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Loughborough Dynamo 1-2 Worksop Town (FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round) I’m back at an old stomping ground of mine today. During the 2015/16 season I spent three or four months coaching at Loughborough Dynamo, joining a team in a relegation dogfight, leaving the club, still, in a relegation dogfight. It all ended slightly sour. Thankfully the club survived that year and have ever-since, held their own at step 4 of the non-league system. But it’s a while since I’ve been back… Duty calls for a scouting mission that involves Worksop Town and the FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round… Winner reaches round one and gets another step closer to the lure of Wembley. I’m excited to see Worksop, having heard good things about them under their Manager Craig Parry. It’s a side who’ve always had the fundamentals to be a really strong step two, even top tier non-league outfit, but they have failed to push on in recent years, despite always promising to deliver, they’re in the Northern Premier League East Division, sitting sixth, having played just six games, whilst Loughborough are third in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division, the same level on the pyramid structure, funnily enough though, I have Worksop as favourites, especially having won nine straight league and cup games. Their team on paper suggests, to me, it’ll be an away win. Having had a nice relaxing morning which included a dog walk down the green line before a bacon sandwich with the wife who herself opted for a Saturday am stint at the gym, I set off little before 1:30pm heading down the A60 from Nottingham, I’m dressed in my thickest hoody, gillet on top, am wearing a Green Bay Packers woolly hat and even have a hand warmer in my pocket, expecting it to get cold later, the sun is blazing, it’s hot outside, I’m driving through the villages of Bunny and Hoton with the sun-viser of my new Mercedes down, squinting at the distant view of the rolling Leicestershire hills. Passing the huge Brush factory I enter the north end of Loughborough, rows of terraced housing that these days pack students in them, before navigating the awkward cut throughs of the town centre and on to Forest Road where the property prices look like they take a hike. Turning left at a sign which says ‘Nanpantan Sports Ground’ the venue for today’s match is these days sponsored by an Estate Agent. I arrive at the now named Newton Fallowell Stadium shortly before 2pm. The Venue The car park is huge and having been here before on a few occasions, I learn from old mistakes. The ball often gets kicked into it when shots are blazed off target, so I park as far away from the goal as possible. The Worksop Town team coach is already here, and as I pull in the supporter’s bus is next to arrive. I give it a few minutes for the queue to calm down before switching off radio five live and jumping out the car to make entrance. Set on the edge of Loughborough, the ground is idyllic, leafy, a stream running down one side it backs on to a number of open pitches with hills in the back ground, there’s a bowls club, a cricket club, even a lawn tennis club. I wander up towards the turnstile down a single-track lane which runs the length of the pitch, low hedges hide the ground from the eye, until arriving at a corner gate, where it says £8 entrance (for adults), where you can now pay by cash, or by card. Walking through the gates brought back some fond memories, firstly the stand to the right, behind the goal, which houses the clubhouse and changing rooms, is a covered seating area, to the left, the pitch, and what a pitch. Loughborough Dynamo have always had one of the best pitches at the level, a superb carpet well looked after, flat as a pancake, the groundsman and club used to win annual awards nationally for its consistently fabulous condition, and on today’s viewing, I won’t be surprised if that doesn’t continue this season. The rest of the ground, well to be honest, it’s a little underwhelming. Not much change since I was last here six years ago. A small, covered area running up to the halfway line on the far side, other than that, open to the elements, opposite that small stand are the dugouts, but for a few run-down portacabins and a strange looking circular tin building behind one of the goals, it’s pretty much ‘stand’ where you can. The Game I sit down on some concrete slabs to write down the teams in my notepad as Worksop warm up in front of me. ‘Last pair to mount’ shouts one of the coaches as the players then look for someone to jump on. I notice Terry Hawkridge, who I’ve played with, and against, in the past. He’s had football league experience and lists Lincoln City and Notts County amongst his clubs. A proper player, who I completely forgot, had signed for the Tigers in the summer. A familiar face takes the warmup for Loughborough too, as former Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis McGugan, now assistant Manager to Bradley Munn, is kicking balls up to his back four. The Worksop fans, pint in hands, head out of the clubhouse in numbers as the two teams make their entrance from behind the goal to U2's Beautiful Day, how appropriate, I’m on the halfway line opposite the dugout, phone in hand, sun in my eyes, I’m absolutely boiling in my winter gear, as the game gets under way. Within a minute Worksop have a chance to take the lead, as Luke Hall blazes over from inside the six-yard box as it looks harder to miss than score, the Tigers immediately punished at the other end, as James Tague runs through on goal to poke the ball in ahead of Malkowski for an opener. Loughborough start well, whilst Worksop aren’t at it. But the quality shows even though you feel the away side are playing at a canter. Hawkridge who I remember as a speedy right winger in his younger days, now aged 32, playing in the centre of the park, spraying balls to the right and left like he’s played there all his life. Worksop’s tactics are more often than not, to get it up to their powerful handful of a striker in Liam Hughes, whilst Loughborough try and play, left winger Kevin Bastos a former Forest academy starlet is ungainly, technically good and awkward to handle, but he’s in for some rough treatment, Worksop have a nasty bite about them and like to have a moan, in the end it takes some moaning, and some unfavourable refereeing decisions, to really get them going and fired up. Hughes pipes up to one of the fans, the away team have been circling the Referee on a number of occasions, in truth the official is far from strong enough to handle these chirpy northerners who contest his every decision, a Loughborough supporter pipes up “You need to concentrate on your own game ten, you’ve not won a header yet”… Hughes replies “Who’s rattled your cage?” The Score A Loughborough player is down on the ground, but the game continues. I always seem to feel this can go against the defending team and it’s in the players interest to get back on his feet, but he stays down, play goes on, and Worksop inevitably score a leveller. tall leggy number nine Liam Hardy it is, volleying in from close range after good work by Hughes who sets him up with just over half an hour gone. That goal is the lift the away side needs and from there it’s one way traffic. Six minutes before half time, full back Josh Wilde lets fly with a belter that nestles in the top corner from just inside the area. Town might have had a penalty too, cries for handball go un-noticed, it looks clear to everyone in sight, bar the officials who wave play on. At half time I chat to a couple of old boys who look much posher than your average football fan. They like to do the rounds in Leicestershire, watching the local clubs, one of them really knows his stuff, they also visit Barwell, Coalville and Shepshed quite often, although ones favourite venue is Loughborough University, whose facilities are at a world class level with a modern arena and Premier League quality pitch. I wonder to myself, if he lectures there? They expect Loughborough to come out and have a go but I tell them ‘Worksop will be too strong from here’, I expect the away side to run away with it, but despite a lot of possession in the second half, they can’t convert their chances, and with ten minutes remaining, Loughborough are still in the game. This is where Kevin Bastos returns from nowhere.. After a promising first ten minutes, I completely forgotten he was still on the pitch, Worksop probably having at least 70% of the possession since the early stages, but Dynamo are not completely out of this, Bastos re-energised becomes more involved, the home side push with late resurgence as Princewill Ogunmekan drives forward, but his touch is too heavy to get a shot at goal, Worksop regroup, and during the closing stages it looks more like they’ll add, then they’ll concede. By now the away support is in fine voice and well liquored. Some old classics like ‘Who ate all the pies’ sung to the home team goalkeeper Lewis King, and ‘Poland’s number one’ voiced everytime their own shot stopper, Seb Malkwoski, catches the ball, before ‘we're on the way to Wembley’ as the Referee blows for full time. The Stars Whilst Hawkridge pulls strings for Worksop, his Latvian born midfield partner Aleks Starcenko also impresses me, Vaughan Redford and Liam Hardy show glimpses of skill, the odd body swerve with swagger on occasion although sporadic, full back Regan Hutchinson in particular linking up well in the final third down the right, getting forward as often as he can and always on the look for a one-two, Liam Hughes is one of those horrible strikers at the level that constantly comes to blows with either his markers or the officials, his hold up play important to how Worksop like to operate. For Loughborough, but for a promising start, they’re largely dominated, but work hard defensively and off the ball, Brandon Webster at right back is a decent size and competent in and out of possession, Bastos in spells looks like he can produce moments of magic, Captain Rob Norris who seems to have been here for ever, still running his socks off in midfield. The Verdict The carpet like playing surface at Loughborough Dynamo offers clubs at this level a real opportunity to come play at a ground where players can be genuinely excited by the pitch. For an FA Trophy game however, a crowd of just 242, where the majority of fans were from Worksop, well it feels a little like Loughborough are punching, and they have been, at this level, for a while now, which is testament to how the club is ran, and how the current Management team have got them playing. If only the town could get behind them a little more than they do? Worksop should be at least a league higher than they already are. They have a really good side with experience, they can play good football (as well as mixing it with a nasty side) and still in both FA Trophy and FA Cup, have a real good chance to make a few quid this season… My only worry, the side distraction of these cup runs may hamper their league dream, a team who should be challenging for promotion, may have a little too much to do, they already have four games in hand on some of those above them, and we’ve only just entered October. The Teams Loughborough Dynamo: Lewis King, Robbie McNicholas (Callum Cooks 60), Brandon Webster, Princewill Ogunmekan, Nathan Whitehead, Luke McGinnell, Kevin Bastos, Josh Waldram, James Tague, Kory Burke (Isaac Stones 46), Rob Norris. Worksop Town: Sebastian Malkowski, Regan Hutchinson, Josh Wilde, Terry Hawkridge, Sam Wedgbury, Deegan Atherton, Vaughan Redford, Aleksandr Starcenko (Paul Green 77), Liam Hardy (Jay Rollins 77), Liam Hughes, Luke Hall. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 8th October 2022, Nanpantan Sports Ground, Loughborough (att 242).

Nuneaton Borough 1-0 Basford United (Southern League Central Division) I'm off to Dubai tomorrow. Monday night I was packing bags before a naughty glass of wine with the Mrs to cap the start of her birthday week, today finishing off a few last work emails before heading the short journey south/west to Nuneaton for a game that was originally called off last month. The home team have slipped in recent weeks at one stage toe to toe with leaders Tamworth in the seventh tier of English football. After an abandoned game when The Boro were 2-0 down before fans ran riot at the Lamb, they have since scraped a win against bottom of the table Rushden & Diamonds 2-1 but we're thumped on Saturday at playoff rivals Rushall 3-0. Basford are a local team of mine, my son-in-law even in their youth set up, their home ground just a few miles from my house, so I always keep an eye on their results. The Amber's are mid table in the division under Mark Clifford. Last time out they beat St Ives 1-0 but goalscoring has been a problem of late. Head striker and main goal threat Anthony Dwyer banned since a red card from kicking off after the win at Stourbridge early Feb. Ever since they've scored less than a goal a game. I'm off out heading down the A46 after 5pm, eating a meal deal from Waitrose garage at Tollerton whilst driving, the sun is setting full orange glowing the blue evening sky in my windscreen into purple haze which blinds my eyes as I head north of Leicester towards the M1. Off the relatively quiet M69 I'm heading towards Nuneaton down the back roads with the moon now in full format to my east as dusk sets in the west, the clear skies dictate it's going to be a cold one as night falls. I'm through a rather nice looking housing estate before crossing a number of mini roundabouts ahead of hitting Attlebrough Fields Industrial Estate. Nuneaton's ground set back behind warehouses and factories it's not very pretty, I park up on a gravel pit outside the main clubhouse midst wasteland used for car parking. The Venue It's actually a rather modern set up inside, walking through the concrete built turnstile a huge behind goal roofed terrace stretches the width of the pitch as a bloke flips onions in a hatch in the corner of the stand where I grab a cup of tea for £2. Looking down pitch to a slightly smaller carbon copy stand across the opposite goal, the rest of the venue is a bit of a mish mash, a bit of open terrace, a clubhouse or two, a seated stand on one wing, some portakabins in the middle and a bit of scaffolding covered in sheet metal on half way above the dugouts which I presume when needed, houses camera crew for big games. Although I doubt they'll be here tonight. I walk around the perimeter to the press area in the only seated stand, nobody is here it feels, vastly empty. A few minutes before kick off the tannoy is playing Firestarter by Prodigy but it's otherwise quiet around, no people, no banter, just me and my mobile phone as the players warm up. The Game As the sparse stragglers of crowd slowly starts to filter in and the two teams come out to play, Basford Chairman Chris Munroe walks up the steps towards me alongside his wife. He recognises my face but can't remember the name, I give him a reminder and he's all smiles, wishing him luck, he says "we'll see". The game kicks off after a minutes silence and the home team enjoy most of the early possession, passing it relatively un-pressed along their backline until the odd diagonal is aimed towards the wing. Basford are organised but can't get a grip on the ball, their Chairman is shouting "can't we pass it tonight?" As they endlessly concede to the opposition. Another chap vocal is Nuneaton Assistant Manager Andrew Danylyszyn. Known as 'Eggy' for short. He actually coaches at Basford United's Academy during weekdays, he's shouting his team to press, applauding every run made by his players and questioning most of the referees decisions to the poor linesman who's had an earful already. I'm impressed with a couple of Nuneaton's stars, winger Luke Benbow dropping short and always showing for the ball, Charlie Dowd likewise, getting on it, making things happen, he likes to link up play and has a variety in distribution, a decent dribbler too. I like Prince Mancinelli who mops up tidily in midfield whilst I smell someone's cigar from the back of the stand burning, I question whether it's Isaiah Osbourne's who makes things look easy at centre half. But despite domination in the opening 45 it's the away team who create the best chances. Late on Thornhill and Bastos test Breeding before Starkie goes close. Preston at the other end is sharp to get down low to an effort from Lathaniel Rowe-Turner. The Score It's freezing at half time. I'm the only one sat in the stand as everyone else has buggered off into the clubhouse. I've got my blanket over my knees a woolly hat on and a gillet under my coat as I check the scores in the Champions League. The teams are out and the action soon warms up. Even if I don't. Rowe-Turner chopped down in the box as he bears through on goal. Corner given by the Referee, the crowd are not happy. It's the first bit of noise I've heard from them all night. Eggy is back on the lino's case… "These decisions cost jobs" he screams. I get the feeling the outcry ensures the Ref probably thinks he's made the wrong decision? Moments later from a Basford corner, Dowd breaks for Nuneaton and he's brought down inside the area, perhaps less obvious than the first incident, but the Referee is not going to make the same mistake twice. Beswick converts from the spot. Tyreace Palmer has a chance to level but heads wide a Bastos delivery, Starkie then flicks a similar chance over, at the other end Preston keeps Basford in it, late on you feel Nuneaton are there for the taking as they edge nearer towards defending their eighteen yard line, but I wonder if Basford really 'believe' they can get something out of the game. They've not played overly well Nuneaton, but they get the job done. Basford I feel could have gambled a little more than they did. Staying in the game allowed them at least ten minutes of getting players forward towards the end, but all night they failed to get serious numbers in the box, and other than set plays, were quite predictable and easy for Nuneaton to contain. Often to the frustration of Basford Chairman Munroe. The Stars The home side do have a number of talented players and the quality they have is no question superior to what they have at Basford which is shown by the two teams positions in the league. Defensively solid with centre backs Osbourne and McManus an experienced pairing of real assurance. Osbourne includes Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, amongst his repertoire of clubs, whilst McManus played 250 games with Halifax after an early career spell at Crewe. Left back Kobe Chong impressed with Charlie Dowd and Luke Benbow in particular a menace in the final third, two really good players for the level. Whilst Basford didn't really have a stand out of their own, bits from wingers Ben Starkie and Kevin Bastos threatened to show glimpses of decent ability footballers, although they did more wrong than right in their decision making on the night. Gregg Smith was a handful and strangely taken off when his side needed a goal. The most impressed I was with any United player was perhaps with goalkeeper Kieran Preston, his kicking sensational, bullet like balls sprayed around the pitch. If only the rest of his teammates were as good on the ball. The Verdict If you can play poorly and win they say it's the mark of a good side. No doubt, for this level, Nuneaton are certainly that. On another night however, against a team who a bit uglier, a bit more ruthless, and one with a bit more belief. They might not have been so happy with the result. Basford you get the feel are stuttering to a mid to lower table finish, they played the match half expecting to get beat one nil, and in not taking there chances, might regret not being a little more adventurous. They could have easily snatched something, had they had that little more 'desire' and 'belief' in attack. Its very competitive in the top five but I do think Nuneaton will have a good go at promotion via the playoffs, Coalville, Rushall and Leiston may have a say about that? United's season is probably already over? Only a couple of wins needed to see them safe, they'll build again in the summer and come back stronger I feel. As for the ground, well not the nicest location on the outskirts of town. It feels like the sort of place that needs to be full, to get any sort of atmosphere. Over 400 people in and it felt like fifty. Maybe the cold kept noise levels to a low? Maybe most of them stayed in the clubhouse, where it was warm? Because it certainly didn't feel like anything other than a flat one nil in the chill, a Tuesday night to forget? Now get me on that plane to Dubai and some sun. The Teams Nuneaton Borough: Tony Breedon, Camron McWilliams, Kobe Chong (Rackeem Reid 84), Ryan Beswick, Scott McManus, Isaiah Osbourne, Luke Benbow (Matt Stenson 73), Charlie Dowd, Prince Mancinelli, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, Tyrell Waite (Kane Richards 80). Basford United: Kieran Preston, Dom Roma, Mitchell Tait, Matt Thornhill, Bradley Beatson, Stern Irvine, Ben Starkie, Tyreace Palmer, Gregg Smith (Ollie Clark 76), Kevin Bastos, Josh Barnes. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 7th March 2023, Liberty Way, Nuneaton (att 434).

AFC Rushden & Diamonds 2-1 St Ives Town (Southern League Central Division) A short history lesson for you… Rushden & Diamonds were formed in 1992 by former Dr Martens shoe guru Max Griggs, then President & Owner of the world-famous Northamptonshire based leather boot maker and one of the richest men in the UK… Well he had previously purchased local part-timers Rushden Town and Irthlingborough Diamonds before merging them together and housing them in a fabulous stadium (Nene Park) with an ambitious plan to reach the football league, which they achieved by 2001, before Max sold the club for a pound to the supporters trust in 2005, and what followed was relegation to the Conference and eventual financial failings which led the Diamonds down the sorrowful path of entering administration in 2011 and expulsion, before a phoenix club, AFC, would rise from the ashes and take on the R&D name all be it, starting at the very bottom of the football spectrum, rehoused on borrowed grounds at the homes of first Raunds Town and Wellingborough Town before a latest groundshare with Rushden & Higham United which brings us to today. On the contrary, St Ives Town have been around a lot longer, since 1887 they have scrapped around the non-league system with little ambition other to participate at amateur or semi-pro level, winning the odd Huntingdonshire Senior Cup along the way, but in recent years they have climbed to their highest echelons under long term Manager Ricky Marheineke, in 2016 becoming a step three side for the first time in their long history, ever since they have held their own in the Southern League top flight, these days split into two as the Premier Central, where AFC Rushden & Diamonds have also been a regular since 2018. Interestingly since AFC’s new beginning, the club have played St Ives more than any other team, a derby of sorts, although the Cambridgeshire outfit play second fiddle to Bedford Town, perhaps even third fiddle to Kettering Town amongst some supporters’ ideology of adversaries, although the two sides did meet in a 2016 playoff final which the Saints won in extra time, to fuel the rivalry further. History lesson over and fast forwarding to Monday 2nd January 2023 where the sun is shining, I’m out dog walking around Wollaton Park before a quick sausage sandwich at home and a trip down the A46, M1, A14 & A6 to a Southern League Central team that I’m yet to see play in the flesh. It’s been a tough season for Rushden who sit bottom of the league having been beaten by Bedford 6-1 last time out, they have a new manager, their fourth of the season I’m told, in Chris Nunn, whilst St Ives have slipped since the last time I’ve seen them (win at Ilkeston), now languishing worryingly low all be it with plenty of points in hand above the drop zone. The Venue I’m driving down the A6 through the fringes of Irthlingborough before coming to the once home of Rushden & Diamonds, the Nene Park Roundabout now has an Aldi on it opposite the former site of this once fashionable football league club, now derelict and run down the stands long gone, it is no more than over grown bushes and wasteland with the odd factory and office dotted around the periphery before the view improves crossing a long bridge over the River Nene. I head along the ring road of Rushden before sat nav finally directs me off the A6, down Newton Road before turning right into a council estate, I hit the junction of Grafton Road and Hayden Road where I notice a couple of police cars and ambulances outside a house, ‘someone’s not had a great start to the New Year’ I frown, pulling up on the left no more than 100 yards from the ground, I watch a few players walking in as I sit on my phone to check my messages. It's 1:45pm, I grab my laptop bag and head for the turnstile, walking towards the venue I can’t help feeling anyone above six foot can probably watch the game over the fence without paying, unfortunately I’m not that tall, the fence running parallel along the footpath, very close to the road, it feels like a real grassroots set up, and not one that should regularly accommodate more than 200 people. It must piss the neighbours off, I feel, when the likes of R&D play here against some of the bigger and better supported clubs in the division. Walking through the turnstile I take out my mobile ticket and the guy on entrance tries unsuccessfully to zap me in. He’s got his smart scanner upside down so I end up doing it for him, before walking in to the sun blessed leafy enclosed arena where I head for the toilets and a cup of tea, I’m in a café behind the goal which is eerily creepy, dedicated to former Diamonds goalkeeper Dale Roberts who devastatingly hung himself in 2010, it has pictures and shirts on the walls in remembrance to his fine service as one of the clubs best ever players who died just 24 years young. I’m at the corner flag as I look down on the pitch with my brew in hand, I’m reaching for my phone to take a picture of the quadrant as I’ve never seen one with so little grass on it, as an American guy walks up to me he notices I’m wearing my favourite Green Bay Packers hat, he’s got his New Orleans Saints hat on, we talk NFL for a while before he introduces himself as Bruce, he’s one of the media guys at Rushden & Diamonds and has learned every nickname of every football (or soccer) club in England. Bruce shows me to the media seats at the front of a small metal stand down the touchline, its cramped just four or five rows high with plastic seats behind reserved for Directors, the sun is directly in my eyes as I attempt to look opposite at a big old unused terrace where the players changing rooms are housed, to the left two modern metal stands behind the goal, to the right an open concourse no wider than three feet, behind that are rows of three storey houses, all with fabulous matchday views, sadly nobody is peering out their bedroom windows today. The ground is a real classic, hemmed in, but located in the middle of a housing estate I feel it has limitations, a step five venue with a capacity apparently of 1,500, landlords Rushden & Higham play in the Spartans South Midlands League with crowds nearer 50 than 500 (which is roughly todays attendance), the pitch is sloped slightly, but it’s muddy, really muddy, I say to Bruce “It could be a leveller today as St Ives like to knock it about”. The game only got the go ahead at 10:30am following a pitch inspection, it’ll churn up in minutes and disrupt the away teams passing style no doubt, which plays certainly in the hands of Rushden who will need to scrap for every advantage to gain a win. The Game Bruce welcomes the two teams in his American accent as he reads out the line-ups on the tannoy, he tells me he’s from Birmingham, but has lost his Brummy accent, it’s Birmingham Alabama, rather than the West Midlands where he’s from, he’s been in Rushden since around 2011, I blame him jokingly for the club’s demise ever-since. There’s a minute’s silence for the recent tragic death of Cody Fisher who was murdered in a nightclub in Birmingham on Boxing Day. Fisher was a regular player in this very league with Stratford Town having previously played for Bromsgrove Sporting and Stourbridge, impeccably observed, apart from the St Ives media guy struggling to turn down his monitor screening Sheffield Wednesday v Cambridge, he finally manages to mute around halfway through the silence. Just one new player in Rushden’s line up as centre half Luke Massingham is given a debut since signing from Thame United, the club have acquired three more players under new Manager Chris Nunn with more I'm told to come, but the rest haven’t been registered in time. St Ives in orange start well and create a couple of chances, but as predicted they struggle with the surface as they look to pass it short, Rushden in yellow buoyed by a new boss are pressing high, hard working and up for the scrap, a goalkeepers clearance is hopelessly scuffed along the ground by James Goff in the Town net, it falls to the feet of striker Jenson Cooper who plays it straight back towards the middle of the goal for an early opener, unlikely for many who predicted a comfortable away win. The home side are good value, they look really up for it and head and kick everything clear as St Ives mount a challenge, a couple of scary moments aside they seem to see off the danger of an equaliser, before a routine looking cross is spilled by goalkeeper Dean Snedker and former Diamonds striker Nabil Shariff, bundles a backheel over the line to bring the game back to level terms ahead of the break. The Score It seems despite the leveller, Rushden’s fans are hopeful at half time having seen their side put in one of their better performances of the season so far, Ngwa is a constant threat down the left, striker Jenson Cooper giving the St Ives back line a real workout, Conor Tee a talented number ten is one of the few footballers who can keep control of the ball on the bobbling pitch. The second half is same vein, Rushden high energy and confident are scrapping on the front foot, I get the feeling St Ives don’t really want to be here, they have more quality, but less fight, Conor Tee goes inches from giving the home side the lead after crashing a stunning effort against the crossbar, at the other end though Town threaten via Baker & Shariff, Snedker making two stunning saves to make up for his earlier error whilst the away side miss a guilt edged opportunity for the win. Does the writing look to be on the wall? Former AC & Inter Milan midfielder Edmund Hottor loses possession to substitute Kanga who picks the ball and drives before playing wide to Conor Tee, he delivers a low cross to the back post where Miguel Ngwa is waiting, he pokes home to send the home support into absolute scenes of raptures, just four minutes remaining and Rushden have stolen a remarkable, but deserved, much needed win. The final few moments are seen out by a determined home side before the whistle is blown, by then, St Ives dejected are sorrowfully walking off the pitch whilst the Diamonds team and bench are huddled on the cut up playing surface before walking over to the crowd and milking the applause, Chris Nunn hugging the Directors over the hoardings as his lads punch the air. The Stars Matchwinner Miguel Ngwa is a speedy winger with trickery, on loan from Northampton Town he could be heading back to Sixfields this month but it would certainly be in his new Managers interests to keep him if possible. Teenage striker Jenson Cooper worked tirelessly beyond his years whilst Conor Tee, a former Leicester City Academy star, added a touch of quality in the final third. Luke Massingham on debut was superb whilst Dean Snedker made up for a howler before half time to make important goal stopping contributions. For St Ives, despite the glowing sun and bright kit, it wasn’t a day where their own flair players could shine, one of which, Dylan Williams who I was really looking forward to seeing play, dragged off shortly into the second half, best of a bad bunch was Miles Cowling who’s low centre of gravity helped him get out of sticky situations midst tricky conditions, striker Jonathan Edwards, subbed midway through the second half, shown glimpses of quality, but wasn’t at the races, fleet footed wide man Tyrone Baker but for a couple of moments was largely quiet, Patrick Casey at right back perhaps one of the few visiting players to come away from the match with any credit. The former Rushden defender having a good battle against Ngwa, who eventually, in the end, got the better of his opponent to score the winner. The Verdict Whether Chris Nunn’s new look team will gel in time to save the realistic threat of relegation is a big question hanging over the last and next four months of the campaign, not sure if he’ll have enough games to save Rushden from the drop, I feel if they stick with him regardless, he should certainly have the tools the next season to mount a promotion challenge, whatever division the side are in. The new manager reminds me a bit of Tommy Brookbanks, more familiar to me, who’s done so well over the years at clubs like Hucknall, Coalville and Carlton Town, he brings a togetherness and has a laugh, a joke, and a moan with opponents and officials, is passionate and knows how to bring a dressing room together. Nunn spent 14 years at Biggleswade Town before a season at Kempston Rovers, if he’s at Rushden & Diamonds in twelve months time I have no doubt the club will be in good hands, and a lot higher in the league than they currently are. As for St Ives, well they’ve slipped of late, which I feared when I watched them in October (the wintry conditions does not suit their style), three straight losses have them in a spot of danger, but they have fire power to lift them comfortably towards mid table, which is about par for their season, now looking like they’ve slipped out of the playoff race for good, they'll be hoping they don't slip further down the table from their precarious looking spot in sixteenth, no time to panic just yet, but the verdict going forward is surely, 'must do better' especially against those sides, like Rushden, who are scrapping for their lives below them. The Teams AFC Rushden & Diamonds: Dean Snedker, Anthony Agemoh-Davies, Courtney Lashley, Kartell Dawkins, Ryan Hughes (Andy Kanga 60), Luke Massingham, Miguel Ngwa, Mitchell White, Jenson Cooper, Conor Tee, Peter Abimbola. St Ives Town: James Goff, Patrick Casey, Johnathan Herd, Myles Cowling, Jordan Williams, Callum Milne, Nabil Shariff, Edmund Hottor (Charlie Johnson 88), Jonathan Edwards (Enoch Andoh 73), Dylan Williams (Kieran Higgs 53), Tyrone Baker. 3:00pm Kick Off. Monday 2nd January 2023, Hayden Road, Rushden (att 436).

Coalville Town 0-2 Nuneaton Borough (Southern League Central Division) I nervously raced home from the game on Sunday to watch England against Senegal and bar a ropey first half hour, I needn’t have worried about my concerns of a potential banana skin. Jude Bellingham giving a masterclass, iconic in celebration with Jordan Henderson himself brilliant and justifying selection alongside Bukayo Saka who raised eyebrows in the media coming in for Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane with shooting boots on alas whilst Phil Foden had me purring on the sofa. More of the same on Monday as Croatia edged Japan on pens whilst Brazil danced their way to victory over Korea, I’ve really enjoyed the World Cup thus far but I’m cutting Tuesday short, I’ll be missing Portugal v Switzerland to instead head to Leicestershire and some grass roots stuff between Coalville Town and Nuneaton Borough. Both sides have been going well. I last watched Coalville beat Notts County in the FA Cup and since respectably falling to Charlton Athletic in the first round they are unbeaten in six with games in hand just outside the playoffs. Nuneaton are third but have slipped up of late, a loss to Barwell at the weekend has meant just one league win in four, they’ll be looking to pick up their form against a promotion hopeful, it’s a big game as both look to catch Tamworth at the top of the Southern League Central. Spain & Morocco has gone into extra time, I’m about to leave the house but can’t miss the match going to penalties. I’m coat on and bags packed as Busquets misses Spain’s third, Bono the hero, it’s a beautiful day for the Atlas Lions who knock out one of the pre-tournament favourites. I’m straight out the door, sitting in the cold of the car, programming the sat nav before heading off to Coalville, a 45 minute drive, I’m avoiding the M1 opting instead for the country roads of south Nottinghamshire, the A60 to Rempstone before heading down the Ashby Road through Zouch and into Foxes county over the A6 towards Belton, entering the back end of Coalville via Whitwick. The Venue I’m at Memorial Square in the town centre as I notice a lovely looking pub on the right called the Snibstone New Inn. Straight over the lights down the Belvoir Road I turn right onto Owen Street past the rows of terraced houses before a hidden entrance on the left has the car in front of me backing up, reversing, he’s missed the turn, I follow him down the single track to the gates of the ground where I ask a steward where to park. “Behind the goal?” I say “Am I safe there?” as I reverse up behind a low roofed terrace next to a number of other cars. On entrance I’m through the single brick-built turnstile with a paper ticket I purchased and printed yesterday, into the corner of a quaint and leafy looking venue which is these days titled the Mander Cruickshank Solicitors Stadium, pitch sloped right to left, the old changing rooms are in the corner, lights on but not needed these days as a new brick-built building hogs the half way line in its place. Opposite that, a low roofed stand has just two rows of seating, covered areas behind the centre of each goalmouth make up a modest home which is back lined in tall trees. I take a quick wee and grab a coffee for £1.50 before walking down to the far side of the ground where I see an old boy standing alone, a quick chat with him, he’s a season ticket holder who doesn’t go away, he can’t be doing with all the yobs that go, tells me he knows about the drunken stories of fans getting into trouble and is surprised they even let them on the players bus. Cost saving at this level often has fans make up the numbers on team buses for longer journeys, every little bit helps for clubs like Coalville who I’m told would need to spend some on their venue (and team) should they go up. The Game I’m sat down halfway on the opposite side to the clubhouse and dugouts. Plenty of seats around me but two men nearby have blankets over their knees. It’s bloody freezing as the two teams come out following a rather loud tannoy played rendition of Robbie Williams 'Let Me Entertain You', I’m expecting a close encounter which could go either way, the start is frantic, fast paced and high tempo, the two sets of lads obviously pressing each other with high-intensity to help get the blood rushing down to their ice-cold toes, the away side starting the better as Kane Richards is through on goal but he can’t finish after breaking away with electric pace on the counter attack. It's bang, bang, bang as ball is thudded front to back, the odd sideways pass out wide and launch as each side looks to not giveaway a foothold, Coalville preferring to play down their flanks whilst Nuneaton happy to go through the middle. Charlie Dowd takes the ball down halfway, quick feet has him away from two men and he feeds Luke Benbow who runs on and thumps it hard and low into the corner, a bit of class by the midfielder and a walloping finish by the striker has Nuneaton’s travelling army behind the goal in full noise. A few minutes later it’s two, Dowd looks a player, he’s on the end of a deep cross and volleys with a thwack another thumping effort that has Coalville’s keeper standing. Game set already with just sixteen played? Coalville need a reaction, they’ve been done by a couple of moments of magic, but Nuneaton are clearly up for the fight tonight. Former Aston Villa midfielder Isaiah Osbourne at centre half these days well into his thirty's is enjoying himself dictating play from defence, Aaron Forde at right back is having a good ding-dong with Ravens winger Luke Shaw. The number seven is the liveliest and most likely to create something for the home side but he’s well marshalled by an experienced troop, the opposite winger Tom McGlinchey is also a threat but not at his best, Nuneaton have come here to compete and have responded to the requests of their Management team of Jimmy Ginnelly and Andrew Danylyszyn following disappointing weekends defeat. The Score But for a couple of potlucks Coalville’s huff has no puff and Nuneaton are well worthy of their two-goal lead at the break. I’m stood up trying to get some heat back in my feet as the guy next to me under the blanket lowers his snood from over his nose to eat a bag of crisps. The second half starts, and the home team are immediately on the attack, a decent effort from range by Andi Thanoj is saved by the goalkeeper bouncing back to Ash Chambers who nestles home the rebound frustratingly from an offside position. Tyrell Waite could have rounded things off for Borough but hits the bar with an effort after cutting in from a wide position, Coalville press late on as Nuneaton retreat to defend their lead, the home side enjoying a lot of possession, getting it out wide to McGlinchey who crosses into the box, time and again dealt with by Osbourne and his centre back partner McManus. If anything the away side look more like scoring on the counter-attack, bringing on the lively Rev James for the last fifteen. Coalville know it’s not their day when Chambers drags an opportunity wide late on, they’ve been much better in the second half, in particular from the moment Herve Pepe Ngoma came onto the pitch, he replaced Andi Thanoj who went off with a broken jaw, wishing him a speedy recovery from a nasty looking incident after putting his body on the line to defend a Nuneaton attack. The Stars Charlie Dowd had me after seven minutes where he dropped a shoulder and flip flapped in his own half before setting Luke Benbow on his way. His speed of foot amazing, a small stocky left footer from the Burton Albion Academy who dazzled in spells with his dribbling ability. In attack, Kane Richards shown glimpses of his terrifying pace, electric at times, he should have had a goal to his game, whilst Luke Benbow took his particular netbulger really well, he has his own song to the tune of Spandau Ballet’s Gold and always looked a threat down the right-hand side of attack, short and strong with a big arse, a real handful. Defensively however, I felt this is where Nuneaton on the night excelled, looking competent and confident, assured from the wiry Aaron Forde doing a job at right back from his usual favoured midfield position, to left back Lathanial Rowe-Turner whose size shape and stature had wingers in fear. Isaiah Osbourne now 35 playing with a smile on his face, a Premier League footballer making things look easy, next to Scott McManus, club captain who’s talking was every bit as important as his heading and clearing away. One special mention to the marvellously regal named Prince Mancinelli. At twenty years old he sat in front of the back four like a veteran with discipline and positional sense that is usually not associated with one so young, eluding back to Jude Bellingham, tall and sophisticated on the ball, with a maturity beyond his years. For Coalville, well they weren’t at the races, but wingers Luke Shaw and Tom McGlinchey did alright. The triangles they play in the final third are often effective and in some ways some of the better stuff even came from the home side in possession, but their midfielders couldn’t dictate the scrap, their strikers didn’t have enough to danger the Nuneaton defence, it wasn’t but for trying, a hard working side who are willing to do battle with anyone toe-to-toe, substitute Herve Pepe Ngoma standing out for me as one who on the night, could physically compete with a bigger, stronger and quicker side. The Verdict It was a big three points for Nuneaton who keep Coalville at arm’s length whilst affirming their own promotion aspirations. There’s a game against leaders Tamworth next month which could be very tasty indeed… By then, if they’re still in the mix, they could be serious contenders for the title. For Coalville, don’t write them off from a playoff place just yet as they have games in hand and are well and truly a top five contender at least. This defeat will hurt for now but with still more of half of their season to play, they’ll have a big say in the race and will certainly be in the mix come May. Two decent sides doing their best attempt to warm the cockles on a proper cold night of non league football... Turns out Portugal won at a canter and I missed a top performance from Ronaldo stand in Goncalo Ramos at the World Cup, not that I'm bothered, because I wouldn't have swapped Coalville for Qatar or the glamour of an international fixture for this Southern League Central scrap with pitchside viewing, that is unless England were playing of course. The Teams Coalville Town: Paul White, Alex Dean (Connor Smith 62), Elliot Putman, Jake Eggleton, Chris Robertson, Andi Thanoj (Herve Pepe-Ngoma 60), Luke Shaw, George Wilson, Billy Kee, Ashley Chambers (Tendai Chitiza 62), Tom McGlinchey. Nuneaton Borough: Tony Breeden, Aaron Forde (Matt Stenson 90), Isaiah Osbourne, Scott McManus, Lathaniel Rowe-Turner, Prince Mancinelli, Ryan Beswick, Tyrell Waite, Luke Benbow (Rev James 76), Charlie Dowd, Kane Richards. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 6th December 2022, Owen Street Sports Ground, Coalville (att 401).

Ilkeston Town 2-0 Barwell (Southern League Central Division) I got to play on the hallowed turf of Wembley on Tuesday. A 4-3 loss means I’m still yet to win at the home of football having appeared once before ‘neath the famous arch’ during a drab nil nil draw in 2019. It was a member’s event with celebrities involved, Danny Murphy was manager and offered some pearls of wisdom whilst Kelly Smith looked after the opposition, Kevin Friend was Referee. My 43-year-old legs have only just recovered by Saturday morning, I’m in town picking up a couple of Christmas bits from John Lewis before heading home to ready myself for today’s task. Ilkeston Town v Barwell and a couple of teams in the Southern League Central that I’ve already had the pleasure to watch this season. On paper it looks a tight one, both middle-ish table in the league, Barwell unbeaten in five whilst Ilkeston lost last out, I’m told they dominated second placed Nuneaton away from home but couldn’t make possession count, losing 2-0, ‘they can’t keep clean sheets’ is what they say… Perhaps that might change today? I leave my house shortly after 1pm in the drizzle as I head down the A52 and over the Clifton Flyover. I’m cutting down the Derby Road and onto Wollaton Vale where I pay the M&S Petrol Station a visit, withdraw some cash and grab a Lucozade as I had one too many last night. Through Trowell and into Ilkeston I’m down the Awsworth Road and over the twisty narrow canal bridge turn, parking up on the side of the road, across from the New Manor Ground these days sponsored by a software company I’ve never heard of, called Microlise. The Venue I’m sitting in the car the skies now brightened up, I can see the Clocktower Stand through my windscreen, the ground on the edge of town, opposite a couple of car repair shops, a breakers yard, in an industrial looking area, the entrance to the venue a modern brick built turnstile in the corner, it’s £12 to get in, I head through and take a walk behind the goal towards the clubhouse and bar where I use the toilet. It’s packed in there, you feel this club is a real community hub, no pubs nearby, so meet at the ground for a few pints before hand and when the players come out at five to three, so do we. Not feeling a beer I opt for a coffee at £1.50 served through a hatch outside the clubhouse and pour in my own milk and sugar, walk past Ilkeston striker Alex Troke who’s not in the squad today, and head up to the media section in the main stand, where Mark the tannoy man is looking perplexed. “I can’t get the music to play over the tannoy from my laptop? My microphone works, that's on bluetooth, but the music is through an aux cable and it’s not working?” A long-bearded colleague joins him and plugs his laptop in, no luck either, which is probably a good thing as from the sounds of his heavy metal playlist the stand behind the goal could have been in danger of turning into a pre-game mosh pit had it worked. Ilkeston Coach James Jepson is shouting up to us in the warmup “Can we have some music on” the reply from Mark is “I’m trying, the aux cable isn’t working”. His witty response is heard over the tannoy as he announces the teams “We apologies for the lack of music, if anyone wants to sing a capella please shout up” He closes, after rounding off some upcoming fixtures by stating “enjoy the silence” as I take a sip from my now cold coffee, I notice a church up on the hill, in the background, Ilkeston high up in the distance, it’s a quirky ground that has plenty of character, a real view from sitting high up in the corner stand where I’m perched. The Game It’s 3pm and the teams aren’t out yet. Dave the Chairman is sitting in front of me so I ask him what’s happening… “The goalkeepers had to change his kit as the green was too similar to Barwell’s… Not sure why it took so long? Maybe his mum usually dresses him in the mornings?” We’re finally underway a good five minutes late, Barwell in bright lime green, Ilkeston in thick red and white stripes, it seems slow paced, sluggish, maybe the lack of music failed to raise intensity? Maybe standing around waiting for Ollie Battersby to get changed didn’t help either? Despite lethargy, Ilkeston look the better side. Wingers Remaye Campbell and Dempsey Arlott-John have made a good start. Barwell don’t look up for it, the usually talented Brady Hickey starts with a few too many misplaced passes, winger Beck-Ray Enoru who I was really impressed with in the win against Stratford, simply cannot get into the game. Right back Mitchell’s having trouble dealing with the tricky and tormenting Arlott-John, so much so, after 17 minutes he’s had enough… Time to feign injury and call for a sub… It maybe a harsh assessment from me, but I would probably have done the same. There’s a few more Barwell players going down, I turn to my behind and say “We’ll be lucky to get home for midnight.” Ilkeston for their troubles can’t breach the Barwell back line, then Arlott-John lets fly from range, his shot stunningly tipped over by goalkeeper Wycherley. The home side are pushing, probing from wing to wing, looking for space in behind, a barrage of corners and domination of possession, suddenly Eratt-Thompson picks the ball up, he’s 30 yards out, unleashes his right foot and smashes home into the top corner… A sweet a strike as you’ll ever see. “He’s not known for his goalscoring” says Mark the tannoy man after announcing to the crowd his “first goal for the club”, He’s playing centre midfield today, last match I watched he played well down the right wing, Mark saying “he originally signed as a full back” as it turns out, Scholsey, I presume he's nicknamed for his ginger hair, well he’s quite a versatile young player. The Score At half time I say “I’m impressed with Ilkeston” who look much the better of the two teams, but can’t help feeling the Barwell Manager will be giving a rocket up his sides arses downstairs, they haven’t been at it and surely won’t be any worse in the second forty five. And true to word they improve upon coming out, Davidson-Miller lets fly and crashes against the bar, but they never really get fully going, captain Kieran Fenton guiding the home team defence well, the hosts clearing their lines and allowing their visitors to come on to them, without any real fear of danger on Battersby's goal. “They need a second” says Mark as Dave the Chairman edges more nervously shuffling across his seat. And with just seven minutes remaining, the requested goal comes, like the first, out of nothing, like the first, an absolute rocket, this time from Montel Gibson, who’s been busy in attack, fleet footed, he curls from 25 plus yards and the goalkeeper can’t get near it. Two strikes of the highest order, the remaining ten with stoppages is a precession for Ilkeston, who almost let Barwell in for a couple of attempts late on, but as the Referee concludes the game with his three peeps of the whistle, it’s been a one sided, deserving three points, for the best team on the day. The Stars Lamine Sherif a recent signing from Peterborough Sports is terrific in the centre of midfield. A real engine he has a good attitude, always wanting the ball, always prepared to hunt it down, he makes Ilkeston tick and drives things forward whenever he’s in possession. Left winger Arlott-John is certainly the go to player to make things happen, his trickery and footwork has full backs in dazes, but Montel Gibson, a former youngster with Notts County, is a real talent too, easy on the eye he’s educated in possession, passing into space and where it hurts the opposition sometimes using the outside of his foot, his goal the cream of a milky smooth performance from him. Kieran Fenton has a good game marshalling his back line from centre half, for Barwell there’s not much to be happy with on a disappointing day in Derbyshire, Andy Wycherley having to make a couple of decent saves, Melis Bushaj gets through plenty of work in midfield, Jahvan Davidson-Miller grafts an isolated figure up top, he has ability, but he needs team-mates to get in and around him, I’m disappointed with his strike partner Enoru who I was so impressed with a few weeks back. The Verdict For Barwell it’s one of those games they’ll just have to lock away and forget about. I still think they’ll be ok, they have enough attacking options to cause opponents problems, and I don’t see them getting into a relegation fight, but I also don’t see them hitting the top half of what is a competitive and testing long league. Ilkeston will be better than ok, mid table is where I see them, where they’ll stay? I suppose that could be down to Mr Chairman and whether he wants to delve into his pockets some more for improvements? But before that, he needs to pay for a new aux cable, so Mark can play his music. The Teams Ilkeston Town: Ollie Battersby, Joe Wilson, Henri Wilder, Declan Eratt-Thompson, Dan Bradley, Kieran Fenton, Remaye Campbell, Lamine Sherif, Chris O'Grady, Montel Gibson (Reco Fyfe 84), Dempsey Arlott-John. Barwell: Andy Wycherley, Micah Edwards (Dominic Brown-Hill 17), Deen Master, Roger Lee (Tiago Nassunculo 64), Kyle Rowley, George Ward, Beck-Ray Enoru, Melis Bushaj, Jahvan Davidson-Miller, Brady Hickey, Jack Deakin. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 19th November 2022, New Manor Ground, Ilkeston (att 522)

Barwell 2-1 Stratford Town (Southern League Central Division) It was a week before Christmas 2013, we’d just got beat 5-0 at home to Nantwich and at the end of the game it all felt a little bit sombre in the dressing room, we shook hands with every one of our players after an emotional speech, wished them a happy Christmas, and that was that… A few days later we got the phone call, it was on Christmas Eve when I found out, that we’d been sacked, and we were no longer needed as part of Grantham Town’s management team for the Boxing Day clash at Barwell. I suppose it allowed for another bottle of red wine, or two, on Christmas Day, but that’s the nearest I ever got to going to Barwell, until today. It’s roughly 50 minutes from my door in the Rushcliffe borough of Nottingham, I kiss goodbye to the wife and dog, before leaving shortly after 1pm, another mild, bright, October day, the hoody is on, the gillet is on, a bobble hat on top of my balding scalp, but in fairness, I probably don’t need any of it. Heading towards the county of Leicestershire, I’ve ironically got Leicester City v Manchester City playing on the radio, as I drive towards the A46 before passing the turn off for the Foxes spanking new training ground, directed on the A47 by my ready programmed route guidance, I’m driving down the Sacheverell Way on the outskirts of Groby as Kevin De Bruyne gives his team the lead with what sounded like a stunning strike, over the M1 and through Ratby, which doesn’t look a bad place at all to live, before passing the Head Office of Poundstretcher, and through further villages of Desford and Kirkby Mallory before finally reaching Barwell down the single track bouncy country roads. I’ve gone around the houses, missed my turnings three times, I’ve even driven straight by the football ground, little wonder I’ve never been here before, it’s harder to find than a toothpick in a haystack. The middle of bloody nowhere. I’m backing up the car, unimpressed with my in built sat nav which has failed me not for the first time, I switch to google maps on my phone, turning around on Kirkby Road, I pull up outside a park on my left, a hardware store on my right, before a sign a little further ahead, saying Barwell Indoor Bowls Club, as well as cricket and football, also the home of Hinkley AFC, this must be the place. The Venue I grab my laptop bag, hop out the car and walk up past the sign for the sportsground where there’s a pub on the right nicknamed the barn, I’m walking through a car park in front of a lovely looking cricket pitch glistening in the sun, beyond that is the quaint looking football ground, behind a Pavilion which boasts the name of Barwell CC. I find the gate and make the turnstile operator jump, £10 cash but they do take card, walk into the venue and head straight to get a cup of tea. The players are already out on the pitch, warming up, the Stratford lads in bright orange, the Barwell lads in lime green, no trouble in seeing these sets of players today, although telling the difference from them and the stewards may pose a problem? The café is to the side of the main stand, a covered seated area which hogs halfway, there’s other roofed terracing on the same stretch but the far side of the pitch and two ends behind the goals are narrow open aired walkways, fences to the back, with netting high up, to stop stray balls wandering into the adjacent gardens. The Stratford manager says ‘hello’ as I walk confused towards their changing rooms, the café almost outside the doors of the players and officials’ lockers, I grab a tea for a pound, it’s hot water and a budget tea bag, I stew it myself, add milk and make a quick phone call to a friend who wants some investment advice. As I’m chatting, the sun is shining, players limbering up low intensity on the synthetic surface, which was I’m told, only installed last year at a whopping cost of £700,000, it’s perfect conditions for football, so I take a seat high up in the stand and get ready for the main event. It’s a bit of a relegation shoulder scrap this, neither side has started the season well and both teams are hovering dangerously near to the bottom two. As I’m seated on the back row, a good ten or fifteen up from pitch level, a Referees Assessor from Leicestershire FA joins me, he’s chirpy, is a regular at the club and from the sounds he’s been involved in football a bloody long time. The Game I know little about either team and it’s my first viewing of both so am pretty open-minded as to what I’m about to see, predicting a close encounter on form, Barwell slight favourites with home advantage but the smart money would be on a draw. Within three minutes though, the away team goalkeeper is letting a back pass bounce on the edge of the eighteen-yard box, he doesn’t know whether to come or stay, the ball holding up on the sticky Astro, by the time he’s decided it’s too late, Beck-Ray Enoru is quick, so quick he’s nipped in, beat him to the ball, before calmly walking it into the net. There’s more shenanigans early doors as the same goalkeeper then kicks a short goal kick out for a corner, trying to play out from the back, he misses his centre half who’s standing three yards away and puts it behind, you wouldn’t expect it at a girls under eights game. Despite their goalkeeping troubles, Stratford don’t look bad in possession, the game is fast paced and end to end, but every now and again the away side get it down and play, the home team rely on their pace on the break which gets them in dangerously a couple of times. With number seven on his back, Enoru looks like a young Raheem Sterling, lightweight, technically he has some ability, sharp feet and an awful lot of pace, positional sense isn’t his stronghold, Captain Brady Hickey is having a go at him “Push further up, you should be up there, you’re playing up front” as Hickey pushes him forward, a poor goal kick lands at the wingers feet, he cuts inside and blasts a shot inches over, I think if that went in, it would have been completely down to his poor starting position, and the fact his skipper pushed him with two hands into place. The Score The Stratford keeper does make some sort of amends with a decent save from Jahvan Davidson-Miller who’s also a handful up top, and despite the visitors looking better on the ball, more umph and gumption comes from the home team who are unlucky to only be one up at the break. I ponder if they’ll rue missed chances during the interval, as I see Steve Chettle with his wife, sitting, scouting, perhaps, the former Nottingham Forest player and ex-Manager of Basford United, still works for the Southern League club as head of their academy who have an FA Youth Cup game v Derby on Monday. The second half is dominated by the away team, a couple of guys sit in front of me, they’re Barwell regulars and can see it for themselves, the dominance in midfield comes from Ashley Sammons who’s a cracking footballer, sitting in front of the back four, ticking the team along. Up front they have another player who really impresses me, Andre Wright’s hold up play has been sensational, he’s a number nine with good feet, good strength, he’s not gave the ball away all game, he’s not looked like scoring either, then suddenly he picks the ball up twenty five yards out and curls one into the top corner. I question if it’s a good thing for Barwell, still with 25 minutes remaining, they sat back too early from the break and haven’t started playing yet this half, they’ll have to go out and win it again, and have plenty of time to do it, which takes all of two minutes to put right. The home side push immediately down the left wing, I think its Deen Master who puts in an excellent centre and there is Brady Hickey, heading home, guiding it into the top corner after a late run into the box, a proper goal from a player who has elegance in wearing that number ten shirt, armband wrapped around his right bicep, it was he who scored a double in midweek, one of which an eightieth minute leveller at fellow strugglers Hednesford, from a good forty yards or more out. That goal allows Barwell again to sit back and defend their lead and this time, they do it properly, a couple of half sniffs for Stratford who seem to lack that bit of bite which Barwell do have in attack, in fact the home side might have added more, Enoru, electric and undefendable at times, it’s been a tough afternoon for the Town back four, who are probably relieved when the whistle is blown to end the game. The Stars A real rough diamond is Beck-Ray Enoru, a player who certainly has progression still to make just twenty years young, at one time told off by his strike partner Davidson-Miller who blurted “pass the f*cking ball” to summarise that his decision making isn’t always the best, but the frustration you sometimes get with the diminutive wide attacker is potentially going to be outweighed by the sheer pace and technical ability he has in his game to beat an opponent, the threat on the counter-attack is one that could certainly keep Barwell in this division, although mumbles in the crowd suggest that ‘keeping him’ would be a tough ask alone, especially should he continue to produce performances like that. Whilst centre half Kyle Rowley headed and kicked everything from danger, left back Deen Master played well and Enoru’s fellow forward Davidson-Miller was also a threat with pace and strength having a good all round game, the attacking substitutions for the home side were also exciting with young Jack Deakin (on loan from Mansfield Town) and Tiago Nassunculo looking very useful too. For Stratford, they reminded me a little of St Ives Town, in the way they play, which was nice, a little of Hednesford Town, in the way they lack getting numbers forward, which is not so nice, I believe they’ll be down there most of the season, but should have enough, especially if they keep the talented Andre Wright, who at 25 has already more clubs than Tiger Woods. Left back Taylor Morrison looked thick set and solid, coming up against his worse nightmare in a nimble speedster of a winger, but didn’t do too bad defensively considering such difficult opponent, Ashley Sammons was another standout, and for me is one of the better players in his position that I’ve seen in this league. The Verdict As I left the quaint village venue of Barwell and back up through the winding country roads of Leicestershire to my home in Notts, one conversation I had today, stood out, when before the game, the Referees Assessor I was sitting beside, told me “this is a lovely club” and that, I cannot argue with at all. The people that run it, the folk in the stands, talkative, friendly, and warming to others, me especially, who they had only just met, their side not at all bad, a plucky decent attacking team that will surprise a few with that pace in attack. I aim to head over to Stratford in good time and will look forward to seeing whether Andre Wright is still there when I get around to paying them a visit, if they do keep him long term, they should have enough to stay in the division, because he does have some real star quality, I just worry about his staying power with sixteen clubs already in his career, from Coventry City and Brighton & Hove Albion to Sligo Rovers and Kettering Town, if he can stay in Stratford, and enjoy his football over a genuine period of time, he could be the player they need, to keep them comfortably in the division. The Teams Barwell: Andrew Wycherley, Micah Edwards, Deen Master, Roger Lee, Kyle Rowley, Sidney Kerr, Beck-Ray Enoru, Melis Bushaj, Jahvan Davidson-Miller (Tiago Nassunculo 75), Brady Hickey, Shaquille Master (Jack Deakin 53). Stratford Town: Louis Beresford, Daniel Vann (James Molyneux 85), Taylor Morrison, Ashley Sammons, Jack Turner, James O'Neill, Samuel Wilding (Josh Hawker 61), Daniel Lafferty, Andre Wright, William Grocott, Dexter Walters (Jack Storer 60). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 29th October 2022, Kirkby Road, Barwell (att 214).

Hednesford Town 0-1 Tamworth (Southern League Central Division) For the second successive Tuesday night, I’m casting eye over Hednesford Town. After watching them play just eight miles from my home, unlucky to lose by a fortuitous last-minute own goal at Basford United seven days ago, this time, the Southern Central League table proppers have a local derby match against Tamworth, sitting top of the tree in the division, it’s first v last, an all Staffy affair, to be played at the Pitmen’s Keys Park Stadium, one of my favourite non-league venues. It's supposed to be just over an hour from my door… A 50-mile drive that takes me down the A453 and out of Nottingham, onto the A50, I’m pratting about with my sat nav as I want to avoid the toll roads and the £7.60 charge on the M6… So much so, that I miss the turn for the A38 and now I’m heading for Uttoxeter, which puts another twenty minutes on my journey. Luckily, I have plenty of time, listening in to TalkSport, who ask supporters whether minnows drawn at home should switch their FA Cup ties to more glamorous grounds of their opponents, one fan ringing in to remind us of the time Tottenham brought Rochdale a brand new pitch because they refused to play on such preposterous surface when drawn to play at Spotland. I haven’t an idea where I’ve been re-routed, literally driving through villages I’ve never previously seen or heard of in my 43 years on this planet, one village, Abbots Bromley, apparently was voted best place to live in the Midlands by the Sunday Times newspaper, in both 2013 and 2016. I can see why! It has more pubs than houses, a lovely idyllic spot too, but I can’t help feeling landlocked, rather claustrophobic, I feel this is as far from the sea as anywhere I’ve been in England… Then suddenly…. Water. I drive down a road which bridges straight through a huge open reservoir, it’s stunning, massive, serene, the bridge seems to go on forever, then back up the hill and out of sight, my first experience of what is apparently called Blithfield Reservoir…. I’ll certainly be back with my walking boots and flat cap. The landscape soon changes though, I drive parallel to a huge goods train as I enter the ugly industrial back end of a town called Rugeley. It’s there I stop off for some petrol and a quick bacon double cheeseburger from a nearby Burger King. The Venue Back on the road and fed, I drive through the sumptuous Cannock Chase before entering the equally rather green looking town of Hednesford. The ground is on the edge of town and off Keys Park Road, turning up into a new housing estate which I seem to remember was wasteland during my last visit in 2013. As I pull up at the gate, the steward asks me ‘home or away?’ “Neither” I reply, as he finds me somewhere to park for my £3 cash. Dark skies and floodlights on, parking up at the back of the stand all be it well lit, I wonder if I’m safe leaving my car behind a goal, the huge netting above hopefully saving my new Mercedes from any bumps and bruises of potential stray balls. I walk over a nicely sanded surface towards the turnstile in the main stand, stewards keep asking if I’m ‘home or away’… As Tamworth are in town there’s segregation today, the away end expected to get rowdy, a West Midlands derby, an all Staffordshire affair, I’m whetting my appetite at a feisty nights viewing, hence getting in and through the gate before the hustle and bustle arrives. As I walk out to a burger van where I request nothing more than a cup of tea, the ground, built in 1995 for the then princely cost of £1.3m, in fine nick, is exactly the same as it looked last time I visited. Long roofed stands behind each goal, an even longer roofed terrace area over the far side, the Main Stand is large, all seated and hogging the middle of the pitch, the dugouts in front, tunnel in the middle, at the back of the stand, fifteen or so rows up, is the club bar, directors lounge, offices, overlooking the whole pitch with a panoramic view, it feels like a proper football stadium, a venue that could easily host league football, one that enjoyed (level 5) conference football in the late nineties, one that as recent ago as 2019, hosted England and Brazil under 18’s, where the likes of Cole Palmer and Fabio Carvalho faced a seleccao including Kaio Jorge who believe me, is a real star to come. The Game Not expecting to see any England stars of the future, certainly no Brazilians on show, I am expecting a Tamworth win, as the away side warm up, they look confident, but like they mean business, their tempo is good, if warmups are anything to go by, they look well drilled by Manager Andy Peaks and his staff. As for Hednesford, well they drew at the weekend, and I felt they were unlucky against Basford in the match prior to that, their manager Steve Burr was recently appointed, and there’s obvious improvement, following their poor start to the season, but well-known talisman Leroy Lita is sidelined, concussion protocol after a head injury during the draw at Hitchin, he’s walking up the steps to sit the row behind me and says he’s fine, “If I didn’t feel ok I would say” he utters shrugged shoulders. I’ve had a pound on golden goal tonight, I randomly pick the 14th minute out of an envelope which I think isn’t bad, the stadium announcer has four minutes and keeps asking if I want to swap, “I’ll let you know in the fifth minute” I reply. By the time the two teams are out, the stadium, which holds 6,000 when full, has little over 600 spectators in well spread, which for a cold Tuesday night in October, at this level is not bad at all. The Tamworth fans, stood behind the goal to my left are in full voice, they get behind their team by mostly singing ‘Hednesford’s a shithole, I wanna go home.” Despite the Lambs noisy backing, it’s the home side which start, I believe, the better of the two teams, they look up for it, ready to battle against a side, the best in the division, who they hope, have underestimated them. It’s pinging and ponging from front to back, neither side relishing possession for anything more than two passes, but its frantic, fast paced, ‘don’t do anything silly’ is what I presume, both sets of players have been told as they kick it from centre back to centre back. The Score Hednesford create the better chances in the first half. Set plays are where they can get in, a couple of headers from corners go wide, whilst Adam Livingstone on the left puts in a lovely ball across that is headed inches off-target by Nesbitt. Livingstone frustrates, he produces moments of genuine quality, but these are more often followed by moments of underwhelming disappointment, he has attributes, but not consistency, he does have a good battle with Tamworth right back Matt Curley who I do like a lot. In front of him, the Alice-band wearing Kyle Finn looks talented and skilful, a poor mans Jack Grealish? His flicks rarely pay off. Tamworth struggle to threaten as the home side edge the bout on points at the interval. The second half is underway and within minutes Tamworth should take the lead, Grealish, no Finn, is through on goal, his weak effort easily saved by Brooks. Hednesford have their own chances, but I’m starting to think if they don’t take one, they’ll regret it… Bennett curls wide before Singh fabulously tips over a rocket shot from Bailey. It’s opened up into a real classic, Bradley hits the crossbar for Tamworth but minutes later, from a corner initially saved well by Brooks, the ball falls to Dan Creaney who does what he’s known for at this level. 16 remain and the Pitmen undone. The later stages see a significant difference in the two teams approach, Tamworth more confident, more solid, more likely to get another, the stuff you see from table topping teams, they’ll see out this no problem, Hednesford meanwhile, dejected, lacking ideas, sunken by a significant body blow of conceding that goal.. The inevitability is defeat, and although they huff and puff, the Lambs are prepared for any onslaught, and on the Referees whistle, the pyro party behind the goal begins. The Stars On a cold night made for getting stuck in and heading back down the A5 with a result, more important than anything else for Tamworth, I’m impressed with the energy and work-rate, particularly in the second half of the away side midfielder Gift Musa. Also, after an injury to young centre back Ben Hart, the visiting teams rather weighty looking number six Liam Dolman came on after less than half an hours play, and it was a game perfectly made for him to head and kick anything that lay in his path. For the home side, I love watching Kyle Bennett play, his elegance in midfield is sometimes over shone by the physicality of the game at this level, for large parts of the first half a passenger on the fringes often shoved off the ball, but in the second half, when things opened up, all the Pitmen’s best play came through him. A shame that despite his intricate passing, that those on the end of his precision, do not have the quality to help lift the side off the foot of the table. The Verdict I still think Hednesford will come good… But wonder the longer it goes, the bridge, like the one over Blithfield Reservoir, might be a little too stretched for my liking… (nervously looking up to the skies I kept having dambusters premonitions whilst driving across it). The club, the fans, the stadium, the town, it really is a good place and deserves to be involved in a higher division of football, my feeling, it may even be in a lower division, by this time next year, but that said, still… They’ll bounce up if they do go down, because people will want to play for this club, these people, at this lovely venue and on this sublime pitch. As for Tamworth, well come October 2023 their rivalry with Hednesford could have simmered due to the fact that they’ll be two leagues a part, they to me look like league winning material, and should be continuing to top the charts for sometime yet. A derby day away win for them, keeps the Lambs on track to promotion target, and maybe in time, a return to those dizzy heights set previously, when playing in the Conference or National League, was a regular thing. The Teams Hednesford Town: Tiernan Brooks, Lewis Ludford-Ison, Zac Hartley, Ben Bailey, Keith Lowe, Chris Clements (Luke Rowe 71), Joe Cuff, Todd Parker (Olamide Ibrahim 79), Ryan Nesbitt, Kyle Bennett, Adam Livingstone. Tamworth: Jasbir Singh, Matt Curley, Callum Cockerill-Mollett (Adriel George 76), Gift Musa, Alex Collard, Ben Hart (Liam Dolman 28), Kyle Finn, Alex Bradley, Daniel Creaney, Ty Deacon, Luke Fairlamb. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 18th October 2022, Keys Park, Hednesford (att 668).

Ilkeston Town 2-3 St Ives Town (Southern League Central Division) It's our lad’s 18th birthday and we're up in the dark, watching him open his presents at 7:30am before he goes to college. Grandma's coming over at 3pm with a cake before I'm asked to drive to Five Guys for some celebratory and slightly naughty looking tea. £48 for three burgers. It’s a wet and miserable one outside. I'm home shortly after 5pm with the grub and back out of the house and down the ring road fully fuelled by 6pm. Off to Ilkeston tonight. They're playing St Ives Town in the Southern League Central Division. The ring road is busy as usual... Traffic always seems worse in Nottingham on Tuesdays... I get to Raleigh Island and turn left through Wollaton and into Trowell before crossing the Derbyshire border where it’s a little less hectic. After heading down the Chalons Way, windscreen wipers flicking on and off in the drizzle, I finally reach Awsworth Road, a narrow street of terrace housing which turns industrial as the lights appear of the New Manor Ground. I park up over the street to avoid the £3 official club parking charge. The car safely behind a flatbed lorry outside an MOT garage. The Venue I walk over towards the turnstile and there’s a guy in a wheelchair who states ‘concessions to the left, adults to the right’… I joke “there’s no adults here” before walking into the wrong gate, I’m told to use the other entrance by the girl on the counter who's laughing at my error. After paying £12 cash to get in, I take a walk from the corner of what is a relatively simple, spacious but nice-looking venue. Recently facelifted with a spanking 3g pitch, there’s kids packing up from their training session and moveable goals all over the place. A good hour to go before kick-off, I walk down towards the iconic clock tower stand, a stunning looking build I think, erected in the early 90’s, which is a corner stand with a huge clock below a spire. To its right a low roofed behind goal terrace, to the left a low roofed seating area which also houses the players dugouts, opposite an open end that has a clubhouse/bar and members only section that is nothing more than an upscale glass fronted portacabin, which I walk towards for a quick coffee priced £2.30, an Americano with a splash of milk, green top, ‘help yourself to that’ says the girl who tells me ‘there’s some sugar on the side in a bowl.’ I’ve been on record saying previously I don’t like 3g pitches, but I completely understand the logic in a club like Ilkeston having one, and the revenue they bring. A lad who works in my office only last night was playing five a side at the very venue. To think that greats like Kenny Burns and John McGovern would once be emulated by Zak in sales from work on the hallowed turf of the New Manor Ground, synthetic or not, well that’s just how football has evolved. Ilkeston Town are a decent sized club in these parts and have been for many years. Always held their own in the non-league system, hovering between steps 6,7 & 8 but often not without controversy. Liquidated in 2009 after owing a reported £50,000 they reformed as Ilkeston FC, liquidated in 2017 after owing near £15,000, they reformed again as Ilkeston Town. Past players have included many ex-Forest and Derby legends, past managers remembered include Keith Alexander and Kevin Wilson, like Wilson, current player/manager Jamie Ward is a former Northern Ireland international who used to play for both Forest and Derby. The club has always attracted a decent quality of footballer with gates often above 400 which for the level, the seventh tier of English football, is always very good. The Game It’s my first viewing of St Ives Town, but I’m told they’ve always been a good footballing team. They beat Chasetown in the FA Cup on Saturday to earn a draw in the fourth qualifying round at Halifax and are above Ilkeston in the table. I’m sitting at a newly added media section of the Clock Tower Stand as the tannoy guy tells me ‘It can be a tough squint to see the action over the far side’. Level with the 18-yard box I’m high up with a good view, but the elements hit as the wind and rain tickle my cheeks everytime I look right. The first half is played at a snail’s pace, both sides happy to play out from the back, slowly, I think the pitch makes you do that, players who would usually stick a boot in and go long, trying to play because the surface is so flat and lush, inviting, opponents standing off, not wanting the burns on their skin which go hand in hand with sliding tackles on these surfaces. Every goal kick played the modern way, keeper to centre back, back to the keeper, who plays it to his other centre back, the ideas thereafter slowly run out. The Score St Ives draw first blood as a poor headed clearance is put back into the danger area where Jonathan Edwards calmly slots home. Neither side play particularly great, but Ilkeston look dangerous out wide and are the enforcers looking most likely to score next, but for a couple of long-range efforts for the away side who give goalkeeper Oliver Battersby a full stretched diving scare. Goalscorer Edwards, actually hobbles off with injury, defending a corner in his own box, another blame I lay on the pitch, he’s on crutches by the end of the match after what looks like a nastily turned ankle coming down on the hard surface. By half time, Ilkeston are back level, Chris O’Grady, once of Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest (to name two of a few), heading home from a set play. The goal setting up a tasty second half in the making. I chat with a Cambridgeshire based media reporter at half time and we discuss the North/South non-league divide before action resumes, fully expecting Ilkeston to come out of the traps in hunt for a second, I’m disappointed that they lack urgency and continue to attempt play out from the back without no real game plan other than accidentally getting it wide left to their best player by far, the talented youngster Dempsey Arlott-John. The young number eleven is sometimes unplayable, cutting in from the wing, jinking with plenty of hips movement, diminutive framed and pacey over short sprints, but more often than not, he’s out of the game as Ilkeston lack ideas and adventure in attempting to play him in, it’s actually St Ives who take the lead by scoring the goal of the game. One touch passing, from back to front, ends with Tyrone Baker running in on goal to give his side the advantage. The reporter next to me labels them ‘the Cambridgeshire Barcelona’ before stating ‘it’s probably a bit long winded for the newspaper headline tomorrow’. The visitors now clearly on top as the home team look ever more vulnerable, mumbles in the crowd echo ‘why is Jamie Ward not getting ready’. An injury then forces a break, and the Player Manager rushes off to the changing room where he races back kit-ready and enters the field of play alongside striker Remaye Campbell. Shortly after, the ball falls to the boss who finishes from inside the area to level up, the Ilson crowd behind the goal sing his name to the tune of Oasis’s Wonderwall. But St Ives are still the better side, and late on, left back Johnathan Herd curls home low from outside the box, a deserved winner that sends them to sixth in the Southern League Central table. The Stars Former Leicester apprentice Arlott-John is the star shining light in Ilkeston’s defeat but right back Joe Wilson who was forced off with injury shortly into the second half looks most comfortable in possession. Declan Eratt-Thompson is also a live wire who aims to beat his marker and is an exciting prospect on the wing aged just 20. His game dwindling out around the same time that Wilson was substituted. For St Ives they have Dylan Williams in midfield who’s one touch inventive passing catches the eye, as does the pace of Tyrone Baker and Enoch Andoh in attack. Jonathan Edwards who hobbled off, looked very much a typical number nine, and has football league experience with the likes of Peterborough and Accrington. The Verdict Ilkeston made a couple of statement signings in the summer and have so far flatted to deceive having parted ways with Manager Martin Carruthers in September. The club I believe will find it difficult to go higher this season, a tricky job for Jamie Ward who’s still better on the field than in the dugout perhaps, juggling the Player Manager role is never easy, but they should certainly be in a better position than their fifteenth place currently suggests with the quality they have, including Ward, in their side. St Ives are nicey-nicey and perhaps too nice to trouble the likes of Tamworth and Nuneaton at the top of the tree, but they’ll be playoff candidates as they play good progressive football and have plenty of ability in the attacking third. A trip to Ilkeston offers a warm welcome from the locals and is a ground in good condition, relatively modern looking. It doesn’t sit with some of those top proper football venues I’ve been to but is one which can create an atmosphere when full on a Saturday afternoon in particular, sadly on a Tuesday night verses St Ives who themselves brought very little following, it wasn’t quite the atmosphere that I had anticipated, and hoped, it might be, not helped by the persistent October drizzle. The Teams Ilkeston Town: Oliver Battersby, Joe Wilson (Daniel Bradley 49), Reece Hutchinson, Jack Thomas (Jamie Ward 80), Marshall Willock, Kieran Fenton, Declan Eratt-Thompson, Babatomiwa Solanke, Chris O’Grady (Remaye Campbell 80), Alex Troke, Dempsey Arlott-John. St Ives Town: James Goff, Kane Lewis (Owen Sheriff 81), Johnathan Herd, Michael Richens, Jordan Williams, Callum Milne, Tyrone Baker (Edmond Hotter 70), Myles Cowling, Jonathan Edwards (Ethan Johnson 18), Dylan Williams, Enoch Andoh. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 4th October 2022, New Manor Ground, Ilkeston (att 442).

St Ives Town 3-2 Royston Town (Southern League Central Division) It’s the start of a mad week of live football for me. A game tonight, one in Boston tomorrow, two in Newcastle on Wednesday, a day off Thursday and a couple more matches streamed from home on Friday before a Saturday 3pm (when football should be played) back in Boston to round it all off. Tonight’s untelevised Monday night football tie is St Ives v Royston in the Southern League Central and 21st v 9th at the Quattro Tech Stadium otherwise known as Westwood Road. It’s my first visit to this town and my first viewing of St Ives since a New Years Day defeat at Rushden & Diamonds back in January, after a promising start last season they have since slipped in the last ten months and are second from bottom in the division with six points from twelve games played. I have no idea what part of the country Royston is in but they’re doing ok in the league, above mid-table and a win below the playoff zone, they apparently date back to 1875 and are the third oldest club in Hertfordshire behind Hitchin Town and Bishop Stortford. The Crows as they are known are managed by Steve Castle who used to play for Leyton Orient, after ten long years of running things alone he’s now joint gaffer with Chris Watters who was promoted from Assistant in the summer. St Ives Manager is Ricky Marheneike who himself has been at the helm a decade long. His side were beaten at Stratford at the weekend whilst Royston didn’t play. Their last outing at Mickleover a week gone Saturday, losing at the league leaders 2-0. I’m in the car for 5pm and down the A1(M) as the sun sets to the west over RAF Wittering. Off at junction 14 for signposts of Huntington and St Ives I’m through a stunning village called Hemingford Grey with its quirky thatched cottages as a lone jogger runs by with a torch attached to his woolly hat. The Venue It’s darkening skies as I reach St Ives crossing over the Great River Ouse and the lagoons that did well to survive storm Babet, a quiet town on a Monday night is isolated as I navigate the one-way system, not much is going off at all with hardly a human in sight. As I feel aimlessly driving down dark roads, sat nav says I’m close as some bright lights suddenly appear of a car park in front, there’s some players getting of cars and cutting through a hedge, I’ve no idea how to access the venue but soon follow to find a gravel track which leads you to the back of the football ground and a single turnstile where there’s a queue. £11 contactless for adults I’m zapped through the white painted breeze block hut to the open internals of what is a quirky wide and spacious ground with a bit of village charm. The pitch has recently been laid a couple of years ago and is one of the widest 3g surfaces I’ve seen. Dimly lit under low volt floodlighting the players are out warming up on it, to the left of me an unusual looking brick built stand in black and white which backdrops to the club house and changing rooms, it looks like the engine room of St Ives Town with a refreshments bar below a flickering light. The press and Directors seats set back from the concourse in front with slim posts in view, I decide after my touchline experience at Rushall on Saturday that I might do the same tonight, as I walk around the ground to find that perfect spot. Behind each goal is open ended with netting to save the ball hitting the horizon trees but opposite the main stand and clubhouse is another quirky number that looks like it’s been here a while. Corrugated roof sat on halfway it has three rows of seats all different colours the back row of which are padded, as I sit on the corner of one I nearly fall off, not knowing it’s unattached to it’s position from the brick wall behind and not safe for service of supporters use. I take the original option to stand by halfway next to a guy who’s filming every move of the match on his mobile phone. I’m concerned about the light as it’s dark and my eye sights not great, the pitch much wider than I’m used to and the stands are set back, thankfully as the players come out the head groundsman decides to switch the lights on full.. ‘That’s better’ I sigh. The Game It’s a good fast paced start as both teams look to go forward with not much time for two touches as each side is pressing hard. Royston I’m more impressed with but St Ives counter well, they have a pair of midfielders in Barton and Cowling who travel with the ball at their feet, running forward at pace, straight lined, before slide rule passing to Njoku off the shoulder, he’s rapid up top and has a lot of technique, the Royston defenders quaking everytime he touches the ball. The away side have had the best of it, but Njoku is set free on the break, he’s felled in the area and Jonathan Edwards slots home from after a stuttering run up from the resulting penalty kick. Other than a few kids hand gesturing behind the goal for the penalty the atmosphere is subdued. It’s cold and black skies with a chill in the air, plenty in attendance but the fans mostly pleasant and respectful hardly uttering a breath, they seem to all support Spurs around here and have more questions on the 'real Monday night football' game against Fulham than what’s happening here. Royston have a corner which is crossed into the box, the towering Edwards heads home a bullet to level the score. He’s a big number nine and a player I really like, a true finisher at the level and a man who certainly knows where the net is. Problem is it’s in his own net, he’s back defending inside his own eighteen-yard box and I think he’s forgotten where he was? The game is getting scrappy as it enters the latter stages of the first half, a couple of bookings for each side before a free kick is awarded half way, a ball pumped into the box by Royston has St Ives keeper Brearey catching flies, he’s fumbled one to feet of Boachie who buries into the empty net. That goal gives Royston the lead but sparks off some ‘F-bombs’ from the St Ives dugout who see Manager and Assistant both booked. Six bookings and three goals it’s been a busy first forty five. The Score There’s a labradoodle on a lead behind me walking on the grass as I check my phone during the interval, the ground is such a spacious vast and calming venue, I notice a setback terraced stand to my right which no one is stood in, propped up by a big wooden post at a 45 degree angle it has a fence to its side saying 'no entry'. I’m expecting Royston to stand firm in the second half, higher in the league they have more about them, but it seems everytime they go forward St Ives best chance of scoring is on the counterattack. A shot blocked at one end is latched onto for the break as Parker runs into space out right, he’s travelling at knots before squaring to Njoku unmarked at the back post, he can’t miss, and doesn’t. That goal leads to more handbags this time in the opposition dugout, Royston joint-Manager Watters seeing red as Castle is also booked, the Referee having to deal with some silly petulance is most card happy but on the pitch there’s hardly been a nasty tackle made. There’s even a clatter of the crossbar as a long range effort bounces back to safety, Royston going close but the Saints break again, it seems everytime the away side look like scoring the hosts go straight up the other end with a vengeance to do one better. That vengeance still bubbling outside the 90, I’m still to see a board go up and ask the linesman who hasn't a clue, but we have a rough feeling they’ll be a good eight minutes due to the stop start nature of the second half and as it looks like heading for a draw the ball finds that man again. Njoku running at defenders as they stand off nervously not to commit, before you know it he’s in the area and smashing the ball home, a late winner from the star of the show. The Stars Brandon Njoku is just 18 and on loan from Cambridge United. The Nigerian born speedster has already had spells at St Neots, Braintree and Cheshunt and will find a level far above this one in the seventh tier of English football. Direct with super control of the ball he looks to have end product to match and is the sole reason that St Ives won this game. The home team did have a couple of other players who I liked, largely in their playmaking midfield department, Daniel Barton and Myles Cowling who I’ve been impressed with on watching before. Both small in size, but big on the ball, they look to make things happen and played to the strengths of Njoku at every chance they had to send him on his way. For Royston I really liked ponytailed forward Joseph Boachie on my first viewing of him. Thick set and powerful he’s a real menace in attack, often dropping deep to get on the ball and make things happen when others aren’t providing him service. Substitute Benjamin De Lacy-Turner also took my eye with a touch of Phil Foden’s, a technical and diminutive footballer with a bit of grit whilst centre half and skipper Adam Murray is a real warrior, big, ugly and old fashioned, he’ll certainly be one glad to see the back of Njoku. The Verdict A lot will depend on whether a one month loan of a novice attacker can in anyway be extended? With Njoku there’s no doubt St Ives will be a different beast than without him, but if they can maximise his stay and get some points on the board it may be enough to keep them afloat, although there’s a lot of football still to be played and there’s certainly no panic stations just yet. It wouldn’t surprise me if St Ives now nine points behind Roytson don’t eventually finish above them in the table? My Hertfordshire unknowns were certainly a decent enough outfit on first viewing, but they shouldn’t really have lost this game, they shouldn’t really have drawn it either, and not winning games they should, is certainly something of concern. The Teams St Ives Town: Edward Brearey, Peter Abimbola, Aaron Smith, Edmund Hotter (Michael Richens 52), Jordan Williams, Patrick Casey, Daniel Barton, Myles Cowling, Jonathan Edwards (Tiago Nassunculo 90), Brandon Njoku, Charlie Johnson. Royston Town: Noah Phillips, Greg Sandiford (Tom Newman 70), MacKye Townsend-West, Joshua Coldicott-Stevens, Adam Murray, Tsagium Guimdo Florian (Ben De Lacy-Turner 61), Alfie Williams, Matthew Bateman, Joseph Boachie, Cain Keller (Fabio Virciglio 82), Ange Djadja. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 23rd October 2023, Westwood Road, St Ives (att 275).

Horsham 2-1 Canvey Island (Isthmian League Premier Division) I've had a bad week. I was supposed to be getting paid £10k on Monday but it turns out I'm getting nothing. Happy frecking Christmas! Only football can solve my misery now. God knows why I've been given this game all of 350 round miles away and a seven hour plus commute, but it's something about the unknown I quite like. Two new teams for my tick list, Horsham the lucky losers in this year's FA Cup. Canvey Island were once managed by Julian Dicks. Weren't they? I think he played for them at least? Isthmian League football is not my chosen Mastermind subject, but I do know that the two teams tonight are doing ok and Horsham the hosts made a plucky fight against League Two Sutton United on Saturday to go out at the second round of the cup following a reprieve in round one after Barnsley beat them in a replay with an ineligible player. Canvey Island had two seasons in the National League in the early naughties, but the town is more famed for caravans and crap arcades than football. Although the Gulls aren't the only club over the East Haven Creek. Concord Rangers are also based nearby. It’s a long trip to Sussex for them. Horsham FC actually date back as far as 1871 but their more recent performances have created the Hornets some deserved buzz. A best-ever season in the Isthmian finishing seventh over the last campaign followed by a best-ever (nine match long) FA Cup run this year has had them under the spotlight of BBC cameras and crew talking them up on telly in front of millions at home. That's all over now though, after 3-0 defeat at Sutton on Saturday it’s back to bread and butter business with a few quid in the bank and plenty of catching up to do. Horsham in tenth have as many as five games in hand on some. Canvey Island in eighth have played three games more but are just two points better off. It's raining (light).. I've walked the dog, the wife's had a kiss, I'm out the door and down the M1 with plenty of time in hand! It's busy and the traffic slows more by the time I get on the M25. Now darkened skies I've missed the turning I need, so take the A23 past Gatwick and finally, after four hours arrive at the Camping World Community Stadium on the outskirts of town. The Venue The approach to the ground is more country club than football venue with a dimly lit track taking you towards the leafy looking Horsham Golf Course which wraps around the heart of the Hop Oast stadium. Parking looks sparse but I've asked a steward nicely if I can stick mine anywhere near as I've been stuck in it all afternoon having come all the way south from Nottingham. Fortunately, he says 'go on then' and takes some pity, leaving me to have half hours chill ahead of walking into tonight's theatre which is a lovely idyllic spot modern but midst the countryside surrounds that give it a calming feel. Apparently the club have only been here since 2019 having only left Queen Street, their home since 1904 in 2008, but this place feels like a quaint timely non-league football home, great big clubhouse behind the goal and when you enter, it’s an intimate spot back dropped by trees, small metal stands everywhere and subtle touches like green and yellow painted food and drink sheds, a bright video scoreboard in one corner and a press box on half way above the dug outs which looks like a horse racing commentary box of days gone by. It has a modern feel but a quintessentially southern edge with touch of football nostalgia, the plastic pitch hardly noticeable, you don’t feel like you’re in a newly built multi-purpose sports centre but instead, at the heart of the community and for a place that is only driveable for most residents, that’s not an easy thing to pull off. The Game I’ve taken position at the top corner of the main seated stand around six rows up on halfway and I’m soon joined next to me by a dad and his boy who loves kicking the chair in front. The two teams come out in the far corner as the ground steadies to a warming crowd of 500 plus. Horsham in their Norwich City canary yellow and green number with Canvey Island in a blue and white kit that resembles Glasgow Rangers. The home side aren’t bad. Buoyed from their recent cup exploits against league opposition they knock it about well on the flat service, patient but with zest, they play between their back four and get it out wide. On the left-wing Daniel Ajakaiye is electric whilst on the right, Lee Harding is awkward looking but talented, perhaps lethargic but certainly gifted. It’s the midfield battle which Horsham are winning with the two Danny’s, Brivio and Barker alongside the mightily impressive James Hammond who’s eager to get on it and spread passes out wide. Canvey Island are game and solid themselves. Defensively they look decent and they battle hard in midfield but there’s no out ball. Centre forward Bradley Sach has 23 goals this season but is leading the line alone. The Score By half time there’s been a couple of chances for the home side as Canvey keeper Jackson is called into action to save a volley from Barker before parrying a Harding header to the head of Romain who can’t direct goalwards. But the better side start the second half well and Hammond tries his luck from range, his shot nicks off a defender to beat the goalkeeper low and put the hosts in the lead. By now the singing voices have all come out. A small section of fans belting out Karaoke classics like ‘Why do Birds Suddenly Appear’ by the Carpenters and ‘Yellow Submarine’ and ‘She Loves You’ by the Beatles… I feel like I’m in a time capsule or listening to the backdrop of Top of the Pops 2 late on a Friday night but suddenly against the run of play, Bradley Sach is away, alone, as he has been all night, taking a touch, cutting inside and driving an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net. 24 for the season for the bearded talisman. Sach, or somebody is booked for the celebrations as they huddle into the crowd behind the goal before Canvey make a couple of substitutions, but Horsham wrestle back authority in trusting the players they have already on the pitch, he’s been threatening all night, but Lee Harding proves to be the matchwinner, he’s found by a delightful cross field pass by Jack Brivio and cuts inside the area to smash home low. A clinical goal from a player who has the ability to win matches on his own. The Stars He may look more like an Estate Agent than a footballer, Alice band, floppy hair, his socks rolled down over his calves, he’s probably more like Kem from Love Island than Jack from Man City as he runs awkwardly with a laid-back approach but he’s a talented boy is Lee Harding who’s in his fifth season with the club. The official website says ‘he’s a matchwinner on his day’ which sums him up perfectly as he certainly delivered tonight. The nights other goalscorer just as impressive but for different reasons, midfielder James Hammond worked tirelessly and always looked to make things happen, not naturally gifted like Harding but naturally hard working. The speedy Daniel Ajakaiye having a good battle on the left wing with Canvey Island right back Tobi Tinubu who seemed just as quick. The away side weren’t nearly as impressive having much less than half of the ball percentage on a night when the ball was in possession a lot. The Gulls midfield all worked hard but you can’t help feel the club are indebted to the goals of Bradley Sach. He lead the line ok, often too isolated, but given half a chance he certainly proved he’s a natural finisher of the highest order. The Verdict The win takes Horsham into the top seven and they’ll no doubt have a pop at promotion this season. Canvey Island are only a point below them and after finishing third last season, you feel there’s more to come from them. Two good sides who played a competitive match at a fast tempo will certainly for me be there or thereabouts come May. As for the venue itself, a lovely ground with plenty of choice for perching. Whether you want an elevated station behind the goal a touchline view or a seat on half way you’ve got a nice range of choice, my only regret I didn’t have anything to eat… As the PA man announced before the match that they do ‘burger and chips, fish and chips, chilli and chips, anything with chips’ I’ll have to make sure I come back one day and taste their well offered potatoes. The Teams Horsham: Lewis Carey, Bobby Price, Harvey Sparks, Charlie Hester-Cook (Tom Kavanagh 80), Jack Strange, Jack Brico, James Hammond, Danny Barker, Elliott Romain (Jack Mazzone 72), Daniel Ajakaiye (Kadell Daniel 90), Lee Harding. Canvey Island: Sam Jackson, Tobi Tinubu, Louie Arrowsmith, Elliott Johnson (Jadon Crowhurst 66), Mason Hall, Rob Griddlestone, Elliott Ronto (Luca Albon 62), Conor Hubble, Bradley Sach, Jack Munns (Jamie Salmon 66), Joe Paxman. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 5th December 2023, Hop Oast, Horsham (att 541).

Potters Bar Town 0-2 Bognor Regis Town (Isthmian League Premier Division) Only in England would you agree to a 250-mile eight hour round trip to watch a seventh-tier part-time football match with less than 200 in attendance. I've been scratching around for a game since the middle of last week for my Tuesday fix, although tonight's match has been plucked randomly by a computer at HQ it seems... Anywhere within a 120 mile radius... Just don't go further south, than the M25. They gave me... Potters Bar! It's my first viewing 'ever' of Isthmian League football. The Scholars are up against Bognor Regis Town, nicknamed the Rocks, in a thirteenth v fourteenth mid table battle that will probably mean little come May... But Potters Bar were at one stage top of the Premier Division this season, their fall from grace down to previous manager Sammy Moore doing them dirty to take a drop down in division with Faverham Town for what I’m told was money, taking four or five of his best assets with him too. Founded in 1960 as a team made up of former school pupils, Mount Grace Scholars eventually became Potters Bar Town in 1991 as the side began to climb the regional league's thus changing their name to highlight that success on the very town the club kicked its balls in. The Isthmian Premier which they've been in since 2018 is about as good as it gets in their history charts, not so for Bognor Regis, formed in 1883 who've had a few seasons previously at step 2 Conference & National South. They've spent the last five in the Isthmian Premier and are managed by former Bradford and Burnley striker Robbie Blake, who is by far the biggest celebrity in the building tonight. I’ve left little before 4pm as I head down the A46 onto the M1 and start the 115-mile drive south from Nottingham. The roads aren’t bad as I listen to the world’s number one sports radio station in my car. I’m onto the M25 and take a pit stop at South Mimms Services before 6pm where I have a Waitrose wrap and packet of crisps. Finally reaching the Hertfordshire town of Potters Bar. I’m impressed with its High Street, turning right at a boozer called Potty’s, I’m on the A1000 passing a nice looking pub called the Cask and Stillage and a number of tasty looking eateries before turning left onto The Walk and right into the venues car park. There’s a BMW one series parked next to me and two lads getting out in green jackets, one has lost his phone, it’s Bognor’s Danny Howick who I tap on the shoulder and say ‘give it a call on mine’. He uses my torch and eventually finds it down the side of his passenger seat, panic over but it’s twenty to seven, I tell him “You’ll probably get a fine for being late now”. The Venue I’m not sure where the turnstile is? There’s a brick building which looks like a clubhouse but it doesn’t even have a front door? I opt for the left side of the building where I find a couple of doorways etched into breeze blocks painted in claret, a sign saying ‘The Lantern Stadium Welcomes You’ and below that some A4 framed admission prices lent up against the wall. I opt to pay contactless and to the surprise of the operator request a receipt. £12 entrance I’m through the gates (which I read were originally passed down after the demolition of the old Wembley Stadium) and into an open space which has a large marquee where a border collie is barking like mad. I take a walk around the ground which is a bit of a mish mash, but much better looking than I had thought and seen (through google images), my only worry is that one of the floodlights is out, it’s awfully dark, but I’m told by a fan, “the clubs saving energy and it’ll be on by kick-off.” The left-hand goal has a tiny roofed terrace with overly tall scaffolding used as barriers. Tree lined back drop it’s a leafy quaint venue, the length of the pitch far side has apartments overlooking the playing surface, this near side a couple of seated stands three or four rows high, standing room only behind the other goal, the right-hand corner of that, has the players changing rooms hidden away in a brick building attached to the main bar and boardroom. The Game I’m joined twenty minutes or so before kick off by the two Peter’s from Rocks Radio. They cover Bognor Regis games home and away and tell me the ‘burgers here are great’. Already full from my Waitrose wrap I declined to participate but could smell and see the masses of onions frying when I ordered my coffee, the burgers did look good… Another time maybe? The two teams are out as a sparse crowd fills around us, the press seats level two between the eighteen yard box and centre circle, the pitch in front slightly sloped up hill towards those apartments and dugouts on the far side, not the best surface, muddy and bobbly, there’s a bit of wind too so I’m not expecting it to be an attractive encounter. But the maroon shirted Potters Bar start well. I’m told only a couple of their players have been here all season, midfielder Theo Alexandrou glides well on the undulating floor, he’s number ten on his back and despite the healthy growth of facial hair is said to be only seventeen. He’s a Stevenage Academy player with guile and intelligence, one of the few that can operate at high pace without losing possession on this bouncy uneven pitch. Another one who does well on the surface is Max Granville who’s an eighteen year old midfielder also from the academy up the road at Stevenage, he’s looking to play progressive passes into the strikers feet as the home team push forward, the away side happy to clear their lines early doors as a blood nosed Howick and Cameron Black at centre half head, block and launch away from danger at will. That defensive resilience pays off for the away side as a shot at the other end is saved and smashed home on the rebound by the lively Dan Gifford. A youngster on loan from Portsmouth he’s busy with his back to goal and works hard for the team and to create chances for himself, only small but stumpy, quick off the mark, he reacted fastest to put his side ahead. The Score The opener gives confidence to Bognor who I end up impressed with at the break, I tell the two Peter’s on commentary ‘defensively they look solid’ as the Bishop Stortford Manager comes over and asks “where’s the lad from Pompey?” Alfie Bridgman is the boy in question, another on loan from Portsmouth, he’s on international duty as one of the Peter’s replies, “he’s playing for Malta”. Bishop play Bognor next (without Bridgman), and might be impressed with what they’ve seen tonight during their scouting mission. The away side are at scratch I’m told with only two fit subs, they usually struggle to keep clean sheets but with something to defend they look solid second half and enjoy the battle as the game starts to become more niggly as the home team look for ways to upset their combative visitors balance. Josh Rusoke out wide looks to be their creative threat but is not having the best night, he’s overhitting balls into the box which are often dealt with by the Rocks solid back line. I’m impressed with Matt Rowley in the Regis goal who does make one terrific stop, diving to his right to tip over a super long range effort by Finlay Titchmarsh. A free kick on 70 however provides the relief that the boys from Bognor need, a ball played into the box finds that man again, Dan Gifford eventually on the end of some scraps inside the area to put the game to bed. Bognor grow with confidence late on and might even add to their tally, a good stop from Charlie Taylor saves further embarrassment as the final seconds see fouls and niggles it’s all very stop-start, the referee who has a good game, eventually blowing for full time before a Potters Bar player Wilson Chingoka retaliates to something said, it’s all a bit messy but soon calmed down, the players still arguing on the pitch as the fans filter out the ground. The Stars Bognor’s solidity is something they haven’t been accused of getting right in the past this season, but in nineteen-year-old Danny Howick and twenty-year-old Cameron Black they have two defenders that look to be beyond their years in maturity. Doing the simple stuff well. Enjoying the battle and enjoying the basic art of defending which is always good to see. Another teenager, eighteen-year-old goalkeeper Matt Rowley on loan from Reading has also made an impact defensively, he kicks huge and his reflexes are sharp, a good thick set and size for a professional league star to be. Another one I expect to stomp his feet on the professional circuit is Dan Gifford, a true workhorse and a player with a proper strikers instinct, a good attitude that can only bode him well for the future. Nathan Odokonyero is actually the clubs top goalscorer and looked threatening in parts, with plenty of pace on the right wing, whilst Walter Figueira shown a couple of classy touches from an inside left midfield position. For Potters Bar, a largely young team with some talented footballers, pretty small in size, they have classy technicians in Alexandrou and Granville and whilst I believe there’s more to come from former ex-Arsenal youngster Josh Rusoke, I wonder where his best position is? He started the game at right wing and ended it at left back. He took every set play, but didn’t take them so well. In defence, Wilson Chingoka was committed and feisty which I liked. Joe Russell at centre half their only player that looked over 6ft. Finlay Titchmarsh in particular at right back and Calvin Dickson at left back, two of their longest serving players, both having good games, despite the result, on the night. The Verdict Whilst both teams may be stalling to a season finish of mid table obscurity, for Bognor Regis at least, there’s a Sussex County Cup final at Brighton’s Amex Stadium still to play for. Their injuries and lack of squad depth meaning they’ll most likely be full strength for the later rounds of that competition which is currently at the semi-final stage, the small hurdle of beating Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion for a shot at silverware. For Potters Bar who themselves have the Velocity Cup final against Aveley still to play for in April. I’m told by their PA and one of their Directors that recently ‘it’s the best they’ve played in years’ a good footballing side that with time, and a proper pre-season gelling together under new management, could ensure they come back stronger over the summer. First and foremost, both teams will unquestionably be in the Isthmian Premier Division during 2023/24 where they’ll meet again home and away. It’s a two hour drive from the Sussex coast either way around the M25 but that journey back for the coach load of players, staff, the two Peter’s on radio duty and their fourteen travelling fans on the night, will be sweetened by those two Dan Gifford goals and a workmanlike performance by the boys in white and green. As for me, well i'm back up the M1 and home for midnight, ready to do it all again soon... Next Tuesday's trip.. Even further than this... But before then, England, at Wembley, on Sunday, where it's not business, but pleasure, for eyes on Gareth Southgate's men against Ukraine. The Teams Potters Bar Town: Charlie Taylor, Finlay Titchmarsh, Calvin Dickson (Emmanuel Okunwobi 71), Max Granville, Wilson Chingoka, Joe Russell, Josh Rusoke, Lewis Smith (Connor McShane 82), Chancey Dash (Cheyce Grant 46), Theo Alexandrou, Makise Evans. Bognor Regis Town: Matt Rowley, Calvin Davies, Joe Rabbetts, Florian Kastrati, Cameron Black, Danny Howick, Josh McCormick, Sam De St Croix, Nathan Odokonyero (Matt Pearson 84), Dan Gifford, Walter Figueira (Tom Holland 90). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 21st March 2023, Parkfield, Potters Bar (att 171).

Basford United 3-2 Bamber Bridge (Northern Premier League) I was at the Nottingham Robin Hood beer & cider festival at Trent Bridge on Friday, a bit worse for wear today I’m keeping things local, setting off later and driving a little less further than usual for a Saturday as I opt for a home match for Basford United which is just up the ring road from my house. I’ve the beauty of leaving for half past one as I get in the car and make way to Greenwich Avenue, a venue by now which I’ve seen plenty of, over the years. Bamber Bridge I last watched at Ilkeston Town last season and although I’m not too familiar with their work, like Basford, I know they sit middle of the table in the Northern Premier League premier division and are a competitive North-West based side from just south of Preston managed by former Everton midfielder Jamie Milligan. The Venue I’ve pulled onto Greenwich Avenue and parked up as the Bamber Bridge team coach reverses up the road into the car park of the ground, a little later than usual it’s a quarter to two, still delicate I’m getting in early and am going to have a bite to eat today, the sun is out but there’s a chill in the air so I’m well wrapped up for any further temperature drop. It’s eerily quiet as I walk over the car park and through the turnstile, I stop off for a pee before saying hello to the old boy sitting outside a portacabin which says club shop, before I wander over to the opposite corner of the ground where there’s another portacabin standing alone, this one stinks of chip fat as I order a tea, and ask for pie, chips and gravy. It’s not pukka but it’s decent is the pie, very steaky I could have had peas thrown in for the same price but although I’m from Nottingham I’m not one for mushy stuff, after all, Goose Fair was last weekend, time to move on from that tradition. Fed and oiled I take the scenic route behind the goal to a seated area which is adjacent with half way, I’m sat down as an old Basford fan hops over some seats to park next to me, he talks pop music and is apparently a Taylor Swift fan, it’s the country stuff he liked, before she got famous, but a bloke from Bulwell in his seventies with a beard and Basford bobble hat, I would never have had him down as a ‘Swifty’. The Game The sun is out as the two teams enter the field to a bit of light applause, it’s not hugely busy today, a couple of hundred or more, it feels very low key as the game gets underway and two teams play at a slow tempo. Despite the slow start, Basford have a couple of big early opportunities, Ash Chambers has the ball in the net but is offside, he’s then given the ball by the Bamber Bridge goalkeeper who passes it straight to him, slightly shocked by the plated opportunity Chambers side foots wide from inside the area when he should have given United the lead. There’s a couple more chances for Chambers who hits one wide before scuffing an opportunity one-on-one with the goalkeeper who stands tall, I say to the fella next to me “they could regret missing these” but although Bamber Bridge have a lot of the ball, defensively they are loose as Kacy Butterfield breaks their ropey offside trap to run from midfield, he homes in on goal and lays to Chambers who this time can’t miss, and doesn’t. The Score At half time it’s 1-0 as the old boy next to me sods off to get a brew, I’m watching the second half alone but I’m in with the Basford fans who are all in agreement it’s United’s to lose. But they don’t look like losing, potent in attack, Prince Mancinelli has picked up the ball on halfway and runs powerfully down the right wing before crossing for Chambers to head home, the former Coalville striker diving in like Keith Houchen at the back post to put Basford two up. Delightful football. There’s an injury for Chambers on the hour which slightly changes the complexion of the game, he comes off for young Mansfield Town loanee McKeal Abdullah who sloppily gives the ball away on 74, Bamber Bridge break away, Lucas Weaver slips Henri Wilder and shoots low and hard at Saul Deeney’s near post, the ball cannoning off the keepers hands into the roof of the goal and suddenly the away sides peckers are up. The games gone scrappy, Bamber Bridge are chasing an equaliser and Basford are suddenly clinging on, it looks more likely the away side will get something and when Weaver finds space on 84, he shoots hard and low to level despite some desperate defending on the line, the writing was on the wall as Basford have hardly laid glove since scoring on 51, it now looks like only one side will win it. Both teams make changes and in the dying minutes Bamber Bridge blaze over a chance which bobbles around inside the Basford box, but United soon go up the other end, Kane Richards who is excellent, dribbles into the box, drills low, and Bamber Bridge defender Will Squires can only slide into his own net. An unlikely winner following an unlikely route back into the game for Bamber Bridge, an avoidable ending in a game filled with drama, which went the way of Basford. The Stars Kane Richards down the right was a constant threat and deservedly received the post-match accolade as man of the match, direct and speedy he’s now 30 but looks an even better version of himself than the player I first saw ten or twelve years ago at Ilkeston. Other impressive performances from Basford came in defence where on loan Mansfield Town right back Taylor Anderson shown physicality, guts and presence which are needed if the 19-year-old is to forge a career in the game, equally solid was Victor Nirenhold at centre half who defended without nonsense although the shape of Basford’s attacking 3-1-4-2 formation often left him exposed. The tall and leggy Prince Mancinelli in the sitting midfield role is a player I like, as is Kacy Butterfield, equally as tall further advanced in midfield, whilst Matt Thornhill often caressed chipped passes around the place like he owns it, now aged 36 he’s Mr Basford having been at the club since 2017. For Bamber Bridge they had their own inventive midfielder of experience getting on the ball and looking to make things happen, Michael Potts now 32 is a player that started his career at Manchester United, whilst Lucas Weaver aged 22, at the other end of his career, is a player in form having signed on loan from Altrincham in the summer. The Verdict Bamber Bridge play some nice football but defensively they play a high line with a barrel-chested centre half Alex Kenyon often exposed in having to run back against pace, which he simply did not have, that area of their side is certainly their Achilles heel, but perhaps so is Basford’s who never look like keeping a clean sheet. Both teams are probably where they are at, United do have something about them this season which I like, if only they can tighten up a little at the back, both should well avoid any potential trouble from relegation, both will probably be happy if they finish where they already are, come what May. Basford United: Saul Deeney, Taylor Anderson, Henri Wilder, Prince Mancinelli, Victor Nirenhold (Nelson Aideyan 90), Rev James (Josh Barnes 40), Kane Richards, Kacy Butterfield, Tyrell Waite (Tyler Dacres 90), Matt Thornhill, Ashley Chambers (McKeal Abdullah 60). Bamber Bridge: James Pradic, Finlay Wallbank (Chris Churchman 74), Liam Brockbank, Macauley Wilson (Will Squires 74), Alex Kenyon, Adam Dodd (Lewis Hey 58), Danny Edwards (Billy Hasler-Cregg 78), Michael Potts, Simon Grand, Lucas Weaver, Jack Baxter. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 12th October 2024, Greenwich Avenue, Nottingham (att 256).