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Biggleswade Town 0-3 Oxford City (FA Trophy Round Four) Happy New Year. Finally, I'm back in the soccer saddle after a couple of weeks off to take in some relaxing family festivities. On Saturday, my returning match and first of 2025 was annoyingly called off between Scunthorpe and Brackley and tonight my proposed game with Ilkeston and Stockton Town was postponed due to Stockton re-arranging their originally snowed off FA Trophy match with Rochdale for Wednesday, however, instead of heading three hours north this midweek, I've chosen a game two hours south as Biggleswade Town take on Oxford City in the very same competition. The Waders are bottom of the Southern League Central Division whilst Oxford have been struggling in the National League North this season after relegation from the fifth tier last term. The Hoops are eighteenth in their league and came through their first two Trophy ties with a 5-0 win against Sporting Khalsa ahead of a narrow 2-1 victory over Hadley FC. Biggleswade haven't won in the league since September but their form in the Trophy has been good. Jimmy Martin's young side have seen off Marlow and Potters Bar before a thrilling 5-4 win against Coleshill when they came back from 0-3 down to win with an injury time goal, they beat AFC Totton on penalties in the last round and also did previously ok in the FA Cup before losing to Alfreton Town in the fourth qualifying round. I'm awaiting a 3pm pitch inspection for confirmation before I'm out the door. The A1 at Grantham has closed due to some treacherous flooding in these parts so I'm driving through Melton Mowbray which also had its fair share of rain on Monday (making the National news), eventually joining the Great North Road heading South, from Leicestershire. The Venue Biggleswade is right on the A1. I'm turning left at a Sainsbury's and through the town which is quaint, quiet, calm and home to just 22,000 which is interesting, considering those locals having three semi professional football teams to follow these days. I'm routed onto Langford Road which is back under the A1, as I pull into the ground entrance, a complex with several football pitches on the edge of town, I wonder 'is it the closest non league venue to the A1 in Britain?' as you see the drone of traffic to my right fly by. You can park outside the turnstiles which is great. It's not much to look at as I walk towards the entrance sign, by now dark and cold on a Tuesday night, only dimly lit with the lights half on ahead of the pre-game warm ups. Through the wooden shed like entrance there's a boy on the gate, the sort of look of a lad that will tell you he'll watch over your car for a fiver, "How much" I say. "£12 adults, we've got programmes and pin badges too" he says in an unbroken southern accent. Turns out he's also the PA and a joy to behold as he announces half the home team by first name only. Some tricky African sounding names in that to be fair, I don't really blame him as he prefers to use 'Bamsa' and 'Obi' for Bamsa Marthamasabesi and Obidinma Onyeagawa. Inside the arena it's sparse ahead of kick off. Just a small tin roofed green seated stand I'm sat in on half way, opposite a bit of a roofed standing area behind the dugouts, to my left another small roofed area in one corner behind the goal, to my right, standing room only open to the elements, behind that a five a side floodlit pitch which is busier tonight than it is in here. The Game It's a scrappy start as neither team look entirely comfortable on the ball on a pitch that has a bobble but is in relatively good nick considering the recent bad weather. Oxford are more progressive, intention to get the ball forward to their danger men out wide in attack, in return Biggleswade sit deep and clear their lines in the hope it'll find one of their three front men who all have pace. It's been a battle with not much quality to tell, Josh Parker flicks a foot at one which goes straight to the Waders keeper who then makes a good save from the same player from point blank range to keep the score at nil nil, but danger man Parker has been kept mostly quiet by home team skipper Ryan Doherty who heads everything that comes his way. The visitors play through the impressive Reece Fleet in the centre of the park, but the best player of the half for me is the talented twenty year old Onyeagawa who offers Biggleswade an outlet out left, he glides on a sometimes tricky surface, on the stroke of half time he takes the ball down brilliantly before lashing a shot wide, the end product missing, a story of the half. The Score "Scrappy isn't it" says the Oxford City media guy in a northern accent at the break. But the second half is much better from the visitors, they find an opening when Andre Burley is left free at the back post on 49, he makes no mistake to slot home unopposed. Josh Parker is then sent through racing on goal, Jack Berman in the Biggleswade goal staying on his line, Parker's answer is to run into the box and smash the ball as hard as he can into the roof of the net. An emphatic finish for a former football league player of high quality. That eases the away team tension as one of their technical team in touch with the dugout sitting besides me, finishes off his burger, it's now a canter for the step two team and they finish things off when Josh Ashby chips in a delightful ball to Corrie Andrews who adds a third from close range. The final acts offer some chance for substitution, by now my hand warmers have ran out of life and my feet and fingers are starting to freeze in the 2 degrees. One plus note on the final whistle, the burger van is still open, I manage to order a Cumberland Sausage dog with onions for six quid which I finish off whilst sitting in my car waiting for my windscreen to unfreeze ahead of my journey home. The Stars Oxford came of age in the second half, they saw a lot of the ball in the first half without really penetrating Biggleswade but created chances largely through Josh Parker who's movement was top draw. He's now 34 but is one of the best players in the team. The Hoops midfield was eventually the engine that made the telling difference, Reece Fleet and Josh Ashby too strong, too experienced, too savvy for their opponents, Zac McEachran as always in the number ten role, hovering to make things happen too. I liked Oxford's full backs, Burley and in particular Ezennoum who did well. For Biggleswade they had a lot of technical pacey players of similarity, not strong enough through the spine to compete on a combative level, but I liked Onyeagawa who I think would even improve the Oxford City team, in attack Cyrus Babaie was also a nuisance, he looks to have goals in him with good feet although slightly frail, whilst Ryan Doherty in the first half especially, at centre half, played well. The Verdict Biggleswade are bottom of their league by some distance, and without being rude you can see why, too many technical players, not enough grit, physicality, steel or substance, they need some experience, a nasty centre half, an old head in defence, a midfield enforcer, a big number nine, add that, and they will come good, but without them, they'll be destined to go down as they'll struggle to mix it when and where it matters most. As for Oxford, they'll see this competition as a way to get some funds back into the club. Who knows Wembley is even possible for a side who last season played in the National League. "away games cost us 8 grand a night in hotels" said their media man who stated "we went up three years too early" admitting for part time teams it's a tough test in a predominantly professional division. They certainly won't be going up this season, but being competitive and giving their fans something to look forward to is certainly something, next in round five they'll host Forest Green Rovers who are flying high in the fifth tier, beat them and the quarter finals await. The Teams Biggleswade Town: Jack Berman, Bamsa Marthamasebi, Callum Wilson, Patrick Staszewski (Louis Michel Yamfam 59), Ryan Doherty, Joshua Steele (William Ademiluyi 90), Florian Tsaguim (Sam Tinubu 55), Liam Andrews, Cyrus Babaie, Nagheeb Ibrahim, Obi Onyeagawa (Busomo Namputu 78). Oxford City: Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Andre Burley, Chi Ezennoum, Josh Ashby (Cole Kpekawa 85), Jalen Jones, Lewis Coyle (Jayden Carbon 69), Reece Fleet, Corie Andrews, Zac McEachran (Alfie Potter 86), Josh Parker, Aaron Drewe. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 7th January 2025, Langford Road, Biggleswade (att 120).

Tottenham Hotspur U21 1-5 Ajax U21  (Premier League International Cup Group Stages) You can’t mention Spurs v Ajax without the name of Lucas Moura propping up, the 2019 UEFA Champions League semi-final was all but done and dusted until the Brazilian etched his way into Lillywhite folklore. The Spurs team that featured on the day included just one player who had appearances in their Academy, in Danny Rose who they brought from Leeds United as a youngster, whilst Moura stood in for the most famous of them all in Harry Kane who was injured on the night, the understudy didn’t do too bad in scoring a hat-trick to help turn around a three goal deficit into an away goals win in Amsterdam. Spurs would be beaten by Liverpool in the final of course but Ajax were tipped by many to go all the way that season, after upsetting the odds, to produce some scintillating football under then Manager Erik ten Hag. They had a mixture of young and old with no less than six starters from their academy system, the conveyor belt of talent they produce is up there with the world’s best, and on my last viewing a few weeks back at Wolves, that looks to be continuing with the current crop. This’ll be my last football outing of the year as Christmas approaches, the wife has made plans for me for every day until New Years Day with friends and family and no doubt some odd jobs around the house to do, so I’m already counting the hours until 2025 and my next football fix, I'm hoping the next week or so flies by. Tonight’s game is being played at the Lamex Stadium in Stevenage, I’m out the door at 3pm as it’s a 2 hour drive from my house, a 7pm kick off but as I head down the A1, part of the reason I’m leaving early is because Stevenage has a huge M&S outside the ground, a bit of Xmas shopping for my pre-match which includes some overpriced mince pies, a bottle of champagne and a biscuit tin that lights up. The Venue You can park at Roaring Meg Retail Park for up to 4 hours which I think is very useful on matchdays, not only does the place have a huge M&S but a Nando’s and a Burger King for a pre-match bite before walking through the daunting looking, but not really that bad underpass below the A602. The ground lit up on the side of a dual carriageway (called Broadhall Way) is basic from the outside, not much to look at, but inside you get the feel of a proper lower league football home, modern and British, sleek, red and white seated, grey roofed. It had a bit of work following promotion to the football league in 2010 and now feels more than adequate to host clubs of the magnitude of Spurs and Ajax and their stars of tomorrow. As I sit back at the top row of the Main Stand with my paper cup of tea and Twix you get a good view of the East Terrace opposite, the two ends behind each goal almost identical, tonight there's just a few hundred here but the capacity can hold over 7,000. The Game It's my first viewing of Spurs who have had a few of their young players including Alfie Dorrington and Will Lankshear feature for their first team this week, so they aren't at full strength which has been noted, as Ajax look every bit as strong as they did when I watched them play at Molineux. The Dutch side play out from the back, inviting the press, cutting through the Spurs front line to get their own attackers one on one with defenders, off the ball they press bloody hard themselves and it's a fast start, the young Spurs team have to be on their toes as they themselves play quickly in getting back to front, but they soon struggle to keep up with the pace. On 13 Jaydon Balen who is a player I like, tricks and teases whilst getting to the edge of the area, he shoots low and gives Ajax the lead with a belter. Balen is the talisman as every time he gets the ball he poses problems, the front man has had a couple of pot shots before Rayane Bounida dances into the box to add a second, then straight from the kick off, Ajax move the ball with slick defence splitting passes as they carve through Spurs to grab a third, Kalokoh passing to Banel who has an empty net from close range, he cannot miss, a few Spurs fans decide to get up and walk down to the tea bar, there's only 24 minutes played. The Score In fairness to Spurs, they pick themselves up, a few of their lads have been bright, most are very technically gifted, but Jong Ajax are of course a second string side in Dutch football, they play in the Eerste Divisie which is in comparison to the Championship in England (tier two), you feel they are streets ahead of Spurs, tactically each and everyone knows their jobs and they all work in synch perfectly within their fluid 4-3-3. At half time with a three goal lead Frank Peereboom makes a couple of changes and that encourages Spurs to have a bit of a go from the off. Tottenham win a penalty on 49 when Irow is bundled over, the number nine stepping up confidently to smash home the spot kick. But Ajax aren't thwarted, in wind and rain, unplayable conditions really, they play really well and think forward first in all their possession, carving out more chances before a slice of luck, van der Pavert, a centre half finding himself on the right wing, crossing a looper that swirls above the crossbar, Aaron Maguire only managing to glove it into his own net, in fairness to the keeper the ball looked to had gone out of play, but the linesman who didn't have his best night, was miles away, a few fans hurling abuse at him for not being at his fittest. There was still time for a name that both Spurs and Ajax know very much about, to grab more headlines, as van der Vaart grabbed a fifth, a neat and slick move, finished with Jan Faberski dinking one up to the on rushing midfielder who guided his header into the corner, Damian van der Vaart, the son of Rafael who played famously for both clubs, crowning a fantastic night with a goal pic to add to the Christmas family album. The Stars Ajax were strong all over the park, their half English goalkeeper Charlie Setford holding everything that came his way in tricky conditions, his passing is brilliant and he's very calm under pressure, seems to make good decisions too. In defence, the fast and small Gerald Alders got forward from right back, left back Jorthy Mokio impressed me defensively, he reads things well and is of good size although may lack a bit of quality in the final third, the cultured van de Pavert is effortless at centre half whilst next to him, the huge Dies Janse can certainly ping a ball very hard and very straight. The midfield of Ajax was probably key to a lot of their success on the night and in Sean Steur they have someone combative and clever enough to tick things along neatly or nastily depending on occurence, Belgian born number ten Rayane Bounida has lovely feet and a danger in and around the box, out wide their number seven Jan Faberski grew in the game, small in size he's technical and talented, whilst Jaydon Banel reminds me slightly of Victor Osimhen, a true predator in attack, but he has much more to his game than just goals. For Spurs, they came up against a super strong outfit but had many impress despite their heavy loss, Maeson King never gave up at centre half next to the socks rolled down defender William Andiyapan who also looked like he could play a bit, in midfield their number six and captain Max Robson had moments, driving forward he's big and powerful, number eight Tyrese Hall was very technical and talented, Leo Black their number ten creative too, whilst out wide they had more fast feet on the right with Miracle Adewole and on the left in Tynan Thompson who did at least cut in and get an effort off, I was particularly impressed with Jamel Beggs however, who came on with the game a lost cause, he ran his socks off and shown tigerish talent in the middle of the park. One to watch at just seventeen years old. The Verdict Tottenham stay bottom of their Premier League International Cup group without a point from three games played, Ajax have played all their four matches now but miss out on qualification themselves, so neither team will win it this year, but for both clubs, the experience rather than the winning is essential in growing their own ability further, and that's what matters most, next year will be mostly a new crop from both teams as some will leave for better or worse, but one thing is for sure, the talent will continue to be top notch. Happy Christmas everyone. Here's to an even bigger and better 2025. The Teams Tottenham Hotspur: Aaron Maguire, Tyrell Ashcroft (Reiss Elliott-Parris 84), Maxwell McKnight, Maeson King, William Andiyapan (Harry Byrne 76), Max Robson, Miracle Adewole (Oyindamola Ajayi 63), Tyrese Hall, Oliver Irow (Jaden Williams 63), Leo Black (Jamel Beggs 64), Tynan Thompson (Yusuf Akhamrich 63). Ajax: Charlie Setford, Gerald Alders, Ryan van de Pavert, Dies Janse (Mylo van der Lans 80), Jorthy Mokio (Lucas Jetten 46), Mark Verkuijl (Janeiro Johnson 64), Jan Faberski, Sean Steur (Lasse Abilgaard 79), Jaydon Banel, Rayane Bounida (Damian van der Vaart 69), David Kalokoh (Luca Messori 46). 7:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 18th December 2024, Broadhall Way, Stevenage (att 362).

Gainsborough Trinity 2-1 Hyde United (Northern Premier League) It was Christmas jumper day at Southwell Races on Saturday which I attended with friends. A few quid down and fifteen pints of Guinness later, Sunday was a complete write off as I hardly moved hungover on my sofa, still struggling on Monday, by Tuesday I'm 95% over it and ready to get back to what I know. Not exactly Craig David but you get the gist. I've never previously watched Hyde play live, although I did once wear the kit. Back in the days when they were Man City blue our Sunday league team manager John O'Kane played for them, so for a season or half we got to model as then Conference North stars on the parks pitches of Nottingham.  Formed in 1919 the South East Manchester outfit long played in the Cheshire County League. In 1982 they joined the Northern Premier League and went on to spend ten years in the Conference (reaching the Premier Division in 2012) before a hat trick of relegations saw them drop down to step 7. The club were renamed from Hyde United to Hyde following financial troubles in 2009 when fans from Manchester City donated much needed funds before painting Ewen Field sky blue. As well as dropping the name 'United' the red shirts were also binned whilst their ground often hosted the Citizens Reserves and Academy, but when that deal ended in 2015 the club reverted to old ways midst suffering tougher times back in the red. Since 2018 however, the club have played in this very division. The same year that Gainsborough Trinity dropped down from the National League North, and ever since the two teams have been friendly foes at step 3. For many years previous, they had long been too. Trinity, founded in 1873 as a church team, were actually founder members of the Northern Premier League in 1968, they had a spell in the Conference North from 2005-2018 but have incredibly only really had one other relegation on their CV since finishing bottom of the Football League in 1912. The 2017/18 season saw them fall back into the Northern Premier League where they have held their head high in the top tier for 43 of the last 57 years. The Venue I've left Nottingham at 5pm, it's an hour or so's drive to Gainsborough just over the Lincolnshire border, across the A46 and up through the villages of Collingham and Torksey, I plan to park up at Church Street car park (which is free after 6pm) and grab a KFC. It's a sleepy old town is Gainsborough, quiet, no foot traffic, dark skies, hardly anything on the road, no noise at all, the only thing lit up is the stunning looking Marshalls Yard, a shopping centre with an M&S and Next, which has been beautifully decorated for the upcoming festivities. Fed and oiled I'm walking down North Street, as always I'm the only soul in town, before seeing the lights above the terraced houses and warehouses, of the Northolme, one of the oldest standing football grounds in the country. There's a bit more life around the gates, stewards chat as some folk walk through the doors of the clubhouse, i'm scanned in for a £13 ticket before walking to my seat at the back of the stand next to the press area, where it's elevated and warm high up in the rafters. There's the usual Gainsborough crew of tweeters and commentators, a couple from Hyde, their main radio guy tells me it took 2 and a half hours to get here "I left at four" he said, before stating "I need to go for a walk and stretch my legs". The ground holds over 4,000 and is beautifully old fashioned, blue posts prop up the curve roofed Ping Stand, one blocking your view of each goal, open end terrace to my left where players are smashing the balls in to the houses behind during their warm ups, to my right a roofed standing area and opposite likewise, I love that you can see the roofs of the terraced housing behind. The Game Not even a quarter full tonight it's cold and windy as the two teams come out from different entrances on to the field of play. Hyde in all yellow, Gainsborough seeking in blue, the action underway and I'm impressed with what's on show. The form teams in the division, Gainsborough are unbeaten in three but their only loss in 13 a 1-0 defeat in the FA Cup second round at League Two Harrogate Town, Trinity are also flying in the FA Trophy with York City up next, but have plenty of matches to play to catch up on those above them in the league. Hyde are unbeaten in seven and it's they who start best, a floated cross in by Harry Bunn from the right leaves Trinity keeper Wharton in two minds, he doesn't know whether to come or stay, by the time he's made his mind up he's picking the ball out of the back of the net as Jack Redshaw nips in, he missed Saturday's draw at Guiseley to watch the birth of his newborn, quite the week for him. The Tigers knock it around well, but so do the Holy Blues, you feel these are two competent teams at the level and in the fifteenth minute the game is back level, United suffering similar hesitancy as Javelle Clarke nips in following uncertainty between the Hyde back line. It ebbs and flows does the first half, a few half sniffs and whiffs, Wharton looks nervous in the home team goal, dealing now with wind and rain, but both teams defences are decent, the midfield engines work hard, up front they pose handfuls in different ways. The Score Locked horns at the break I'm expecting explosions in the second half but we don't really get it. Gainsborough the enforcers, have a shot deflected onto the bar as Jackson's effort has Hiddleston sprawling, then a contentious decision, but a right one, as Ewan Bange defending in his own box, leads out an arm whilst attempting to clear a corner, penalty awarded, penalty dispatched, by the lively Declan Howe. That, I thought would kick Hyde into an attacking gear but it never really comes, as Trinity hold firm, there's a scare late on when a home player handles whilst lying on the floor in the area but nothing given, the away team commentators raging "you can't give one but not the other". The Stars Ahead of the match, the Hyde commentator said "It's too cold tonight, just give Declan Howe his hat-trick now and let's f*ck off". Jesting of course, but he felt an expectancy that Gainsborough's star man would have the telling say, and that was the case. Not your typical style non league centre forward, not very big, not particularly quick, but the fully haired front man has a knack of scoring goals, a bit of style and a lot of respect from opposition defences. I discussed 'this is his level' but that is certainly not a bad thing, because at this level he will continue to score a lot of goals. Other impressive efforts from Gainsborough players, Sisa Tuntulwana is one I've previously raved about. I sat with a scout from Grimsby and we both agreed 'he won't be at this level long'. Supposed to be sub tonight but centre half Dylan Cogill was caught in traffic, so starting in his place, Sisa, who's not the tallest, won plenty of headers against a front man far bigger, he reads the game so well, he plays with such confidence, his best position is probably right wing, but can play anywhere, right back, number ten, centre half, he's that good. Ashley Jackson at left back did well for Russ Wilcox's side whilst in midfield Jordan Helliwell and Bobby Johnson provided plenty of energy, as an attacking force Gainsborough have plenty of talent, Fraser Preston, Lewis Butroid, Javelle Clarke, all doing their bit on the night. For Hyde, my first viewing had me really impressed, and on another night, they could easily have taken something back to the North West. Back four is very good, two centre halves Jack Byrne and Joel Amado in particular, in midfield the energy and drive from Callum Spooner I really liked, up front the awkward Ewan Bange is a real handful, buzzing around him, Jack Redshaw in that number ten role is their talisman. The Verdict I felt slightly sorry for Hyde after the match but assured one of their commentators "you have a bloody good team" and his response was 'everyone who plays us tells us that, but we're still bloody sixth'. Hyde have finished sixth, a place outside the playoffs for the last two seasons, and it could easily happen again, but they have plenty of time and talent, to make a promotion rally with just under half their season still to play. Gainsborough have more than half of their season to play. Whilst Hyde have 33 points from 22 played, Trinity with games in hand have only played 16 times in the league this season due largely to their cup exploits. On 26 points they too have the credentials for a late playoff cause, but priorities may lay elsewhere, by the time April comes they'll be likely playing three times a week, and that will probably take its toll. The Teams Gainsborough Trinity: Dylan Wharton, Aaron Simpson (Dylan Cogill 76), Ashley Jackson, Bobby Johnson (Bailey Conway 81), Will Lancaster, Sisa Tuntulwana, Lewis Butroid (Joe Stacey 69), Jordan Helliwell, Javelle Clarke (Curtis Durose 75), Declan Howe, Fraser Preston. Hyde United: Callum Hiddlestone, Drew Baker (Frankie Sinfield 87), Lewis Thompson, Callum Spooner, Jack Byrne, Joel Amado, Callum West (Jordan Scanlon 62), Jay Glover (Matthew Fearnley 62), Ewan Bange, Jack Redshaw, Harry Bunn (Ayo Quadri 87). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 17th December 2024, The Northolme, Gainsborough (att 554).

Middlesbrough U21 3-2 Borussia Monchengladbach U21 (Premier League International Cup Group Stages) The beautiful thing about being a football nerd is that you get to learn from a very young age how to spell awkward team names like Borussia Monchengladbach. Die Fohlen were already one of the best teams in Europe when I was growing up. They had decade long battles with Bayern Munich to take five Bundesliga titles in the 70s, they reached the European Cup final in 1977 and twice won the UEFA Cup in 1975 and 1979. Players like Allan Simonsen, Berti Vogts, Rainer Bonhoff and Jupp Heynckes shining under their two most successful coaches Hennes Weisweiler and Udo Lattek. Since the 70's, like my own club Nottingham Forest, those heights are yet to be re-reached and they have even had a couple of spells in the second tier but the club is now a solid top half outfit in Germany under the stewardship of Gerardo Seoane and tonight I'm looking forward to their youngsters taking on Middlesbrough in the Premier League International Cup. Boro have seemingly always had good youngsters come through their system. I'm thinking back to the 80's and David Armstrong, Tony Mowbray and Colin Cooper. A little later Stuart Ripley, Stewart Downing, Adam Johnson, showing a tradition of good wide players, Lee Cattermole, David Wheater and more recently the likes of Marcus Tavernier and Djed Spence have also come through the system. Last night their first team won 4-1 at QPR in the Championship and they're doing ok under Michael Carrick but tonight it's the turn of the kids and I'm out the door for mid afternoon, up the A1 and heading north towards Teesside to see what Mark Tinkler's team has to offer. The Venue I've taken the A19 past Thirsk and onto the A66 ring road, it's all carriageway to the Riverside Stadium as I pass first the impressive Tees Newport Bridge all lit up in the dark, before being equally wowed by the nearby Transporter Bridge which is also glowing, purple neath the black sky. With time to spare I pull into a retail park beside the ground for a quick KFC, before driving over to the stadium where for £2 you can park directly outside, tickets are just £3 as I'm directed towards the ticket office where I pay with some change I have left from parking. From the outside the venue glows golden  but dimly lit, inside I'm grabbing a quick cuppa which is a whopping £3 and poured without care so I give it a good stir myself before entering the field of play, red seated, square bowl shaped and grey roofed, panoramic from my pitch up near the corner spot, green grass, the players out warming up as I air a field of 90's nostalgia, Ravenelli, Juninho, Emerson and all. The Game Three sides are empty, there's a thousand or two in this stand and the atmosphere is calm, It's a good tempo for a game of this type as Monchengladbach do the early pressing. The away side in all green are rewarded when a mistake is latched onto by the impressive playmaker Shio Fukuda, he sends Charles Herrmann through on goal and the wide striker runs in and slots home under hardly any pressure. The Germans deserve their lead and are the better side in a first half where they show technical superiority, but Middlesbrough have some guts and graft, Charlie Lennon looks to be another typical production line winger out on the left, he's jinking into the box and causing trouble, out right George Gitau and Hazeem Bakre combine well, Boro win a series of corners but really trouble the Borussia back-line, before another error leads to their opponents scoring a second. A loose pass by Harley Hunt latched onto by Winsley Boteli, the striker had only just came on for the injured Kilian Sauck but was alert to home in and finish in style, before dancing in style in the corner in front of me. The Score You feel there's no way back for Boro at the break, a class above Monchengladbach look better on the ball, Fukuda is neat from an inverted wide position, captain Veit Stange in midfield makes things tick with an array of passing, but I've been to these games before, whilst the foreign teams usually have all the technique and ability, the English sides tend to have that character, that strength and power to come good late on, that mentality to never give up, it's a good quality that is ingrained in British DNA and it's one, that get a goal, then things could change. And that's exactly what happens, Monchengladbach hardly come out in the second half, they run the clock down and keep the ball without intention, whilst Boro win more corners, eventually, at minute eighty, Luke Woolston knocks a good one in, he's a lovely long pass on him, this time his pinpoint drilled cross into the box is headed in by Ajay Matthews and it's game on. Suddenly there's belief in the crowd, a last ten minutes of battering the door down, lively sub Daniel Nkrumah tries his luck from range, just over, centre midfielder Jack Stott does the same, he's hit a belter, twenty plus yards out into the left corner of the goalkeepers net, a stunner, game on, only one winner from here I'm sure. That winner comes within a minute of the board going up for stoppage time, some relentless pressure ends with Ajay Matthews blazing home from a tight angle, enter scenes of celebration that no matter the competition, has you believe the feeling of scoring a goal is the best on earth. The Stars That winning goal by Matthews, two from him in the game, capping off a lively performance from the front man, but standing out for me was their number four Luke Woolston who from centre half and deep central midfield he sprayed a lovely long pass at ease. At right full back I liked George Gitau who was full of energy and although Charlie Lennon was taken off he shown promise in the first half of being that classic old fashioned winger who your father would just love to watch. Special mention to goalkeeper Tom Glover who was most competent, especially good with his sweeping and kicking, whilst for Borussia Monchengladbach I liked their Japanese playmaker Shio Fukuda who switched sides and intelligently linked up with his front men, in front of him Charles Herrmann looked lively whilst their captain Veit Stange took sensible positions in collecting the ball to start off attacks from deep, he's tall and leggy and has the attributes of a top CDM. The Verdict Never give up, is the takeaway from the match, it feels I've seen it before, talented technical foreigners for long part dominating, before physical, hard working Brits power in with muscle and heart to take over, a bit like how Donald Trump has taken over in American politics I suspect? Maybe his roots back to Scotland giving him that feisty edge you need to win? The Teams Middlesbrough: Tom Glover, George Gitau, George McCormick, Luke Woolston, Harley Hunt, Jack Stott, Sonny Finch, Finlay Cartwright, Ajay Matthews, Hazeem Bakre (Nathan Simpson 78), Charlie Lennon (Daniel Nkrumah 57). Borussia Monchengladbach: Maximilian Neutgens, Elias Vali Fard, Jonathan Foss (Jamil Najjar 46), Yannick Dasbach (Joshua Uwakhonye 22), Kilian Sauck (Winsley Boteli 35), Shio Fukuda, Niklas Swider, Dillon Berko (Len Worsdorfer 59), Veit Stange, Grant Ranos (Fritz Fleck 46), Charles Herrmann. 7:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 6th November 2024, Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough (att 1,600).

Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 0-1 Valencia U21 (Premier League International Cup Group Stages) It's been a busy week in the world of Wolves since watching their youngsters play at Molineux last Wednesday. After a 4-0 thumping at Everton on the same night as Ajax beat the under 21's 3-0, the first team were beaten at West Ham on Monday in a match that was dubbed 'El Sackico'. Gary O'Neill however, has been since given a 'vote of confidence' to continue in charge against Ipswich this weekend. Fail to win that and I see no way that he can continue at the helm as Wanderers Head Coach. Better news on Monday, Wolves U18s came through a tough tie at AFC Wimbledon to progress in the FA Youth Cup, whilst the 21's are back in action tonight, in the town of Kidderminster, as they prepare to take on the kids of Valencia. Valencia Mestalla are the reserve team to the six time La Liga champions. Los Che as they are nicknamed are known for being one of Spanish footballs greatest brands, and with that, the club have churned out some of Spanish footballs greatest players, including a conveyor belt of homegrown stars through their impressive Academy system. In recent times, that includes Raul Albiol, David Albelda, David Silva, Nolito, Isco, Ferran Torres, Juan Bernat, Carlos Soler, Paco Alcacar, Jose Gaya, Christian Mosquera and many more. Whilst players like Gaizka Mendieta, Miguel Angulo and Jordi Alba, have all cut their teeth in the B team, which plays in the lower echelons of the Spanish league system when it isn't touring middle England to play in the Premier League International Cup. Kidderminster is the other side of Birmingham, a pain in the arse to get to at rush hour, so I'm out the door for 4pm and across the M42, before hopping on to the M5 north for a junction and bouncing west down some country roads towards Aggborough Stadium, on top of the Hoo Road in a largely residential area, pulling into the clubs car park an hour ahead of kick off. The Venue There's not many here tonight, so parking spaces are plenty, the skies dark are lit up slightly by the stadium floodlights, it's freezing so I've charged the hand warmers and put on the thickest coat I've got. Out the car, I walk through the main gates of Aggborough where I notice the lights on of the club shop, a steward pointing me through to the turnstile straight ahead where a pretty young girl scans me in on her iPad. The stadium is brilliant, four evenly heightened stands, two parallel with the pitch, all seated, two at each ends, for standing, red coloured everywhere, the stand opposite has the word 'Harriers' in white etched into its seating. With a capacity over 6,000 it is more than adequate to host football league matches, a single burger bar in the corner is sizzling onions tonight, but the Mrs has promised me some left over dinner when I get in so I'll go without, I'm standing in the queue for a cuppa but can't be arsed to wait, it's bloody cold, Aggborough is high up on a hill, the chill runs through the ground on nights like this, so I take a pew at the back of the Main stand as I watch the warm ups ahead of the match. The Game The two teams walk out after a bit of Jim Diamond on the PA, Valencia magnificent in white, crisp, as Wolves are in yellow and black, they'll tell you it's gold. It's a patient start, expected with these La Liga wannabes, Valencia are un-complicated, 4-3-3 they knock it about slowly with their two centre halves and goalkeeper seeing plenty of the early ball. Wolves are relatively the same shape, their full backs tucked in to defend first and foremost, they rarely attack but sometimes escape down the left where Ethan Sutherland looks leggy and useful. James Collins side are well drilled, but Valencia have that technical edge, in number eight Martin Tejon in the middle of the park, they have a playmaker, in the slight shape of David Silva, he's a delight, nice, neat touches, he breezes away from players and has an attentive passing ability, on occasion making you gasp aloud with his subtle little nuances. Tejon actually misses the first half's best chance after Gurendal is brought down inside the box for a penalty, the left sider is a nuisance all night, a direct and persistent threat of good stature out wide, after he is felled inside the area following one of multiple mazy runs at the opposition full back, Tejon hits hard and low but the Wolves goalkeeper Gracey guesses right. The Score At half time there's a couple of substitutes but it feels intent is the same again as Valencia have most of the ball without really penetrating the Wolves defence too much. Martialled well by centre backs Bastien Meupiyou and Alfie Pond the game is evenly poised, but late on it opens up after more subs are made, suddenly becoming end to end for a good ten minutes as one side attacks and the other counters, Valencia rattle a post from a corner before late on big sub striker Aimar Blazquez nets the winner, he slots home on 81 after good work by the electric David Otorbi out right. Otorbi has been dribbling at pace all night, he went quiet for half an hour in the second half but re-appeared for the final run in with plenty of smoke left in his boots, he hits a post as Valencia go closest for the games second goal before Blazquez when sent through forces a good save from Gracey, he should really have scored, it ends 1-0 to Valencia who's coaching staff seem extremely happy, they have won all three of their matches against English opposition this season (including Spurs 3-1 & Forest 1-0) and with a match spare (v Reading next month) have already qualified for the competitions Quarter Finals. The Stars I had a good look at Wolves after being disappointed in their performance v Ajax, and on second viewing I at least felt more impressed with some of the players on show, at centre back I really liked Bastien Meupiyou last week, and this week I like him just as much, a defender who reads things but has strength and pace, and a touch of class on the ball, his side kick Alfie Pond who was captain reminding me of a young Joe Worrall, not as eloquent as Meupiyou to his left but a good tall defender who puts his body on the line, if he's anything like Burnley defender Worrall he'll have a decent career without setting the world alight, and there's no shame in that. My jury's out about Wolves full backs, whilst Temple Ojinnaka has the tools of an Aaron Wan-Bissaka style defender at right back, he's strong as an ox and technically not bad, I wonder if his laid back persona might hinder his progression? In midfield I did like the small tigerish number 8 Luke Crundle, he worked well with Fin Ashworth and Matty Whittingham in a hard working trio, whilst I was left again expecting more from their attackers, Leon Chiwome was relatively quiet and replaced at half time, Ethan Sutherland out left had moments, Leo Lopes on the right, not enough moments, but the tall Fletcher Holman who came on at the break looks to be an awkward handful up top. Valencia have an array of talent and some soon to be stars to keep an eye on. I liked right back Ismael Santana who was tiny but gritty and keen to get forward, captain Alex Serradell accomplished at centre half, he only played 45 minutes but gave me John Stones vibes, Carlos Alos next to him steady, whilst in midfield, number 6 Ali Fadal was everywhere, breaking down the opponents play, snapping at heels, he certainly looks like one with a big future at CDM. As does Martin Tejon in a more attacking midfield role, not the games best player, but the best player on the pitch from what I saw, he looks to be a level up from those around him and is one that certainly fits the traditional 'tiki-taka' stereotype of superb Spanish midfield baller. The actual games best player was a toss up between electric right sider David Otorbi or Valencia's classic left winger Alexander Gurendal, both exciting forward players to watch, both love running at full backs, whilst the big target man Aimar Blazquez who came on to score the winner, he's only 18, and certainly offers a varied physical threat, remember John Carew? Blazquez has good feet for a big man, ah that old saying, you say. The Verdict Wolves need a centre half, and in Bastien Meupiyou they have one ready-made in their Academy, whilst it may be a gigantic leap of faith for Gary O'Neill to turn to him during a relegation fight, trusting him may provide answers for now, at least, until they can dip into the January transfer window and invest in finding a proper solution to them shipping goals against. Valencia like Wolves, are really struggling in La Liga under Ruben Baraja, their club legend who is also head coach is currently fighting for survival with Los Che in the bottom two, whilst they probably won't look towards youth to save them just yet, they might turn to it should they fall into the Segunda Division? Unthinkable perhaps? Valencia have only had one season outside the top flight since 1931. The Teams Wolverhampton Wanderers: Josh Gracey, Temple Ojinnaka, Ethan Sutherland, Bastien Meupiyou, Alfie Pond, Justin Hubner, Fin Ashworth, Luke Cundle, Leon Chiwome (Fletcher Holman 46), Matty Whittingham, Leo Lopes (Fabian Reynolds 80). Valencia: Vincent Abril, Diego Moreno (Rodrigo Abajas 46), Alex Serradell (Andres Caro 46), Carlos Alos, Ali Fadal, Martin Tejon (Aimar Blazquez 60), Ismael Santana, Jose Luis Perez (Pablo Lopez 68), Alexander Gurendal (Alejandro Cerda 76), David Otorbi, Lucas Nunez. 7:00pm Kick Off. Tuesday 10th December 2024, Aggborough Stadium, Kidderminster (att 300).

Norwich City U21 2-0 PSV Eindhoven U21  (Premier League International Cup Group Stages) In January I watched a young (or jong) PSV thump Leeds United 7-0 and tonight I’ve got a chance to see this seasons side in action at Norwich City, the game being played at Carrow Road which is a place I’ve never previously been to. In fact, I’ve never even been to Norwich. I’ve holidayed in Hunstanton (as recently as last month), day tripped to Cromer, Sheringham and Great Yarmouth, played football at King’s Lynn, but never been to the largest city in Norfolk that is Norwich, so I’m excited to pay the Canaries a visit for the first time. So much so I’m setting off early. I live in the East of England, in Nottingham, Norwich is in the East of England, but I can’t believe how far it is? Three hours drive from where I live? I’m astounded, no wonder I’ve never been there. It’s a 7pm kick off and I need to be there for 6pm so I’m out the door for 2pm allowing for a quick fuel stop at Bingham on the A52 and a bit of traffic which I hit at Grantham. Through Maggie Thatcher’s rat run I pass the home of Harrowby United before re-connecting the A52 towards Boston, A17 for King’s Lynn, finally hitting the A47, skies black, rain coming down it’s mostly single track all the way, the traffic building as I get closer to the city, rush hour here is like rush hour anywhere, I’m finally in town passing the Carrow Bridge as I see the floodlights of the ground, pulling up first, at the Riverside Retail Park where a sign tells me maximum stay is 2 hours. Norwich City have always had a decent academy, three of their players were involved in a recent England U20 international I went to, and former players include household legends like Dion Dublin, Craig Bellamy, Danny Mills, Rob Green, Chris Sutton, all have played international football and all bled through the system at Norwich. From my era, a few that were part of great times for the club included wingers Dale Gordon and Ruel Fox, and of course Jeremy Goss, he who scored that goal in Munich, Norwich in the 80’s and 90’s were regular finishes in the top flight top ten, they finished three times in the top five during seven seasons (87-93) and always had a few of their own made at the clubs heartbeat. More recently, the likes of Carlton Morris, Jacob & Josh Murphy, Angus Gunn, Todd Cantwell and Sao Paulo’s Jamal Lewis were all through the Norwich system. Many more I’ve not mentioned, you wonder why so many of a high level compared to others? Then you realise its 3 hours from civilization, they have the pick of a 100-mile radius and no ‘big clubs’ neighbouring, sniffing around their top young talent? It means not only do they have a great area of catchment, but they also have no competition when it comes to academy football, which allows the best local born players to grow through the system without getting side tracked by moving elsewhere. The Venue I’ve decided to park in the multi-story at the Riverside, which is a five-minute walk from the ground, only £4.50 I’ve exited below onto Wherry Road where there’s bars and restaurants galore, a huge Five Guys looks appetising, but I don’t have the time to remortgage my house to take out the appropriate finance needed for a burger. I’m instead walking through the retail park and crossing the Koblenz Avenue on to Carrow Road, its all new around here, modern riverside apartments backing on to brick laid streets behind the ground. It’s a lovely place, Norwich City always seems to be considered a friendly club, it feels very friendly around these parts. I’m through the turnstiles and the stewards are very friendly, before I’m greeted by a friendly member of the catering staff, I’m offered a chicken and cranberry pie which I accept, to quash down with my cup of PG tips tea, but what I’m given is a chicken, gammon and leak pie, I have no complaints, it’s one of the best I’ve had inside a stadium. I wonder, did Delia make it? Up to my seat the rain is lashing down onto the pitch, storm Darragh is coming I’m told, the players out warming up as I take in the surroundings of Carrow Road’s internals for the first time. I love it. Boxed in, homely, not too big, quaint with yellow and green painted seats, pitch looking perfect, it feels like a proper football arena, how an English football stadium might be considered by the international stereotype, it looks a lush surface to play on, but you get why the club always seem to have a decent home record, it doesn’t feel intimidating, but the way the stadium is set out, you feel the atmosphere can get very intense, my only gripe, in fact, is that to my right there’s an ugly grey Holiday Inn that is built practically into the stadium, a room with a view. The Game PSV are practically a different team from the one I saw in January, they actually won this competition a couple of years ago and they start ok, they look pleasing on the eye and unlike many European teams playing against English academy outfits, they seem to match Norwich physically. 19 Diantaye Gilbert is proving a handful, he has nice touches in a number ten role and is a speedster with a bit of physique, he is the standout player of the first half until Norwich City enforcer Uriah Djedjie puts one on him with a huge sliding tackle which earns the Canaries midfielder a yellow, Gilbert limping off at the same time as team-mate Kuhl trudges off with 37 played. Norwich are reserved with their attacking appetite, a structured 4-5-1 that sometimes looks like a 5-4-1 as Djedjie sits so deep, but when they break they do so at speed, PSV are nearer 4-3-3 or 4-4-1-1 as they look to get down the sides whilst using their full backs to help out their wide men. The Score At half time its honours even, not much has happened but for a couple of blocked attempts, I’m getting it in the neck though as 700 school kids are sitting all around me, shouting, screaming, one has an American football in his hand, another is playing John Madden on his mobile phone, one is walking around looking for his dropped ear pod, they’re climbing over the seats, twitching, hardly sitting still, it’s manic, as I decide to move to a quiet section which has no fans. As I move, I’m followed by a guy sat behind me who says ‘good idea’ and one sat in front, who starts chatting, he’s a Hull fan who lives in Norwich, who comes to these games simply ‘for something to do’. We chat all things Hull as he’s enthused by the recent news of Reading Manager Ruben Selles taking over at the Tigers as the second half now flies by amidst company, Norwich have taken off a player that impressed me in the first half and it’s PSV who look more dangerous, they have a couple of pot shots to no avail before a corner at the other end is swung in on 75, little Ken Adoh who’s been lively all night, he gets up and bicycle kicks from close range, it’s an absolute beauty of a goal from a talented striker who is highly regarded in these parts. That gives the home side a lift, and they grab a second later on when sub Dan Ogwuru slots home from close range, the better team on the night deserving of victory, I’m disappointed by PSV who’s latest efforts aren’t a patch on last seasons. The Stars I really liked Norwich City midfielder Oscar Schwartau who at 6ft1 is a Danish youth international who they signed from Brondby having already played two seasons for the Superliga club. He’s powerful and runs with or without the ball between the lines, he reminds me of Bryan Robson, a midfielder who runs beyond the ball, it’s a joy to behold, modern midfielders don’t seem to do that anymore, and there’s no better site than a big lad getting on his bike and busting a gut to get forward. He only plays 45 minutes but I’ve seen enough, he’s already won me over. Another player I love is Ken Aboh, he scores the goal of the game which is a ridiculous bicycle kick, but before that, his energy and predatory box play reminded me of a combination of Ian Wright, and a young Raheem Sterling, he’s only little but packs a punch, full of quality and is one I’ll be keeping my eye on, he looks a natural goalscorer, a busy little player who defenders I imagine would hate to come up against. One more from Norwich, who caught the eye was Uriah Djedjie, who sat and held deep in midfield, he played things simple and his tackle on Gilbert, leading to PSV’s best player limping off, was probably the defying moment of the game. Just a mention for Lucien Mahove who I’ve seen play at Notts County, Boston United and Long Eaton United, struggling under my eyes at all three clubs, he got a move a few months back to Norwich, somehow, but they obviously seen some quality which he does inevitably have largely through a neat left foot, he did ok and looks a better player at this level than he did playing Southern League Central, which suggests how funny football can be. Kaide Gordon however on loan from Liverpool, he huffed and fluffed, I'm not too optimistic what the future holds for him? For PSV, they were largely disappointing, there was a moment from Tai Abed when he brought the ball down on his outstep where I remembered how good he was the last time I watched him, but he was largely insignificant out right, Dantaye Gilbert was the one who made them tick, but they didn’t tick for very long on a cold, wet and windy winters night in Norfolk. The Verdict Norwich will not only keep churning out good quality home grown youngsters, they’ll probably use a lot in this seasons league campaign too. One fan saying on Twitter when the side was announced ‘that team would do ok in the Championship’ and I bet it would. Whilst the 2024/25 PSV vintage is clearly not as good as it has been in recent years, the Dutch side too have a pathway that acts as a successful conveyor belt of good quality footballer, if one or two go on to make the club millions, which I’m sure one or two will, than how can it all not be regarded as a huge success. The Teams Norwich City: Caleb Ansen, Jonathan Tomkinson, Brad Hills, Jaden Warner, Lucien Mahovo, Uriah Djedje, Oscar Schwartau (Aidan Bridge 46), Adian Manning, Elliot Myles (Brandon Forbes 68), Kaide Gordon (Harmony Okwumo 88), Ken Aboh (Daniel Ogwuru 82). PSV Eindhoven: Roy Steur, Emmanuel van de Blaak, Madi Monamay, Wessel Kuhn (Muhlis Dasagan 37), Tim van den Heuvel, Tygo Land, Dantaye Gilbert (Emir Bars 37), Tai Abed, Jevon Simons (Tijn Smolendaars 81), Jesper Uneken, Ayodele Thomas (Enzo Geerts 59). 7:00pm Kick Off. Thursday 5th December 2024, Carrow Road, Norwich (att 700).

Salisbury 0-2 Worthing  (National League South) It was the FA Cup draw on Monday night, my favourite time of the year is always the third-round draw, watching Dion Dublin pulling out his balls live on the BBC, Mark Hughes doing the same, having a good old rummage around his sack as the beautiful Kelly Somers shouts out random team names at will. Early wows and woos as Arsenal are drawn against Manchester United, cheers in Tamworth as the fifth-tier part-timers draw Tottenham Hotspur at home, and shouts of ‘who are they’ from a certain age bracket, as little old Accrington Stanley are provided with a trip of a lifetime at Anfield. Does football get much better? In simple terms, the excitement of plucking out a few balls and seeing who ‘your team’ gets is the pinnacle of the English game, they’ve tried for many years to degrade the age-old competition, but it still has legs, and with a remarkable draw that pits plenty of David with Goliath, it just whets the appetite for a superb weekend in early Jan. Tonight, I’m in Salisbury, the fixtures computer hasn’t been kind to me on the mileage but it’ll at least offer me the chance to see Worthing play for the first time, I watched some clips of their 3-0 win against Weston Super Mare on Saturday and they impressed me, a front two of Babalola and Faal, two big black guys with strength and power, backed by a tiny little playmaker in Danny Cashman, all three scored, they remind me of the old Wimbledon and how they used to be a force to be reckoned with, Josh Fashanu up top with Carlton Fairweather, in behind Terry Gibson, they even have a wide man in Nick Wheeler who could be compared to heyday Dennis Wise, whilst the bold headed Kane Wills sits in front of the back four tackling not quite like Vinnie Jones in midfield, but the simplicity and solidity of the side has me thinking, why aren’t they higher than they are? Worthing are full time, a place outside the playoffs, they finished third last season and are expected to be challenging for promotion to the National League. Salisbury who I saw earlier in the season are just above the drop zone after promotion in the summer, they picked up a win themselves on Saturday, a 5-0 win over Hemel Hempstead who are in freefall. I don’t know what’s happened to them. But they have lost their last nine league and cup games and are without a win in fifteen. A little bit about Worthing, 22 times Sussex Senior Cup winners, but outside their own county they have only four silverware pieces of note, two Isthmian League Division Two titles (82 & 93), one Division One success in 1983 and in 2021/22 the Premier Division which saw them promoted for the first time to the National League South. Prior to that, the club had played in the Isthmian League since 1977, but a turn of fortunes coincided with a former players pain, George Dowell had a career ending injury that left him paralysed from the waste down and in 2015 he used his compensation money to acquire Worthing Football Club, and turn them into the force they are today. A quite heart-warming story of a man who turned his negative into a huge positive for the whole community. Under Dowell’s ownership, Worthing improved their facilities at Woodside Road, which includes a brand new 3g pitch and upgraded club bar, to immediate promotion from the Isthmian League South, to winning the league above in 2022 and having a third and fourth place finish at step six of the football pyramid during the last two seasons. It’s the first ever meeting of the two clubs, since Salisbury were formed in 2015, but Salisbury City did previously play against the Rebels at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium, last back in 2005, when the whites won 2-1 during an Isthmian League clash. The Venue I’m heading out early afternoon down the M1 and A40 where the sun is blinding my eyes out west. As dusk hits I’m heading past Oxford down the A34 and by the time I’m on the A303 at Andover it’s pitch black, almost missing my turn down the Allington Track as I take the bendy country roads to Old Sarum and the Ray Mac. I’ve parked up on Partridge Way, just before the residents placed road signs stating ‘no football parking’ I’m at the top of the road, out of trouble, as I walk down through the housing estate and into the car park of the stadium, the Berry Stand, green corrugated, dimly lit, the floodlights yet to be turned on full. I’m through main reception and grab a cup of tea and lion bar in the upstairs bar which overlooks the pitch, windows out onto the surface from an elevated position, I’m half fancying watching from up here in the warmth but doubt I’ll be allowed, as I take my brew onto the concourse in the press area, which is high up, cold, on half way, looking directly down onto the pitch where a tractor is trudging up and down the byline. Underneath my feet is a seated stand with dugouts, the tunnel directly below, to the left a terraced area with roof, to the right an open end where the twenty or so away fans are at, segregated tonight they are making a noise ‘shit ground no beer’ they sing, opposite a couple of low roofed seated areas but largely standing, not many in attendance, most in the stand I’m in, or to my left behind the goal. The Game I’m excited to see the deadly duo of Faal and Babalola in attack tonight, but a last minute change to the Worthing team sees Muhammadu Faal drop out due to injury, replaced by young Harrison Smith. That change doesn’t seem to hinder the away sides attack, they immediately start on the front foot and go close in the opening ten minutes when a cross is parried onto the bar before bouncing down and being slashed wide via a deflection by Colbran. The right back gets forward well and he causes problems with an overload down the Salisbury left, the home side don’t seem ‘at it’ as the visitors dictate the play, they win a corner and as the ball is pumped into the box from a partially cleared set play, Franklin sticks his arms up to protect his face and the Referee is given little option to award a penalty after the leather sphere clatters into the defenders hands, the penalty dispatched by Danny Cashman and Worthing are one up. There’s a couple of sniffs from Salisbury but the first half is largely one way traffic, the Worthing midfield first to everything, they keep the ball well and in Danny Cashman and Nick Wheeler have two diminutive players with technical ability, Babalola and Smith proving handfuls up top. The Score Salisbury make a couple of subs at the break but within five minutes they self-implode to what looks like inevitable defeat, Ragguette has a throw in front of us near half way, he drops it short back to Sommerton under pressure, he passes it short to goalkeeper Lincoln under pressure, he blasts it straight to striker Babalola, who sets up Smith for an easy finish. That goal sums up the evening for the home side, who you feel have only themselves to blame, Worthing are good, all over the park good, but they have been gifted two goals. Babalola should round things off when he rounds the keeper but shoots wide, he has another chance which he smashes into the crowd behind the goal, the bright video scoreboard comically baring the words ‘ouch’ across it, has me smile. Late on Jaden Perez curls a Salisbury free kick onto the top of the crossbar, but it’s the closest they would come, a long second best against a very good team, I expect Worthing to be pushing for the title, now three points below leaders Truro all be it in fifth place in a really tight division. The Stars You can name a number of Worthing players who impress, a diamond style formation there full backs were top notch, Sam Beard at left back, shaven headed and defensively solid, Joel Colbran at right back, eager to get forward with good delivery, in midfield the bald headed Kane Wills was tremendous, keeping it simple from deep, always lending a hand to muck in, whilst Wheeler shown delightful touches on the left, number eight Spong was also delicate on the right, Cashman has all the ability in the world as a number ten, he beat himself up on a couple of occasions after giving the ball away, you can see he needs an arm around his shoulder, he needs to feel loved, but he’s a proper player when it comes to unlocking doors in the final third, a real talent who makes things happen. Not that you'll get much defending from him. In attack, Temi Babalola is a real handful, physical, good feet, will not just get you a goal, but can create too, you think Manager Chris Agutter has it quite easy, working with good players making his job quite simple, ‘just go out and play’. For Salisbury, large disappointment, not many on the night showing much quality on or off the ball? I liked the commitment of George Franklin at right back, Ronan Silva didn’t do bad in midfield, but for any stand out performances, I’ll be clutching to say I was as much as impressed. The Verdict The National League South is anybody’s right now and it will take a team going on a run of nine or ten wins to take it on themselves, to take it away from everybody else. Can Worthing do that? I certainly think so? I’ll be shocked if I don’t see them at least in the playoffs come May. Salisbury are hovering above the drop zone but they’ll have easier games than Worthing to play, still five points their cushion, they should have enough, and after promotion last term, survival at the earliest opportunity, should be their aim. The Teams Salisbury: Dan Lincoln, George Franklin (Tom Leggett 60), Jordan Ragguette, Josh Sommerton, Callum Watts, Craig Fasanmade, Noah Coppin, Ronan Silva, Ryan Penny (Jaden Perez 46), Canice Carroll (Luke Wilkinson 86), Cameron Coxe (Owen Dore 46). Worthing: Chris Haigh, Joel Colbran, Sam Packham, Alfie Young, Sam Beard, Kane Wills, Jack Spong, Nick Wheeler (Jack Bates 90), Danny Cashman, Temi Babalola (Ollie Starkey 86), Harrison Smith (Glen Rea 70). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 3rd December 2024, Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Salisbury (att 565).

Aston Villa 0-0 Juventus  (UEFA Champions League Group Stages) When you do a job like mine you can’t help setting yourself statistical goals like… Doing the 92, or reaching a milestone of clubs and grounds to watch whether it be 100, 500, 1000, but one of my nerdy statistical bucket lists is to watch ‘all’ the previous Champions League winners live (I’m only a few clubs off from completing the full set of 22) and one of the teams I get to tick off tonight is Juventus, who I’ve never previously had the luxury of watching in the flesh. Juventus to me bleeds black and white, 90’s nostalgia thanks to the great old days of Channel 4 and mam & dad not having the funds to cough up £18 a month for Sky Sports. Memories of the beautiful Stadio delle Alpi and Baggio, of course, Vialli, Del Piero, di Livio, Ravanelli, Thuram, Zidane, Buffon, Conte, Cannavaro, Chiellini much later, the names of the superstar footballers that have represented the lady are those that will live in the memory through generations, Juventus is a superpower of football and one of Italian soccer’s greatest brands. Along with their 36 league titles, Juventus have won the UEFA Champions League twice, one slightly before my memory, in 1986 against Liverpool, on a tragic night that led to the death of 39 supporters at the Heysel Stadium, and one I do remember well, on a night in Rome when they beat a very good Ajax outfit on penalties in 1996. Aston Villa have also won the Champions League, anyone with a claret brummie accent will remind you of Peter Withe’s goal against Bayern Munich in 1982, but I’ve seen plenty of Villa in the past, the last time was against Ajax last season, when they destroyed another former European champion, who were sadly that night, far from a blast of their self past. It’s an hour’s drive to Birmingham but I’m allowing for traffic and parking as I head down the M42, up the M6 I’m stuck in a queue at spaghetti junction, dark skies lit up by the tall city centre buildings of the second city my backdrop. Finally, I’ve parked up, it feels a mile from the ground, on Litchfield Road where luckily it’s free from 7pm, the surrounding streets already full and marshalled by folk in yellow hi-vis looking for a quick buck, I’m walking up the Queens Road towards Witton Lane where I take a left past the Holte Pub towards the huge Trinity Road Stand, I’m collecting my ticket from the North Stand tonight before heading around towards a side entrance in the Doug Ellis Stand where there’s a dirty old lift to take me up to the second floor. The Venue Villa Park is beautiful, Prince William’s club of course, it just feels royal, the leafy walk past Aston Park on your left, road closed for foot traffic only adding a serene and calming commute, the huge steps up towards the magnificent Holte End, the gold painted lions and the claret iron gates, once inside the arena I’m up to the top gantry, high up in the rafters of the stand, looking down below at a perfect playing surface an hour before kick off with over 42,000 empty seats under four huge and high roofs. Those seats soon fill as the game nears, I’m joined by a Galatasaray fan as my side-kick who points out to me a Turkish compatriot in Kenan Yildiz doing his warm up, the players head in as there’s a firework and light show controlled by a couple of guys standing next to us, before Villa Park erupts for Hi Ho Silver Lining and the two teams walk out and stand to the roar that follows the Champions League music, a huge tifo is lowered in the Holte End as smoke fills the arena, I’m expecting a classic and another great European night between two heavyweight football clubs. The Game What we get, upon kick off, is two teams not willing to commit. Juventus slow, play back to their goalkeeper, Villa aren’t interested in the press, neither are Juve, when Villa get the ball, Emi Martinez stands on it for thirty seconds on the edge of his box, nothing happens, so he passes it sideways to a centre half, it’s controlled, measured, you get the feeling at this early stage, that both sides would probably take a point tonight. There’s a couple of early bookings for Villa, soft ones too, but chances are few and far between, Juventus look neat on the ball, Cambiasso is lovely at left back, Thuram a fine figure in midfield, out left is Yildiz who glides in possession, but on the right wing is a little tricky Portuguese winger in the tiny shape of Jose Dominguez (if you remember him from Spurs and Birmingham), number 7 on the back, he has more tricks than Ronaldo, quick footed, close control, speedy, sharp, chalk on your boots, almost old fashioned like from the days when wingers entertained, a Portuguese Stanley Matthews, Franciso Conceicao, the son of former Portuguese international full back Sergio Conceicao, is a delight to watch, one ambition only, to beat his man, inside, outside, he has it all, every time he gets the ball he causes Lucas Digne headache. The Score Conceicao aside, Juve are well contained, I struggle to think of any moments in the first half from them aside from a Weah effort on the break smashed over, Villa’s best chance a shot by Watkins well saved before a free kick on the stroke of half time is clipped onto the top of the bar by Digne, it’s a compelling watch, because of the quality on show, but not a lot of goal mouth action. The second half isn’t much better either, but there are big moments and Emi Martinez, the Argentine goalkeeper who was presented with the Golden Glove ahead of the game and applauded by his fans as the world’s best goalkeeper,  he’s called into action and proves his worth with a stunning stop from Conceicao who’s left unmarked from a Koopmeiners corner, Martinez diving right to claw out the ball which is 98% over the goal-line, a magnificent stop which justifies his status as the best. At the other end John McGinn might have thought he would score, shooting low after Leon Bailey’s pull back, but for a combination of goalkeeper and defender blocking his effort, and as the game slowed into three minutes of injury time, with both teams seemingly set to share the spoils, a last throw of the dice presented to Villa, when a free kick was played into the box, Di Gregorio favourite to claim, dropping the ball at Morgan Rogers feet, Rogers prodding home to spark wild scenes of celebration, but the Referee had blown for an infringement, despite it not being initially clear as the Juve goalkeeper received attention, a free kick awarded after a tense video assistant review backed the officials judgement, boos would then surround the stadium upon the final whistle, the scoreboard controller having to reset after hastily inputting 1-0. The Stars Aston Villa will thank their goalkeeper Emi Martinez for the save of the game, Martinez is world class no question, the world’s best? He’s certainly in the debate. Elsewhere they were defensively solid with Pau Torres and Diego Carlos very good, in midfield organised with McGinn and Tielemens ticking, my first look at Boubacar Kamara and the afro haired Frenchman did well in the centre of the park too, in fact they all played well, even the subs that came on, without really penetrating the Juve defence. Leon Bailey perhaps their main threat on the night out right, although he was well marshalled by Cambiasso who shown elegance as an inverted style left back. Another reason for Juve’s solid defensive structure was the fabulously named Federico Gatti. An old classic Italian defender with an old classic Italian name, what’s not to love? Tall, solid, organising, he just loves to defend and nearly 80 games into his Juve career I’ll back him to be one day up there with other great defenders of Juventus past. In midfield, Kephran Thuram looked very good as an all-round solid, stable and technical footballer, he’s certainly doing the family name proud. Manuel Locatelli has been one of my long favourites, from watching him as a wonderkid at Milan to rescuing his career at Sassuolo. I love how he’s grafted his way back up to elite levels and even captaining his side tonight, his range of passing a delight and calmness on the ball assuring. Star of the night however was their splendid right winger Conceicao who certainly has a big future ahead of him, as does Yildiz on the left who often glided in field like he was on roller blades. The Verdict Not a night to remember, if you like your goalmouth action, but both Villa and Juve fans would be pleased that it was a point towards target, whilst I was pleased to chalk off another great club side to my collection of previous Champions League winners. On leaving Villa Park I had to exit via the away stairs, hustle and bustle all in Italian lingo, a super following who largely out sung the home end with their vocal chants of Juve, Juve, they are a proper football team, with proper football fans, both clubs in fairness, a credit to the game, I never do mind a nil-nil, and when Italian teams are in town, they’ll always put on a good defensive show. The Teams Aston Villa: Emi Martinez, Matt Cash, Diego Carlos, John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, Ollie Watkins (Jhon Duran 78), Lucas Digne, Pau Torres, Morgan Rogers, Leon Bailey (Jaden Philogene 86), Boubacar Kamara (Ross Barkley 78). Juventus: Michele Di Gregorio, Federico Gatti, Manuel Locatelli, Francisco Conceicao, Teun Koopmeiners, Kenan Yildiz (Samuel Mbangula 82), Pierre Kalulu, Kephran Thuram (Nicolo Fagioli 86), Timothy Weah, Andrea Cambiasso, Nicolo Savona (Danilo 66). 8:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 27th November 2024, Villa Park, Birmingham (att 42,589).

Chesham United 2-1 Hampton & Richmond Borough (National League South) It was my birthday on Sunday, so we spent the weekend in Norfolk with the in-laws and the dog, not much football intake other than getting knocked out of ‘last man standing’ following Newcastle United’s home loss to West Ham on Monday night. Tonight I’m back at it though, I’ve been asked to travel to Chesham, a club I seen for the first time only this season when at Salisbury, a team that since my watching, reached the FA Cup first round where they hosted Lincoln City beneath the Monday night TV cameras, under James Duncan and Michael Murray they sit mid-table in the National League South, and host a Hampton & Richmond side also comfortable in the middle of the pack. Founded in 1921 as Hampton FC, the Beavers changed their name in 1999 and were an Isthmian League mainstay for many years from 1973 onwards, after winning the Premier Division in 2007, a spell in the Conference South lasted five years before another four back in the Isthmian League, since 2016 however, Hampton & Richmond Borough have competed in the National League South with their goalkeeper Alan Julian for the last four years, a large part of that spell, ahead of taking the managerial reigns upon retiring his gloves at the end of last season. I’ve never been to Chesham, a quirky little market town on the edge of the Chilterns in Buckinghamshire, so I’ve left early with plenty of room for Tuesday night traffic stoppages, down the M1, off at Hemel Hempstead, over their iconic, but confusing Plough Roundabout, and across the A41, apparently near ITV’s Dancing On Ice Studios, entering the town down the Nashleigh Hill before cruising down Broad Street and eventually pulling up on Amy Lane where I park up. The Venue It’s dark and leafy, on the edge of town the entrance to the ground situated on a roundabout, up a narrow track, there’s a cricket club behind a wall on my right, an uninspiring looking gym on my left, as the concrete panelled fences appear of the Meadow, a rustic, dated, but simply beautiful home of Chesham United. I’m asked by a steward to walk around to the far turnstiles where my name should be on a list, which I oblige, but on entrance the guy in the turnstile doesn’t have a list, so lets me in anyway. Inside it sets me back, concrete, open, bowl-like you enter elevated in the corner of the ground and get a panoramic of the slightly cut up November playing surface, to my right is terracing with a small seated stand behind on half way, brick wall in front, propped up by posts, behind the goal a small covering lined by an eight foot slab wall which is missing the odd panel, to my left, behind the goal a burger truck, elevated, I walk down behind the goal the terraced rows of concrete are wide five or six levels high, around to the toilets and tea bar next to a covered standing area with the back drop of tall trees. I’m instantly in love, it’s not perfect, its neglected but brutally beautiful, to think it hosted football league opposition and the TV cameras here just a few weeks ago, they must have washed their hands on the way out? The Game By now I’m sat in the small, seated stand which is set back and high up with an excellent view, the players come out from the clubhouse behind it, walking down the steps to the pitch at the bottom, and the action is underway, Chesham in claret & blue, Hampton & Richmond changed white shirts with blue shorts and socks. The away side look decent, they do the pressing, they knock it around well, comfortable on the ball back to front, number 4 Mike Atkinson makes them tick, left back Kristian Campbell always keen to get forward, in Mauro Vilhete they have an experienced but diminutive playmaker who is hard to pick up, they have some sniffs but Ben Goode is too good, he makes a couple of big saves before the home side take the lead. A long throw in, not that long, but the first real opportunity to chuck a ball into the box is provided to Jack Cawley on 32, he wipes the ball with a towel on the side of the pitch and chucks it towards the front post, it bobbles around a bit before Bradley Clayton smashes home low. It’s been a game of good quality, good football from both sides, when all it needed was the old-fashioned ugly long set piece. The Score It’s not been a nasty game, but T’Sharne Gallimore is booked for a foul on half way, a soft one, but perhaps the Referee is nipping it in the bud early by getting the card out to state his intention? At half time you feel the visitors were the better side, but Chesham had their moments, as two old boys behind me discuss their love for Liverpool, in accents that you wouldn’t associate with scouse, there's a pipe smelling aroma in the background, the weather cold, but not yet crisp, enough for hand warmer settings to be set to number one, a couple of levels below maximum. Hampton & Richmond Borough are out early, doing warm ups on the pitch, you feel they’ll come out guns blazing second half, and have the lions share early doors, before Gallimore slips on the ball, he sticks out a leg and fouls his man, free kick yes, but yellow card no, Mr Referee however has already got his number, ‘that’s your second’ he thinks as he licks his lips, before sending the player off for two of the softest tackles you’ll ever see in a game of football. I’m seething, I’m neutral, but that is an awful decision by the Referee, the game has had probably two fouls in it, Gallimore walks up into the changing rooms behind me, and no sooner does he sit down and whip his shirt off for an early shower, will he hear a cheer from the away fans through the other side of those brick walls, a penalty conceded and James Roberts levelling up. That goal on 52 looks to be a defining moment, Chesham have ten men and Hampton & Richmond are all square, they'll go on from here and win comfortably won't they? But for all their pretty play, they lack goals, which for the two fellas behind me “is why they’re mid table” one says. Chesham make subs and with those changes things happen, they get men behind the ball and attack on the break, Mitchell Weiss does well to chase down a lost cause, he holds up the ball on the left channel and crosses low to Nathan Minhas, lively, he’s just came on, a twist and a turn he shoots low inside the area, into the net, a second for the hosts who have the lead, you can’t help feeling sided towards the ten men, who will now hang on for their dear life with fifteen to play. The last moments are the away side passing the ball side to side, probing for opportunity in the opposition's third, not really finding answers against a well drilled ten, not even seven minutes of injury time can deter Chesham from defending it out, when the whistle blows it’s relief, but they have deserved their win with an impressive second half performance. The Stars The home side rode their luck on occasion in the first half when Ben Goode came to the rescue, he’s a good goalkeeper giving assurance to the back four. I quite like young right back Avan Jones, decent size, decent pace, decent on the ball, Jack Connors in midfield was gritty, and Mitchell Weiss led the line well. The away side had much more of the football, left back Kristian Campbell, a journeyman at the level, showing his experience with good quality to defend on the front foot, by attacking, Mike Atkinson was their go too deep in midfield, Alfie Williams a little further forward had moments, Mauro Vilhete also had moments, tricky and teasing, he can beat players but his end product lets him down, whilst the longer the game went on, tubby number nine James Roberts became more influential, dropping deep to get on the ball, he couldn’t however add to his goal from the penalty spot. The Verdict Chesham is a beautiful town, the Meadow is a beautiful old ground, there’s a realism about coming to a game here, the smart old southern locals who like their football, they don’t particularly love their team, but they like their team, they’ll certainly take a win, but it’s not really important in the grander scheme of enjoying life, because it’s more about having that idyllic walk up to the ground, having a beer and a smoke outside the clubhouse, a chat with the old pal who they haven't seen for a week or so. The two sat behind me talked through the whole 97 minutes and more, largely about anything but Chesham United, one of them said to the other one… “Isn’t it your birthday next week”… The reply… “Yeah, next Wednesday”… To the response “I thought so… I’m not getting you owt… I just wanted to know when it was”. The Teams Chesham United: Ben Goode, Alex Lafleur, Jack Cawley, Steve Brown, Brad Clayton (Nathan Minhas 63), T’Sharne Gallimore, Mitchell Weiss (Karl Oliyide 90), Jack Connors, Joe Grant (Callum Adebiyi 56), Samson Esan (Ashley Lodge 55), Avan Jones. Hampton & Richmond Borough: Ted Curd, Kristian Campbell (Renedi Masumpu 84), Mike Atkinson, Josh Keeya (Jonathon Page 66), James Roberts, Jake Gray (Ibrahim Jalloh 78), Jack Taylor, Archy Taylor, Mauro Vilhete, Dominic Revan, Alfie Williams (Alex Wall 84). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 26th November 2024, the Meadow, Chesham (att 558).

Oxford City 1-2 Alfreton Town  (National League North) I’ve woken up to snow. And a good few inches at that, but by lunchtime the thaw sets in despite one or two clubs locally calling off their fixtures tonight, a quick look on the social channels and it’s game on in Oxford, who haven’t quite had it as bad as we did in the East Midlands overnight. For Alfreton Town this is their first ever match with Oxford City, I’m told they have never even won in the county of Oxfordshire having previously drew a couple of times with Banbury, I’m surprised the two teams have never previously met having kicked around in the same echelons for some years, from 2012 when Alfreton were in the Conference Premier, Oxford were in the north, following Alfreton’s relegation in 2015, Oxford moved south, ever since Alfreton have stayed North and it wasn’t until City’s promotion to the National League, and relegation last season, have they found themselves as the unfortunate southern club to have to endure those northern nights again. After a rocky start, Oxford have hit some form of late under their returning manager Ross Jenkins who started the season at Boreham Wood, they are unbeaten in five with just one defeat in eight, hovering over the drop zone and aiming to survive back-to-back relegations, whilst Alfreton have won their last two in league and cup, always a playoff candidate with their ‘direct’ long ball football which has you reminiscing of 80’s Wimbledon & Watford. Snow scraped off my windscreen, I’m out the door for 3:30pm, down the M1 and across the A43, a stop off at Cherwell Valley services before a quick KFC and back on the road, arriving at the ground in Marston around 6:30pm where there’s already a queue to get in the car park. The Venue Next to Oxsrad Sports Centre which has a number of five-a-side pitches, it’s busy full of kitted up kids and parents as I head up the track towards the MGroup Stadium (better known as Court Place Farm). The reception immediately in front glows under the dark black sky, I’m through the door asking for press access, they give me a lanyard with ‘visitor’ on it and tell me to walk to the left, and out the door besides the changing rooms entrance. Following instructions, I enter the venue in the corner of the ground, the flat wide 3g pitch has a bit of snow surrounding the sides, shovelled over to the low fences that border the pitch, a lovely looking home with low propped up blue painted roofed stands, a huge scoreboard in one corner, I walk to my seat in the press area where Liam from Alfreton is already here, the clubs media man chatting away. The press box half way housed in a small seated stand of about five rows high, the view is ok, but for a couple of pillars, the low roof above giving much needed protection on a cold night like this, I’ve got two hand warmers on the go and a huge coat and woolly hat on, as the music pumps out the speakers at ear drum breaking decibels, there’s only two people in the stadium, but neither one of us can hear each other think. The Game As kick off approaches the ground does fill up, it seems that everybody has been in the supporter’s bar where it’s warm, from nowhere 400 fans appear and finally a little atmosphere as the two teams get under way. Oxford start well, they are up for the fight and neat on the ball, Alfreton their usual, head it, kick it, scrap and battle, it’s not very pretty, it never is, but one thing for sure when you play against a Billy Heath team, you know you’re in for some graft. I’m impressed with Oxford and already take a shine to their much travelled football league level striker Josh Parker who looks a cut above, he’s already shown a couple of neat touches before out of nothing, Adam Lund falls over on the ball, Parker nips in, takes it around the goalkeeper and puts the home team one up, if there’s anyone you didn’t want to give the ball to, it’s him. That mistake aside it’s not exactly action packed, but there’s plenty of action in a first half of ding-dong front and back battles, Alfreton smashing the life out of the ball, Oxford looking to break in numbers, there’s been a couple of bookings but chances few and far between, even Alfreton’s ‘famous’ long throw-ins have been mixed up to go short, it’s not one for the feint-hearted as I slowly watch the clock on the big screen tick hurriedly I hope, towards 45. The Score Liam isn’t happy with me, “I mean this in jest” he says, “but can you stop coming to watch us play? Because every time you come, we play shit”. I reply “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you score a goal”.  But he tells me Alfreton have only failed to score once in their last nine outings, I’m confident I’m not the curse as the Reds play much better in the second half, immediately on the front foot and penning Oxford in their own half. There’s been a couple of sniffs as MacAulay saves well an effort from Salmon, but the changes made ahead of the hour are perhaps most telling to how this match goes, Alfreton twist first as the frustrated David Moyo, who’s battled hard without reward, is withdrawn for fellow striker Jake Day who within minutes wins his first three aerial duels against his opponent, then Oxford playmaker Zach McEachran is taken off, he’s not had a great night, but he keeps the ball and makes their team tick, within a minute of his departure, Alfreton level up. They’ve been chucking balls into the box without reward, instead it’s a corner swung in low by Billy Whitehouse which is flicked in at the near post by apparently the heal of Adam Anson, a minute later the ball is bouncing again in the Oxford box, a header down to Jake Day who smashes home on the half volley from close range, the game turned on its head in just a few short seconds as the thirteen travelling away fans go crazy behind the goal. From there, the away side do what they do best, get men behind the ball to head and kick away, in George Cantrill they have a midfielder, a captain, who runs after everything, there’s a couple of scary moments, Parker wants to do it alone, he cuts in and fires over, then a free kick on 86 he shoots straight through a wall and into the hands of a relieved Jake Askew, then late on as minute 90 rolls over to extras, his flick on sets lightening sub Corie Andrews through, he’s running at goal leaving the Alfreton centre halves in his wake, they tread hopeless water in some distance behind, but Andrews drills his shot low, across the face and inches wide, the best chance Oxford created to level, they won’t get a better one than that. The Stars It was sub striker Jake Day who made the difference with a telling contribution, a big man, not quite a big lump, but he has strength, power, a leap and a strike, that play to his strengths and you’ll get some reward. I really like Alfreton’s left winger Billy Whitehouse who has a touch of quality and some real work ethic, in front of him, I’m impressed with no-nonsense left back Nathan Newell, who Liam tells me “signed from Buxton, were he couldn’t get in, before that he was at Sunderland Academy”. Best player on the park though is George Cantrill who with his long locks and mucky beard just runs and runs and runs, he epitomises the Alfreton way of ‘getting fucking stuck in’. If ever a player suits how a club play, it is he. For Oxford, they had neat and nice footballers who will have easier nights to strut their stuff, of those who stood out, along with the elegant Parker who’s at the end of a solid career which included spells at Gillingham, Charlton and Wycombe, is nineteen year old Jayden Carbon, who played down the right, he has speed and can move with the ball efficiently on the pitch, always playing forward in a positive manner, he’s been at Oxford and through the Academy since the age of 8, a nice story that hopefully continues with further progression. The Verdict I like Oxford City’s venue with its backdrop of high line trees and high rise buildings giving it an urban commuter belt feel, especially on a cold winter’s night, a nice ground and a nice club, who I feel are more southern, than northern, and there lies the problem with their current league status. It’s a tough ask for their young side to travel to the likes of Darlington and South Shields whilst expecting to get results, they’ll do well to survive this season, then best they can hope for is a move back down south. As for Alfreton, always in and around the promotion pack, they are fifth in the table and well in the mix, as usual I predict they’ll be there or thereabouts come May, and as for Liam, in the end after watching his team win, I could safely tell him, “At least I’m not the curse”. The Teams Oxford City: Jonathan MacAulay, Josh Ashby, Lewis Coyle, Reece Fleet, Zac McEachran (Corrie Andrews 63), Josh Parker, Alfie Potter (Tom Scott 46), Phil Croker, Jayden Carbon (Louis Walsh 90), Jacob Roddy, Aaron Drewe. Alfreton Town: Jake Askew, Josh Clackstone, Max Hunt, Adam Lund, Adam Anson, Billy Whitehouse, George Cantrill, Liam Waldock (Jed Abbey 90), Lewis Salmon (Ahmed Salam 90), David Moyo (Jake Day 54), Nathan Newell. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 19th November 2024, Court Place Farm, Oxford (att 408).

Forest Green Rovers 2-0 York City (National League) It's the biggest game of the National League season so far. York go into the match leading Forest Green at the top of the table by a point after 17 matches played, the two teams are both in excellent runs of form, last time out York beat Hartlepool 5-3, Forest Green smashed Maidenhead 4-1, I'm expecting something very exciting to happen in the small Gloucestershire village of Nailsworth today... Which might have been why I couldn't sleep properly last night, maybe the temptation to switch on Netflix in the early hours to watch some Youtuber v Mike Tyson also giving me a restless night. I'm glad in the end I didn't succumb to that rubbish, instead feeling fresh for an afternoon/evening of football. Forest Green Rovers have always intrigued me, said to be the worlds greenest club, a sustainable outfit owned by a former new age traveller in Dale Vince. Only recently relegated from the football league after 7 years in the 92, they are still ambitious, hopeful of a return at the first time of asking and are even planning for the worlds greenest stadium, a 5,000 capacity wooden built structure with electric car and bike charging facilities and of course, vegan only food on offer, Eco Park will be situated in Eastington near junction 13 of the M5 when it all gets approved. I actually scouted a bit for York City last season, they employed former Brighton & Hove Albion defender Adam Hinshelwood as Manager in February and only just survived the drop, but this season they have been flying high in the division and are unbeaten in twelve dating back as far as August. It's a 2 hour drive and a 5:30pm kick off live on DAZN tonight, so I'm out the door for just gone 1pm leaving myself plenty of time in advance, across the M42 and down the M5 where I listen to Exeter v Lincoln play out a scoreless draw on the radio, coming off at junction 13 where I pass the village of Eastington as by now Stockport v Wrexham gets under way, through the quintessentially stunning Gloucestershire countryside and up the Frocester hill, my ears starting to pop as you can see the Severn Estuary in the distance down below, I'm through the village of Nympsfield and following several cars down a single track it feels through farmland before finally spotting the stadium on my right, parking up on Nortonwood and walking the remaining 900 yards up the hill. The Venue It feels special, from suddenly driving down narrow country roads the floodlights appear beyond cottages close by, on the edge of this quaint and quiet civil parish where nothing else seems to happen, modern like a local village sports facility but bigger, you instantly spot the ticket office windows in the large East Stand, a huge green union jack flag bearing "We are FGR". The car park behind the goal is full of food trucks and is festival like with music playing, I collect my pass from the ticket office before walking over to see what it's all a out. A stone baked pizza stand has me ordering a vegan jackfruit pepperoni pizza wrap for £7, I walk over to the Brewdog Beer truck and now in the mood, ask to see if they do alcohol free beer. They don't, but they do green cola which I try instead, before sitting down in the marquee where I listen to some fella singing whilst playing his guitar as York and Forest Green fans interact with each other. Sustainably fed and oiled after noticing two York fans walking around wearing paper KFC buckets for hats, I head inside to the East Stand where I walk through the turnstile, the FGR supporters club sat down on a table collar me for a couple of half time raffle tickets, before I head down the concourse and grab a tea, and a gluten free chocolate brownie, not tempted by the array of even more hot vegan food on offer, although the dirty fries did look good. I'm left to put my own milk in my brew but there's only oat milk on offer on the side table under the stand, as I squeeze the tea bag and stick a plastic lid on my paper cup, I stand for a while and watch the scores come in from the 3pms on a small flat TV on the wall, before walking out towards my seat in the press area, across half way situated eight or nine rows high. The stadium is modern, the stand I'm in is large all seated with the glass hospitality at the back, each end has a small roofed terrace but opposite is open to the elements where mostly the away fans are housed, the pitch perfect, the New Lawn is a bloody lovely green lawn. I'm joined by a scout from Manchester, who moved south to Gloucester because of a woman, he's recently started as a Data Analyst but has a playing and coaching back ground in the North West Counties, I ask him 'why' he's left a football hot bed to come to a region where there's little action, but as I take in the view of the hills behind the open terrace and sit back and enjoy the build up of the old but friendly crowd, I certainly get how Gloucestershire, and a quieter pain-free life can be much more pleasant than the miserable packed pastures of Manchester and all those sky high modern towers and city dwellers it has. The Game There's an old boy in a lime green bobble hat taking his seat just before kick off. "Where's DAZN" he says... "You're ruining football" he shouts up towards the press box where there's a number of commentators, obviously annoyed that he's had to spend an extra couple of hours today in the pub pre game. The match is frantic, a fast start by both, both teams have come to play, both teams are out to attack, both very good and it's everything I expected as the pace and power on offer impresses. Forest Green are more direct, strong, physical, they have a big centre half in Ben Tozer, a big midfield playmaker in Harvey Bunker and a big striker in Joe Quigley all through the spine, but they have dynamism too, Charlie McCann is delicate, a delight in midfield, Tom Knowles has some pace out wide left whilst Kyle McAllister is like a young Pat Nevin on the right, they have a couple of long throws into the box via Tozer but York defend them well. The Minster Men are well drilled, they have pace themselves in the full back positions, Joe Felix and Cameron John are both quick, Callum Howe and Malachi Fagen-Walcott a good central defensive combination, in midfield I really like Dan Batty who gets it, gives it, he works well with Alex Hunt, their no10 Ollie Pearce is diminutive but decent, out wide left is Ashley Nathanial-George who's elegant and calming, he certainly has technical talent, but neither side can make a breakthrough, for all the fine work each teams do, the first half is goalless, competitive, but largely incident free. The highlight being FGR boss Steve Cotterill standing above us from the top of the stand where he shouts down his orders louder than anything. I'm not sure if he has a touchline ban or not? Maybe he just likes it up there, elevated and entertaining everyone with his screeched words of instruction. The Score As the skies darken the rain starts to come down during the second half and Forest Green come out of the traps well, within a minute Quigley is put through but cannons his low shot off the foot of the upright, a half cleared corner is pumped back in and Bunker scores but is adjudged to be offside, Tom Knowles is causing havoc down the left, he's flying at substitute full back Jeff King after York reshaped their back-line during the first half, they struggle with the adjustments and don't look the same since swapping Joe Felix from right to left back. The crowd are up under the drizzle and the intensity is heightened, York goalkeeper Harrison Male tries to play out from the back, his pass out is intercepted, McAllister alert to play in Bunker who smashes home the opener, no doubt about it, he's been the eye catching player of the game for me, a thick set big lad as number ten, the type who once he points his ass your way, you simply aren't getting the ball off. Forest Green have the ball in the back of the net again as they continue to press and push, offside is called again, but they look to be the enforcers as York can't cope with their pace and movement, they don't have the tools, or the depth, as the home side bring on more quality in Teddy Jenks and Harry Cardwell. The best the away side offer is a half attempt by Dipo Akinyemi and a soft header easily saved from Fagan-Walcott's effort, before Forest Green crown things off late on with a beauty, Charlie McCann has been playing forward threading passes all night, he finds Kyle McAllister who cuts inside and smashes home off the post and in, glory to the greens who have been super tonight. The Stars McCann has been turning heads this season with his goal and assists involvement, aged 22, a Manchester United Academy grad who had an unsuccessful spell at Glasgow Rangers, he looks to be the real deal and if Forest Green can keep him, they'll have every chance they can go up, if they don't, they'll have every chance of making a few quid on him. McCann is small but subtle on the ball, always progressive, a decent forward passer with intricacy and an eye for goal, he's not yet over the hill to fulfil his own potential and a move back up the leagues. Another player I really liked the look of was Harvey Bunker a 21-year-old 6ft4in no10, he battled with menace, was really physical, but had a touch of elegance with good feet and took his goal really well, he'll be a real handful for defenders at any level, playing just off the centre forward he helped out the midfield but he can mix it as a number nine too, intelligent and unusual to see a player of his size in that position, Forest Green's direct forward playing style certainly playing to his strengths. Out wide mentions for Kyle McCallister who is another player with pedigree whilst Tom Knowles shown pace down the left and had a really intriguing battle in the first half with Joe Felix before the York full back switched positions due to injury to Cameron John, that injury perhaps the telling factor in the game, in the end. Whilst Felix shown real good pace in defence, York did have players who looked good going forward, Ollie Pearce has ability, Nathanial-George has technique, Dipo Akinyemi worked hard in attack, but they do look a Paul Mullin, Macaulay Langstaff or Will Grigg, short of goalscorer that will see them do a Wrexham, Notts County, or Chesterfield, not quite there yet, but considering how far they have come, they are certainly a team capable of giving it a chase. The Verdict Forest Green Rovers felt to me the team to beat, the team with the tools that can go straight back up, and on the night, the better team by far, the team now top of the National League table by two points with a goal difference two better, thanks to two strikes on the night and a clean sheet, they have a spine, a style, and a Manager in Steve Cotterill that is made for getting out of this division. As for York, they'll push, they are only a striker away from being a real top side, they have the tools in place, a good young Manager themselves, good support, a ground back home that is good enough to host league football, which ironically is contrast to this place. Nailsworth is far from a football town, it just feels like it shouldn't be hosting league football and it sadly won't when the new stadium gets underway, but I just loved the atmosphere of the New Lawn, the drive here down country roads, the quirkiness of the surrounding village and the limitations offered to become vegan for the day, it's a place as a football fan you just must try, before it's gone, but I'm sure the new place will be just as fun once built.... By then? Forest Green Rovers could be back in the football league? The Teams Forest Green Rovers: Jed Ward, Sean Long, Ben Tozer, Kyle McAllister (Christian Doidge 90), Charlie McCann, Tom Knowles (Teddy Jenks 73), Jordan Moore-Taylor, Harvey Bunker, Jamie Robson, Adam May, Joe Quigley (Harry Cardwell 73). York City: Harrison Male, Callum Howe, Alex Hunt, Dipo Akinyemi (Tyrese Sinclair 79), Ollie Pearce, Ashley Nathanial-George (Ricky Aguiar 80), Dan Batty (Marvin Armstrong 70), Cameron John (Jeff King 43), Joe Felix, Malachi Fagen-Walcott, David Ajiboye. 5:30pm Kick Off. Saturday 16th November 2024, The New Lawn, Nailsworth (att 2,697).

Basford United 2-1 Stockton Town (Northern Premier League) So David Coote has called Jurgen Klopp a German c**t. He probably shares a lot of peoples opinions on the former Liverpool Manager but the Newark born official will now be rightly reprimanded by the PGMOL who took a stance on the Referees own video evidence to suspend him from officiating instantly. The irony. Coote actually refereed a game between Newark & Sherwood and Basford United in the Notts Senior FA Cup last season. And it's Basford who I'll be watching tonight. Wonders if he'll be back refereeing at this level sometime soon. A local one for me. Basford are doing ok in the middle of the division, they score goals but don't keep clean sheets, Stockton Town are in the playoff picture, a side I know little about having secured promotion last season. Some digging has 'the anchors' formed in 1981 but the clubs official badge has them recognised from only 1987, whilst their Wikipedia page states they date back to 1979. The modern era saw the club (which changed names in 2003) join the Wearside league in 2009, winning four league titles before further promotion from the Northern League. In 2018 they reached the FA Vase final losing 1-0 to Thatcham Town at Wembley, since 2021 they had been in the Northern Premier League East Division, finishing second in the last two seasons they gained promotion in May via the playoffs after winning a thrilling final against Dunston UTS on penalties, which ended 4-4 after extra time.   It's 6:30pm, I've cooked and eaten dinner, the wife's back from work as I head out and leave her on dog duty, up the ring road to Basford, a quick stop off at Co-Op on Raleigh Island for some Beechams then straight to Greenwich Avenue ahead of 7pm. The Venue I've said here before it's far from my favourite place to watch football is Basford, but it's one of my nearest non league grounds so does at least tick some ease of mileage boxes. Parked up in the official car park tonight, I'm through the turnstile a good 45 minutes before kick off, but it feels like I'm the only one here, silent around me without a soul as I dig into some chocolate eclairs. One bugbear of mine at Greenwich Avenue is they loudly play the radio on the tannoy and even though there's lads warming up on the large wide plastic pitch in front of me, it doesn't feel like the start of a football match, but the seats around me do slowly fill in the tin roofed stand and some atmosphere, finally, as kick off approaches. I count seven sat down as the players come out but as Directors join us late we manage to break into double figures of bums on seats. Another reason I'm not so keen on the place, There's not much to look at. It's not idyllic in any way, a few portacabins, three thin floodlights on each wing, the handful of small roofed stands on show are all under 8ft in height and not particularly pretty. No wider than a penalty area in length. Unless you're in them you wouldn't even know they are there? Finally, there's a modern built clubhouse, white painted, which I've hardly ever been in, but that's it. Tall trees behind a goal on my right, the rest just looks and feels like your local 4g five a side facility. It's bloody boring at Basford. The Game Thankfully, the football is not. It takes 41 seconds from kick off for Stockton to score. Prince Mancinelli, a midfielder playing as a makeshift centre half is caught in possession, Stephen Thompson nicks the ball off him and runs through on goal to slot home. You think it could be one of those nights for Basford, Stockton look lively, but the home team grow into the game. They have a lot of possession and trouble their visitors out wide. They have already had a couple of sniffs before Jordan 'Jordy' Hallam rolls a defender smartly on 17 and smashes into the corner to level up. The first half is like a basketball match, one end to the other, Stockton look and feel a better outfit but you get the feeling Basford don't give a f*ck. They'll play how they want, attack when they want, I really like the system Martin Carruthers has conjured but it's very open, you can see how they lost at home to Whitby on Saturday, 4-3, you can also see how they got thumped 3-0 at Warrington Rylands the week previous, but this system and style will catch teams out, if you don't particularly like running back towards your own goal, you'll probably come unstuck. The Score Basford end the better side in the first half, their next best chance to score coming when Kacy Butterfield has a deflected effort hit the outside of the post. The Ambers, not to be confused with the Anchors, start where they left off in the second half too, they're totally dominant, Stockton aren't at it, Basford most certainly are, they've had over ten corners to the away sides one, a Jordy free kick hits the top of the bar, Josh Barnes has a shot cleared away off the line, then finally Ash Chambers provides deserved reward, on loan Mansfield winger Abdullah, on as a substitute, who got some stick the last time I was here, crossing low for the former Coalville striker who does not miss from three yards out. Encouraged by taking the lead and playing the only way Basford know how, the home side continued to attack as Kane Richards, lively all evening, raced into the box before being felled, Jordy Hallam stepping up but his spot kick crashing off the post, giving Stockton a life line. Late on, the visitors pressed as United's defence marshalled by now by Midfielders Butterfield and Mancinelli, headed, hooked and blocked everything that came there way, a couple of scary moments for them to endure but the ball often falling into the grateful hands of Saul Deeney, Stockton only started playing after 89 minutes, having taken their early lead, United the best team in between by far, and deserving of all three points. The Stars The tall and physical Kacy Butterfield started in midfield and ended up playing the second 45 at centre half and it was he, next to Prince Mancinelli who shone, doing his bit for the team in unusual surroundings and putting his body on the line. Jordan Hallam is no doubt the talisman, probably too good for this division, but in Ash Chambers up front, they have a player every bit one who suits the league he's in, who knows where the net is and who's hold up play brought others into the game. It wasn't a night for Stockton players to shine, they had moments in the first half down their right, but largely other than the early goal scored, which was a gift, they rarely threatened, not particularly good in midfield, conceding possession far too often, the only one who stood out was lofty centre half Tom Coulthard who at least did his own job very well. The Verdict It's my first viewing of Stockton but they are fourth in the table and I'll reserve judgement on them for now, I'm sure this was an off night and they can play much better, if anything, tonight was all about Basford, who came at their opponents and played a system and style that perhaps caught them off guard? Martin Carruthers has an exciting youthful team which will most certainly have its ups and downs, they'll lose to better outfits but beat anyone who's not up for the challenge, I really like what they are building, an open, attacking outfit, so when attracting visitors, even if the ground is a little dull, at least the football is entertaining. The Teams Basford United: Saul Deeney, Harvey Ridgley, Louis Nicholson, Prince Mancinelli, Taylor Anderson (Luca Burton 46 (Kye Wade 62)), Josh Barnes, Kane Richards (Tyler Dacres 78), Kacy Butterfield, Tyrell Waite (McKeal Abdullah 69), Jordan Hallam, Ashley Chambers. Stockton Town: Nathan Harker, Lewis King, Josh Baggs, Cameron Painter, Adam Nicholson, Tom Coulthard, Michael Sweet (Michael Fowler 60), Cien Butterworth, Josh Scott (Owen Gallagher 81), Stephen Thompson (Lewis Leech 60), Kevin Hayes (Michael Roberts 81). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 12th November 2024, Greenwich Avenue, Nottingham (att 243).