I hit the M180 and M181 to the Frodingham Grange roundabout and Gallagher Retail Park. The Venue Arriving at the Attis Arena for 6:45pm, I park in the East car park which I pre-paid for £4. Plenty of spaces but even when half full it seems to take an age to get out, the issues of parking elsewhere is that most of the surrounding retail area has signs up of short stay or dare to suffer the consequences of paying huge fines. There’s a McDonalds and KFC, a Costa and a Burger King, a Taco Bell and Pizza Hut, also a Hungry Horse pub within walking distance, you won’t go without food but not for me tonight, I’m walking around the side of the stadium, past the Iron Bar towards the gates of the Vertikal Stand, where the media tables are sporadically parked at the back behind a couple of posts in view. I’ve grabbed a quick Yorkie and brew before sitting down next to retired centre forward Steve Torpey who’s on co-comms for Radio Humberside, another former Iron Lee Ridley walks past and gives us a wave, the view onto the pitch okay but for some obstruction to my left, near level with the 18 yard box you feel the goal to my right is a mile away, the pitch looking a little worse for wear, it’s the third home game in a row and a couple of weeks back they had a match called off due to water logging, I’m half surprised tonight got the go ahead after a shower or two on my way over. The Game The stand to my left as always is packed in with home fans all making a noise, pretty full in the one I’m sat and opposite but only 21 from Needham Market to my right, the action underway, you feel the away side are rabbits in headlights, they suffer a bit of imposter syndrome, ‘what are we doing here’ as Scunthorpe push forward, keep possession and attack in numbers, quick to win the ball back when Needham Market clear, it’s one way traffic and when the ball bounces to Kian Scales on four minutes, the midfielder smashes it home from the edge of the box to provide the Iron fans some early joy. That goal seems to settle the nerves of the away side, who start to come out of their shell a little, the game relaxes as a sort of low tempo attack verses defence, Scunny try and fail to penetrate the visitors back line, who in return every now and again send one long down the flanks. It’s a first half of little incident, an injury to Dan Morphew has the away side managed by Kevin Horlock since 2020, make a change, but nothing changes in the game, other than Scunthorpe probing without success, a succession of corners has them knock on the door but Josh Blunkell in the Needham Market goal has hardly a thing to do. The Score At half time you feel it can go one of two ways, Scunthorpe will eventually run away with it or the longer it gets, the visitors may get a chance to nick something on the break, and during the early stages of the second half it feels like the latter, as they play with more confidence, Scunny struggling to create danger as their fans start to feel impatient, whilst Needham grow with confidence, the odd venture forward is now backed up by one or two more shirts in red. But the tide turns on 70 when number 7 Luke Ingram takes a loose touch in midfield, he’s a player I like, bald headed, he’s done well on the ball and looks to be the one who can pull some strings, but he’s chasing a bad one and lunges in on an opponent on half way, it’s rash but for me a yellow, but then I was a player who had been sent off on a few occasions for doing the same, the Referee quick to take out his red and reduce the relegation worriers to ten. That allowed Scunthorpe some extra time and space and star man Callum Roberts tested Blunkell with a belter that he palmed away for a corner, but the former Notts County winger had the last laugh when he rocketed one home from the edge of the area on 82, a goal which put the match to bed and eased off some tension for those few impatient Scunny fans who were starting to get frustrated. The Stars Cal Roberts is the star player in the National League North, he’s a player with football league quality and is the man Scunthorpe turn to when they need something positive in the attacking third. Of the others on the night, not enough provided, Kian Scales did, from Midfield, whilst left winger Mo Fadera threatened out wide, he has speed and natural ability but was subbed on 55 after being largely on the periphery, Danny Whitehall another usual talisman, very quiet as their number nine. For Needham Market they dug in and worked hard without having much quality up top, perhaps a predicament to why they are in the relegation zone? Kieran Morphew their captain putting in an excellent display at centre half, Ingram until his unlucky red card, played well in midfield, but really they were well below a class of Scunthorpe and rightly so, as size, stature, playing pull and finances, would surely tell them apart. The Verdict Scunthorpe have a real race on with Chester, Kiddy and alike to gain promotion, and it’s really anybody’s guess if they can do it, I’m still backing Chester as the best I’ve seen this season, but I’ve not yet seen Kidderminster live, who perhaps have the best Manager in charge? Andy Butler will hope his side can keep knocking on the door, can keep beating what’s in front of them, and come May be in and around the mix, you would argue anything but promotion is failure for this football club, but in a tough keenly contested division where there’s a few sides pushing, they won’t always get it their own way. I feel that Scunthorpe are perhaps a right back, a combative centre midfielder and decent winger short of having a really good side fit for the level above, Needham Market won’t have that worry next season, they’ll be back playing clubs closer to home in the league below, but credit to them, as they are game and organised and well drilled, just lacking that extra spark needed in what is a very tough division to excel in, especially when you’re based so far south, having to travel many miles north. The Teams Scunthorpe United: Ross Fitzsimons, Max Kougun (Will Evans 60), Andrew Boyce, Alfie Beestin, Danny Whitehall (Mark Beck 85), Callum Roberts (Michael Kelly 87), Joe Rowley, Kian Scales (Jason Law 78), Mo Fadera (Carlton Ubeazuono 56), Tyler Denton, Oli Rose. Needham Market: Josh Blunkell, Jake Dye, Tommy Smith, Kyle Hammond (Tevan Allen 66), Kieran Morphew, Dan Morphew (Josh Tomlinson 29), Luke Ingram, Seth Chambers (Liam Cross 65), Jacob Lay (Adam Mills 58), Ben Hunter, Reggie Lambe (Jamie McGrath 58). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 28th January 2025, Glanford Park, Scunthorpe (att 3,155).

Manchester United U21 1-3 Nordsjaelland U21  (Premier League International Cup Group Stages) After the weekend’s defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion, Red Devils Manager Ruben Amorim stated that his team are perhaps “the worst Manchester United side of all time”. Not content with underperforming on the pitch, the club are in turmoil off it too, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to cost cut like a budget supermarket entering administration, he’s taken around 250 jobs and put gate fees up to unprecedented levels starting from £66 without concessions, all while continuing to pay underperforming players like Marcus Rashford over 200k a week, it hasn’t gone down well with fans, tonight I’m off to Altrincham to see the next generation of talent, maybe they can look to help rescue the famous old name from its latest number of embarrassments? Maybe they can find a new Marcus Rashford to pay big bucks?? Danish newcomers Nordsjaelland unlike United are a club heading in the right direction. Formed in 1991 they have risen up the ranks since changing their name from Farum BK in 2003, and have been in the Superligaen since 2010, winning the title in 2012/13, they have twice been runners up of Denmark’s top flight and have been a regular in Europe in recent years, featuring in last season’s UEFA Conference League where they finished third in the group stages despite hammering both Fenerbahçe (6-1) and Ludogorets (7-1) in the process. Key to that success has been their unearthing of new talent and their U21’s this season, invited to the Premier League International Cup, are two unbeaten, having beaten both Norwich City 2-0 and Liverpool U21’s 4-3. It’s been a bit of a disaster for me, having had an abandonment last Wednesday at Boston United, Saturday’s match I was supposed to attend, Halifax v Dagenham & Redbridge was also called off on Friday, I’m hoping tonight won’t suffer any mishaps as I hop into the car and head North West through Stoke and up the M6 to Greater Manchester. The Venue It’s my first ever visit to Moss Lane, these days named the J. Davidson Stadium and home to National League side Altrincham FC since 1910. A lovely part of the world, Alty is a nice-looking market town as I drive through in the dark, a pleasant centre and some nice sized semi-detached houses as I manage to park near the ground on Sandileigh Avenue, just a big goal kick across the way. From the outside it’s got real character, the Main Stand backing on to Moss Lane it looks slightly out of place in middle class suburbia, a sign for players and officials’ entrance above two double wooden doors can be seen clearly from the cars that drive by. I’m walking around to the turnstiles on Golf Road, in the corner of the ground, before entering the venue where two teams are already warming up on the pitch, I’m pointed straight ahead by a steward to the Community Hall and Bar where there's food and drinks, as I walk past I notice some Karate class going off in the windows, but on the pitch is where it matters tonight, slightly muddy from the recent bad weather, wide and green lit up by eight tall standing floodlights under the black drizzling sky. There seems to be a common theme in Manchester where many of the non-league grounds have a similar but attractive old vibe, not dissimilar to Ashton United, Droylsden FC, or Hyde FC, the ground is big and wide, heavy in metal, propped up by posts, painted largely red, plenty of cover, plenty of character, I’m in the old Main Stand a large wooden floored centre piece with pillars in view, it’s a gorgeous stand but slightly restricted in view due to the smaller modern stand down to my right, and the community hall to the left blocking each near side corner quadrant, if the three posts that prop up the roof don’t catch your eye the two floodlights in front might, beyond those there’s a pitch somewhere. Elevated, it is a homely spot at the top of the stand, I’m sat in front of the PA box where there’s a herd of scouts asking for team sheets, opposite is a high roofed stand not in use today, two smaller standing areas to its left and right, behind the goal on my right is open ended, modern flats on looking behind, the goal to my left has a slightly curved low roofed stand, in the far corner a huge telecoms mast that dwarfs the ageing old venue. The Game I’m keen to see United but even more intrigued to see Nordsjaelland who have been punching above their weight at this level, they have a few players from the Right To Dream Academy based in Ghana, set up 26 years ago ironically by a Manchester United African scout Tom Vernon to unearth the best talent on the continent, it has nurtured the likes of Mohammed Kudus of West Ham, Southampton’s Kamaldeen Sulemana, Brighton’s Simon Adingra and Mohamed Diomande of Rangers, all of which went through the Nordsjaelland set up enroute to even better things. Tonight’s team includes Levy Nene, Caleb Yirenkyi and Araphat Mohammed who have all followed the same pathway, and all start well as Nordsjaelland boss proceedings which slightly overwhelms me somewhat. United are awkwardly 3-4-3, they play at low intensity and don’t particularly press, the Danes are bigger, stronger, look fitter, quicker, perhaps less technical but it’s the away side who stroke the ball two and from, they dominate possession as they look to probe openings controlling the midfield battle. I’m really disappointed with United, I’ve nothing against their Coach Travis Binnion who led them to a 2022 FA Youth Cup success, but on the eve of hearing that ‘jobs for boys’ are being slashed with many United legends like Denis Irwin, Bryan Robson and Andy Cole facing wage cuts from their matchday hospitality roles, I can’t help feeling that ‘this’ United team ‘needs’ a Manchester United former player in charge. A Nicky Butt, a Paul Scholes, even a Gary or Phil Neville, just someone who gets and understands the club from a playing perspective and who knows what it means to come through this what should be the greatest of world football academies. It's all half-hearted, and it reminds me of how the first team play, I’m not sure if the players or the coaches are convinced in the system which is obviously an Amorim request in attempt to change the clubs playing philosophy, but I wonder if it will last? It certainly feels it needs a lot of time which Amorim may not get given. On 28 a terrible back pass by right back Ogunneye is intercepted by Nene, he should score but doesn’t, after scuffing his one on one opportunity he lays back the rebound to the lively Mohammed who can’t miss from five yards out. A minute later it gets worse, from kick off, United goalkeeper Myles receives the ball, passes directly to Nene, who this time makes no mistake. The Score 2-0 at half time and it’s more than deserved, the Danes have been superior in all departments with a number of players impressing, United’s only hopefuls are left back Harry Amass who looks to have some technical ability going forward, whilst Chido Obi in attack cracked their best opportunity crashing a long range shot against the bar. You feel United need to improve after the break, but they don’t, within seven minutes of the restart Nene makes it two for him and three for Nordsjaelland, heading home a corner before dancing away in celebration, it’s all too easy for the visitors who travel south to face Fulham on Friday. They have plenty of time left to get minutes into some subs legs as United also make a whole load of changes, late on there is a response as Chido Obi-Martin runs through to slot home, he’s a tall lad with pace and power and looks a better bet for first team football than Hojland and Zirkzee right now, a Dane himself, just 17 years old, could he be the one bright spark to provide some hope along the gloomy road ahead? The Stars Whilst Chido stood out for United with a bit of Rashford/Martial swagger (which might not particularly sound a good thing) I did like the look of Harry Amass at left back, almost Ryan Giggs like in physique his socks rolled down his ankles he had good technical ability but lost his way the later the game went and certainly from a defensive perspective left a lot to be desired. No others impressing enough, against a dominant force, but special mention to Amir Ibragimov who came on after the hour and at least ran about a bit, there’s a lot to be said for putting in the effort even during a lost cause, which perhaps says a lot about him, as it does about the rest of this United team. For Nordsjaelland, where do I start? A good solid goalkeeper in William Lykke who can kick it miles, often he’ll draw in the press and just go long with pin point accuracy, as would centre half Erik Marxen who at 34 stood in perhaps as a ringer, a lovely left foot where he would spray balls often out to the right. In midfield I really liked the number six Justin Janssen who is a big powerhouse who keeps things simple, he didn't give a pass away all night, number eight Malte Heyde full of running and good on the ball, in that trio Caleb Yirenkyi was the enforcer, breaking down play and working hard outside possession. The attacking three caused United plenty of problems too, Levy Nene is a player I had noted due to the goals he has already scored, light on his feet, quick, positive, he knows where the net is, but I was even more excited when Araphat Mohammed got on the ball, cutting in from the right he looked to have good skillset and as quick, if not quicker, than Nene, both of the Right To Dream Academy. The Verdict Of those players who have the right to dream about making the grade at the highest level, I tip more from Nordsjaelland than I do United, which tells you where I think both teams are at, one recruiting well at a young age, to get the best players to play for an emerging force in Denmark and European football which is used as a stepping stone to earn the club a few Krone along the way, the other a thorn between two bushes, second best in their own city when it comes to Academy stakes, I wonder if Sir Jim Ratcliffe will do away with the whole thing before too long and scrap the seconds in order to save a few more quid? Manchester United have had an academy player in every matchday squad since 1937, that record needs to continue for the good of humanity, but one day I feel it will end, and it will be a sad day when it comes, by then, which I feel is not far off, United could be in a much worse situation than they currently are? The demise in recent years has been so very sad to see. The Teams Manchester United:  Tom Myles, Habeeb Ogunneye, Louis Jackson, Godwill Kukonki (Jack Kingdom 46), Harry Amass, Sekou Kone (Finley McAllister 62), Jack Moorhouse (Jayce Fitzgerald 62), Ashton Missin (Malachi Sharpe 71), Ruben Curley (Amir Ibragimov 62), Sam Mather, Chido Obi. Nordsjaelland:  William Lykke, Markus Walker (Daniel Johannesson 70), Noah Markmann, Erik Marxen, Caleb Yirenki, Justin Janssen, Araphat Mohammed (Oliver Klemmensen 87), Levy Nene (Markus Monsen 81), Juho Lahteenmaki, Malte Heyde (Victor Gustafsen 70), Villum Berthelsen (Vilum Dalsgaard 87). 7:00pm Kick Off. Tuesday 21st January 2025, Moss Lane, Altrincham (att 334).

Boston United 0-0 Southend United  (National League) *abandoned after 7 minutes I remember watching Southend United play against Forest at the City Ground in 1993, they had just sold us Stan Collymore and had Ricky Otto and Andy Ansah up front, a solid second tier side for five seasons, it was their golden era and but for a solitary campaign in the Championship during 2006/07, they haven’t been back, and sadly since have fallen from grace. This is their fourth season in the National League after 101 previous years in the Football League. They have had a fair bit of financial trouble too, a turbulent time in non-league has seen the club put up for sale and suffer points deduction, close to going out of business the Shrimpers still somehow stand, a new takeover at the start of the season gives hope although the financial mess still sizzles. On the pitch Southend lie fourteenth under the management of Kevin Maher, a former captain of the club with over 450 appearances, his side are on a run of three straight victories having beaten Ebbsfleet 4-0, Braintree 1-0 and in the FA Trophy Southport 1-0 last time out. I was at Boston United’s match at the weekend against Ebbsfeet where they played well but didn’t take full advantage, pegged back in what was an exciting 2-2 draw. The result of that game was to sign a familiar face, Jimmy Knowles who scored 20 goals for the club during their promotion campaign. He returns on loan from Accrington. Saturday’s match was in doubt because of the cold weather, only getting the go ahead at 12pm, no such worries tonight, I suspect, much warmer out, as I leave Nottingham as late as 6pm, I’m rushing behind schedule after waiting for the wife to get back from her work to swap dog duty, I’m flying down the A52 and through Grantham, then suddenly the fog appears. It’s thick, really thick, ironically, I only tweeted about it the other day, when last season verses Scunthorpe, Boston United’s match was cast into doubt during the game which at times had misty blurred visibility. That night in October the fog lifted and as I get near the Jakemans it seems to have improved, it’s gone 7pm and I’m supposed to be in venue an hour before kick off, so I park on a grass verge and run over to the ticket office where I sign in for my pass, through the turnstile and up to the press area in a flash, where I tell the scout next to me, “fog is on the way”. The Venue Inside it’s already packed, Southend have brought good numbers as the players warm up ahead of kick off, the view for now seems good as the atmosphere builds, but the closer we get the thicker the air becomes, “told you so” I say to those around me as the mist rolls in from the west, in these parts it tends to stay, but the TV cameras of DAZN are here tonight, they won’t want any postponements. The stands are full, three sides of supporters, one end behind the goal to my right still pending construction, as I finish off writing down the elevens the teams come out and I start to question if this game will make the distance? The Game They’ve had a couple of minutes of kicking balls about ahead of kick off whilst the Referee Craig Hicks deliberates, eventually he’s up for giving it a go but from my position in the stand, you can’t see the far corner flag, you can hardly see the goal to my left, when attacks are near it’s all good, but when they’re afar not so? Apparently, there’s a corner to Southend, but we can’t confirm from where we are sat? The radio commentators behind me are having kittens. The Score On six minutes the Referee holts proceedings and directs the players back to the changing rooms, Christian the PA guy who usually sat behind me is summonsed to the pitch, he announces that the game is ‘suspended’ in the hope the fog will clear. It’s a packed press box and nobody knows what’s going to happen next, fans waiting in vain, hoping for good news, there’s a good ten or fifteen minutes pondering before a further announcement is met with cheers from the patient crowd who have turned to flashing their mobile phone torch lights, “the Referee has confirmed there will be a further check in ten minutes”… By now the conditions have hardly improved, ten minutes passes and despite a few players doing some warm ups on the pitch, despite the Referee sending his assistants out to see if he could see their flags, it’s all a hopeless expedition, as the weather wins on the night. "The game is abandoned", everyone can now go home, tickets will be reimbursed and Southend fans making their first visit to the Jakemans, will have to do it all again in a couple of months. The Stars It was hard to see anything but a couple of near side throw ins and there weren’t enough play in the game to judge anyone on the night, which is a shame as I hoped to see Southend defender James Golding who’s an Irish U19 international on loan from Oxford, and Oli Coker who’s a young midfielder and a good prospect i'm told. For Boston, they did start Jimmy Knowles who got a rapturous round of applause on his return, not quite the night he anticipated upon his loan return, hopefully though, they’ll be more to come from him. The Verdict The two teams will do it all again, don't know when, but when they do it'll be interesting to see who gains advantage? Southend off the back of three successive wins would no doubt have liked to have played (if they could see so much as their team-mates) on the night, whilst Boston I suspect would have wanted the game done too, one fan saying upon his early unexpected exit "the last thing we want near the end of the season is a load of games in hand". By the time of the re-arrangement they could already be back in the National League North?? The Teams Boston United: Tom Donaghy, Cameron Green, Tom Leak, Jacob Hazel, Jai Rowe, Connor Teale, Oising Gallagher, Tony Weston, Jimmy Knowles, Frankie Maguire, Dylan Hill. Southend United: Nathan Harness, Gus Scott-Morriss, Nathan Ralph, Jack Bridge, Noor Husin, Macaulay Bonne, Harry Taylor, Cav Miley, James Golding, Charley Kendall, Oli Coker. 7:45pm Kick Off. Wednesday 15th January 2025, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,900 est).

Leamington 1-4 Chester  (National League North) A couple of young players I’ve scouted recently are starting to come good. It was great to see Beck-Ray Enoru who I first watched at Barwell a couple of years back now enjoying life at Tamworth where he flourished in the FA Cup third round against Tottenham, destroying at times Spanish international full back Pedro Porro down the left flank. Also, Reda Belahyane who I saw play for Nice U21’s and who surprisingly moved to Verona last January, after a handful of games in Serie A, it now looks like Lazio are coming in for him. Today is a trip to a place I’ve never been. Leamington FC have roots back to 1953 when a local works team called Lockheed Borg & Beck was set up to play in the Coventry Works League. They would eventually go on to become AP Leamington (the AP standing for Automotive Products after Lockheed changed names in 1973) before dropping the initials in 1985, lasting only three years as Leamington FC until 1988 following their long home the Windmill Ground being sold to property developers. Despite being inactive for 12 years, a group of supporters continued to hold naming rights for the club, which returned to competitive action in 2000 and since the brakes have moved up the tiers to National League North, which they first appeared in during 2013 after winning the Southern League, some downs and ups have occurred and last season they regained promotion to the sixth tier after winning the playoffs of the Southern League Central, beating Telford in the final, this season they have been competitive and are currently seventeenth, striker Callum Stewart is joint top scorer in the division with fourteen league goals so far, they beat Hereford last time out and in December thumped league leaders Curzon Ashton 4-1, but haven’t had a game for a couple of weeks due to bad weather. As for Chester, well I still remember them as Chester City and their days in the football league, but since rebranding to their original name of 1885 to 1983, with a second coming post 2010, the club have bounced between National League and National North, and are now in their seventh season in the sixth tier, finishing tenth last year after a third place finish the season before, they are currently in the playoff picture in good form with one loss in eight, Charlie Caton is there man on fire, he has thirteen in the league this season, one below Leamington’s Callum Stewart, the club have also reinforced goal power with the capture of Connor Woods from Warrington. It's 5pm, the dark sky has fallen, the temperature risen over the last few days following a cold wintery snap, I’m off down the A46 and onto the M1, M69 and circling south Coventry before being directed onto the A423 and the Fosse Way which feels like a single track road to nowhere. The Venue Named the New Windmill Ground it replaced the old Windmill Ground on Tachbrook Road in the town centre which has a public house of the very same name, this venue is outside of Leamington Spa and is completely in the middle of nowhere, but plans are to relocate to a £6m all-weather all-dancing football venue a little closer to home on the Europa Way ring road. Despite being in the middle of nowhere, it still feels like a proper non-league home, granted no pubs or shops or even houses within a few miles, the only way to get here is by car and parking on site now incurs a £3 charge, unless you live in Leamington where there’s a shuttle bus which runs before and after games. I’ve arrived and parked up outside the training pitch, walked over the gravel car park and said my name on the gate, walked through the turnstiles of this humble little abode and it’s only then when I’m mildly impressed, more than I thought I would be, on my first viewing of the Your Co Op Community Stadium. You enter through the corner of the ground, a burger van greets you on arrival, to the left a Portakabin for the club shop next to some toilets which I briefly pop in before another small shed like building, a programme hut full of football memorabilia from years gone by. I talk to the bloke who runs it, a Welshman and Swansea fan whose own collection dates to the 1800’s. I ask of the oldest programme in the shop, he has a team sheet from the 1930’s and amongst the ‘elite’ programmes on offer I find the 1971 FA Cup Final edition between Arsenal and Liverpool which I flick through. The hut is a joy for football collectors, the best I’ve seen on the circuit and one I hugely recommend to pay a visit. Outside there’s a long orange seated stand running the length of the pitch which seems to be sectioned in bits, behind the goal to my left is open ended, to my right a covered terrace and also the players changing rooms and tunnel, opposite a large looking green seated stand on half way, it feels like a proper non-league ground, fairly modern, but quintessentially English, a bit of everything, if you could move it closer to town it would be perfect, it’s a shame it looks likely to be replaced. The Game I’ve taken a pew in the green seated stand which is slightly obscured by the DAZN TV cameras who are set up to film the match, one slightly troubling issue with the ground is that if you do sit down, you’re likely to have an obscured view wherever you are, the dugouts this side of the pitch are so wide they block out each corner flag. Leamington are without their main striker Callum Stewart, Chester have their new signing Connor Woods on the bench, and as the two teams come out to warm applause, it’s the away team who start on fire, hungry, thirsty, first to everything they look like they have got off the coach tonight meaning business. Apparently, they’ve never even scored here, a usually tough place to come they put that right within seven minutes when Charlie Caton, who else, taps home from close range. Leamington aren’t at it without their main striker, the pace and intensity of Chester’s start is startling the hosts, a shot saved by Bainbridge on ten rebounds to Peers who heads in from close range, two-nil and the game has barely started. Chester add a third when Kurt Willoughby runs through, he scuffs fresh air before finishing at the second attempt, and things get worse when on the stroke of half time the Referee stops play and sends off Leamington’s Dan Meredith for reasons only the Referee knows. There’s still drama to come, Leamington concede a corner when George Ward almost puts through his own net, the resulting set piece finds Harrison Burke who on the volley makes it four. The Score At half time a few Chester fans sat close by nip into the clubhouse to watch fifteen minutes of Forest v Liverpool on the TV, a Reds fans fan myself I’m nervously flicking through flashscore as I read that Chris Wood has put the ‘original’ garibaldi bearers in front of their Premier League title clash. A couple of substitutions are made at half time, one from each club as Chester look to look after their advantage, ten men Leamington now looking for damage limitation. The early exchanges of the second half is like a Jake Paul fight, nothing happening bar a free kick from Chester which cannons off the post, Connor Woods is out in front of me after being told to go on by his manager Calum McIntyre, he’s standing waiting, as Chester play the ball between their back four for a good ten minutes, “you may as well go get a burger” a fan shouts to Woods who patiently waits further, eventually he gets his turn to make his debut as Leamington also make a sub, and it’s one of the home team replacements who makes their mark, on a rare forage through the Chester half Joe Clarke finds Will Shorrock in space, he drills low and hard from the edge of the area, the goal of the game, nobody saw that coming. That goal on 79 is a little morale victory for Leamington boss Paul Holleran who had to adjust at half time and make his side compact and harder to score past, the hosts winning the half 1-0 although that won’t trouble Chester Manager McIntyre who was all smiles at the end, he thanked everyone of his fans for making the journey and was pleased with putting the game to bed before the team even had their half time cuppas. He even admitted aloud “I didn’t even know what to say at half time” they were brilliant Chester, and are certainly in the mix for the title. The Stars Charlie Caton is that number ten who finds pockets of space to operate and he got yet another goal to his CV, he’s the one player who could progress up the leagues still aged just 22, but I really liked their diminutive playmaker Ewan Murray, think Jose Dominguez if you can remember the Birmingham winger back in the day, Williams a Chester Academy player in his second spell at the club, cut in often from the left and teased and tormented the Leamington back line. In truth there wasn’t a bad player in blue from centre half Connell Rawlinson who may as well have lit a cigar, their midfield engine had Declan Weeks and Jack Bainbridge work particularly hard to ensure Rawlinson and co didn't have to, Kurt Willoughby in attack putting himself about a lot. Tall on loan goalkeeper Jimmy Storer only having one shot on target to save, he’ll be annoyed he didn’t do that, but he has the looks of a goalkeeper that could go far. For Leamington, it wasn’t their night, from the moment the Referee’s whistle blew you just knew it was the away sides evening, Dan Meredith actually did well at right back until his sending off, centre back Theo Streete was busy and game, but the hosts were levels below, disappointing for playmaker Jack Edwards who became the clubs longest serving player on 437 appearances, not a way he would have liked to celebrate that achievement. The Verdict Leamington are on 29 points which is still eight above the drop zone, they have been indebted to the goals of Callum Stewart this season and without him weren’t much cop verses Chester tonight, I think with him they’ll be a different beast and will certainly be out of trouble if he continues to fire. For Chester, nicknamed the Seals, they’ll be hoping to seal promotion this year after a few failed attempts in recent seasons, more than good enough to go all the way, they’ll be dark horses to achieve more than just playoff status and trouble Kidderminster, Curzon Ashton and Scunthorpe for the league, just three points below Kiddy at the top, with 21 games to play there’s still a long way to go. The Teams Leamington: Callum Hawkins, Dan Meredith, Josh Quaynor, Theo Streete, Henry Landers (Will Shorrock 60), Adam Walker, Jack Edwards (Joe Clarke 72), Tim Berridge (Ant Lynn 69), George Ward (Rob Evans 46), Jiah Medrano, Ewan Williams. Chester: Jimmy Storer, Harrison Burke, Declan Weeks, Connell Rawlinson, Tom Peers (Reece Daly 90), Kurt Willoughby, Charlie Caton (Connor Woods 67), Nathan Woodthorpe, Jack Bainbridge (George Glendon 75), Iwan Murray, Kevin Roberts (Noah Wordsworth 46). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 14th January 2025, New Windmill Ground, Leamington Spa (att 423).

Boston United 2-2 Ebbsfleet United (National League) Twenty odd years ago I was installing road signs on the A2 during the building of the channel tunnel link that served London to Folkestone, it was there I stayed in digs at a crap pub in Northfleet, at the end of the High Street was Stonebridge Road, home of Gravesend & Northfleet, a non league football club who had only just gained promotion to the Conference, or what we know as today, is the National League. Formed in 1946 after a merger between Gravesend United and Northfleet United, the side have played largely in the Southern League, it did have a spell in the Alliance Premier Division (which we also know today as the National League) between 1979 & 1982, a further spell in the Southern League lasted fifteen years before five seasons in the Isthmian League, before promotion back to the fifth tier where they spent six seasons ahead of a name and ownership change, Ebbsfleet United uniquely becoming 75% owned by fans who paid a subscription through website My Football Club which allowed members to vote on matters that included even team selection. That fun but unsuccessful fad lasted five years before more stable Kuwaity based owners took full charge and although the club has suffered one or two hiccups along the way, they topped the National South in 2023 to return to step one of the non league pyramid, but after surviving relegation last season by the skin of their teeth, look likely to go down this time around. Ebbsfleet are bottom of the table on nine points, five below Boston who are second bottom, themselves eight points from safety. It looks like both teams need a win or bust, which is why I'm thinking today might end up in a draw. It's a cold one, last night Boston tweeted an optimistic picture of their covered pitch, a planned pitch inspection at 12pm has me pondering during my morning dog walk in the frost and sunshine across the woods near me, but after good news in hearing the game is on, I'm out the door and onto the A52 heading east towards the Jakemans. The Venue Glistening in sun light the three sided arena all modern on the outside has a feeling of optimism about it today, you get the impression both fans and staff think their team can win, a new Manager in Graham Coughlan has charge, he composed an FA Trophy victory at Gateshead last time out and has added reinforcements since, as I walk through the turnstile and grab a cuppa from the kiosk, I'm up in the usual spot, good view, good company, radio Lincolnshire testing their sound system behind my pew. The pitch looks great, not an ounce of frost, green, earthy, covered in sunlight, it's fresh but not as bad as where I live back home which is still covered in the white stuff. Not here, just a chill which is warmed up by the odd sip of my brew. The Game Josh Wright is just seven games into his managerial career at Ebbsfleet, he's the brother of TV Star Mark Wright, he apparently of Only Way Is Essex. I'm told since he's taken over the club have seen signs of positivity, although not in results, United are five league games without a point, their last in fact being against Boston who they drew 0-0 with in November. Boston themselves have suffered two league defeats since that loss, they have had matches off due to the weather but have beaten Newcastle United U21's in the National League Cup, as well as Alvechurch and Gateshead in the FA Trophy. And it's the Pilgrims who start positively, pressing from the off they look to play on the front foot with an attacking looking line up of diminutive midfielders selected, whilst Ebbsfleet attack themselves on the break, the beginning is open and not as cagey as first thought, two teams playing to win as both no doubt see this as a very winnable tie in what has been a tricky season against usually much tougher opposition. Pilgrims striker Jacob Hazel has the ball in the back of the net early on but he strays offside ahead of Tony Weston's scuffed shot, the flag rightly waved over the far side to scupper some premature celebrations. Boston have control but Ebbsfleet counter well, Cosgrove is proving a nuisance and a short back pass is intercepted by him, the inevitable happens as the striker nets an opener that feels totally against the run of play. All of a sudden a flatness appears inside the arena. There's an injury for new signing Dan Adshead as things look to go from bad to worse, but enter Adam Marriott who comes on as replacement, he shoots low into the bottom corner following a corner not cleared and Boston are deservedly level. The Score At half time you think the team who scores next will probably win the game, and after Hazel shoots into the side netting early into the second half, you feel that next goal will come from Boston, who pepper in attack without really making Cousins in the Fleet goal get too flustered. Another sub is made, an attacking one too as Sam Osborne enters the field, and within minutes the former Notts County midfielder shows his class, Boston breaking out from defence, a deft touch by Hazel sending Weston on his way, he runs forward and plays to Osborne unmarked, cutting inside 'Ozzy' curls home a beauty to give the home side huge advantage. It all looks to be going well. Osborne then finds Weston who blazes over from close range, I mention it's the sort of chance he might look back on if Boston don't go on to win, then as the minutes tick, on a rare attack, George Moncur chips Tom Donaghy to level out of the blue. It's a brilliant finish from the debutant on loan from Leyton Orient, a player with many years of football league experience, who's been the best the Kent based side has had to offer when on the ball. Late on you feel from wanting to win it, nobody now wants to give the game away, both settling for a point, but in reality a point is not good enough for either. There's a clatter of chairs as fans leave on the final whistle, no boos or jeers, just an expectancy that the season is well and truly over from a Boston perspective. The Stars The hosts will be frustrated because Boston worked hard and attacked from the off with right back Jai Rowe, these days captain, getting forward with confidence and positivity. I've watched a lot of Rowe over the last year or so and although I wasn't so keen early on, I'm finally seeing a player who possesses speed and ability in the final third, he now has the confidence and strength to cut it at the level, he's been decent the last few times I've seen him play and I'm impressed with how his all round game has come on. Whilst Oisin Gallagher had an underwhelming debut at centre half on loan from Lincoln, I think he'll improve Boston's midfield when selected in his best position, but the tireless Frankie Maguire and Tony Weston did well, Dylan Hill as always neat on the ball, Hazel a nuisance in attack, all be it not always polished with much, or any, finesse. For Ebbsfleet, they looked to have solid foundation for a team sitting bottom of the league, defensively structured with two organised banks they got into shape quickly, in attack they created but snatched at too many opportunity, George Moncur offered a cool old head when needed, Aaron Cosgrove caused Gallagher and Leak problems, whilst defensively I thought Mustapha Olagunju was quietly brilliant, quick to the tackle, thirsty for the battle, legally snapping at opponents, the sort of defender in fact Boston need. The Verdict It looks destined now that both these clubs will go down, a point not nearly good enough, for Boston they haven't taken enough points off the teams around them to survive, for Ebbsfleet, they simply haven't taken enough points, period. The Teams Boston United: Tom Donaghy, Cameron Green, Tom Leak, Keaton Ward Sam Osborne 64), Jacob Hazel, Jai Rowe, Oisin Gallagher, Tony Weston (Kieran Coates 77), Frankie Maguire (Martin Woods 79), Dylan Hill, Dan Adshead (Adam Marriott 30). Ebbsfleet United: Mark Cousins, Luke O'Neill (Rakish Bingham 78), George Moncur, Franklin Domi, Toby Edser (Max Manktelow 81), Mustapha Olagunju, Tom Dallison, Aaron Cosgrave, Todd Kane, Kwame Thomas (Dom Samuel 70), Callum Harriott (Alex Aoraha 60). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 11th January 2025, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,909).