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Boston United 1-1 Dagenham & Redbridge (National League) I said on my last viewing at Boston that I would be "very surprised" by my return if Ian Culverhouse would still be in the managerial hot seat. Little over two weeks later he's not, as experienced midfielder Martin Woods takes temporary charge for his first National League game as boss. Under Woods, Boston did ok in midweek to beat Sunderland U21's in the much despised National League Cup, a competition set up by the Premier League that offers fifth tier football clubs million pound rewards for agreeing to scrap FA Cup replays. It's no substitute for supporters who don't like their clubs being used as fodder to groom Cat A Academy youngsters so it's hardly attracting the attendances to make the competition worth it. Maybe that in time will change? Not only did Woods win his first game against the Black Cats, Boston also drew in Culverhouse's last, but the manner of conceding a 90th minute penalty against ten men Eastleigh to extend a twelve match winless run was enough pain to eventually cause time on the former Norwich City defenders two year tenure at the Jakemans. In a funny way, had Boston not punched above their weight to go up last season and had the club now been up and around the promotion places in the National League North instead, he may still be in a job, but despite his achievements last year, Culverhouse often lacked charisma, a dour man, the Boston fans never really warmed to him, so any bit of trouble his side got into, the writing was always going to be on the wall. As for Dagenham & Redbridge, a team that merged to become one in 1992, they are in their ninth year in the fifth tier after nine previous years in the Football League. Currently middle of the table they won their National League Cup game in midweek against West Bromwich Albion U21, they also beat Crewe Alexandra in the FA Cup the previous weekend to reach round two, thanks to that they'll play AFC Wimbledon at the end of this month with a chance to draw the big boys in round three for the winner. The Venue I've met Robbo for a coffee at McDonald's this morning, it's grey, miserable and threatening to drizzle, I'm on the road for 12:30 and through Grantham and south Lincolnshire towards Boston, arriving at the Jakemans before 2pm, accreditation signed for, through the turnstile, I order a warm sausage roll, tea and Twix from the kiosk before sitting down in the press area of this modern three sided arena. I'm joined by a scout who's from Lincoln. He tells me of his time in the summer spent in Germany where he stayed to watch the Euros for the whole 4 weeks after his Mrs fell in love with the atmosphere after watching Romania v Ukraine. He gets about like I do from Maidenhead to Bath and Scunny to Curzon Ashton, he still calls 'Baseford' "Bassford" though which really grates on me. There's a presentation ahead of the game as the two teams come out to line up for Remembrance Day, which is impeccably put on by old and young military and even better observed by all inside the arena. Then it's down to the action of a full bodied sweaty and thirsty encounter of November National League football. The Game It's a good start, Boston are front foot whilst the Daggers look to do damage on the break. Martin Woods seems to have certainly got a spark out of his team as they press high and play with confidence, taking the game to their opponents I'm as impressed as I have been all season in watching the Pilgrims play, but Ben Strevens has a well drilled side, he has a good player up front in Dylan Stephenson who's deft touch is used on a couple of occasions, on 27 he flicks a forward pass first time to Junior Morias who sets him free with a threaded pass. Stephenson is young, 21, relatively quick, Michael Bostwick and Zak Mills are not. In their mid thirties the arms of both centre backs are flapping as they hopelessly chase down the young striker, Stephenson through on goal runs in and slots home. It's been Boston's Achilles heal all season their defence, 36-year-old Bostwick is brilliant beside someone with pace, but Mills is an experienced full back 'doing a job' for the new gaffer, because he trusts no one else to do it better, he's dependable and reliable but he's no centre half, a position that needs addressing if Boston are to survive. Another reason for Boston's struggles is ball retention, they don't keep the ball well enough and give it away far too often, but what they do have, which they didn't use enough under Culverhouse who's teams tended to look for that perfect goal, is players who can shoot from outside the box. They have several players with a good dig on them, as Jai Rowe sets his sights from range he blasts low and hard into the corner for a sensational leveller on 37, maybe taking a leaf out of his new managers book, who is also known for the odd long range thunder blasting attempt. The Score At half time it's anybody's game. Boston have the fire in their belly but you feel the Daggers have another gear to go up, but I'm disappointed in the away sides entrance after half time, as Boston begin to show they 'can' keep the ball, they dominate the second half as they press for a winner. Midfielder Frankie Maguire recalled to the first team line up has a couple of chances, he hits an effort from outside the box wide before forcing Justham to save at his near post, Billy Chadwick is denied a goalscoring opportunity as he runs through on goal only for N'Guessan to get back with a fabulous sliding tackle, before Jordan Richards comes closest of the lot, a low drilled attempt again from outside the area, clipping the outside of the post. In the end it's a point shared, which probably suits the away side more, Boston have been brilliant and gave plenty of fight, although on leaving I told the clubs press officer "they were brilliant today, but everyone else around them have won" it's the sort of luck you get when you're down there in the doldrums. The Stars Plenty of positivity for Boston where even some of their weaker players stood up, a player I'm never sure about is their right back Jai Rowe but he was brilliant, progressive down the touchline he scored a magnificent goal, in midfield Frankie Maguire was awarded home team man of the match and he's a player I liked from day one when he made his debut v Rochdale on the opening weekend of the campaign, young and hungry he works hard and has good feet, as does Billy Chadwick who recently signed from York City on loan, he previously played for Boston and will be a useful addition up top. For Dagenham, I really liked their young striker Dylan Stephenson who got their goal, he's a Blyth born forward who spent four years in the Newcastle United Academy. Their thick set loanee from Notts County Junior Morias also played really well in the no10 position, whilst out wide, another loanee, Dion Pereira, from Luton Town, shown quick feet and good technical ability cutting in off the left. The Verdict Boston getting a much needed point to hear that Wealdstone, Fylde and Braintree all won is one of those soul destroying moments when you get back in the changing room to find out you're worse off than you were at the start of the day, I've been there, it's annoying, but they'll be optimistic in their own performance that they can compete at the level and they won't give up the fight just yet. Dagenham despite this result, will at least be happy about Boston not reducing the margin below them, they have a six point cushion on the relegation zone and will be combative and solid enough to take points off anyone this season, they also look like they can lose against anyone, which points to a campaign of mid-table mediocrity, which can perhaps be buoyed by a decent cup run. The Teams Boston United: Aidan Stone, Jai Rowe, Michael Bostwick, Zak Mills, Cameron Green, Jordan Richards, Dylan Hill, Keaton Ward (Sam Osborne 70), Billy Chadwick (Dan Mooney 88), Frankie Maguire (Adam Marriott 90), Jacob Hazel (Pemi Aderoju 73). Dagenham & Redbridge: Elliot Justham, Oscar Rutherford, Tom Eastman, Romoney Crichlow, Luca Woodhouse, Harry Phipps (Frank Vincent 78), Christian N'Guessan, Ryan Hill, Junior Morias, Dion Pereira, Dylan Stephenson (Ruben Vigrass 86). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 9th November 2024, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 2,039).

England 1-1 Switzerland (UEFA European Championships Quarter Final) *5-3 pens aet It took a 96th minute overhead kick by Jude Bellingham and the celebratory scenes of beating Slovakia in extra time following an underwhelming tournament so far. The joy in the crowd I was seeing before me on TV had me chomping at the bit. I had been long issued a ticket for the Quarter Finals by the FA, the only concern England had to get there, and I didn’t know where the game would be played. So as soon as it was confirmed, I backed out of a pre-arranged holiday in Italy and back packed with my mate Joe, from East Midlands Airport to Knock, Ireland West, on the morning of the game. From there, we took another Ryanair flight to Cologne, picked up by a taxi we head for the town of Dusseldorf where our hotel awaited, the Radisson Blu not far from the stadium, a quick change and on with our journey, a ten euro uber which dropped us pretty close to the ground. The Venue It’s 5pm local time as we head for the Merkur Spiel-Arena on foot, plenty of England fans sombre, but confident as they all head to the ground. The home of Fortuna Dusseldorf appears box like, standing tall over some industrial units, it looks like a fancy car park from the outside, as we enter through the south stand and walk around the concourse to where the England fans are perched. A couple of pints and some banter with fellow supporters, we make our seats by the corner flag but over twenty rows up, a cracking view inside a cracking arena with an atmosphere to kill. The Game In fairness, the atmosphere outshone the match, the first half played between two organised but un-enthralling sides, neither England or Switzerland registering an attempt of note, I was sent for two more pints on the 35th minute and didn’t, I was told miss much. The second half was hardly better, but by this time we were four pints in. Calls for more ale ahead of Switzerland attacking and when a cross fell kindly to Embolo, it all looked to be going horribly wrong, the Swiss with the lead on 78, a sea of red in celebration as three quarters of the stadium seemed stunned. That shock turned to horror as England coach Gareth Southgate made three changes with one of the numbers, no10 shown up on the electric board. That ten, of Bellingham, followed by boos, it appeared the player didn’t want to go off, it appeared nobody wanted Bellingham off, in the end he stayed on, but it was another player to England’s rescue, as Bukayo Saka cut in, let fly, and smashed home low to un-sight Swiss goalkeeper Sommer. The celebrations began as England fans hugged eachother in the stands, before the inevitable extra time and 30 minutes more pain. The Score In the end, neither side could be separated, and penalties would be the way, as England stepped up, and scored, through Palmer, it was up to Pickford to deny Akanji, and suddenly England had control. The boos and jeers echoed every Swiss shot, the nerves of hope turned into fist pumps of relief as the England players kept scoring, Bellingham, Saka, Toney with the eye, until Trent Alexander-Arnold had the chance to settle it, he smashed home with Switzerland needing to score two, England advance and the celebrations would again begin. The Stars Bukayo Saka was the official player of the match and worked tirelessly before scoring an all important leveller, and more importantly striking redemption with a smile, after scoring his penalty kick, he missed against Italy in the final of Euro 2020, but what he’s done since in an England (and Arsenal) shirt, is completely grow in strength and stature, to become one of England’s most important players. Whilst Saka was good, Kobe Mainoo stood out as a teenager who’s taken international football like a duck to water, at ease in possession whilst seeing things out of it, that others don’t. Ezri Konsa was superb as a stand in centre half as England changed system to a solid 3-4-2-1. For Switzerland, they were good, and this team assembled by Murat Yakin is one of the best Swiss teams I have seen, Ndoye often teasing down the right, Embolo a handful up top, Granit Xhaka since his move to Leverkusen has became one of the best midfielders in the world. The Verdict England can play better, but we all know they like to do it the hard way. Switzerland unlucky, but they’ll leave the tournament heads held high, whilst I’ll be left celebrating, with Joe, and a good 30,000 other England fans in Dusseldorf. The Teams England: Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ezri Konsa (Cole Palmer 78), Kieran Trippier (Eberechi Eze 78), Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo (Luke Shaw 78), Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden (Trent Alexander-Arnold 115), Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane (Ivan Toney 109). Switzerland: Yann Sommer, Manuel Akanji, Fabian Schar, Ricardo Rodriguez, Dan Ndoye (Dennis Zakaria 98), Remo Freuler (Zeki Amdouni 118), Granit Xhaka, Michel Aebischer (Vincent Sierro 118), Fabian Rieder (Steven Zuber 63), Ruben Vargas (Silvan Widmer 64), Breel Embolo (Xherdan Shaqiri 109). 6:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 6th July 2024, Merker Spiel-Arena, Dusseldorf (att 46,907).

Leeds United U21 0-7 PSV Eindhoven U21 (Premier League International Cup Group Stages) There's nothing better than checking out an Academy team’s line-up and finding out they feature a son of a forgotten footballer.   Leeds United have a famous football pedigree for bringing 'good' young players through their system. 17-year-old Archie Gray was man of the match last night in the first teams 1-0 win over Norwich, not yet a man he's the son of Andy Gray, grandson of Frank Gray and nephew of Eddie Gray, all legendary Leeds icons.   I'm a Forest fan though, and I've noticed a Norwegian born in Nottingham, centre half and son of former red, Jon Olav Hjelde, 20 year old Leo is in the team tonight.   On Saturday I attempted the journey to York, and failed, tonight I've succeeded as I pull into the Hollywood Bowl Car Park with an hour to go before kick-off and nip into Costa for an Americano before realising the queue is too big and there's a slow plodding grandma in front so walk out.   I’m walking around the outside of the stadium trying to find a door, it’s confusing as there’s no information on the ticket I’ve got so aim towards the Leisure Centre and hospitality entrance, the stadium outset hidden behind all these useable units for health and entertainment, it only feels like a football ground when you get a glimpse of a corner stand in between the glass windows of the buildings attached. The Venue   There’s a smell of chlorine as I walk behind the back of the Leisure Centre and pass the indoor swimming pool which you can see into through the glass windows, finally I see a team bus parked up, engine running, I walk around the corner and the West Stand looks open for business. Stewards on the doors with a table out ready, checking for bags.   A quick scan of my mobile phone at the turnstile and I’m third in the queue at the kiosk asking for a chicken & mushroom pie and cuppa, £7.50 is the damage, the damage made to the pie is instantaneous, I’ve hardly eaten all day.   Out on to the track I’m half way and back row, ten or twelve up where there’s fans to my right, netting to my left, the stand opposite has the dugouts and players entrance as both sets warm up on what looks a cracking surface considering York’s recent postponements.   The stadium is modern, new, plush, fancy, red and yellow dotted seats, a few in blue and white, it’s all done very arty, the stands are similar looking but each a slightly different size.   The Game   There’s a couple of old boys next to me, one of which hands me a team sheet as I can’t find the PSV line-up on Twitter, ‘where did you get that from’ I say? “I’ve got three of them” he replies. “they were on the desk in the shop when I brought my ticket”.  They like me were supposed to be at York City on Saturday but after hearing of late postponement one went to watch Halifax whilst the other opted for Harrogate Railway Athletic. Both were watching Fylde on Tuesday night and this is already their second game of the day. Enthusiasts that even surpass my levels as one places his team sheet in a plastic folder to keep it dry from the rain.   The heavens have after all opened, it’s been chucking it down sporadically since 6pm but it’s that fine stuff and won’t damage this pitch in good nick, it does have an effect on the opening though as Leeds don’t look that up for it, bar centre half James Debayo who’s trying frequently to dribble around players unsuccessfully.   PSV have full control, they look like a team who know every players movements and whereabouts, Jong PSV after all are in the Eerste Division, the first tier of Dutch football, slightly different to our country that Academy sides like Ajax, AZ and PSV can participate so high, but it works well in certain countries and certainly gives young fringe players at the bigger clubs that edge, seven of the players in tonight’s eleven started the game against De Graafschap on Monday night.   The Score   As results go it’s about as one sided as they come. PSV open the scoring after Leeds goalkeeper Christy stands on the ball for 30 seconds before giving it straight to an opposition player. Christy does well to block the initial attempt but it falls to Mohammed Nassoh who makes no mistake from close range.   The Leeds right side is getting a pounding as Emir Bars and Fredrik Oppegard combine. I really like left back Oppegard who gets forward with electric pace. That combination has influence on many opportunity and on 26 midfielder van den Heuvel takes advantage as he makes it two. Three minutes later Abed is given too much time inside the area after good work from Bars, he makes it three before right back Dagasan is left unmarked at the back post to crown a terrific first half performance from the Dutch pass masters.   Oppegard gets in on the act just five minutes into the second half when he’s left unmarked at the back post after good work down the right wing this time by the silky Tai Abed. The space PSV have been given in the full back areas is alarming, Leeds haven’t played terribly badly, they have some good players with some good technique, they just haven’t defended from wide very well.   I read that Scott Gardner, a former player with Mansfield and Eastwood Town, is their Head Coach… I wonder if he’s bitten off more than he can chew against a PSV boss in Will Boessen who’s played over 400 games in Holland and has been involved in top level management since 2010.   Things get worse late on when a pull inside the box results in a penalty to PSV dispatched by cultured number nine Jevon Simons for number six, things get worse still when Christy brings down leggy substitute Dantaye Gilbert who picks himself up to dispatch the spot kick. Seven goals, seven different scorers, Leeds have been well and truly thumped as some fans get up and start to leave… “We’ve came all the way from Norway for this” one says as he waves goodbye.   The Stars   Quite simply, PSV were brilliant. Their combinations cute, Dagasan and Abed down the right, Oppegard and Bars on the left, midfielder Richard Ledezma picking the ball up off the centre halves to dictate, Jevon Simons and Mo Nassoh interchanging with high levels of skill and technique throughout. This was a side who had fun, who played with confidence, who struck the ball with a real purpose and who moved off it to create space for others. They looked levels above Leeds in what they did, after all they are the current holders of the Premier League International Cup, and on this showing, there won’t be many better teams they come up against as they look to retain it?   For Leeds, as mentioned they weren’t that bad and shown glimpses of good quality, through James Debayo a rough diamond at centre half who loves carrying the ball forward with pace and power from the back, in Dan Toulson a plucky midfield number four who the longer the game went got better, never failing to compete despite the scoreline where you so often see heads down, so too striker Sonny Perkins, a number nine in the Patrick Bamford meld, he contested well and his hold up play for a youngster very good, nice feet too.   Joe Snowdon and Cian Coleman both technically good footballers on either flank, as for Leo Hjelde, well he played left back and did ok… But not yet as good as his dad.   The Verdict   PSV have a rolling conveyor belt of academy stars and are known for giving young prospects a chance from signing the likes of Robben, Ronaldo and van Nistelrooy at an early age to developing players like Depay, Wijnaldum, Gakpo, all eventually moving on for millions to make more money for the Phillips Sport Football Franchise.   Leeds United in effect have a similar rolling belt that dates back to the great Don Revie team of the 1960’s and 70’s. Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter, Terry Cooper, Eddie Gray, Frank Gray, Andy Gray, Archie Gray… From Gary Speed and David Batty, Alan Smith to Kalvin Phillips, they’ll keep doing what they are doing and nights like this… Well it’s part of the learning process. The Teams Leeds United: Harry Christy, Harvey Sutcliffe (Max McFadden 15), Leo Hjelde, Dan Toulson, James Debayo, Diogo Monteiro, Luca Thomas (Marley Wilson 77), Charlie Crew, Sonny Perkins, Cian Coleman, Joe Snowdon (Charlie Allen 65). PSV Eindhoven: Niek Schiks, Muhlis Dagasan (Bram Rovers 58), Matteo Dams, Mylian Jimenez, Fredrik Oppegard (Koen Jansen 58), Richard Ledezma (Dantaye Gilbert 46), Tai Abed (Iggy Houben 71), Tim van den Heuvel, Jevon Simons, Mo Nassoh, Emir Bars (Julian Kwaartial 71). 7:00pm Kick Off. Thursday 25th January 2024, York Community Stadium, York (att 500 est).

Nottingham Forest U21 3-0 Dinamo Zagreb U21  (Premier League International Cup Group Stages) It feels like an age since my last game, eight days have gone since covering Ilkeston v Hereford in the FA Cup, the wife had me dog sitting over the weekend as she took the niece out as we covered for the sister-in-law who took a trip down to Wembley for the Anthony Joshua & Daniel Dubois bout. Luckily, I still got to watch that, and catch up on some homework, with plenty of football on the box including Man City v Arsenal and the Milan derby, so it wasn’t a completely wasted weekend. Back at it for a much needed midweek match, I had to give back Barwell v Telford on Monday and watch Fleetwood and Morecambe at home instead but I’m chomping at the bit for my first taste of competitive ‘European’ club action this season as Forest under 21’s take on Dinamo Zagreb in the Premier League International Cup. What is it? You ask? I’ve mentioned it previously in games I’ve been to, a cup contested by young invitees to basically give Premier League scouts advantage on securing their clubs the best stars from Europe, which in turn will only boost the league further with more quality assured in future years. Savvy? Very, but it also gives chance for overseas stars to showcase themselves in England, and English clubs the opportunity to pit their wits against different styles, systems, languages, for football geeks like me, this is the crem de la crem of future footballers. The Venue It’s been raining heavily for a week it seems, a couple of dry days but it’s back lashing it down as I prepare for my trip down the A60 to Loughborough, a half hour drive which is prolonged slightly by roadworks and traffic, the bridge over the River Soar by the Brush factory has dangerously high water levels with fields covered as lakes, I’m concerned that I’ll not be able to get home driving back the same way. Despite the rain, everyone in Loughborough is wearing shorts. That’s because it’s the home of British sport, as I pass countless young male and female athletes walking around with hot pants, hockey sticks and kit bags, I finally enter the University barriers where I’m let in at the Hollywell Lane entrance. There’s a car park outside the football ground which always seems full, I always park here when I come to watch games, but I’ve only just noticed it has signs up to pay via app. It’s 6:30pm with kick off in half an hour and it’s pissing down, I’ve no time to download apps as I read worst case scenario, they’ll only fine me £25 if I'm unlucky enough to get caught. The walk down to the back of the facility is leafy before reaching the entrance where I’m asked again to download an app, this time to buy a ticket, £5 it costs as I waste another five minutes in the rain scanning a QR code but eventually I’m in, up the stairs to the Robert Allison Suite where there’s a bar and plenty of tables in the dry, I order a cuppa and a mars bar and sit down to fill out the two teams. Once done, I take a seat outside, not before having a chat to the PA man about how he’s going to pronounce the Croatian player names, he’s full of confidence and excited by the task, the rain pouring in from my right I’m hardly covered despite a roof on this impressive elevated structure, a few of the Forest players sit in front of me as one of the players asks “will I get wet here”. The Game I’ve not yet finished my cuppa as I’m joined by more scouts for kick off with Zagreb in blue getting us under way, Forest in garibaldi red attacking the goal to my right, they start bright and combine well down the near wing which Jimmy Sinclair operates in front of Fin Back (son of rugby star Neil), passing between the creative Jack Nadin and technical powerhouse Joe Gardner. Forest hit an early chance straight at the goalkeeper and win a series of corners, all of which are played short, but there’s no other opportunities in a half which passes us by. The scout next to me says “If I fall asleep can you give me a nudge at the end” as nothing happens, Dinamo are well drilled and organised by their most vocal coach in Ivica Banovic… “Bravo, Bravo” he often shouts. The Score As half time comes those around me take a wander into the warmth, I stay out and brave the elements as the girlfriend of Shae Cahill, son of former Australian international Tim, has a cup of hot chocolate in her hand, she’s jumping over chairs trying to get to her seat, spilling it everywhere, I offer to hold her cup whilst she hops over the final row towards comfort. Cahill Jr and a few other young reds all sit in the row in front, cold, wet, covered up and unenthused by the football on show, but it does improve in the second half as Forest do what they should have done in the first period, and go at the opposition that bit more. It takes 59 minutes and a half time substitute in Connor Brown to break the deadlock, Josh Powell running down the left and firing in a low cross which is prodded home by the stocky youngster who came on for Ben Hammond at the break. That goal uplifts the reds confidence who by now show their Premier League fitness and start to dictate in the Zagreb defensive third, the Reds are dominant and the Croatian side haven’t had a shot of note, so the writing is on the wall when Jack Nadin curls home a beauty to seal the deal on 81. That’s the goal of the game as Forest’s number ten plays a neat interchange with Powell before dispatching from just inside the area, and in the final minute a third is added, another short corner is played as one of the unused players in front of me bemoans the coaches predictability, before the ball is played in by Danni Aniskjo which ricochets up for Kyle McAdam to fire home. Perhaps the coach knows best after all? The Stars I’m disappointed for the PA man that he didn’t get to announce Toni Majic as a goalscorer for Dinamo Zagreb, but the tall elegant number seven in midfield was one of the best players on show, certainly in name in nature, he had moments, one jinky run of fifty yards, a Zidane style pirouette on half way and a couple of shots which were blocked, he looks like he’s a footballer destined towards the top. Another player who impressed me was Zagreb’s number four, Leon Jakirovic, just sixteen years old he read the game well, was never phased, comfortable on the ball, reminding me of a young Vedran Corluka with his floppy hair and lanky frame. But for all the visitors individual promise, Forest were much better collectively and in Joe Gardner they have an exciting player who likes to run at defenders, technically talented, socks rolled down he’s thick set and has power when pushing off to start his forward running journey. Jack Nadin was another stand out, getting the ball in that number ten slot and caressing it forward, scoring a good goal, whilst Kyle McAdam shown adaptability in centre midfield and at centre half, eventually alongside Zach Abbott who like Gardner, Nadin and McAdam have already made their first team debuts. The Verdict In a funny way we might see more players from Dinamo Zagreb go on to have better careers, because that’s how football works, the game competitive in England, where it’s perhaps tougher to break through, will certainly either make or break young egos. The Forest players are good, but evidently more powerful and strong at this young age, which tells the tale when putting these teams together, Dinamo are superbly coached and I was very impressed by the one who dished out the orders, in Ivica Banovic these players will learn, to defend collectively and play formation football, which is part of the education curve, they also say you learn more from your defeats than you do from your wins, so I wouldn't read too much into this result. The Teams Nottingham Forest: Aaron Bott, Fin Back, Josh Powell (Jamie Newton 88), Zach Abbott, Ben Hammond (Connor Brown 46), Ben Perry (Danni Aniskjo 84), Jimmy Sinclair, Kyle McAdam, Joe Gardner (Adam Berry 66), Jack Nadin (Archie Whitehall 83), Jack Perkins. Dinamo Zagreb: Antonio Rajic, Ante Susak, Leon Jakirovic, Matija Ruskovacki, Toni Majic, Andelo Sutalo (Leo Rimac 59), Petar Andric (Sven Suntra 59), Bruno Putica (Marko Zebic 80), Marko Pavlak, Mark Kerin, Bartol Kunert (Fran Penezic 65). 7:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 25th September 2024, Loughborough University Stadium, Loughborough (att 200).

Rangers 4-0 FCSB (UEFA Europa League Group Stages) One of the saddest stories in Romanian football is the naming rights argument over Steaua Bucharest, the great team that once beat Barcelona to become champions of Europe, that brought us players like Hagi, Lacatus and Dumitrescu, that is their nations most famous and successful with 27 (many now debatable) league titles. The story is that the army which the club was founded from, have simply taken their name back, which means Steaua since 2017 have been rebranded as FCSB, and I for one still can't get used to it. Rangers had similar rebranding, all be it not by name, after falling into administration in 2011, the club who have a whopping 55 domestic league titles, had to pick themselves up from the fourth tier of Scottish football and have had just one championship success since enforced relegation, all be it stopping rivals Celtic in their tracks, who went a record equalling nine years of championships on the trot.  Things haven't been going that well for Rangers this season either, manager Phillipe Clement coming under increasing pressure after a 1-0 loss at Kilmarnock on Sunday, the Gers sit third in the Scottish Premier Division already six points behind Celtic and Aberdeen. Rumour is FCSB will rest players tonight, they beat Dinamo Bucharest in their big domestic derby at the weekend, striker Daniel Birligea scoring a cracking overhead kick in a 2-0 win, they have another derby this weekend against Rapid Bucharest which is said to take precedent, they sit fifth in their domestic table but are going well in the Europa League with two wins from two. Rangers after a winning start at Malmö were recently thumped 4-1 at Ibrox by Lyon. I'm hiring a car today, a 2024 plate Fiat 500 which I pick up from Europcar to save the miles on my own, across the A50 and up the M6/M74 it's a five hour 300 mile drive which gets me to Govan by 5:30pm. The Venue I've parked up just off the Paisley Road and walk the remaining few hundred yards down the Edmiston Drive. Lights appearing of the stunning art deco home, Ibrox stands tall with four imposing stands almost identical. Lucky enough, I'm through the main players entrance and reception which is stunning, mahogany walled and marble floored, fans have already congregated outside as I walk through security with a TV camera pointing in my face, in the distance lights of police bikes and a large bus, I'm not sure if it's the home or away team that's arriving but I'm told to wait by security until they disappear, then I'm through the players tunnel, into the press lounge, up the stairs and to my desk in the commentary positions along half way. There's a young lad here who's a Celtic fan, he's on TV testing duty but has done his work for the night, he gets to enjoy the game and is a chatty lad who keeps me company, by now the FCSB fans are penned in the far corner of a blue seated arena, making a racket as I'm handed tonight's teams sheet, the pitch perfect and the stands slowly starting to fill, not complete capacity tonight, a few spare, but it feels like a big night for the Rangers boss who really cannot afford to lose. The Game FCSB have as expected made a few changes and the start from both sides is sluggish as neither can get a grip on the ball, in the opening minute, Rangers goalkeeper Butland takes a heavy touch and is closed down by Miculescu who challenges before sliding home into the empty net, the fans ringing out their angry disapproval to Butland who is saved by the Referees whistle, who chalks out the goal for the softest of infringement. That error and the noise from above seems to affect Rangers confidence, they play with fear as voices in the crowd begin to get agitated, FCSB have no rhythm either having made six changes, Rangers have no rhythm just because, but out of nothing, Tom Lawrence let's fly from the edge of the area and the home side are one up. The Score Still it's not perfect, still Rangers give the ball away, still the fans are on the players backs, but both teams are dismally at it, the Romanians lose possession on the edge of their area, Cerny takes aim and bends in a beauty to spark another roar. 2-0 and the fans are starting to be alas won over, still a few voices of negativity but Rangers do improve, they find that confidence from their goals and with it their performance grows. At half time I say to my new Celtic mate "this place could turn nasty if Rangers don't get results" but luckily for Clement and co. FCSB are far from at it, you can tell their attention is elsewhere, they haven't been great, the perfect opposition side-tracked by their domestic programme, I'm surprised because with three points from two games in the Europa League already, this for them, was also a winnable tie. FCSB make three changes at the break, Rangers make one, and it's Diomande who comes on for Lawrence, who sends Cerny through on goal, the bald headed winger runs into the penalty box unopposed before slotting home coolly left footed under the keeper. "Too easy" I say aloud, as defender and captain, Dawa, just let's the Czech winger have a free reign without an ounce of pressure to put off his strides. More changes see young Hamzah Igamane amongst them enter the field, Connor Barron nicks the ball in midfield for the Moroccan to get on the score sheet next. FCSB look bemused but a lot of this defeat is their own doing. By the end, the atmosphere inside the stadium is understandably positive and it feels a much happier place, why wouldn't it, but as the players walk off to milk warm applause, you can't help feel, they'll be stiffer tests to come. The Stars Reminding me of a heyday Antoine Sibierski (who was a very good player you may recall), Vaclav Cerny has a bit of swagger, a lot of coolness and is calm with some real quality, you could tell he was on it from the off, when others weren't, and he lead by example, assisting the first, scoring the second, and third to help put the game to bed. The longer the game went on the more I liked the Rangers make-up, Butland may not be great with his feet to the crowds anxiousness but is solid, not spectacular, Tavernier, Balogun, Souttar, reliable in defence, whilst Brazilian left back Jefte is only twenty and given time, could turn into a very good player. The midfield is young, Connor Barron, 22 signed this summer from Aberdeen, Nicolas Raskin, 23 signed in 2022 from Standard Liege, both small, both snappy, both have time to improve their games. Tom Lawrence offers that danger from distance, his replacement, Mohammed Diomande, again just 22, looked very competent when he came on, youngsters Lovelace (just 17), Igamane, Kasanwirjo likewise, the future is actually bright, you'll get up and down performances with such young teams, but keep hold of the basis and they can only grow into a better more rounded team. For FCSB their better players actually came off the bench, number ten Octavian Popescu, bleach blonde hair, only 21 years old, a lively threat who took all set plays, the future, perhaps? Of Romanian football? Alexandru Baluta, a Romanian International midfielder now in his thirties, snapping away offering that tigerish protection their first half efforts needed. Daniel Birligea looked a threat as a number nine but didn't really get the service. The Verdict Rangers will have tastier ties to come, their Europa League knock out qualification hopes may have had a boost but it's in the league where they and their Head Coach Philippe Clement will be judged. That can be said for FCSB who are also way off the pace domestically, they threw a good opportunity away to gain nine points from three games in the Europa League but at what consequence? If they win at the weekend, I suppose all on Thursday will be forgotten. The Teams Rangers: Jack Butland, James Tavernier, John Souttar, Connor Barron, Cyriel Dessers (Hamza Igamane 57), Tom Lawrence (Mohamed Diomande 46), Nedim Bajrami (Zakariya Lovelace 74), Vaclav Cerny (Neraysho Kasanwirjo 74), Jefte, Leon Balogun (Robin Propper 68), Nicolas Raskin. FCSB: Stefan Tarnovanu, Joyskim Dawa, Daniel Birligea, David Miculsescu (William Baetan 63), Marius Stefanescu (Alexandra Baluta 46), Mihai Popescu, Malcom Edjouma (Alexandru Musi 60), Alexandra Pantea (Risto Radunovic 46), Siyabonga Ngezana, Baba Alhassan, Luis Phelipe (Octavian Popescu 46). 8:00pm Kick Off. Thursday 24th October 2024, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow (att 41,191).

Manchester United 2-0 PAOK (UEFA Europa League Group Stages) It feels like a very traditional autumnal English day today, not only is it raining outside, but Manchester United are playing in Europe tonight. The people's team of this nation it seems, are no longer Champions League fodder, instead reduced to Thursday night football in the Europa level 2 competition. For as long as I've been alive United have mixed with the continents elite midweek, even before then, from the tragic events of Feb 6 1958, to winning at Wembley ten years later, I was yet to be born for the Busby Babes, but I do remember Mark Hughes two goals against Barcelona and that retro video game on my Commodore which encapsulated the 90s era, Manchester United in Europe. Ever since, we've seen further Champions League final successes and near misses with Sir Alex and most recently, under Jose Mourinho, a Europa League win in 2017, but this team is going through change of late, and for now it's all about Ruud van Nistelrooy soon handing over the reigns to Ruben Amorim, as pain free as possible. I won't discuss the ten Hag era and the recent failing past of underachievement but United are in transition, PAOK themselves much more stable having a Head Coach who has overseen the last three years, Romanian Razvan Lucescu has a superb win ratio at the club, one which finished as Greek champions for only the fourth time in their history last season, where they were quarter finalists of this competition too, this season they sit second in the Super League but have so far struggled in the Europa League losing to Galatasaray and FCSB before a draw with Viktoria Plzen. I'm on the road for mid afternoon, once again across the A50 and up the M6, the traffic picking up at Middlewich before I link on to the M56 and M60, every time I'm in Manchester the congestion around here pains me, it's slow pickings as I drive trudging in the dark up the Chester Road in Stretford, before finally pulling up on a side street by a Greggs to park, south of the stadium for a clean exit later tonight, but still a good 25 minute walk. The Venue It's a good march up the A56, but there's only one way I think you should walk in towards Old Trafford Stadium. Past the Bishop Blaize pub and Lou Macari chippie and up Sir Matt Busby Way where the smell of burgers, onions and diesel engines of the catering trucks hit you, where scarves and brick-a-brac are being sold in the front yards of terraced houses, people congregating for photos as the huge cantilevered structure nears. I'm through one set of security and am hovering around the Best, Charlton, Law statue as two plain clothes come up to me and introduce themselves in a friendly manner. A second bag check of the evening already. It's full of Greek fans who have congregated in masses, they're queuing to get in as I walk to the media entrance by the Munich Tunnel, my bag is searched again as a steward refuses to let me in, a call for UEFA is needed as my accreditation is provided and I'm free to walk through the concourse into the ground. They say Old Trafford is falling apart. It feels a myth as I walk around the clean fresh feeling red painted bottom of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand. I'm up to my seat in the press area, impressive, BBC Radio 5 Live recording in front of me as the army of PAOK fans inside the stadium chant in the deepest of tribal male voices. Not many women in the away end tonight. My pew is perfect, set back on half way, slightly elevated to the pitch it feels wide angle almost video game like, I've a monitor in front of me showing TNT, the stadium named the Theatre of Dreams, it feels theatrical as I start to settle in for the show ahead. I'm joined by a scout who was with me at Anfield, he's a Manchester boy and is hungry so is keen to find if we can get some food. We're told to head for the press lounge, which is straight through a tunnel, we pass the video conference room and a wall with every trophy that Manchester United have won emblazoned on it, before arriving at a self service kitchen where there's some Chinese food options of sticky chicken, noodles and egg fried rice to enjoy. The Game Back out in time for the players walking out, by now the stadium full, United in famous red and white, PAOK in a fetching black and white number which I really like the look of, it's a decent tempo start as attacks exchange ends, Diallo is busy down the right for United, Zivkovic looks to offer the away sides main threat down their right, he cuts in and has a couple of unsuccessful efforts, but other than some huffing and puffing, the first half is uneventful sparkled only by the back ground noise of the away support, they are loud, vocal, having a good time bouncing around and are really making themselves heard on what is their big day out. At the whistle, my Mancunian mate is still hungry as he notices someone walk by us with a cake, so we go and explore the press room again, and although there's a queue, the wait is worth it. Gateaux, Brownies, Carrot Cake, Eclair, it's like Patisserie Valerie as we grab a plate and machine made coffee to take out with us, I've still half my carrot cake left as the action gets underway, and within five minutes of the restart, United take the lead. The Score Bruno Fernandes, who often takes some unfair criticism, is brilliant tonight, involved in everything he's the key to unlocking the best opportunities for United, he stands up a delightful ball to Diallo at the back post, he's the padlock that opens the floodgates, Amad rises to head back across goal a looping header into corner of the net and United's attacking persistence pays off. That eases some tension around the place, it's 360 days since United won in Europe, but a chance at the other end is presented to Tissoudali, he's inside the six yard box with time and space to pick a corner, but fails miserably, scuffing his big chance as the relieved Onana holds on to the feeble attempt. You feel PAOK will be made to pay and after Diallo goes close to making it two, he then pick pockets a defender before cutting inside a curling a beauty from the edge of the area, a good night for him, and it's good night Salonika. The Stars It's the first I've seen Amad Diallo live and he's hugely impressed me. A friend of mine who used to play for Manchester United regularly raves about him and from the early stages you could see he had that match day twinkle in his eye. Within a few minutes he tried a Zidane style pirouette which got the crowd applauding, he looked to run at opponents from the off and shown remarkably fast feet, he was an irritant down the flank and got his rewards for working hard and being direct. Other United standouts included Bruno Fernandes who is vital to how they currently play. I think the new Coach will have to find a way to get the best out of him and with similar backgrounds I think it could be a match made in heaven. Casemiro and Jonny Evans were too other players solid on the night, not quite over the hill just yet, they may have something to offer Amorim. For PAOK their main threat Andrija Zivkovic was diminutive and direct cutting in on his left foot, a Serbian international who played previously for Benfica, Brazilian Taison on the left I expected more from, but a number two playing in a number ten position was Mady Camara who certainly caught the eye, technical and powerful he dropped into unmarkable pockets and a lot of the early play went through him. PAOK have a star studded side, not playing was Dejan Lovren whilst on the bench was former Chelsea and Milan midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, there was even a late cameo for former Manchester United Academy player Shola Shoretire who after getting a standing reception left one in on Casemiro to make his mark on his Old Trafford return. The Verdict United have one more game under the Ruud van Nistelrooy temporary stewardship, they'll be keen to impress the new regime and a new era beckons, but be careful, we have said that before. For PAOK they may not seriously trouble Europe's elite, although they'll give it a good go, firm attention for them would be a second succesive Greek title this season, and to get that would be a dream, currently one point off top, they certainly have every chance. The Teams Manchester United: Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Diogo Dalot (Lisandro Martinez 65), Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte (Christian Eriksen 65), Amad Diallo (Mason Mount 82), Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho (Marcus Rashford 65), Rasmus Hojlund (Joshua Zirkzee 89). PAOK: Dominik Kotarski, Mady Camara (Kiril Despedov 75), Taison (Shola Shoretire 84), Andrija Zivkovic, Omar Colley, Tomasz Kedziora, Jonny Otto, Abdul Rahman Baba, Stefan Schwab (Tiemoue Bakayoko 65), Magomed Ozdoev, Tarik Tissoudali (Fedor Chalov 65). 8:00pm Kick Off. Thursday 7th November 2024, Old Trafford, Manchester (att 73,174).

Liverpool 4-0 Bayer Leverkusen (UEFA Champions League Group Stages) It's bonfire night. Not the dogs favourite time of year. It's also election night in America. Trump v Kamala has hogged all the news in the UK. So going under the radar somewhat is Liverpool v Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield tonight. Arne Slot's red machine versus the newly efficient German champions managed by an ex Pool legend in Xabi Alonso. Do they still use the nickname 'Pool' ? Liverpool have been magnificent this season. Arne slotting into life after Klopp, a seamless transaction, like a contactless payment at the local co-op, there's not been an easier passing of the baton in English football since Shankly handed over to Paisley, it seems. Some would say Liverpool haven't been as great to watch under Slot as they were Klopp, but they are getting the job done, and are flying high, top of the Premier League, they have three wins from three in this season's Champions League too. Also unbeaten in the UCL with two wins and a draw, are Bayer Leverkusen whose unbeaten last season in the league helped them knock Bayern Munich off their perch after ten long tears of dominance. I've watched a lot of Leverkusen who are easy on the eye, different in approach, fantastically drilled, modern, but brilliant, tonight intrigues me as I don't think Liverpool will have it all their own way. I'm out the door early, leaving Nottingham just after 2pm, a three hour drive in traffic (A50/M6/M62) I arrive at a McDonald's on Queens Drive which I park opposite before a quick quarter pounder meal. It's a good half hour walk is Anfield down the Utting Avenue, fireworks already in the air as I make my way towards the ground on foot. The Venue Under the dark skies there's a glow in the distance, but it's not until you get to Stanley Park do you see the back end of the giant new Anfield Road End. I'm walking past scarf sellers, approaching 6pm it still feels quiet out, the foot traffic building the nearer the ground you get as Frank Lampard and Clarence Seedorf are ushered past me whilst fans ask them for photos, it's monumental and modern is the stadium as tourists and first timers take pics in front of the glass backed stands, there's a fan zone slowly filling and when you walk past the back of the Liverpool Main Stand there's music playing on a stage with big screen above converted onto a flat bed lorry. A singer playing a guitar sings the Virgil van Dijk (Dirty Old Town) song as they show some clips on the big screen from of all players, Steve Harkness. I'm in for my accreditation before heading up to level six in the lift, a quick wee and I'm out into the commentary positions where I pass Adrian Durham and TalkSport before sitting next to LFCTV commentator Steve Hunter. It's cosy tonight as I count a hundred media people on the touchline pre game, there's a lot in the gantry and not much room for my work colleague beside me, I've a chair next to me free but the LFCTV commentator says "that's reserved for John Aldridge". The view up here is magnificent but you're bloody high, by now the fireworks display in full throttle above the city, there must be millions spent in this region alone as every second seems to go with a loud bang, the arena is vibrant in anticipation and perks into life with the pre game rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone. Alan Shearer and Guy Mowbray walk past to start their comms on Amazon Prime TV before Aldo appears half way through the YNWA sing song. He sits down to do co-comms with just a minute until kick off to spare. The Game From up here you get to see the shape of each team brilliantly, both teams press high, Liverpool 2-5-3 in attack, defending in more usual 4-3-3. Leverkusen are playing their classic 3-4-3 which is two really high wide players and two inverted no10's if you like, behind the chunky Victor Boniface in attack. It's more 5-4-1 in defence, but it quickly turns to 3-2-5 when they burst forward. It's very exciting and it causes Liverpool some problems early doors as Leverkusen target any voids left by Trent Alexander-Arnold in the right back position. It's an attacking version of cat and mouse as Liverpool have a go too. They often go long down the flanks to expose Bayer on the counter attack as they look to isolate Hincape against Salah who is full of running. The Leverkusen defence holds well in a first half of few chances and they might have taken the lead on the break but Frimpong is penalised for hand  ball ahead of racing through to blast home. The Score I'm chatting to my work colleague who watched Marseille v PSG over the weekend before Atletico v Las Palmas in Madrid, I'm impressed with his jet setting ability as he shows me some pictures of a football pitch next to a block of flats he photo'd from the Notre Dame in Marseille, before you know it the half time interval is over, the two teams are back out and action is underway. I'm of the feeling Bayer could nick something, scrap for a nil nil or even hit Liverpool on the counter attack to sneak a 1-0, my colleague feels Liverpool will wear them down and get two or three, he's proven right when a resurgent Liverpool come out a different beast, they dictate, dominate, up their level, they control the ball and it's all in the Germans half, finally Curtis Jones threads a past, Luis Diaz dinks a finish, and Liverpool on the hour, are in the lead. That gets the crowd up and like a boxer who sees blood, rather that sit on their laurels and protect what they have, Liverpool go for the kill and instantly score a second, Salah sent away down the right, crossing in for Gakpo to brilliantly head home at the back post. The offside flag has gone up. John Aldridge sat next to me begrudgingly says "offside" but as we look on my monitor at the replay he taps me excitedly to say "he's on". A fan behind who looks over our shoulder to see our screen says "he's on"..  there's a minute or two wait but by now we know, the whole ground sings the Fields of Anfield Road in knowing that the goal will be given, then on the Referees whistle, eruption that drowns out the by now dwindling number of fireworks that still light the sky. Leverkusen have given it a good go, but by now they're out of ideas, it's been like a boxing match, young pretender verses the old champ, toe for toe in the early rounds, the underdog even catching out their opponent on occasion to perhaps edge some scorecards, to be blown away in rounds six and seven, they're still on their feet because they have heart, but as each round progresses the margin of victory gets wider. On 83 Salah again from the right, stands one up to the back post where Diaz out muscles a defender to take a touch and slot home, the Colombian gets his hat trick in injury time after Darwin Nunez attempts to shoot on a four on two breakaway, the ball falling kindly to Diaz who nets his first ever Liverpool hat trick. The Stars The evolution of Liverpool's front three over the years has fascinated me, you wouldn't think Salah, Mane & Firmino could be bettered but I really like the combination of Salah, Gakpo and Diaz, contract negotiating Egyptian King Mo Salah it feels has a real new lease of life under Slot, he's playing with confidence and swagger which perhaps eluded him at times last season, he's simply brilliant and arguably one of the greatest footballers I've ever seen play live, now 32, he looks every bit as good as he did four or five years ago. Gakpo is brilliant, a different kind of threat to Salah, slower in approach, elegant, shifting over to the left wing and cutting in on that right foot, he's decent in the air and intelligent without the ball, this offers space for Diaz to run into who perhaps is better as your traditional left winger, but as a number nine, occupying that central space, it could be genius, to get him more goals than he currently delivers, he certainly has the ability to regularly hit twenty plus a season. In midfield they have Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch who have excelled this season, in defence they have the best passer of a football on the planet, whilst van Dijk and Konate hold it all together, sometimes exposed, Liverpool do every now and again look like conceding, but both handled the threat of Boniface, Wirtz and co with usual calming assurance. Bayer Leverkusen themselves have brilliant footballers. Intelligent, they are sharp on the ball and work extremely hard off it, all possessing something different and exciting in their own makeup. For 60 minutes I really liked their back three, individually and collectively it worked, Hincape on the left was strong and combative, a good man marker, Tapsoba on the right athletic, powerful, a pest, Tah in the middle reading and dictating, talking, I presume all will eventually move on for big bucks. Frimpong as the right sided wing back offered pace and power and a real forward threat, Grimaldo different on the left, picking his moments to get forward and often cutting inside, but a real danger from set plays, in midfield Xhaka and Palacios kept things ticking neatly, but with a bit of nastiness and bite, whilst the mercurial Florian Wirtz floated, a bit of a taller more talented version of Xherdan Shaqiri for me, stocky with invention, you won't knock him off the ball, then there's the Ox in Victor Boniface, so strong but quick, a real goalscoring threat up front, although credit Konate who marked him, he nullified his threat and equalled him in strength. The Verdict Is this the best version of Liverpool we've seen in the Premier League era? I still think it has a long way to go to match the attacking threat of the 2019 title winning team, but if they win the league this year, and perhaps even take glory in the Champions League, and by now they should be favourites for both competitions, then perhaps they should be considered as one of the very best we've seen. Which for Leverkusen states no shame in losing 4-0, a very good football outfit themselves making history as one of German soccer's best ever teams, but not nearly as good as Liverpool, tonight's result highlights a significant gulf in levels, Liverpool are world elite, Bayer, not quite there yet. The Teams Liverpool: Caomhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold (Conor Bradley 81), Ibrahima Konate (Jarell Quansah 88), Virgil van Dijk, Kostas Tsimikas (Andy Robertson 81), Curtis Jones (Dominik Szoboslai 74), Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo (Darwin Nunez 81). Bayer Leverkusen: Lukas Hradecky, Edmond Tapsoba, Jonathan Tah, Piero Hincapie, Jeremie Frimpong, Ezequiel Palacios (Jonas Hoffman 73), Granit Xhaka, Alex Grimaldo (Nathan Tella 81), Florian Wirtz, Aleix Garcia (Robert Andrich 73), Victor Boniface (Patrick Schick 81). 8:00pm Kick Off. Tuesday 5th November 2024, Anfield, Liverpool (att 59,790).

Scunthorpe United 6-0 Farsley Celtic (National League North) News has broken out today that Farsley Celtic will play their next five home league matches 70 miles away at Buxton. It's not gone down very well at the club, apparently because of some ongoing ground improvements that have been delayed not helped by a Chairman that's often late to pay his bills, rumour is the players have been recently made to wait to get paid too, it all looks very bleak and scenarios like this often only end with one sadly predictable outcome. Both Farsley and Scunthorpe know all about having it tough, in 2010 after a spell in the fifth tier of English football, Farsley were wound up owing debts of £750,000. Scunthorpe United fell from grace to their lowest current ebb, they ended a 72 year spell in the football league in 2022 and a year later were relegated to the National League North, were on the brink of collapse themselves last year but have since steadied the ship  thanks largely to a local business woman named Michelle Harness, it feels the club is now in good hands, it looks to have that community spirit back. Out the door for 5pm, I'm across the A46 and up the A1/M18 at Doncaster, the nights now drawing in quicker since the clocks went forward on Sunday, it's dark in the east, dusk in the west as I travel north, onto the M180 and M181 before I hit Gallagher Leisure Park KFC for a mega bucket by 6:30pm. The Venue I've pulled into the East car park where there's plenty of space, floodlights dim light up the ageing silver steel arena, I love it here, it's minimal maintenance over the years has given Glanford Park a real nostalgic feel, as stadiums go it's crap, but that's not necessarily a bad thing if you love football with the opinion 'it was always better back in my day'. Compare it to a pub, you've got the glitzy nightclubs and wine bars that make up Anfield and Chelsea, the Wetherspoons of this world that are the same in each town, Reading, Leicester, Southampton, Sunderland, soulless bowls that look the same.. Then you got the King Billy Boozer, an old crappy real ale house where the toilets are out of order and the pint glasses are dirty, but you love it more because it just feels better, well that's Scunthorpe. As I walk around the back of the stadium towards the Main Stand I'm eventually through the turnstile where a man on the gate has my name on a sheet, "it's usually John from your lot" he says. "not tonight" I reply. I'm up ten or fifteen rows to the press seats, back of the stand with post in view, old flip down tables seemingly sporadically spread, radio Humberside is here, one from Farsley, one from Scunny, otherwise that's it. Slightly comfier corporate seats around me there's a bar serving the beers through the glass window above, the left is filling up behind the goal with a good proportion of fans standing, to the right completely empty but for thirty Farsley fans in one corner and opposite, healthy numbers again for the level, where else in the world would you get over 3,000 supporters for sixth tier sport? The Game The decibels are up for 'Hi Ho Scun United' and the game is kicked off by Farsley in green and white Celtic hoops, Scunthorpe more sky blue, than claret, start to control proceedings at slow tempo, they have all of the ball as Pav Singh sets his opponents up in a 532 formation to get men defending in numbers and hopefully, on occasion they'll look to catch Scunny on the break. That they do when Ross Fitzsimmons has a scare in the home team goal early on, rushing out he's beaten to the ball but is rescued by a defender. Farsley show promise but a long throw in on the far side is launched into the box and headed in from close range by Danny Whitehall which opens up the floodgates. On 17, Cal Roberts tries his luck from range and the goalkeeper Wooster can only parry into the corner of his net for number two, then Wooster is booked for racing out of his box and chopping down an opponent on the edge of the area, the resulting free kick is saved, it was close to a penalty and a sending off. It's all Scunny, the fans are loving it, vocal they sing in numbers non stop, a brilliant atmosphere created behind the goal, and a brilliant move caps off a good team goal on 41, Roberts winning the ball in the right back berth before sending Barrows on his way, he crosses to Denton at the back post who volleys powerfully towards goal and his effort is deflected in by Fishburn. The Score At half time even the most pessimistic fans around us agree that Farsley aren't up to much, they look like a team who's just been booted out their home and are probably awaiting some overdue pay. Good players, on 17 points in the middle of the table, but they have turned up tonight, expecting to get beat, not really that keen on facing the fight. The second half feels like a procession, Scunthorpe keep the ball, Farsley sit off, the fans are singing non stop, some subs are made and finally some action, on 69 Whitehall is pushed over inside the box, he picks himself up and makes no mistake from the spot. More subs are made and one of them, Manny Mampala, for the visitors tries his luck from distance, a shot out of nothing which crashes off the post, it's their best effort of the game for Farsley, but it only kick starts Scunthorpe into more attacking. With five minutes remaining Brogan makes it five, dancing into the area and finishing low, before Evans heads in from close range as Roberts curls in a free kick. 6-0 to Scunny, it's been a one sided evenings football and the Iron go top. The Stars When you read through the Scunthorpe team you see plenty of National League experience and they really are a team too good for the level, Ross Fitzsimons in goal played in the 2023 National League playoff final for Chesterfield at Wembley, centre halves Will Evans and Andrew Boyce have League Two experience, Tyler Denton is a player I've always liked at left back, composed, quick, eager to get forward. In midfield the Iron have some workmanlike footballers but some silk on the ball, captain Michael Clunan is easy on the eye, he was substituted with a few minutes remaining and did a lap of honour taking selfies with fans as he made his way back to the dugout, milking the applause as he went, but he's largely appreciated and certainly gives plenty back. Callum Roberts their key ticket, a number ten who has struggled with injury, who had it tough last season, but who's coming to the front, by far the best footballer in the division. Then there's Danny Whitehall, who oozes goals every game, a battling striker who has that knack, good size and stature, good workmanlike ethic, and good around the box. Farsley in fairness weren't as bad as the result perhaps suggests, they had a couple of chances but in the end it felt like their belief was sucked out of them pre game, rather than them not having the ability from a technical level to compete. One of the best players on the park was their midfielder Danny Greenfield who shown elegant touches and passing of varied range, plenty of graft too, whilst youngsters DJ Campton-Sturridge (son of Dean) in attack and Cole Hyde (just eighteen) at right back, provided a real turn of pace. I liked the blonde haired Robbie Fox who came off the bench and put a shift in up front whilst fellow sub Manny Mampala chose to shoot on sight which wasn't a bad option as he struck a post with a belter. In Darren Stephenson they have a good honest working centre forward, they certainly aren't mugs, if Farsley do go under they'll be plenty of takers for players. The Verdict My concern for Farsley, who are after all, a village team, now playing home games 70 miles away where fans (and maybe some players) simply won't be able to follow, it can only end one way, unless the situation is resolved quickly. The club are actually seven points clear of the relegation places in the National League North, whilst last year their season started well before surviving by the skin of their teeth, things looked much better this time around, but in non league football clubs can nosedive quickly. I fear for their future down to current arrangements, a huge concern to Scunthorpe in their title quest, that this result might even get taken away. The Teams Scunthorpe United: Ross Fitzsimons, Brad Nicholson, Will Evans, Andrew Boyce, Michael Clunan (Kian Scales 65), Alfie Beestin (Max Brogan 61), Danny Whitehall (Max Kouogun 75), Callum Roberts, Sam Fishburn (Carlton Ubaezuonu 56), Tyler Denton (Michael Kelly 61), Ross Barrows. Farsley Celtic: Tom Wooster, Rudy Misambo, Ryan Watson (Dylan Youmbi 46), Ben Atkinson, Darren Stephenson (Manase Mambala 73), Sam Fielding, Tom Allan, DJ Campton-Sturridge (Robbie Fox 56), Danny Greenfield, Bailey Sloane, Cole Hyde. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 29th October 2024, Glanford Park, Scunthorpe (att 3,329).

Boston United 1-2 AFC Fylde (National League) A relegation six pointer as early as October? Both Fylde and Boston have had their struggles this season. 22nd hosts 21st of the National League, Boston under Ian Culverhouse have found things tough following promotion, suffering most recently a 1-0 loss at the weekend to Halifax, Fylde have a new manager in Kevin Phillips, but life under the former Sunderland striker didn't get off to a great start, beaten 4-0 at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. Tonight, something will have to give. I'm out the door for 5:30, a quick stop off at the Shell Garage at Bingham roundabout and across the A52, pulling up in Wyberton an hour before kick off, where I spot a few old friends crossing the road towards the stadium. John O'Kane, a former Manchester United player in the class of 92, Steve Robinson formerly of Birmingham City and Swindon Town, and Paul Moxey, formerly of Nags Head, Blacks Head, Bassingfield and other good Sunday morning pub teams. O'Kane's lad Taelor will be on the bench for Fylde tonight, just eighteen he's highly regarded and his dad's not happy, turns out Peterborough United were interested in the youngster but Fylde rejected their offer, "they're not playing him" he moans..  Taelor seems to be taking it better... "He's professional" John says... "He just gets on with it". The Venue I leave the lads waiting outside the stadium for their free tickets supplied by former Pilgrim Mark Clifford, I'm through the gates and up to my seat where the media section is packed and cosy. A Grimsby supporting scout next to me tells me of their 1-0 win at Tranmere last night, the ground slowly filling under the lights as the players warm up. It's all modern and sleek in here, there's not many from Fylde, around thirty as the two teams come out to nothing more than warm applause. The Game It's an edgy start, Boston play 451 and are happy to give the away side the ball, Fylde look more like the aggressors but O'Kane tells me "they're flakey at the back" and the two centre halves come under pressure when a brilliant ball from the right is headed inches wide by Pemi Aderoju. The young striker on loan from Peterborough is raw but has some technical talent, he also has a leap and makes his mark a minute before half time to put Boston into the lead. A left wing corner crossed into the box where he pushes away his own attackers to get their first. The Score I'm expecting an edgy second half of Boston not knowing to stick or twist as Ian Culverhouse sets his precedent by surprisingly taking off their young playmaker off, Finlay Welch on loan from Norwich, did really well at the weekend, not so today but he looks to have something about him, he's replaced by a more defensive minded Frankie Maguire at the break which suggests Boston are going to stick, rather than twist. That gamble fails just ten minutes into the second half as Corey Whelan is given far too much time to stick a foot at the ball from a low crossed corner, a soft goal for the away side, the 27th in fifteen games that Boston have conceded. 27 becomes 28 shortly after, a decent ball in from the left is headed home by Adam Long, the 30 Fylde fans go crazy, one of them even has his own mobile phone light show. You feel Culverhouse will make a change, a double sub, get striker Hazel on, there's 30 minutes to play but nothing, the managers demeanour looks dejected, every time I'm here I say he's a game away from the sack, he looks just as close tonight. Hazel does eventually come on and add some impetus, but it's too little too late, Boston hardly trouble Theo Robinson's goal and it's a good night's work for Kevin Phillips who I believe has the ability and style to get his side away from danger. No boos at full time, just fans flat feeling and used to underwhelming nights like this, yes they fought, but Boston didn't have the minerals to put pressure on a shaky Fylde defence, at home against a team in and around them, the type of game they needed something from. The Stars No one really stood out on a night where both teams tactics were to 'play it safe'. Fylde threatened more down the right with Tyler Roberts whilst Jonathan Ustabasi did most of the threatening often with good feet and pulled out a save from Aidan Stone in the first half. Boston weren't nearly as effective as they were in defeat to Halifax on Saturday. Sam Osborne tried, Pemi Aderoju threatened, but it was two evenly matched outfits, one simply having less confidence than the other, who lost out. The Verdict Kevin Phillips has been previously backed by clubs with big budgets. He did well at South Shields but I was surprised things didn't work out well for him at Hartlepool, perhaps Fylde is the perfect fit? Perhaps he can get a tune out of this team and perhaps he can get some funds added to add more fire power? Boston look doomed, Ian Culverhouse looks doomed, I said to the scout from Grimsby after the game, "if he's still here the next time I visit I'll be very surprised" but I've said that before, Boston do know that it's going to be a long old scrap and getting promotion last season was probably well over par on their targeted achievements, unless they can sprinkle some magic and find a player or two, it looks like a return to National League North again next season. The Teams Boston United: Aidan Stone, Kieran Coates (Jai Rowe 80), Cameron Green, Michael Bostwick, Tom Leak, Keaton Ward (Jacob Hazel 77), Finley Welch (Frankie Maguire 46), Pemi Aderoju, Jordan Richards, Sam Osborne (Adam Marriott 83), Dylan Hill. AFC Fylde: Theo Richardson, Owen Evans, Harry Davis, Adam Long (, Ethan Mitchell, Jon Ustabasi, Corey Whelan, Lincoln McFayden, Gavin Massey (Charlie Jolley 85), Tyler Roberts, Joe Riley. 7:45pm Kick Off. Wednesday 23rd October 2024, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,529).

Matlock Town 1-1 Warrington Rylands (Northern Premier League) Remember football before VAR? No Premier League or Champions League? No money men or corporate Bucks Fizz? When the only game you would you watch was the one shown live on a Sunday afternoon, unless you went to the match the day before of course. You had to read about the others in print the following morning, or if you were lucky, like me, you would race to get the Football Post on a Saturday night before the paper shop shut at 6pm. You may get it before it closes? If not, you'll wait excitedly till tomorrow for all the player ratings and attendance figures. It's the stripping back of the game I love, simpler times, simpler football, the old working men's game that we long know, that's why I still enjoy going to non league. I've been doing my research for tonight's game and Warrington Rylands haven't even got a twitter. I'm struggling to find any information on their players as their website isn't the best either, most teams these days will publish their line-ups on Elon Musk's X along with countless other social services but not Warrington who look like they prefer simpler times too. A mid-Cheshire league side for many years they changed their name by adding the town of Warrington to 'Rylands' in 2020 after winning the North West Counties South Division the season before. They won the FA Vase at Wembley in 2021 , beating Binfield in the final 3-2 before winning the Northern Premier League West Division in 21/22 . This is their third season in the NPL top flight after finishing fourth last year, but they are currently struggling in the bottom four. Matlock have been in the NPL since 2005 . Twenty years a staple at the level, they have been busy signing big names and international stars to help keep them in the division after a struggling start sees them hovering close to the relegation zone. Tonight is a six pointer but the Gladiators by name have bolstered recently with ex England U20 and Manchester City Academy graduate Adam Clayton (once of Leeds & Middlesbrough) in their as player/coach, yesterday they signed Fouad Bachirou, a Comoros international previously of Nottingham Forest, who also has a Swedish league title having previously played for Malmö. Unfortunately his 'international clearance' hasn't came through in time to make tonight. It's been a mad house all day, two dogs and my wife's looking after the niece so whilst they're all barking in the garden I make a quick exit at 5:30pm to leave a little earlier than usual just for some peace and quiet along my drive up, from Nottingham to Matlock. Only a short drive an hour, I'm up the M1 and bypassing Alfreton before taking the back roads towards the peaks, I've arrived on Causeway Lane where there's stewards already on the gates of the Proctors Cars Stadium, I pull up literally outside the ground, opposite a Dominos which I enter and pay £20 for a personal meat feast, some chicken kickers and an orange tango. The Venue One of the prettiest on the circuit, one thing you notice about Matlock Town's home ground is the traffic sign outside the turnstile which has tonight's fixture flashing on it. As you enter through the gates, just £12 on my pre-paid mobile ticket, the character of the venue oozes 'better times' as the three sided arena shared with the local cricket club gives a real nostalgic feel. I've walked over to the modern Twigg Stand where i've taken a pre-game pew high up, a row off the back, most of the seats around me have reserved stickers on for members. It's a quintessentially English view usually, but tonight is just black skies beyond the blue painted metal roofing, a moon high up faded behind some clouds. The pitch below looks in good nick, this time of year it does start to have problems in holding water with postponements a regular thing for Matlock between October and Feb, propped up roofed stands are opposite and to my right, as old boys around me chat about the latest signings, they know their stuff in this part of the world, they know this division, not just here for the night out, but proper avid fans who can tell you every player probably of the last twenty years in the NPL. The Game I've had to move to the opposite side of the ground as I can't get much phone signal where I'm at, as it fills with more and more locals, so I'm standing at the perimeter of the pitch which is fenced off by a breeze block wall, slightly elevated, it's a real touchline experience as you hear every word of the players, Matlock's in blue, mostly with a Yorkshire accent, Warrington in red, a slight Scouse twinge. It's a fast start, the ball thumped back and forth and it's tasty as the Referee blows for countless free-kicks which do halt the flow somewhat. Warrington play some neat football, Matlock look more direct to get down the sides, there's some old boys next to me in flat caps as the cold air forces me every now and again to slip my hands in my coat pockets for some warmth. Will Russ should score for the visitors when his effort one-on-one is somehow saved by Ravenhill but at the other end Etaluku is quick down the right, he's been causing all sorts of problems for the Rylands defence and he looks to have been caught inside the box as the Matlock players, coaches and fans all scream wildly for a penalty, nothing given, Warrington are up the other end and Russ has another chance, this time he makes no mistake, the tall number nine finishing from a tight angle, there's ten or twenty fans who cheer that goal. The Score A win for Warrington would lift them out of the bottom four, a loss for Matlock would edge them closer to it, Montel Gibson rises high to a cross from the right, he's been busy and effective, he's up in the air leg well over his head, I've never seen a leg so high, an incredible overhead kick which crashes off the outside of the post, so near to a stunning leveller as the crowd all gasp and sigh. It's a slender advantage at half time but Matlock come out on top, by now the Rylands left back has substituted himself with feigned injury so not to deal with Etaluku's pace, every time he gets the ball the message is 'run' as the Barrow loanee has legs on burners, fortunately for Warrington his crosses don't always offer the same quality. One player who's crossing and passing is on point, is ex-Leeds United and Middlesbrough midfielder Adam Clayton. The longer the game goes the more Matlock have the ball and the more influential the former Premier League star becomes. He plays into the box but Gibson can't divert his header, Clayton then tries his luck from range at the moment the Referee blows up for a Warrington head injury, the ball sailing in past a diving goalkeeper as the crowd turn volatile in uproar, 'Rubbish Referee' they shout, the result is after the injured player is attended to, the Ref gives the Warrington goalkeeper the ball. Clayton is still pulling strings, the clock is ticking as he pumps another ball into the area with quality, Thompson is found unmarked with time, he shoots low but Pilling saves, another chance goes begging, is it starting to feel like Warrington's night? By now the away side have had to shuffle their pack with defensive injuries and substitutions and as a tenth corner for Matlock is earned, the ball is played into the box where Gladiators sub Remaye Campbell heads home to rescue some blushes, but there's still time for a winner? In the exciting end it's not to be, a game full bodied, stripped back, no nonsense, several bookings, several chances, mistakes a plenty, not least from the officials, but that's football, a fair result? Warrington the better team in the first half, they got their goal, Matlock the better in the second half when chasing, they got their goal, lets all shake hands, have a beer in the club bar and move on to Saturday. The Stars Matlock's Adam Clayton got better the longer the game got but their key assets were their pace in attack with both Montel Gibson, and mostly Sean Etaluku causing Warrington problems with their direct play. Etaluku is only 20 and has raw talent and speed, Gibson a bit of a journeyman for the level is one who knows where the net is. Others who impressed were recent signings, Josh Granite, a hard man centre back from Buxton who's always in the ears of team-mates, opponents, and referees, whilst Sam Smart who I last saw play for Boston United, down the left is a good old fashioned winger. For Warrington I liked the simplicity of their own right winger Ben Hardcastle who looked to get crosses in early, two strikers they had both over 6ft were awkward and combative, Leslie Adekoya and Will Russ often grappling with their man-markers, Russ, who's on loan from Southport looks like a proper no-nonsense number nine with goal threat whilst Adekoya, a Dubliner who signed from Accrington Stanley who's that hot on his day type of player which I imagine when he's good, is really good, but I question if he's often really good enough? The Verdict The draw means Warrington sit fourth bottom and in the relegation zone on eleven points, Matlock are two places and three points above them in seventeenth, on tonight's showing, they are both too good to go down. I didn't know anything about Warrington Rylands before the game, I still don't know too much, but I have worked out they're a good side for the level with good players and they play spells of good football, Matlock are cracking the whip with the signings they have made, what I do know about this football club, is that if you've never been to Causeway Lane, you really should give it a visit. The Teams Matlock Town: Rogan Ravenhill, Kwame Boateng, Reece Kendall, Adam Clayton, Josh Granite, Charlie Oglesby, Sam Smart (Jake Thompson 69), Harry Wood (Curtis Durose 57), Montel Gibson, Sam Essien (Remaye Campbell 79), Sean Etaluku. Warrington Rylands: Luke Pilling, Scott Holding, Max Davies (Cole Lonsdale 41), Harrison Hopper, George Waring (Sandro Da Costa 72), James Neild, Ben Hardcastle, Ben Hough, Will Russ (James Baillie 58), Leslie Adekoya, Jake Daniels. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 22nd October 2024, Causeway Lane, Matlock (att 520).

Boston United 0-1 FC Halifax Town  (National League) I thought I would be here more often this year? I did the first game of the season for Boston v Rochdale and was asked to do the next, but the wife had me double booked at a friend’s barbeque and I’ve not been back since, although keeping an eye on the results, things have not been good for the Pilgrims, so probably best I've stayed away. Promoted through the National League North playoffs it was always going to be a tough task staying in the league above, injuries have played their part, but the summer sales of Kelsey Mooney and Jimmy Knowles haven’t helped either, two players who scored sack loads between them in their promotion year, both now in the football league at Accrington Stanley. Last time I watched Halifax it was so long ago, Jamie Vardy was playing for them, a 2-0 win at Retford United won them the Northern Premier League in 2011, the club only formed in 2008 after huge tax debts sent the previous Shaymen under, a former football league club, ever since the phoenix has risen the club are yet to return to the promised land, but are eighth and knocking on the playoff door this time around, hoping for a win on their first ever visit to the Jakeman’s having last played Boston at York Street in 2016. The weathers awful, a quick dog walk around the estate in drizzle and some scrambled eggs on toast for brunch and I’m out of the door for 12:30 with the radio on as Spurs and West Ham do battle, I’m trudging along the A52 as it starts to brighten up, through Grantham and into the flat pastures of Lincolnshire where you can switch off and take in the scenery down the single lane roads. The Venue I’ve arrived for 2pm and park up over the road, walking over the A16 where a tractor stops at the traffic lights, to get my ticket from the club’s reception, before entering the turnstile into a smokey concourse that smells of chip fat. I’ve plenty of time so have a PG tips tea and KitKat as I watch a bit of the London Derby which by now has Spurs 4-1 up, before walking out, and up, towards my seat at the back of the stand, a good view from the press seats and some familiar faces to have a good chinwag with. The pitch is earthy, green and flat with some bounce, you feel it’ll take a stud, the stands opposite and to my left glowing under now bright Autumnal sunlight, to the right and behind the goal it’s still a cleared construction site, once finished it’ll be superb, but it seems to be the funds planned in finishing the stadium have been held back somewhat to put into the playing budget and perhaps keeping the club in the division. The Game Boston are giving a debut to their on loan Norwich City midfielder Finley Welch, the Pilgrims were thumped in midweek by local rivals Gainsborough Trinity 4-0 in the FA Cup, Trinity are two steps lower than Boston so I tell the PA guy sat next to me “It surely can’t be any worse today”. The game kicks off, Halifax pump the ball forward, full back Coates gets in a tangle with Oluwabori down the left, the winger pick-pockets the right back and dribbles into the area before scuffing a low deflected shot into the corner of the net. 1-0 Halifax in under a minute, the PA guy then shows me a text off his Boston supporting mate which predicts todays score line will ‘probably’ end in embarrassing 10-0 defeat. You expect the home side to crumble and the fans to deflate their pessimistic pre-game ambience into noisy negativity, but Boston push back Halifax and have a real go, without really troubling Sam Johnson in the visitors goal. Ian Culverhouse’s side have moments largely through the tenacity of Sam Osborne who’s best opportunity is when he nicks the ball in the final third to round the keeper but he doesn’t go down after a nudge as the ball runs out of play. The Score At half time there’s been few chances at either end and you expect, from scoring so early, that Halifax won’t come out of the blocks in the second half, content with keeping Boston at bay, defensively, former Pilgrim Jo Cummings has dealt with Jacob Hazell, and there’s not been much for them to worry about. But the second half is much better from Boston, by now the fans are buying into their methods, positive in their approach, Osborne getting more influential and Finlay Welch is starting to play with some confidence, a chance for Jacob Hazell who’s shot is cleared off the line, Bostwick headers inches wide from a set play, Osborne unable to test the goalkeeper with a fizzing drive from long range before Welch cracks the post with a superb effort. Despite defeat, It’s been a huge improvement on their FA Cup exit, and but for a bit of luck, Boston might have grabbed a point, but a costly early error and their lack of firepower, two reasons to why they might find things difficult if they are to stay in the division. The Stars Halifax never really needed to get out of first gear, gifted an early advantage they played percentage football, attacked on limited opportunity and defended their opponents threat, Jo Cummings and Will Smith brilliant defensively, Adam Senior and Ryan Galvin playing their part from full backs too, in midfield the tenacious Jack Evans put a shift in, with a minute to go he won a tackle on half way and carried the ball a good twenty yards forward, the sort of leadership needed late on in games to see them out, in attack, out wide left, matchwinner Oluwabori was a constant threat, technically awkward and of good tall and leggy height. For Boston they had plenty of positives, Aidan Stone commanded his goal well, Cameron Green did well at left back and after an early error, Kieran Coates improved too, Micheal Bostwick did Michael Bostwick things and was booked for a huge no nonsense tackle on Oluwabori in the second half, in midfield Jordan Richards combined well with the busy Sam Osborne, Dylan Hill quietly went about his business and Finlay Welch had a terrific debut, he looks like a proper footballer and well above National League level, whilst Jacob Hazell in attack didn’t have a great game, he does have something, played to his strengths he still could be the man that scores the goals to keep Boston up?   The Verdict Next up for Boston is a Wednesday night match with AFC Fylde who themselves are in the relegation zone, I’ll be there for that one and if Boston play like they played against Halifax, they’ll have every chance of getting something. Halifax themselves are heading in the right direction, they have a good solid side and will be in the running for promotion this season, it may have been a no frills win, they didn’t need too many skills to get victory, but they are organised and hard to break down which will keep them in a lot of games this season. The Teams Boston United: Aidan Stone, Kieran Coates (Jai Rowe 62), Michael Bostwick, Zak Mills, Cameron Green, Jordan Richards, Dylan Hill, Sam Osborne (Pemi Aderoju 74), Keaton Ward, Finley Welch (Frankie Maguire 82), Jacob Hazel. FC Halifax Town: Sam Johnson, Adam Senior, Jo Cummings, Will Smith, Ryan Galvin, Jamie Cooke (Florent Hoti 72), Scott High (Owen Bray 63), Jack Evans, Adan George, Billy Waters, Andrew Oluwabori (Adam Alimi-Adetoro 82). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 19th October 2024, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,720).

Northern Ireland 5-0 Bulgaria (UEFA Nations League Group Stages) I'm at East Midlands Airport where I bump into Brummie Rob. He's a Villa fan and football mad and just so happens to be on my Aerlingus flight to Belfast. The chat is football, he talks of Villa's weaknesses at right back and a possible move from Villa Park, PSR struggles, Champions League loving and an up and coming striker named Rory Wilson who's banging the goals in at youth team level. Northern Ireland host Bulgaria tonight and both teams could do with a goalscorer, between them in the UEFA Nations League this campaign they've scored just three across six games. Tight at the back, Bulgaria are yet to concede in the group format and beat Northern Ireland 1-0 in Plovdiv last month, that goal scored by Kiril Despodov, the only one conceded so far by Northern Ireland. I'm not predicting a classic, anything that betters 0-0 will do, but Bulgaria, although unbeaten in nine are a far cry from their lofty days in the 90's, the Balkan nation that gave us Stoichkov, Letchkov, Balakov, more recently Berbatov, are a far cry from what they used to be. I've landed and wish Rob well before taking the train from Sydenham station by George Best Airport into the centre where I check in to my digs before walking the Lisburn Road towards Windsor Park. The Venue It's grey, wet, dark, traffic is at a standstill so I'm glad I'm on foot as I turn right down Tates Avenue where I first see the grounds floodlights appear over the terraced housing. On UEFA duty tonight, I walk down the back of the South Stand towards the media entrance where I'm given my accreditation and a matchday programme on reception before nipping into the media lounge for a cup of tea. The ground is only small at Windsor Park, I liken it to Meadow Lane and Notts County locally, which is a similar size around 20,000 all modern looking and quaint with good even metrics. I'm up in the lift as I head for the commentary box where the view is high but impeccable, green seated, green pitch with an amber glow of the floodlights above black skies and those two huge flags of Northern Ireland and Bulgaria laid flat on the ground. The Game I'm joined by a fellow scout who looks like Prince William. I have to double take before he opens his mouth with a strong Kilkenny accent, he's driven 3 hours from the south to be here and is a chirpy chap, although I struggle to understand what he says. The atmosphere increases ahead of kick off, the sell out crowd stands for the anthems, and the game is underway to a slow start, pedestrian like, until Northern Ireland begin to shift through the gears. The lively Dion Charles gets the better of a Bulgarian defender down the left and crosses low with the outside of his right boot for Isaac Price who slots home first time on the run. That goal on fifteen lifts the mood in the stadium and the hosts start to press and harass a Bulgarian side that simply don't look up for it. On 28, Brodie Spencer is sent racing down the left before getting to the by-line and pulling back and as Dion Charles is upheld the ball falls to Price who's deflected effort drops in for number two, and things get worse for Bulgaria shortly after, the impressive Spencer letting fly from range a low driven effort which cannons in after hitting the keeper on the back. Three-nil to Northern Ireland and three more goals than I've been expected to see today. The Score Bulgaria are handed a reprieve on the stroke of half time with a soft penalty call by the French referee who adjudges Eoin Toal to have pulled back his man in the area. Toal is booked before hobbling off injured but despite this hiccup, it certainly feels it's not Bulgaria's day as Despodov's penalty crashes away off the crossbar. At the break the visitors make a couple of changes but it makes no difference, Northern Ireland are busy in numbers pressing, working hard, attacking and find the back of the net through Charles but his goal is ruled out for offside after Conor Bradley's chipped effort was initially cleared off the line. Northern Ireland do get a fourth though with the impressive Price grabbing his hat trick, outside of the box, curling, dipping, out of nothing, into the top corner, no questions of offside for that one. Superb. Late on, substitute Josh Magennis also gets in on the act with a shot in off the bar, a completed rout, a first win over Bulgaria since 1979 and for the first time in five years they score five goals in a game. The fans are bouncing, singing, cheering and why bloody not. The Stars Isaac Price is an obvious man of the match and looks to be an exciting attacking midfielder who's currently at Standard Liege and doing well. He now has five goals in 16 international appearances and is a key element to his nations progressive style of play. I was told before the match that it was the first time Northern Ireland had three players with the same surname in the same team and all three 'Charles' were superb, brothers Pierce and Shea were exceptional, nineteen year old goalkeeper Pierce only made his debut last week, but kicks well and looks competent and confident at the level, twenty year old Shea who's been pulling strings a little longer is a lovely footballer in the centre of the park. Dion Charles, no relation, in attack, currently in form for Bolton Wanderers, he's a lively number ten with a touch of class and invention. The Verdict Nothing standing out for Bulgaria who simply weren't at the races, an ageing side under a part-time Coach who have shape and strength, but they severely lack talent, and on the night, they lack a lot of fight, which is unlike them if recent results and card counts are anything to go by. Northern Ireland in comparison had plenty of fight with discipline, they worked extremely hard and with a touch of quality in the final third, that was the difference in putting Bulgaria to the sword, they have an exciting young side under Michael O'Neill in his second stint in charge of the nation and could potentially be on to even better things than his first time at the helm when leading the GAWA (Green & White Army) to the finals of Euro 2016. The Teams Northern Ireland: Pierce Charles, Conor Bradley, Trai Hume, Paddy McNair, Eoin Toal (Ciaron Brown 45), Brodie Spencer, Shea Charles (Josh Magennis 85), Ali McCann, Isaac Price (Bradley Lyons 85), Callum Marshall (Paul Smyth 74), Dion Charles (Jamie Reid 74). Bulgaria: Dimitar Mitov, Viktor Popov, Zhivko Atansov (Ivaylo Chochev 79), Simeon Petrov, Hristiyan Petrov, Georgi Kostadinov, Serkan Yusein (Valentin Antov 46), Kiril Despodov (Ilian Iliev 85), Radoslav Kirilov (Zdravko Dimitrov 46), Martin Minchev (Georgi Minchev 85), Filip Krastev. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 15th October 2024, Windsor Park, Belfast (att 17,891).