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England U20 3-0 Czechia U20 (European Elite League) Ten years ago today, I was standing in as Manager for Rainworth Miners Welfare as we lost to 'big spending' Spalding United 4-1 in the Northern Premier League South Division. I had twelve players and a load of injuries with one sub turning up late after work, the two gaffers both no shows with man flu. "Keep it tight" I told the lads... We were 1-0 down inside ten minutes. Today I'm free from the strains of formations and egos and setting up teams to lose gracefully, not that I didn't enjoy it back then, even the losses were part of the fun of learning, but much easier is watching a game and telling someone about it, finding the next superstars to be, and what better place than an England U20 match to find one. The Elite International League has been set up to ensure competitive under twenty internationals for Europe's major nations. Italy, Germany, Portugal are involved, tonight having beaten Romania and Italy (on Thursday), having drawn their opener with Turkey earlier in the campaign, England are playing Czechia in Doncaster. Czechia used to be Czechoslovakia before splitting with Slovakia to become the Czech Republic, but they have recently asked us to call them Czechia which I think is fair enough. Antonin Panenka scored the winning penalty in the 1976 shoot out that beat West Germany to win Czechoslovakia the Euros. The Czech Republic had stars like Pavel Nedved, Karel Poborsky and Patrick Berger as they were beaten in the Euro 96 final against the same opposition at Wembley. A twice runner up of the World Cup in 1934 and 1962, but things haven't been too special for the Czechs this millennium, you'll know some of the current crop, like Coufal and Soucek of West Ham, or Patrick Schick of Bayer Leverkusen perhaps, but there's not too much to shout about these days, maybe the next gen might change that? The Venue I've never been to Doncaster before. Not to the old Belle Vue stadium nor this one, the Eco Power Stadium (formerly the Keepmoat) which opened for business in 2007. It's an hour or so door to door, up the A1 and across the M18 for one junction east, then you're through into Donny's retail and industrial revolution. Pizza Hut, Maccies, the Lakeside Village Shopping Centre, it's all here, perfectly designed with wide roads and roundabouts. It feels very Milton Keynes. I've parked up on Carolina Way and walk through the stunning Lakeside park with the joggers and dog walkers which leads you to the back of the East Stand. Floodlights already lit above the small grey bowl, the sky is darkening an hour ahead of this 7pm kick off. Inside the ground I grab a brew and a chunky kit kat before walking out to my pew, at the back row, level W which looks onto an enclosed red seated arena 15,231 at full capacity. It won't be full tonight, just one side open but the racket has already started ahead of kick off, lots of young kids and families, obviously encouraged by the low £5 entry fee. The Game The National anthem is hum respectfully which is something I'm not really used to in watching England over recent years, the action begins and the hosts are on the front foot immediately, Max Dean striking a curling dipping shot from outside the box which hits the crossbar almost straight from kick off. Pulling the strings is Toby Collyer, the blonde haired Manchester United number ten is brilliant, a key player for England, he picks up the ball in pockets and passes like Pirlo. Max Dean up front though is proving a real handful and should do better with a tame header at goal as the hosts are on top, searching, the fans singing and cheering at every opportunity, it's only a matter of time you feel for the opener. That opening goal should come when England are awarded a penalty after Chrisene is brought down. Dean steps up, hits right footed to the keepers right but Jan Koutny who is very competent, guesses correctly and palms away. You feel England have missed their best opportunity as some of the children in attendance nip off for their hot dogs and Haribo but on the stroke of half time Dean is found with time in the box and curls home to finally put his side in the lead. The Score The Czechs make a couple of subs at the break and come out fighting, they're well on top, probing down each wing they have a couple of sniffs but are undone on the break, Dean receives the ball on 68, twenty yards from goal and curls home into the roof of the net. The former MK Dons striker now playing his football in Belgium at Gent, is having a busy but now successful night. That goal knocks the stuffing out of Czechia and they are openly picked off on the counter-attack, on 62 Liverpool's Kaide Gordon on loan at Norwich, runs clear to slot home, it's been an impressive performance by England who's fitness, speed and technique is too much for the physicality and strength of Czechia. The Stars I'm impressed mostly with Toby Collyer although I do think "that's just what England need, another number ten" but behind him Darko Gyabi of Plymouth Argyle is a number 4 who is technical and strong and who keeps (and breaks down) possession well, up front Max Dean puts himself about a bit whilst out wide they have talent in Kaide Gordon and Dom Ballard, although late cameos from Romain Esse of Millwall and Will Lankshear of Spurs impress me more. Two players from Norwich City I do also like, one at left back who started, Ben Chrisene is of decent size, stocky, a powerful forward runner whilst Kellen Fisher who came on at right back, gets forward well and is always willing to contribute in attack. For the Czechs, I'm really impressed with their keeper Koutny who has a presence and also kicks well, much better than England goalie Simkin who's rash and raw in comparison, Koutny is tall, calming, has good shot stopping attributes and looks to have the tools needed to progress. Their skipper Grygar does well in midfield whilst out wide on the right the number seven Stepan Beran looks to be a talented footballer who's very direct and technical in his play always looking to 'get at' the full back. The Verdict England have a plethora of talent and it seems to come on a conveyor belt that's never ending, the funding and coaching that's put into the junior game is really paying dividends these days and surely, it's only a matter of time before the national team win something. The Czechs are a small nation who share soccer with ice hockey as their national sport, they'll always produce top talent due to good old Eastern European DNA but it may be sporadic, I don't think the class of 24 will make too much history, but there may be one or two gems to come as they develop within the game. The Teams England: Tommy Simkin (Max Merrick 79), Josh Acheampong (Kellan Fisher 65), Ben Chrisene (Elijah Campbell 74), Darko Gyabi (Zach Nelson 65), Max Alleyne (Brad Hills 79), Ashley Phillips (Kaelen Casey 74), Kaide Gordon, Sammy Braybrooke, Max Dean, Toby Collyer (Romain Esse 74), Dominic Ballard (Will Lankshear 65). Czechia: Jan Koutny, Adam Dohnalek, Stepan Beran, Samuel Grygar, Daniel Kutik, Lukas Penxa, Matous Krulich, Adam Sevinsky, David Planka, Filip Sancl, Daniel Toula. 7:00pm Kick Off. Monday 14th October 2024, Doncaster Rovers Stadium, Doncaster (att 2,670).

Worksop Town 1-2 Prescot Cables (Northern Premier League) Worksop Town is a team I know a bit about but I don’t get too many opportunities to watch them play these days, the last time I saw them was at Workington last December ahead of a trip to Celtic Park on a midweek Champions League night, they eventually went on to reach the Northern Premier League playoffs before losing 3-1 to Macclesfield in the semi-final, ironically this season, Worksop sit second, four points below Macclesfield who are now managed by Robbie Savage as the team to beat in the title race. Prescot Cables were promoted from the Division One West last season and have so far done alright in mid-table at step three, the Northern Premier League is a division they were in for five years between 2004 and 2009 but the club have spent their previous fifteen seasons ahead of this one in the NPL first tier which is regionalised, often changing boundaries and branding as North, West, North-West and now back to West. It’s started to rain and is coming down at some pelters as I leave my house for 6pm it’s an hours journey north up the A roads of Nottinghamshire through Sherwood Forest territory, I’m into Worksop as the skies now darken to pitch black, over the A57 and down the Sparken Hill which has some lovely huge houses on it. Past the showcase all lit up, Sat Nav’s taking me through the town centre which is as dead as a door nail before I come up Sandy Lane and pull off down a side street to park up a couple of minutes’ walk to the ground, rain still pouring down as I put on my winter waterproof with hood. The Venue Lit up from across the Babbage Way is the clubs pavilion, impressing against the retail units of Wickes, Halfords and Bensons for Beds, I cross the road and am through a WTFC logoed iron garden gate, into the car park where I head for the turnstiles, the most impressive in English football for me. The entrance is inside all newly painted in yellow, before you reach the turnstile where tonight the price is £13 on card, quickly contactless I’m through where there’s signs for toilets and bar, a quick wee stop has me in conversation with an old boy fully scarved and hatted up in Tigers colours, he says in a North Notts/South Yorks coal mining accent “We got ta win tu neet” as he mutters “We need tut close gap tut point”. Hands washed I’m into the open where the rain is easing up a little, the queue for the coffee bar too big and the stink of chips and grease is not for me so I’m finding seat in the stand that is roofed alongside the pitch, players out warming up on the synthetic surface as I look up and notice a nice new scoreboard on the pavilion wall. The ground has a mixture of modern necessity and old character, the pitched roof pavilion isn’t that old but clad in cedar wood looks impressive and serves a purpose as social hub in the corner of the ground, I’ve sat half way in the oldest stand on offer, a yellow roofed tin made structure that is only five or six rows high, propped up by posts it offers a good but slightly obstructed view, opposite you see the buildings in the background of the local retail park peering over the tiny roofed stand and dugouts on halfway, to the left a small roofed standing area and to the right, the pavilion and standing area which has most of the home fans congregated near where the players walk out from behind the goal. The Game I’m sat down eating some Romneys Kendal Mint Cake purchased from a recent trip to the Lake District as “Eye of the Tiger” plays out on the tannoy, rain back in full force there’s people parking themselves down soaked to the rafters as the music changes to “always look on the bright side of life”. Worksop start well in yellow, Prescot in Argentine blue and white stripes are deep in defensive formation as the Tigers strut their stuff on a wet but zippy patch, the home team are really good on the ball, unlike many at this level the club seem to keep their players and the brunt of this side have been together for a good two or three years now, which tells on the eye as they pass between each other, it’s second nature to know where there team-mates are, they always seem to out football their opponents and I’m sitting here thinking ‘this could be five or six tonight’ as they control proceedings mostly thanks to the smooth playmaking of Terry Hawkridge in midfield. But Worksop’s Achilles heel is their defence, when Hamza Bencherif isn’t winning every other header they do have frailties and a long ball on fifteen causes mix up between centre half and goalkeeper, John Murphy has an empty net to prod into and Prescot have the lead against the run of play. It’s a shock, but surely a repairable copybook blot, as Worksop continue to do what they do and by 28 have a leveller as the lively Dan Bramall cuts inside to let fly a shot too slippy for Cables keeper Mendes to handle. The Score At half time there’s boos ringing out from the home fans who are indeed a special breed up here, I think of all the grounds I’ve been too I’ve felt Worksop’s fans are probably the most intimidating at non-league level, they’ll always have their chirp at players and aren’t afraid of using an expletive. It must be the nature of this coal mining community because most of North Notts and South Yorkshire is the same, it feels like when you go there you go back in time, which isn’t a bad thing if you like your spit and sawdust soccer served as working class. I’m expecting Prescot to roll over in the second half and that appears to be the case within just ten minutes of the restart as Starcenko is taken down inside the area, Vaughan Redford steps up to put Worksop in the lead from the spot but his low driven effort to the right of Andre Mendes is saved, clung onto and held gratefully by the goalkeeper. That chance missed provides optimism to Prescot who’s small number of fans find voice, the Liverpudlians are lively as they suddenly start probing the Worksop goal, a succession of corners has them nearly take the lead, before Worksop change things by bringing on a couple of strikers in search of their own goal. One of those strikers, Jacob Gratton, sets fire from range a bullet that clips the crossbar, then neat play down the right has Aleks Starcenko head wide, but at the other end as Worksop send forces forward, they again defensively come undone, suddenly John Murphy is through on goal to home in and slide past Malkowski, it’s again, very much against the run of play. That goal gives Prescot something to cling on to whilst Worksop now desperate are attacking at every angle as Wilde lashes wide before he heads brilliantly saved by Mendes who somehow blocks a certain leveller on ninety. The rain coming back for full time doesn’t dampen the mood of the Prescot players who celebrate with their fans alongside fist pumping manager Steve Daley, an unlikely victory in a game where they hardly had the ball, as Worksop waltz off in the wet wondering how they lost, I ask the same question to the guy sat next to me who agrees, “that’s football” he says “to neet was just not ah neet.” The Stars It’s hard to make a case for many Prescot players catching the eye as they had so little of the ball but important in victory were John Murphy in attack, who took both of the two opportunities he had, whilst Andre Mendes, although spilling Dan Bramall’s tricky effort for Town’s only goal, made some saves that in the end would make the difference. Worksop had a lot of the ball but were punished by missing too many chances, everything good went through Terry Hawkridge who has one of the best right foots at the level, Dan Bramall was perhaps the next best player as he tried to invent from a number ten style position, whilst Aleks Starcenko got forward from midfield well, there wasn’t many players who played badly for Worksop, but they had moments of concentration lapse which in the end would cost them badly. The Verdict Can Worksop seriously challenge Macclesfield at the top? After nights like tonight perhaps not? They’ll outplay many teams in the division and by those in the know they are already considered as the best footballing team in the NPL, but doing it in November, December, January, when they are away from their artificial home patch and on some soddened, scratched and uneven surfaces, may be tricky? I do think Worksop will be there or thereabouts, but probably a long way short of Macclesfield, for Prescot Cables I think they’ll be ok, organised and defensively well structured, to their credit they were prepared for Worksop having a lot of the ball against them, they did get a peppering and certainly got lucky, but better to be lucky and win, than unlucky and lose, as Worksop found out at cost. The Teams Worksop Town: Seb Malkowski, Deegan Atherton, Josh Wilde, Aleks Starcenko, Hamza Bencherif, Luke Shiels, Terry Hawkridge, Vaughan Redford (Jacob Gratton 56), Jordan Burrow (Liam Hughes 60), Dan Bramall, Luke Hall. Prescot Cables: Andre Mendes, Alex McNally, Matthew Devine, Nathan Koehler, James Devine, Francis Smith, Jack Goodwin, Charley Doyle, John Murphy, Ben Elliott (Tom Owens 46), Lewis Gilboy. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 8th October 2024, Sandy Lane, Worksop (595).

Alfreton Town 0-0 Hereford  (National League North) The best time to play football in England is 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. In the 1800’s Saturday afternoon football was deliberately put in place to give workers who finished their lunchtime factory shifts the chance for some recreational release after a long hard weeks graft, supporters could get to the match in good time and players would be able to finish work, clean themselves up, grab their boots and have a kick around in the name of ‘sport’. The first FA Cup games between Barnes & Civil Service and Hitchin & Crystal Palace on November 11th 1871 were both played at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. The first final of the FA Cup played at the Oval between Wanderers and Royal Engineers on Saturday 16th March 1872 was played on a Saturday afternoon at five past three. The first ever football league matches on 8th September 1888, were played at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. Ever since it’s been almost religious like that the best time to play football is 3pm on a Saturday and it still works to this day perfectly even though the likes of Sky & TNT may disagree. My Saturday morning had me up at 8am dog walking before the wife set off to the gym, that allowed me to get back and indulge in a Calabrian Sausage sandwich and brew before relaxing to a few odd bits and bobs around the home, then by 1pm I’m showered, changed, out the door and up the M1 motorway for a 17 mile road trip to Alfreton, thus giving me plenty of time to soak in the pre-game atmosphere for a non-league match that involves two proper establishments of our beautiful lower level game. Alfreton, formed in 1959 might not be known by too many, but if you know them you’ll know they are a proper football club, managed by Billy Heath their players have names like Billy, George & Jake, they wear all red, have a mish mash of an old ground which slopes from one wing to the other, they play high intensity long ball football and have a long throw in expert in Adam Lund who can launch the ball a mile. They’re unbeaten in 19 league matches at North Street and have never lost to Hereford since their inception. The Bulls were formed only nine years ago as a phoenix from the great Hereford United team that was wound up in 2014. This season, both sides are going well, Alfreton fifth in the table, Hereford eighth, both considered as potential playoff fodder and today is assured to be a tight contest. The Venue I’ve pitched up a couple of streets away and walk the remainder in the sun towards North Street, crossing over the car park to the social club and into the ground’s reception where my name is ticked off a list. Inside you can smell football nostalgia, the foldaway decorators table is set up with pin badges and books as a man asks if I want to have a go on the fifty-fifty, there’s already a queue at the burger bar with men holding brews (and pints) standing by the pitchside barriers chatting, as I walk the tight squeeze along the main stand which is where the players and officials changing rooms are, the ground with its slope blessed in sunlight today, red roofs and blue chairs, it’s homely and quaint as I head for the press box which is full of people as Hereford always seem to bring their army of radio and media et al. I’ve sat down on the back row which is a tight compact squeeze slightly elevated on halfway obscured to my left by a single post, I’m asked if I want a cuppa and as now tradition, I pop into the enclosed area to put a pound in the pot and make myself a brew. There’s a couple of stats scouts here, there always seems to be a few at Alfreton, one is from Sheffield, one is from Burton, the proximity of the place just off the M1 along with the feeling of North Street being a proper English football home with proper non-league football on show means it’s a popular place for the purists, I love coming here because a) I know what I’ll get and b) I’ll never be disappointed. The Game Expected nothing but a backs against the walls scrap from Hereford and an everything including the kitchen sink thrown (probably by Adam Lund) from Alfreton and immediately I’m not surprised by an ugly but passionate pound for pound, blow for blow, kick for kick, crap heap of a match that sees balls pumped long, headed back, hooked on and slashed off the shin before bouncing off the tin stand roof with a clatter, there’s no time for getting it down to play, Billy Heath’s side are predictable and direct in their approach and in fairness, Paul Caddis knows what to expect as his Hereford team are well up for competing today. It's brilliantly bad as the only chance of the half is created when Adam Lund chucks in long, he’s hoping the strikers may get some bits, but Hereford stand tall, in fact Adam Rooney is doing the same at the other end, chucking it in the mixer, not nearly as long but it’s a tactic that is very much order of the day. The Score Billy Whitehouse is providing Alfreton some old-fashioned width down the right, Akheem Rose offering the Bulls their charge in attack, but there’s hardly been a shot on goal, in fact the only entertainment of a combative first half is Hereford Manager Paul Caddis, in thick Scottish accent in front of our position on the touchline, he’s persistently shouting at the fourth official at every decision which goes against his team. At half time I’m in for another brew as we discuss the quality of the pitch, holding firm and blessed by sun, the Impact Arena as North Street is known often has plenty of games on it and I recently watched Derby County Academy play here, on Thursday there was a women’s match here I’m told, but the pitch looks in fine nick, although we joke it’s not very often a football is rolling across it, more often than not it’s thumped up in the air. More of the same in the second half? There’s been a couple of bookings and the only way I see any change is if a player is unfortunate enough to get sent off, but to the credit of both teams, despite their full thrust harassing and pressing their players disciplines are exceptional, not a nasty tackle in the game, although Lawson D’Ath does receive lengthy treatment with a hole cut into his bleeding hand by a stray stud from David Moyo. The football is a sideshow as Paul Caddis persistent calling out to “fourth” has even the touchline official ignoring his requests… “You nae listening to me now” he says… It seems everyone has had enough. I’m concerned that Caddis has hardly spent anytime coaching his team, but instead has opted to shout every opportunity towards the officials, but to his credit he’s doing what you need to do when you visit Alfreton, and get the officials to make decisions against the hosts. It’s a tactic that hasn’t worked particularly well as Akheem Rose puts in before being flagged offside, Caddis demands to be told ‘which number was offside” as the officials delay their response back to him. By now he’s having ding-dongs with the crowd, but jokes it off “I’m Scottish” he says… “It's my nature to appeal for everything”. Caddis knows what he’s doing and his side are certainly well drilled, the longer the game goes on the more they look like nicking something and late on, Alfreton goalkeeper Willis has to rush out to smother an opportunity to sniffle out a potential away day winner. On the whistle however, both managers and sets of players are more than happy with a point, Alfreton stretching their run to twenty unbeaten at home, Hereford just pleased to take something back west from one of the hardest away days in the National League North. The Stars It wasn’t a classic but the battle was intriguing and in midfield nobody battled better than Alfreton’s George Cantrill, long haired, bearded, busy and aggressive in his play. Opposite him was Hereford’s gifted number four Tate Campbell, a more elegant midfielder but who’s work off the ball didn’t go unnoticed, he was quietly efficient on a day where it was never going to be about getting it down to play. Campbell put in a shift and shown that he can mix it, he's just 22 and signed for the Bulls after failing to make it at Birmingham City. Defences on top, the centre half pairing of Max Bird and Dwayne Wiley were exceptional for Alfreton, Wiley a horrible and physical old-skool defender who would rip the under hairs of your armpits just to get the upper hand, whilst similarly old-skool for Hereford is Kyle Howkins who alongside Matt Preston held firm, left back Sammy Robinson was full bodied and game, shaven headed, wiry and always up for the scrap. The Verdict Saturday afternoon at 3pm in the October sun at North Street, Alfreton v Hereford in a scrappy non league nil nil, the highlight being an away teams Scottish Manager persistently calling foul play and arguing at officials, what better way to spend a weekend than watching the beautiful game at it’s most unbeautiful, who needs goals when you’ve got defences on top, sometimes football perfection is simply imperfection and the simplicity of it's 3pm kick off. The Teams Alfreton Town: George Willis, Josh Clackstone, Nathan Newell, George Cantrill, Max Hunt, Dwayne Wiley, Adam Lund, Billy Whitehouse (Lewis Salmon 60), Billy Fewster, David Moyo (Jake Day 85), Liam Waldock (Jed Abbey 70). Hereford: Aaron Chapman, Lewis Hudson, Tate Campbell, Matt Preston, Lawson D’Ath, Andy Williams (Ty Deacon 62), Akheem Rose, Adam Rooney, Yusufu Ceesay, Sammy Robinson, Kyle Howkins. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 5th October 2024, North Street, Alfreton (att 734).

Liverpool 2-0 Bologna  (UEFA Champions League Group Stages) I wanted Aston Villa v Bayern Munich, but I can’t really complain in being given the second biggest Champions League fixture in England on the night. Liverpool under Arne Slot are probably doing better than expected after the Dutchman took the reigns from the legendary Jurgen Klopp in the summer, Bologna having their own managerial change as the impressive Thiago Motta, the man who led the club to their first Champions League qualification since the old European Cup days of 1964, he left to join Juventus and has been replaced by Vincenzo Itliano, who things have not been going too well for, despite some solid performances they have only won once this season, although on the flip reverse, they have only lost once too. Plenty of draws for a club based in the culinary capital of Italy, medieval Bologna was supposed to be the New York of its day with high rise tower buildings as prominent as the eye can see, from a football perspective the club formed in 1909 have seven Serie A titles the last of which coming in 1963/64, the following season they lost to Anderlecht over two legs in the preliminary round of Europe’s most prestigious KO cup, their first match back in the competition a 0-0 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk last month, Bologna indebted to their goalkeeper Skorupski who saved an early Sudakov penalty to ensure their start to this year’s tournament remains unbeaten. Liverpool got off to a winning start against Italian opposition after beating Milan in the San Siro. They’ll be favourites to win tonight and will be one of the favourites to win a competition which they have already won six times previously. I’m out the door for 2pm, across the A50 through Stoke and up the M6 and west M62 and in two hours flat reach the outskirts of Liverpool, I’m through Huyton and West Derby (which is nice) before pulling up near an Asda on Utting Avenue, it’s about as close you can get to parking without permit near Anfield, still a good 30 minutes walk I decide not to park at one of the allocated car parks due to ease of access in getting out. Liverpool is simply a long slow drag to leave, so if I’m as far away from the ground as possible, the better for a faster exit. The Venue It’s a long walk down the Utting Avenue but straight, as I pass a few parked fan coaches by Anfield Cemetery and Stanley Park. I’ve plenty of time so take the leafy walk, through the park to take a look at the newly finished Anfield Road Stand, I’m through the Shankly Gates and walking past the back of the huge Kenny Dalglish Stand, around the back of the Kop where there’s the Bill Shankly Statue, doors for museum and stadium tour are guarded, there’s a fan area with huge stage set up on the concourse, music playing outside the club shop, the walk around the back of the Main Stand is littered with fans names scribed into the paving slabs, then there’s the memorial for the 97. I have many friends and family who was at the game at Hillsborough in 1989 and it’s been my first chance to properly take in the memorial, as I walk over and doff my cap you can’t help feel emotional as supporters from all over, come and pay their respects. There’s a woman in a red and white scarf in tears as she prays a wish and touches the stone with a kiss, wiping away a tear, I can’t imagine what the families have had to suffer over the years, nobody should go to a game of football and not come back, the woman probably a season ticket holder and relative of one tragically killed, perhaps she does this every game, and has done for 35 years. The magnitude of the disaster really resonates when you witness someone’s pain first hand. As I walk back down towards the media entrance to grab my accreditation, I’m directed to a side door and lift to take me up to the gantry, where inside the stadium I get a stunning view of one of the world’s best football theatres. Red seats down below the pitch perfect with Champions League tifo circling the half way line, the skies darkening above as I pitch up my laptop and get ready for the main event. The Game I’m joined by a fellow scout on kick off, we are seated in front of TalkSport radio and next to Swedish TV where Freddie Ljundberg is co commentating in a very warm looking Russian hat. We’re busy chatting but stop to take in the Liverpool chorus of You’ll never walk alone” before the teams appear and the home fans strangely boo the Champions League anthem. The match itself gets underway with the expectancy of Liverpool dominating, and Bologna sit off happy and content to perhaps allow the home side to lay first glove. That is done as Mo Salah prods a lovely ball into the area where Alexis Mac Alllister is running in, he slots home from inside the six yard box to give Liverpool the lead and ease any nerves if ever the home team fans were in doubt. It’s not that sort of match for me, Liverpool are good, too good, fluid up front they are prone to a defensive lapse but Bologna don’t have the tools to really scare them. Ndoye does hit a post via a deflection, then cracks the bottom of the upright after being given too much time inside the area, Dallinga has a goal ruled rightly out for offside, but those moments aside, Liverpool are largely in control, probing and passing to get their forward line some service. The Score It’s only one at half time but there’s more of the same in the second half as Liverpool have the ball, Bologna have their moments, Orsolini has a shot saved but at the other end Mo Salah goes close cutting in and whipping one wide, before he finally drains the opposition into submission, again cutting in and curling home after good work from Szoboszlai, there’s only three guarantees in the life of a Liverpudlian, deaths, taxes and that Mo Salah will at some point cut in off the right onto the left foot and curl home a goal. He really is the Egyptian King. That goal gives a lift to the home crowd who are mostly out sung by a vocal away support, Bologna still have their moments late on as English born substitute Samuel Iling Junior fires wide, but Liverpool are good value in having that cutting edge when it matters, the Italians are plucky runners up and will fly home holding their heads up high despite taking nothing from the game. The Stars Ryan Gravenberch is a player who I feel has become revitalised under Slot, lean and silky he’s full of confidence, driving forward and ticking things along in that midfield centre of three. He has two great partners in crime in Alexis Mac Allister who’s hard working up and down with grit and energy, in Dominik Szoboszlai who has that touch of elegance and being equally as hard working, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold from right back often joins in, getting forward he pops up in field, out wide, creating from anywhere he stands, a player who like Gravenberch, looks to be at the top of his game right now. Luis Diaz was one that worked his socks off but he’s one that might frustrate, I don’t see him as a twenty goal a season scorer, but in Mo Salah they certainly have that, world class quality at the ripe old age of 32. Bologna didn’t disappoint, they have some young players who could kick on to bigger things, defensively they were tested, but for long periods stood up, in Beukema and Lucumi they have a good central partnership, in right back Stefan Posch they have a combative defender who I really like. In midfield Kacper Urbanski aged just 20, impressed next to Croatian Nikola Moro and in front of skipper Remo Freuler, whilst out wide I really like Dan Ndoye on the left but for his goal contribution, on the other flank Riccardo Orsolini is so typically Italian, a throw back to 1990’s channel four, he grafts and shouts annoyed at Referees, back heels the ball when he probably shouldn’t, looks often awkward before producing some magic, a player now in his eighth season at Bologna, but one I’m sure is a huge fans favourite. Another player worth a mention is 24-year-old Dutch striker Thijs Dallinga, he ran around often on his own and had a goal chalked off, he played well and looked like a threat in behind, his goal record at previous clubs has been very good and he could be a star to keep an eye on in Serie A. The Verdict A routine win for Liverpool but they didn’t always have it their own way. They’ll have stiffer tests to come whilst Bologna will have easier opponents to overcome. If Arne Slot can win something in his first season at Anfield, I really think it will be a huge hit from a Coach I certainly had my doubts about when coming into the job, he seems to have the side ticking along nicely, not as full thrust as Gegenpressing Klopp, but with a bit more control and patience, they might have a real good go at winning this competition. Bologna are organised, solid, will probably finish somewhere near mid table in Serie A due simply to the strain on squad resources from the Champions League, which they may eventually qualify for the latter stages of, but they’ve not given themselves the best start, and it may be tight to get there. My concern in Italy is that Coaches are not given much time, should Vincenzo Italiano fail to win many more matches in the next few weeks, it could be pressure mounting on his position already, which could leave Bologna with uncertain destiny for the remainder of the campaign. The Teams Liverpool: Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold (Conor Bradley 85), Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson (Kostas Tsimikas 71), Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch (Curtis Jones 86), Alexis Mac Allister, Mo Salah, Darwen Nunez (Diogo Jota 61), Luis Diaz (Cody Gakpo 72). Bologna: Lukasz Skorupski, Stefan Posch, Sam Beukema (Nicolo Casale 62), Jhon Lucami, Joan Miranda, Riccardo Orsolini, Nikola Moro, Remo Freuler (Giovanni Fabbian 84), Kacper Urbanski (Michel Aebischer 62), Dan Ndoye (Samuel Iling Junior 79), Thijs Dalinga (Santiago Castro 79). 8:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 2nd October 2024, Anfield, Liverpool (att 58,816).

Basford United 0-2 Guiseley  (Northern Premier League) I was in the Lake District over the weekend and thankfully, got lucky with the weather, but ever since it’s been treacherous nonstop rain, thankfully again, despite the downpour, we’ll be ok tonight, as Basford United play on astro. United won at the weekend and have done ok so far this season, they beat Blyth Spartans at Croft Park to come away with an impressive three points on Saturday, a 2-0 win and two goals from Ash Chambers has United sitting in eighth, but a bit of turmoil has hit the club as Manager Martin Carruthers has been granted compassionate leave to attend to a family bereavement. Guiseley are doing better than ok, they sit fifth in the table well and truly in the promotion mix, the West Yorkshire side beat Scunthorpe United on Saturday to progress in the FA Cup, they are managed by former Bradford City defender Mark Bower who returns to the Lions having played and managed previously at Nethermoor, before a recent role in charge of Bradford Park Avenue. Looking online at the team squads ahead of the game he seems to have brought a couple of players with him from BPA has Bower. Guiseley is a club formed in 1909 in a town which borders Leeds & Bradford airport, they have been in the NPL for three seasons after relegation from the National League North in 2022, prior to that the club spent three seasons in English football’s fifth tier between 2015-18 but has spent most of its last 30 years in the Northern Premier where they’ll often be fighting for promotion. Basford United, in contrast were a Notts Senior League team until recent years, in 2012 they won the Central Midlands League before the East Midlands Counties League the year after that, winning the Midland League in 2015 they won the Northern Premier League Division One South in 2018 and have been at step three ever since. The Venue The rain has not stopped all day, it’s dark, grey and cold, it always seems to be when I visit Basford, I’m driving the short distance from my home, up the ring road, eventually on to Bagnall Road where I pass a row of budget looking shops on my right, the Mill Pub on my left and a few semi-detached houses over the speed bumps, before pulling up on Greenwich Avenue and parking outside the gates to the home of Basford United, for a quick getaway. No such concern for traffic tonight, I doubt they’ll be many here as I walk past the security guards towards the back of the ground over a gravel car park and to the turnstile, £11 entrance on card, I’m through the doors and walk down to the small seated stand on the right as the players warm up on the synthetic surface, rain still falling down with force. I’ve said before the ground is quaint, but perhaps lacks something, there’s a bit of covered seating behind the goal to my left where a couple of portacabins have a retro looking scoreboard plastered on it, but opposite, nothing but two dugouts and three dim floodlights which sparkle the drizzle, to my right, nothing but a huge mesh fence in front of some super tall conifers which is in place to stop stray balls hitting the tram tracks behind. The Game There’s little more than a couple of hundred people dotted about, if that, some take cover with me, sat in the seated stand on half way, slightly obstructed in one corner, but plenty of roof ensures no side on rain or wind, the start from Basford in yellow and black is good, they look to get at Guiseley who in white look to do the basics from the offset. I’m impressed with United who have some big units in their side, number eight Kacy Butterfield in midfield is a player I like, Rev James and Tyrell Waite are both handfuls up front, whilst young Tyler Dacres, a forward up from the youth team, with number ten on his back, is for some reason, playing right back? But I like Guiseley also, they seem to be a proper club for the level, experience across their back five, a goalkeeper who’s been about, two strong centre halves, two solid full backs, a workmanlike midfield with a couple of classy wingers and a forward in Gabriel Johnson with that bit of something special. It’s cagey, but competitive, as the falling rain interrupts the flow of quality on show, players are full pelt, quick (or late) in the tackle, with the Referee allowing some allowances, there’s plenty of speed and power with the ball only ever heading forwards, it’s a hard one to call as Basford’s fluidity in forward movement upsets the Guiseley back line, but in their own attacking third they have the quality to unlock a ropey looking United defence, and on 37 the door is unlocked when centre half Nelson Aideyan tries to trap the ball on half way, it rolls under his foot and eventually finds itself in the back of the net, after good work by Lufudu down the right, who crosses low for Will Longbottom to flick home. The Score It’s not the first mistake I’ve seen from Aideyan this season who’s big and powerful but can be sometimes erratic, his errors have proved costly for United previously, on the opening day he made one against Lancaster City which led to a goal, before seeing himself sent off. That error aside there’s been not a lot between the sides, Guiseley simply defend better but there’s space in behind to attack again, Gabriel Johnson receives the ball on half way slips and controls the ball before sending Longbottom through, he’s cool to finish off the move and put the away side two-nil up going into half time. The second goal is a killer blow for Basford who were well in the match until then, but despite a second half surge, they have a lot of corners and plenty of possession, but no real attempts on Joe Cracknell’s goal but for a header blocked on the line, the visitors confident and competent in their performance where they run down the match and take minimal risks to defend what they earned in the first 45. Not a thriller, but one which has the Guiseley club officials sitting next to me pleased, a superb away performance, shower, dry off, back in the coach, up the M1/A1 and go again on Saturday. The Stars One of my favourite players at this level is Guiseley captain and centre half Lebrun Mbeka who’s been around the circuit, but you just know what you’ll get from him. Not blessed with technical ability, he’s a head it and kick it kind of guy and one of the best at simply defending, which in purity is art. He was well partnered by Jake Lawlor whilst either side of him, Lucas Odunston who I liked whilst at Bradford Park Avenue is a good solid choice for right back, and former Bradford City left back Liam Ridehalgh has an experienced head and more of that 'know how' you need for getting out of divisions like this. In midfield I really liked the tiresome working combo of Prince Ekpolo and Adriano Moke whilst offering that class in attack, Will Longbottom coming in off the left, with Gabriel Johnson, silky smooth and with the key to unlock defences whether it be in a nine or ten role. For Basford, they gave as much as they got, provide them with Guiseley’s back four and it might have been a different score? They have plenty of attacking ability, they just couldn’t get inside the box against tough opponents who knew how to defend. Prince Mancinelli and Kacy Butterfield are two combative midfielders who tick the ball along nicely, Rev James and Kane Richards are players who are very direct, positive with pace, whilst the gritty Tyler Dacres has a lot of potential, if played in his best position. The Verdict Basford I said, will be nearer bottom than top this season after I last watched them lose at home to Leek and I still perhaps think that, but nearer middle than bottom, they have good solid players, if lacking a little in depth. Guiseley will certainly be nearer top than bottom, they’ll be expected to challenge for the playoffs and might continue with their good cup run to earn a few quid, but they’ll be hard placed to challenge Robbie Savage’s Macclesfield at the top of the table, they could give Worksop a good run for second though, and getting back into the National League North is far from beyond the realms of possibility. The Teams Basford United: Saul Deeney, Nelson Aideyan, Henri Winter, Prince Mancinelli, Stern Irvine, Josh Barnes (Dameer Rose 90), Kane Richards, Kacy Butterfield, Tyrell Waite, Tyler Dacres (Joe Uveges 57), Rev James. Guiseley: Joe Cracknell, Lucas Odunston (Joe Ackroyd 63), Liam Ridehalgh, Prince Ekpolo, Lebrun Mbeka, Jake Lawlor, John Lufudu (Sam Bentley 88), Adriano Moke, Gabriel Johnson (George Sebine 90), Ollie Brown, Will Longbottom (Feyi Afuape 90). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 1st October 2024, Greenwich Avenue, Nottingham (att 212).

Derby County U21 2-3 Bournemouth U21 (Premier League Cup Group Stages) A game which has snuck into my diary this weekend is a youth team match between Derby County and AFC Bournemouth. Usually playing at the Moor Farm Training Complex, Derby's under 21's have switched the tie to the home of Alfreton Town, expecting a few locals for this one, it's the first match of the Premier League Cup, an old-skool (see 1992-2024 style) Champions League format of group stages and knockout football to determine the eventual winners, in its eleventh year now, last seasons champs Brentford are also in this group with Chelsea, so not an easy quest for either of these sides if they are to progress. No pre-match gossip other than annoying the wife for a second week in heading off for Friday night football, she's already taken the dog out as I'm in the car, up the M1 for a short 45 minute journey to Alfreton, rocking up on North Street where I park opposite the ground at 6pm, sun is out but fall is here, it's chilly so I'm well wrapped up expecting the cold snap at dusk. The Venue Tucked away in a housing estate it's a quaint little old ground is the Impact Arena, the away team coach dwarfs the venue behind, a car park for around fifteen cars outside the social club has a price of £4... Price of a ticket tonight is only £5. I'm queuing up outside the turnstile as some of the players' families ask if they're on the guest list, the dad of Cruz Allen is chatting about his dental issues, one parent can't be bothered with the queue as they end up going through another turnstile and just paying the entrance fee in cash. Inside the ground the players are out on the pitch warming up, fans crammed into the near corner where there's a tea bar and club shop, pin badges being sold on a wooden table, I'm walking around the back of the goal, an open ended seated area, towards a covered seated stand on half way, it's an ok view with a back row about four high, behind a post in front which obscures the centre of the pitch, you can see the huge slope of the surface down towards me, other than that it's in good nick, plenty of green grass left on top. The Game I know little about either team so my research is done through a quick web scour during the warm ups, by the time the players come out for kick off I'm more familiar with the faces on show, but that only means I'm already predicting the stars ahead of the match, Derby's left winger is huge, a real power house on the eye is Corey Blackett-Taylor who has lots of first team experience, I'm already excited to see how he stands out against the rest, whilst as the teams are announced on the tannoy, one old man shouts 'Cruz Allen, that's the player to watch'. Unfortunately for us, and his toothache suffering dad who I saw at the turnstile, Cruz is only on the bench tonight. As kick off occurs it's a bright start of front to back football but errors are plenty in these young nervous legs, Derby have already conceded possession on a number of occasions before giving the ball to tricky Cherries winger Ash Clarke who races into the box and fires home low. It's a deserved early goal for the visitors who look the better side, more composed on the ball they press and squeeze their opponents into too many errors, but an injury for Freddie Turley has a long stoppage break the games stride, Cruz Allen getting an earlier entrance than predicted, let's see what he has to offer with plenty of the game to go at. By now I've worked out that a player who looks good in body, Blackett-Taylor, is not one that impresses in possession, but Derby have other attacking outlets and Jack Perry does well down the right, he's inside the box and prods home on the second attempt, somehow Derby are back all square. The Score That goal adds belief into the Rams attack and their best player for me, is left sided centre half Keilen Robinson, he's one of few not to put a foot wrong and he has a big left foot which is used to turn the opposition defence, suddenly he's in space thirty yards out, takes a touch and bends home a beauty from outside the box. That gives the Rams a half time lead as I zip my jacket up as far north as it can go for the second half, and within minutes of the restart, Bournemouth level up, as lively right sider Koby Mottoh crosses in and the ball deflects home into the Derby net. Mottoh is dangerous and direct and on the hour he's in again, this time cutting into the box to shoot low a goal that puts his side ahead. It's little more than the Cherries deserve. That said, Derby do have a go late on, they push men forward and Cruz Allen becomes more prominent, a creative left footed midfielder with guile, he's got a bit of a backside but a touch of the Gazza's about him, not nearly as classy but similar movement and a cheeky presence that says to team-mates, 'give me the ball and I'll make things happen'. Another sub, Morten Spencer, also gives it a good go to make things happen for Derby, but Bournemouth defend well, their captain Kinsey at centre half becoming more prominent as the game goes on. The Stars One player I've not mentioned is Toure Williams who in the Angel Gomes category of midfielders is a hard working but silky smooth ferret of a figure in the centre of the Bournemouth park. Very impressive attitude he always seems to be in the thick of it and his ball recycling is safe and reliable which helps the way his side like to play. Whilst right winger Mottoh is man of the match, I like left sider Clarke who has a touch of class, both blessed with pace and positivity and if tonight's anything to go by, finishing ability too. Another one who compliments the visiting teams style is centre forward Johnny Stuttle, a strong boy who leads from the front, he has good vision for a shot or a pass and plays well with his back to goal. And not one for mentioning goalkeepers, although he annoyed me at times whilst standing on the ball awaiting the press, Bournemouth shot stopper Cal McKenna looked to have all round ability, confident, cocky, a good shot stopper and decent with his feet, he's one that could go on to play a lot of games at a fair level. For Derby, whilst 17-year-old Cruz Allen shown some subtle touches in the final third which I liked, their best player for me was the no-nonsense Robinson at centre back, but other highlights included number ten Lennon Wheeldon a thick set playmaker in midfield, try getting the ball off him, whilst old Northern Irish international Conor Washington in attack, all be it at the other end of his career, was at times a handful for the opposition defence. The Verdict In fairness, Derby have been known in these parts for having a cracking Academy for some years, at the development stage it doesn't have to be all about results but they do give you an idea as to where these sides, and players, are at. Bournemouth look to have more players that can kick on but that's not to say their path will be made clearer. Only yesterday I listened to a podcast featuring their South American scout Francisco Lorenzo and that is an area the first team manager Andoni Iraola is looking to recruit in more, which may hinder one or two's chances of coming through the system. The Teams Derby County: Jack Thompson, Max Bardell, Tristan Gill, Freddie Turley (Cruz Allen 13), Daniel Cox (Morten Spencer 67), Keilen Robinson, Jack Perry, Harry Hawkins, Conor Washington, Lennon Wheeldon, Corey Blackett-Taylor. Bournemouth: Cal McKenna, Koby Mottoh (Coby Small 84), Karlos Gregory, Toure Williams, Harold William, Max Kinsey, Ashley Clarke, Lewis Brown, Jonny Struttle, Ben Winterburn, Remy Rees-Dottin. 7:00pm Kick Off. Friday 13th September 2024, North Street, Alfreton (att 159).

Ilkeston Town 0-1 Hereford  (FA Cup Second Qualifying Round Replay) I've been at the cricket all day, covering Derbyshire v Middlesex in the County Championship and as Ilkeston is only 20 minutes’ drive from the County Ground in Derby, I originally put my name down to cover the Robins league match for later in the evening with Hyde, but a draw on Saturday in the second qualifying round of the FA Cup v Hereford means I'll be doing the replay to that instead, no complaints from me. Hereford have FA Cup history let's not forget, this season their Edgar Street ground is undergoing changes due to a long-condemned stand which is a shame as the old place will never look the same again once construction concludes, I'm sat with a cricket writer from the Times on the morning of the match, who tells me he remembers covering Glamorgan v Worcestershire once at Edgar Street. I'm not sure how true that is as I struggle to find evidence through a Google search, but if it did happen, what a wonderful backdrop it would have been. County Cricket did once have a regular home in Ilkeston too, so perhaps a tedious link worth mentioning, or not? Back to football, on Saturday, the two sides locked horns in a game that finished 1-1. Hereford are a league above Ilkeston in the National North, Ilkeston these days in the Northern Premier League, but there’s not much between them in quality, tonight’s game is a hard one to call. Stumps at the cricket for 6pm so I’ve plenty of time to leave Derby ahead of the match, down the A52, up the M1, across the A610 and I’m on Awsworth Lane down the back end of Ilkeston’s New Manor Ground before you know it. The Venue I’ve parked directly outside the ground, south facing, for a quick getaway, it’s a place I’ve been to a few times in recent years and is a quirky non-league home ruined a tad by the installation of a 4g pitch, which at least brings in extra revenue despite not being a favourite of the grassy purists like me. On entrance, I’m asked to pay £13 by card as I walk through the turnstile in the corner of the ground, I walk past a low stand to my left which has the dugouts carved into it, you can actually walk across the technical area and over a red carpet with football club crest on it as I notice former Middlesbrough and Celtic striker Ben Hutchinson (now of Ilkeston) sat in one of the sub seats having a pre-game chat with a team-mate, I continue up to the large quirky corner stand which has a clock tower in it, tonight it’s full of papz as Hereford have brought a bulky media team with them. The view is decent, but with my bad eyes seeing over the far goal end is a bit tricky, you’re almost level with the eighteen yard box at best, low roofed stand behind the goal to my left, similar at the far end with a small stand covered below down the right hand touchline, opposite is open ended where the club house is and quite a few fans standing in front, the crowd looks fair sized, gates are always good for this level when Ilkeston are at home. It’s a real community club with a rich working class history of followers. The Game Hereford are in black tonight, Ilkeston in red, as the first half gets underway and is as presumed a tight affair, both sets of centre halves seem to be dominating their strikers by heading clearances away at will, but both teams play in patches, getting it out wide where they have pace, Ilkeston in L’varn Brandy, Hereford in Cosmos Matwasa who both operate with a trick or two down the left. Despite moments, neither team is on top, Ilkeston do force a good diving low save by Aaron Chapman to his right from Tom Marshall’s low fizzer but other than a few corners it’s far from classic as both teams suss each other out for the second time in four days. The game looks to be heading into the half time break goalless, but a long ball pumped up is half cleared, falling to Adam Rooney who blasts from the edge of the area a wonderful strike of all his football league might to give the Bulls advantage. The Score That lead gives the away side something to hold onto and Ilkeston come looking for a leveller in the second 45 but Kyle Howkins and his defence stand firm, there’s a few corners but no chances of note, Hereford themselves don’t create much, they don’t need to, as the longer the match goes the more tactical introductions they make, as Matt Preston comes on with half an hour left to provide an extra defensive body. Ilkeston do probe and a have a couple of half hearted calls for penalties, the fans are in uproar every time there’s some pushing and shoving inside the area but Hereford are defending well, best chance is in the last minute as an effort from outside the box is tipped over the bar, it’s been a gutsy grind by both sides, lacking in quality in the final third, but credit the defending, both teams cancel each other out, but for the difference on the day, Adam Rooney now 36, far from finished when it comes to match winning duties. The Stars Rooney might not be able to move and press like he used to but as a striker, his knowhow and experience as well as his finishing ability, is in the end what decides this match. Hereford defend well with centre halves Howkins and Robinson enjoying their battle largely with Tom Cursons in attack for Ilkeston, whilst in midfield I’m really impressed with the trio of Tate Campbell, Lawson D’Ath and Alex Babos who each compliment each other, each good in their own right, Campbell good in possession, D’Ath with defensive responsibility and Babos adding the creative spark, whilst Cosmos Matwasa at times shown glimpses of pace and skill out wide. Ilkeston had me slightly confused tonight, a striker I like in Jamie Walker was playing left back, whilst one of their better players, Lindon Meikle, despite the side needing a goal late on, was sub not used, but it was a night where their captain Tom Marshall at centre half impressed me, he won countless headers and lead his side by example. The Verdict Hereford will now face Bishop’s Stortford in the next round of the cup in a couple of weeks, before then they’ll host King’s Lynn in the league, Paul Caddis’ Bulls are currently fifth in the table and will be pushing for promotion towards the National League this year. As for Ilson, as they are known by their locals, they are tenth in their table, in the Northern Premier League, and they’ll probably be happy with another mid table finish this year, but the Robins do have a side that is well capable of gaining promotion, and in a Manager like Ian Deakin, they have a gaffer with good connections to help them do just that. The Teams Ilkeston Town: Owen Mason, Callum Minkley, Jamie Walker, Connor Dixon (Ben Hutchinson 85), Tom Marshall, George Wilkinson, L’varn Brandy, Colin Daniels, Tom Cursons, Harvey Kirby-Moore, Jordan Stevens (Sam Parker 66). Hereford: Aaron Chapman, Sammy Robinson, Kyle Howkins, Lewis Hudson, Tate Campbell, Aaron Skinner (Chay Tilt 31), Alex Babos (Aurio Teixeira 90), Lawson D’Ath (Matt Preston 62), Cosmos Matwasa (Yusifu Ceesay 87), Adam Rooney, Ahkeem Rose (Andy Williams 79). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 17th September 2024, New Manor Ground, Ilkeston (att 723).

Gainsborough Trinity 2-1 Grantham Town  (FA Cup Second Qualifying Round) It’s amazing to think that after being sacked following a 5-0 home defeat to Nantwich Town in 2013, I’ve not been back to Grantham, nor have I seen them play since. That was almost eleven years ago, when I was part of the clubs coaching staff, but enough water has flowed down the River Witham to put the anguish aside and finally give the Gingerbreads a watch, after all a lot has changed, not many faces are the same, and I’ve always been meaning to go back and watch them play, so this tie against Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup makes perfect opportunity, an all Lincolnshire derby with some decent prize money (over £3,000) and a place in the next round at stake. In truth, there’s no animosity, only fond memories, I just don’t cover the level Grantham are at these days, as I usually work lowest step 3, the only opportunities I get to see teams from outside the top seven leagues in England are in cup games like this, so when I saw that they were playing at the Northolme against the Holy Blues it worked favourably to stick my name down and hopefully see a few ‘older’ friendly faces in attendance. Gainsborough, not to be forgotten, are currently in the Northern Premier League, and doing ok in the middle of the pack after eight games played so far. Grantham, have dropped a division from where I left them in 2013, these days in the Midland Division of the NPL, they have only played four league games due largely to their cup run, and because of that are twentieth in the 22 team league. It’s a short hour long drive to Gainsborough so I’ve left Nottingham at 1pm, the sun shining on a cool September Saturday afternoon as I head across the A46 past Newark and up through Collingham, before reaching the Lincs border and getting into town, where I park up on Church Street and walk past the Elm Cottage pub towards Northolme Stadium and the turnstile entrance behind the goal on North Street. The Venue Quintessentially working class Britain, this is a proper old northern football ground and is said to be the oldest single occupancy stadium in the country, having opened in 1850 it has hosted games for Gainsborough Trinity since 1884. I’m walking around the perimeter to my seat as I see Nigel sat down in the Main Stand watching the two sets of players warm up, he was the physio at Grantham Town whilst I was there but is now groundsman at the club, he’s hardly changed but for a heart operation as he tells me what’s been going off over recent years, ‘debt free’ he says after some turbulent years of over spending, it seems the last owners had a go at chucking around the cash which ended up mostly in the pockets of Nathan Tyson, Carlton Palmer, Kevin Pressman and some other big name gambles which flattered to deceive. I wish Nigel well as he invites me to come sit in the boardroom with him for a match soon, and head up to the top of the stand where the Gainsborough media team sits with local radio crew, this game getting a bit of attention in Lincolnshire due to the magnitude of this FA Cup ‘derby’ fixture. It's a great view but for the post which blocks half the goal to my left, the stadium backed by terraced houses has a beautiful looking pitch, bright green under the sunny skies, it will certainly suit the passing styles on show, although I’m told of a huge throw in the Grantham armour, which is used at every opportunity, they do like to play a bit and have a young side, although shouldn’t be too much threat for Gainsborough. The Game Grantham in yellow start well, there’s a low tempo to proceedings as they sit off and allow the home side in blue some space but it’s an even opening and Lewis Darlington is first to trouble notching the score-line as his shot inside the area is easily saved by Wharton. I’m sat with another familiar face at the back of the stand in Graham, who for many years has looked after the media department at Grantham. “your hairs grown since I last saw you” I tell Graham who these days has long grey locks, he was at a gig last night which explains the hair and tells me a bit about his clubs best young players as we are both unexpectedly impressed with the start which includes a couple of long throws into the box by Sam Muggleton, but after a few half chances at each end, Declan Howe gets in for the home side and opens the scoring, it could be a long afternoon from here, although I keep the optimism up for Graham’s behalf. Gainsborough aren’t great, they aren’t fully at it but you can tell the difference in the two sides, Grantham look young, slightly nervy of the occasion and lack ideas in the final third, Trinity are much better, stronger, they have the experience and nous but you get the feeling they’re playing the game with their foot off the gas. That said, a lovely move on 41 has Howe turn and skip past two defenders, he slots home a second which is the difference in the two sides on the day, that bit of quality and sharpness in the last quarter, where and when it really counts. The Score I discuss with Graham his sides chances at the break as we agree it might be a one sided second half, but Grantham again start well, Gainsborough continue in third gear, it gives the away team a route back in as they look more likely to score next, and do so when Edington gets inside the box, a lucky break has the ball fall to Darlington who calmly places past Wharton, suddenly the home side have a fight on their hands. But fight they do, they always seem in control despite Grantham’s best efforts, the busier of the goalkeepers is certainly Curtis Hall, but it’s a plucky display from the side of a division below and by the end of the game, I say to Graham “they’ll be two happy managers to interview tonight”. Louis Bland of Grantham will be pleased that his side fought until the end and proved a match for Gainsborough throughout the ninety minutes. Russ Wilcox will be happy just to get through and avoid a potential banana skin for another chance at prolonged progression in the world's oldest cup. The Stars Declan Howe was the difference and deservedly got the PA's man of the match for his efforts despite the guy a row down from me shouting "It should have been number three", he’s not the quickest or strongest but his intelligence off the ball makes up for that, good movement, some grace, he knows where the net is too. A player I liked in my previous visit to Gainsborough was a summer signing from Grantham in Sisa Tuntulwana. A centre half who can play right back, he has great feet and technical ability, at just 20 years old has an old head on young shoulders, is combative and confident, good in the air, decent on the deck, I think much too good for the level. Tuntulwana makes everything look easy and cruises through this particular game with a steady six out of ten, but like many of his teammates on the day, you feel his performance can go up a notch or two. For Grantham, they were plucky and full of effort but lacked real quality in their young legs, centre half Muggleton did have a huge throw and it didn't go un-noticed but he got injured midway through the first half and was replaced by Henderson at the break. There was plenty of pace and positivity in the Gingerbreads attack but no real conviction, Brad Munns and Ethan Bojang perhaps the best on the day, but despite their efforts they were largely always second best. The Verdict Gainsborough can and will perform better in the league and lose, they perhaps got away with it slightly but despite underperforming were never really put under serious pressure. They’ll be ok this season no question, and they’ll be hopeful of a nice tie next in the cup. Grantham have a young team and as Graham and Nigel echoed, are probably a year off where they need to be. Consolidation is the aim this season, no relegation, no promotion, just a competitive force in the division they’re in, that might be the objective, but they’ll be looking over their shoulder in hoping they can achieve it without issue, a couple of old heads might boost their chances for easing survival, but from a distance, I’ll always have my eye on how the team does, and will be hoping they can comfortably achieve their season goal. The Teams Gainsborough Trinity: Dylan Wharton, Aaron Simpson, Will Lancaster, Bailey Conway (Jordan Helliwell 68), Sisa Tuntulwana, Dylan Cogill, Lewis Butroid (Joe Stacey 74), Bobby Johnson (Aaron Braithwaite 84), Dayle Southwell, Declan Howe, Fraser Preston (Javelle Clarke 68). Grantham Town: Curtis Hall, Ryan Ebanks, Louis Nicholson (Harry Olivant 77), Sam Muggleton (Harvey Henderson 46), Richard Black, Sam Edington (Max Cook 62), Lewis Darlington, Bradley Munns, Mason Lee, Luke Harris, Ethan Bojang (Lewis Daff 70).   3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 14th September 2024, The Northolme, Gainsborough (att 519).

Republic of Ireland 0-2 Greece  (UEFA Nations League Group Stages) I’m back to conclude my Nations League journey with a third game in five days, back to the Emerald Island, it’s an early flight, this time from Birmingham rather than East Midlands as I jet off courtesy of Ryanair the 45-minute hop to Dublin Airport. On Saturday I hired a car, today I’m taking the bus, time on my side and I fancy a drink in Temple Bar after work’s done, so I’m commuting into town at 10am with a plan to visit the Guinness Storehouse before a bit of shopping at Arnotts. After a grand day out and just one pint of black gold I stroll down the banks of the Liffey to the stadium, it doesn’t feel as busy or manic tonight as Saturday’s grudge match with England, I’ve hardly seen any Greeks amongst the many tourists today, but there’s a couple wearing half and half scarfs sat beside the River Dodder as they look up opposite to the Aviva Stadium, one has a huge drum as I stroll past towards the Lansdowne Road entrance. It’s colder than the weekend today, but the sun is still out, as I make way through the crowd and into the tunnel at Gate P, it’s 6pm so I head down to the press room for a bit of warmth and a nice cup of tea. The Venue Opened in 1872 the old stadium at Lansdowne Road near the East coast of Dublin had a radical makeover in recent years, completed in 2010 as a UEFA four-star venue it's hosted six nations rugby, a Europa League final and many concerts including recently, Taylor Swift. Outside is stunning but inside is vast and open, the high roof structure above the 50,000 plus green seats means it can be quite open to the elements and bloody cold where I’m sat in the upper tier, hogging halfway with the camera crew and commentators it’s a great view and I have the added bonus tonight, having my own TV monitor. The Game It’s slowly filled to an unspectacular near third full, not many in from the away team, not everyone bothering from the home team either, perhaps it’s all a bit after the lord mayors show, speaking of which, on Saturday as the teams came out, they got the opportunity to meet the Irish President, Michael D. Higgins, 83-years-old with a walking stick, we stood ahead of the National Anthems as a bloke behind me sat back down, saying “this may take a while”… I learned from the weekend that Higgins likes to take his time during the meet and greet, he hobbles up to speak to the skipper and chats with every single one of the players and officials, I’m sat back down and give it five or six minutes for Mr President to finish, then we can finally get on with the anthems, and more importantly, the match. Greece are no mugs, new Head Coach Ivan Jovanovic can become their first national manager to win his first two games in charge tonight, they have a couple of familiar faces with some fresh youthfulness in attack and experience in midfield, it’s a good blend, they beat Finland on Saturday with less possession than their opponents, Ireland lost to England with much less possession than their opponents, I’m not expecting a classic but I am expecting the side who takes the game by the horns will be the one that ends victorious. The Score It’s far as presumed from a classic, the first half has little attempts as Ireland lack ideas, Greece lack ambition, but a long ball by Molumby finds Chiedoze Ogbene who is a player that looks to be the main Irish danger man, he controls and volleys from outside the box a screamer into the top corner to send the crowd wild, but is flagged for offside to poop the party. That is a best chance of a drab half but in the second 45 Greece show more ambition, their number eleven and captain Bakasetas is becoming more influential, he lays in thick set striker Ioannidis who bends one in from outside the area, too much time, too easy, the Irish simply aren’t at the races. Icelandic Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson shuffles his pack and his team give it a go with several forwards on the field, but Odysseas Vlachodimos is hardly tested in the Greek goal, and as Ireland push forward late on, Bakasetas again finds space, he plays a ball over the top for the speedy winger Tzolis and he seals the deal with a low left footed drive after turning Collins inside out. The Stars As the official Ireland man of the match was announced as Will Smallbone an echo of boos surrounded the stadium for the decision, he didn’t have a great night but in the first half looked like one player who could break the lines from midfield to contribute in an attacking sense. Jayson Molumby beside him at times played some eye catching cross field balls but it was too little, as the Irish lacked invention in all departments. Their passing game often involved kicking it back to their goalkeeper, Ogbene is their best outlet on the right, Szmodics runs around a lot on the left, but I’m yet to feel the manager has quite found the mix with his underwhelming selections and system. Greece for all their conservative stuff in the first half, grew in the game and grew in confidence, they actually looked like scoring even more ahead of full time and in their wide players Tzolis, Chatzigiovanis, Pelkas when he came on, and in Tsimikas from full back, they have pace down the wings which is always a threat. In midfield they played the solid ball recycling Bouchalakis who has no legs, next to the scrappy ball winner Siopis who does have legs, ahead of them Bakasetas shown style and substance in the final third, whilst front man Fotis Ioannidis, who scored two at the weekend against Finland, netted again to register his fifth international goal in thirteen appearances. The Panathinaikos striker looks to be one who’ll be on the radar of those in Europe’s big five leagues. The Verdict Greece are in good hands, I tweeted Sky Sports European Correspondent Kevin Hatchard after the game to say how impressed I was, he predicted ahead of the match that they would win, I think they might even give England some trouble, if not at Wembley, certainly in Athens. For Ireland, they look a miserable outfit of their former self. The Coach is not getting his team selection right, and his ‘stand off’ style of men behind the ball, at home to the likes of Greece, is not one that the supporters will ever warm too, I’ll give him until the end of the year, but I think if things don't change, he may be gone by then? The Teams Republic of Ireland: Caoimhin Kelleher, Dara O’Shea, Andrew Omobamidele (Matt Doherty 84), Nathan Collins, Robbie Brady, Chiedozie Ogbene (Callum Robinson 74), Will Smallbone, Jayson Molumby (Evan Ferguson 63), Alan Browne, Jason Knight (Kasey McAteer 74), Sammie Szmodics (Adam Idah 84). Greece: Odysseas Vlachodimos, Lazaros Rota, Ntinos Mavropanos, Konstantinos Koulierakis, Kostas Tsimikas, Andreas Bouchalakis (Dimitris Pelkas 67), Manolis Siopis (Andreas Ntoi 88), Christos Tzolis (Giorgios Vagiannidis 88), Tasos Bakasetas, Tasos Chatzigiovanis (Christos Zafeiris 67), Fotis Ioannidis (Vangelis Pavlidis 88). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 10th September 2024, Aviva Stadium, Dublin (att: 37,274).

Republic of Ireland 0-2 England (UEFA Nations League Group Stages) I’ve had about three hours sleep. I got back from Cardiff at 1am and I’m on the road at 5am to East Midlands Airport for my flight to Dublin, it’s going to be a long day as I plan heading home early Sunday morning so literally a flying 23 hour stop, but one which I’m hoping to at least enjoy. If my eyes can stay open. I’ve got a hire car and have landed at Dublin Airport for just gone 8am, a bit of research for a morning stroll has me heading to Howth, which Wikipedia describes is ‘an affluent peninsular which forms the Northern boundary of Dublin Bay. The idea is a quiet stroll down the sea front and perhaps a morning coffee, but trust me to pick a weekend when there’s a festival on, they’re setting up Howth Maritime & Seafood Festival which has me struggling to find somewhere to park, it’s full of tourists here, Americans and backpacking groups are everywhere, I don’t spend too long in town before driving up to ‘the summit’ which seems equally as busy for walkers. Not having much luck I decide to drive in to Dublin, the game kicks off at 5pm today and I need to be ‘on site’ for 3pm so I’ve a couple of hours to spare, spent walking around the luscious Grand Canal Quay bathed in scorching sunlight, I take a walk down to Ringsend Park where I notice a couple of amateur games going on, one I’m not sure if it’s Gaelic football as the pitch it’s played on has rugby like posts for nets in with goals behind it, the Goalkeeper looks to be wearing a full Boca Juniors kit, socks rolled down whilst the opponents centre half has his shorts rolled up and tucked into his Y fronts, it looks like he’s wearing hot pants as I kick back a stray ball towards the pitch which I’m thanked for by the right back, the game is played at a canter, slow and not serious, no lines-people and a Referee who I presume is a volunteer in a plain grey t-shirt and black shorts & socks, he's hardly moved outside the centre circle. Not too far away on a 3g pitch, there’s a much more serious looking match going on, whilst the one I’m standing on has a few bikes and bags opposite touchline, this one behind the cage has a crowd of people, a referee, both teams even have subs and coaches. A proper game perhaps? I head over as I hear a cheer for a goal and I like the full thrust mentality as a player is booked for sizing down someone in half, no complaints from anyone about that one, even I give a grimace to the challenge. I don’t stay long, enough to whet my appetite ahead of this afternoon’s big match, England v Ireland, or Ireland v Ireland as it’s being billed by some of my Irish descendent friends in my WhatsApp group. Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, now Lee Carsley, have all swapped the Emerald for St George which is pay back for Big Jack, John Aldridge and Jason McAteer, these people have such short memories. I’m walking down the Fitzwilliam Quay besides the River Dodder, casting eyes on the magnificent Aviva Stadium reflecting in the water which glistens in the sun, London Bridge is being patrolled by Garda as a police bike and siren appears for the first of two buses. The Venue I’m on the corner of Landsdowne Road as a small crowd gathers to wave in the Ireland coach, a fully logoed number that gets a huge cheer as it passes into the stadium. Some of that crowd stays for the next bus, which I’m expecting will be the ‘England’ emblazoned number with three lions crest, but no, as it’s being ushered in by security it becomes clear that it’s not the usual six star transport treatment but instead, a Collins Coach that looks like it has a load of tourists on it, as the jeers ring pleasantly low, I’m laughing out loud after giving it the big expectation of glamour. Outside the venue is fabulous, bowl shaped and almost spaceship like, the stadium is a real fine piece of football architecture, opened in 2010 it seats over 50,000 and gives the city of Dublin, along with Croke Park which is used mainly for Gaelic games, a real world class sporting venue to be proud of. I’m waiting for the Venue Manager to meet me outside of the gates, down the tunnel where the players buses have already passed, he’s walking me to his office so I can pick up some accreditation as a member of the England coaching staff pops his head in the door “Cars asked me to ask is there anywhere he can get a cup of tea” After stating he won’t be singing the National Anthem ahead of the game, former Republic of Ireland International Lee Carsley has received a bit of bad press in England ahead of his first game in charge for perhaps sounding un-patriotic, but knowing he’s a tea drinker soon quashes that for me. I tell of the dying art of footballers drinking tea, gone are the days of the big tea urn in changing rooms, replaced for energy drink bottles and gel pouches, it’s refreshing to know that at least the old guard still enjoy a brew. With that in mind, I’m taken up in the lift and directed to my seat, which I struggle to find is next to UEFA’s stats guy and but one to Irish TV channel RTE where Ronnie Whelan stands with Darragh Maloney and two seats from ITV where Sam Matterface and Andros Townsend are looking awfully trendy. The view is impeccable, but high, you feel a long way from the action and a long way up, seats of green under the glowing sun, to the left the stadium drops down where three thousand England fans, flags and all, are housed, ready for the game to begin. The Game There’s a mighty roar every time an Ireland player name is read out, there’s an even mightier boo when names of Declan Rice and Jack Grealish are announced. Rice, three caps for Ireland, switched allegiance to his homeland which has hardly gone down well in these parts, Grealish who was an Irish youth international, was snapped up early by England, but although both have heritage, both were born in England, the cockney accent of Rice and Brummie twang of Grealish tell you where their bread is buttered, but they’ll take their deserved stick on the chin, and it seems they’ll do it in the most positive way possible. Both players start well, Grealish in particular looks to be enjoying playing pantomime villain to the echoes of boos, and England under Carsley, are crisp, one and two touch, dominant and definitive, Ireland sit off, give too much respect perhaps, but they do have an early chance headed wide by Molumby to raise the decibels in the stadium. Those decibels are downed however as Anthony Gordon looks to get away played in fantastically by Trent Alexander Arnold, Gordon is one on one and should score, but for a good save low by Kelleher, Gordon picking up the rebound out wide however and pulling it back to Rice, not him, who smashes home with curve into the corner. It had to be… But it got even worse for Ireland… England are superior in all departments and the first half is men against boys, a lovely passing move between Rice and Mainoo ends with Grealish placing home, Republic of Ireland 0 Former Republic of Ireland Internationals 2… The Score In effect, those goals quashed the boo boys, many of them heading off to get an early half time drink, England fabulous and refreshing, playing a brand of ‘attacking’ football which they avoided during the recent Euros, despite reaching the final. The Second half is no way near as entertaining, England now inviting Ireland on, but they simply don’t have the tools, Ogbene is lively, and the best player in green by far, whilst Szmodics threatens with a curling effort a whisker wide, the visitors offer two new debutants their first full caps, best mates Angel Gomes and Morgan Gibbs-White are proof of a working conveyor belt of young England stars coming through the system, both lively in their few minutes, Gomes tiny in midfield but so competent on the ball, Gibbs-White a player I really like with some gentle touches in the ten role, before sending Saka on his way, the Arsenal winger cutting in from the left, a shot which stings the palms of Kelleher and is headed over on the rebound by Eze. The perfect away for England, it’s been an impressive game won in the first half, which allowed some changes in the second, a clean sheet and impressively, goals each for England’s former Irish representatives. The Stars Jack Grealish in the number ten position was the pick of the players for me, often picking the ball up deep in the third, running with the ball and drawing fouls in, he was brilliant, as was Rice who just put a typical and now guaranteed workmanlike shift in but with the added quality of a goal and an assist, Kobbie Mainoo whilst not playing spectacularly, was sensationally simple, in what he does, he always does well, and it’s alarming to think he’s not yet left his teens. Anthony Gordon was another player, direct with blitzing pace, who always caused a threat, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold’s passing game was hit and miss, when it was good, it was very good. Special mention to the centre back pairing of Marc Guehi and Harry Maguire who I think complemented each other really well. Sir Harry, is like a duck to water when playing for England, whilst Guehi is a centre back destined for the very top, a Rolls Royce of a footballer, elegant and composed no matter the situation. For Ireland, they had it tough, but Ogbene was their star, and in fairness he was one of the main stars on the pitch, an Ipswich Town player who has gone under my radar before, but is now well and truly on it. The Verdict It was a game England should have won, comfortably, and they did, but it also could have been a huge banana skin for their new coach Lee Carsley, it’s undoubtedly the toughest game on paper of their UEFA Nations League group so they should be gunning back for trouble free promotion ahead of Finland and Greece. Ireland have a chance to play for second best, but I’m not totally convinced by their new Manager Heimir Hallgrimsson’s tactics against England, he allowed them to play, and dictate, when their best chance at home would have been to press and harass with the fans on their side, but they’ll be tested more to their level against Greece on Tuesday, and I’ll be back in Dublin to watch it. The Teams Republic of Ireland: Caoimhin Kelleher, Seamus Coleman (Jake O’Brien 57), Nathan Collins, Dara O’Shea, Robbie Brady (Evan Ferguson 82), Matt Doherty (Jason Knight 57), Jason Molumby, Will Smallbone (Alan Browne 75), Sammy Szmodics, Chiedoze Ogbene, Adam Idah (Kasey McAteer 75). England: Jordan Pickford, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire (John Stones 84), Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill, Kobbie Mainoo (Angel Gomes 77), Declan Rice, Jack Grealish (Morgan Gibbs-White 77), Harry Kane (Jarrod Bowen 84), Anthony Gordon (Eberechi Eze 77). 5:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 7th September 2024, Aviva Stadium, Dublin (att: 50,359).

Wales 0-0 Turkey (UEFA Nations League Group Stages) Craig Bellamy’s first game in charge for Wales tonight and I’m up in the TV gantry working for UEFA and co, live recording in game data, the first match of a busy international week for me, whilst many dislike the domestic break, personally, I love it, as it’s a chance to cover the home nations and see some of the finest footballers on the continent in action. Initially it was supposed to be Northern Ireland v Luxembourg on Thursday, Wales v Turkey on Friday, Ireland v England on Saturday, but logistically it’s been a bit of a nightmare, so I’ve opted for the latter two, before heading back to Ireland on Tuesday for their match with Greece, as the great meatloaf once sang, two out of three aint’ bad. I’m down the road for mid-afternoon, Cardiff is a good three hour plus journey from Nottingham where I live, across the M42 south of Birmingham and down the M5, there’s roadworks on my normal route through Monmouthshire and down the M50 so I’m heading for Bristol and the Prince of Wales Bridge as the sunny midland skies disappear into a dark dull September afternoon which threatens rain from the heaven’s above. After crossing the mouth of the Severn into Cymru, I’m in the traffic at Newport on the M4, passing the Celtic Manor Resort high up on the hill, I’m down the west side of Cardiff heading down the A4232 which takes me straight to Cardiff City Stadium, on the edge of town next to a retail park with a McDonalds, KFC, Nando’s and family franchise pub, the traffic builds around the ground as I head for car park D and pull up, just as the rain starts to pour down. The Venue I’ve literally switched the engine off as I’m sat opposite the huge cantilevered stand in front, suddenly the rain pelts down at a speed of knots which has me sat waiting for its finish, grey miserable skies above grey tarmac and a grey stadium outer body, square bowl liked in design and standing with plenty of space around it as young kids with Welsh bucket hats rush past trying desperately not to get too wet. As the rain eases I chance the short walk across the car park to reception, where my accreditation is awaiting, ‘how do I get the gantry’ I ask, as a young member of the Welsh FA gives me solid directions, ‘up to level 4, turn right, through the glass doors and keep walking as high as you can get’… “Plenty of climbing” he says. It’s plush as I walk through the Premier Lounge which opens out into the stadium, then up some ladders to where the TV cameras are sat, it’s a cracking view as the rain continues, three even blue seated sides all enclosed with the huge two-tiered Ninian Stand opposite which has red seats in the upper tier, some speckles of fans already here as I’m met by a fellow Data scout from Poland, Tomasz lives in Wiltshire and regularly does Welsh international games, his Futology shows me it’s his ninth appearance at this stadium before telling me “the curry’s good here” so he ushers me down to the Press Room for something to eat. It's a long walk down the lift and stairs and damned if I would find it alone, but Tomasz watches me eat awkwardly (as he’s already eaten) before asking if I want a coffee, which we take back up to the gantry. By now, it’s closing in on kick off, the players warming up, the seats filling up, the weather still no relinquish, as I do my final bits in going over the two team sheets. The Game A friend on my Whatsapp group sent me a picture of his coffee cup this morning which said… ‘remember to take a moment for yourself today’. I thought, my moment will be 7:43pm when the Welsh fans sing the National Anthem, quite frankly the best national anthem on the planet, and as the players come up, line up, and sing, it is spine tingling how in synch and loud the Welsh voices in the crowd are. Perfectly sung. On with the game, that rendition along with an earlier few verses of Yma-o-Hyd which is another ‘recently adopted’ fabulous football anthem, sets up a frantic and frosty beginning where the Welsh play high tempo and control the ball as the Turks bite back their ankles in response. The home side are good, a new Manager but same old players, trying to make an impression, trying to impress, trying to play out from the back, even though goalkeeper Danny Ward doesn’t always look comfortable in doing so. Wales are nice on the eye and Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson look lively down each wing, Aaron Ramsey these days a false nine, going close, heading wide off his shoulder before the Cymru skipper plays a lovely first time ball to Thomas, he runs in and chips the keeper but his goal is chalked off correctly for offside. The Score Chances spurned, it’s the Turks time to tease and they do so by winding up their opponents, Yildiz takes a yellow card after fouling Wilson who responds by immediately fouling Yildiz for the same Refereeing outcome, there’s some pushing and shoving as Johnson then goes in the book, and a flare up between Ampadu and Yilmaz has the latter booked, suddenly it’s all kicking off as Tomasz tells me “this is how Turkey like to play” they certainly enjoy ‘ruffling feathers’. Coach Montella is also carded for arguing with the officials. There’s actually more cards than chances created as we take a breather at half time, and the second half is no different as Wales continue to push against stern defence, Turkey sit in and look to break, they’ve had a few more niggles on opponents before the bleach blonde haired Yilmiz kicks out on the hour, he’s set himself up for that one and is rightly red carded following his second yellow of the match. That card changes the complexion of the match as the away side begin to make tactical subs and pull false hamstring injuries in a bid to slow down the clock, Wales can’t find a way through despite making attacking changes, one of which Kiefer Moore receives a stamping on the head by Soyoncu, and in the end despite plenty of early promise, the longer the game goes, the less the Welsh look like scoring. The Stars Wales were lively in particularly in the first half where they pressed from the front, Aaron Ramsey and Harry Wilson dropping into the centre forward position at times, dropping back into midfield at others, they made the side tick with probing passes to wingers Sorba Thomas, largely, and Brennan Johnson, at times, who were effective out wide due to their blistering pace and positivity. For Turkey, I was looking forward to seeing Real Madrid teenager Arda Guler but for some neat touches he was often on the periphery, Baris Yilmaz was a real handful but so much so he ended up crossing the line too far to get himself a silly couple of cards, and in the end might have hindered any chances his side had of snatching a win. Celik at right back was solid against a tough, speedy opponent, as was Mulder at left back who dealt with the dangerous threat of Johnson well. The Verdict It’s a long drive is Cardiff but the drive is worth it just to see that 28,000 strong bucket hat wearing Choir sing, their team perhaps playing better than the result they got, I like the way Craig Bellamy has set up his new look team but I’m concerned that playing out from the back with the players they have, may end up costing them more than it earns them in the long run. Turkey were solid, irritable, finicky, but well drilled by their Italian Coach Vincenzo Montella, in a Nations League group that also contains Montenegro and Iceland, they’ll probably consider themselves favourites, especially after a point in Wales with ten men, to eventually top the lot. The Teams Wales: Danny Ward, Neco Williams, Ben Davies, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Harry Wilson, Aaron Ramsey (Kieffer Moore 72), Brennan Johnson, Connor Roberts, Jordan James (Oliver Cooper 88), Sorba Thomas (Lewis Koumas 72). Turkey: Mert Gunok, Zeki Celik (Emirhan Topcu 90), Caglar Soyoncu, Orkun Kokcu (Hakan Calhanoglu 64), Arder Guler (Irfan Kahveci 90), Baris Yilmaz, Kenan Yildiz (Karem Akturkoglu 77), Abdulkerim Bardacki, Ismail Yusek (Okay Yokuslu 77), Mert Mulder, Kaan Ayhan. 7:45pm Kick Off. Friday 6th September 2024, Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff (att: 28,625).

Salisbury 1-2 Chesham United  (National League South) I’ve been scoring for Yorkshire at the cricket over the last couple of weeks so haven’t been able to update my football fix until now. Trips to North Marine Road at Scarborough and Headingley at Leeds have taken priority with all eyes on Jonny Bairstow and others, but I’m back in the saddle tonight as Salisbury take on Chesham, two sides I’ve never seen play before. Salisbury FC were only formed in 2015, a phoenix, following the previous regime getting into financial difficulties. I’m told they’re now debt free and much better ran these days than Salisbury City who self-bust after reaching the Conference Premier in 2013 following a previous spell at the level which lasted three years. Chesham United, a much steadier and stable but less exciting past were formed in 1917 as a merger between Chesham Generals and Chesham Town, after spells in the Corinthian and Athenian leagues they spent 31 seasons in the Isthmian League before promotion to the Southern League in 2004, they won the Southern League South last season and like Salisbury, who were promoted via the playoffs, gained promotion to the National League South. It’s a 170 mile trip south for me from Nottingham, so I’ve left early afternoon to avoid the back-to-school run rush hour, down the M1 to junction 15A, crossing the A43 and M40, A34 through Oxford and down the Newbury Bypass, taking a shortcut past signs for Highclere Castle and through the idyllic village of Hustbourne Tarrant with its number of thatched cottages. Wiltshire is remarkable, not a county I know much about, it seems to have army barracks everywhere and stunning scenery, I’m a few miles from Stonehenge on the A30 as I pull in for a Starbucks and a pee at a services where there’s a couple of Salisbury players in tracksuits doing the same thing. The Venue I pull up in a town called Old Sarum, apparently one of the earliest settlements in the UK, there’s an Iron Age hillfort around the corner which has been there since 400BC. Where I’m parked on Partridge Way it doesn’t look quite as tourist friendly with signs up for ‘NO PARKING’ so I pull up away from danger and walk the last few yards into the pot hole covered car park of the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. Known locally as the Ray Mac, it’s basic to say the least from the outside, but as I walk through reception where I’m greeted by a lady and a lanyard, I’m told to go upstairs to my seat in the press box, and it’s from there where I get to see what this place is really all about. Elevated on half way, dug outs well below, you get a fabulous view, panoramic of the whole venue, as I meet a guy called Andy who tells me a bit about the history of the club, I tell him 'this place is fit for the next level', he says “It’s hosted football in the Conference before, just not with this team”. The Ray Mac Stadium was built in 1997 and is named after the then Chairman who played a significant part in the clubs growth. The venue actually hosted my club, Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup match which ended 1-1 in 2006, third tier Forest winning the replay during some pretty forgettable times for the Reds… Which is probably why I completely overlooked they once played here. The stand I’m in is large, elevated, next to me are corporate hospitality seats with equally fantastic views high up with the touchline below, opposite us is a small seated section overlooked by housing, the end to my left has a long roofed terrace, the end to my right open, but with a huge modern electric scoreboard behind the goal, room for three or four thousand tops, but they’ll be less than 800 in tonight. The Game Last season Salisbury beat Chesham here 3-1, they lost at the Meadow 2-1, and since both clubs have gained promotion, they have an almost identical record in mid table, Salisbury 8 points from 6 games with 6 goals scored and 6 conceded whilst Chesham have 7 points having scored and conceded 7. I’m predicting a close affair as I watch the warm-ups, the sun slowly going down as smoke smells from the sizzling burger stalls, but soon after the teams get underway to a frantic start, I’m much more impressed with the home side than I am the away, as Salisbury knock it about neatly, and take a deserved lead all be it through a hugely deflected effort by striker Ronan Silva just five minutes in. That goal lifts the whites who attack in numbers, largely from the right where Tom Leggett gets forward and combines well with their gifted looking playmaker Josh Hedges. Salisbury have all the ball and at one stage play some fine one and two touch passing in a move of around twenty passes total, Chesham can’t get near their opponents and I’m hugely disappointed by the Southern League South champions, but Salisbury do leave space in behind and Jack Connors gets free down the left, his cross is palmed into Joe Grant who sliding in levels things up as the home support fall silent and the supporters next to me ask ‘how on earth did that happen’. The Score It’s a goal out of nothing, but there’s been a couple of bright sparks for Chesham who’s winger Omar Rowe sets sight from range, his shot is athletically saved and pushed out for a corner and the resulting set play is into the danger area where centre half Callum Adebiyi heads home downwards unmarked. Half time approaching and somehow 2-1 to the visitors, they’ve been outplayed for long parts, but have the all-important advantage into the break. At half time there’s a fifty-fifty draw and one of the winners is club hierarchy, as the tannoy announcer states ‘she’ll put her winnings back into the club” she’s sitting up in the stand next to me, shaking her head, laughing, saying ‘no I bloody won’t’. It’s dark as the two teams come back out, Salisbury in all white, Chesham in changed yellow, the white numbers on their backs hard to make out under the dim floodlights, but as I’m expecting more pressure from the hosts to get back into the game quickly, I’m finally seeing an improved performance from Chesham, who’s 3-4-3 style system is compact, organised and hard for the hosts to break down. The later the game goes the deeper the away side gets, they are seeking out to defend their lead and look good value for doing so, but Salisbury buoyed by their loudening home support are getting in more prominent areas, their subs have been attacking and they are now knocking on the door. A well-worked corner is played back to Jordan Ragguette who from 30 yards lets fly, a thunderbolt, off the cross bar and down and back again, it’s crossed the line? It hasn’t? “It’s gone in” says the Salisbury staff… A rocket, but no one can be sure if it did… Or didn’t? That was Salisbury’s best chance, they kept knocking and knocking and even sent the goalkeeper up for a last ditch corner but Chesham’s defence proved strong, a massive away victory for their handful of five or ten fans to enjoy, for Salisbury it felt like not what might have been, but what should have been, their first half performance should have had them comfortably in the lead, their second half surge should have at least left them with a leveller, the win and three points however, going the way of Chesham. Football works in funny ways. The Stars Despite their loss I was most impressed with a number of Salisbury players, the rangy running, socks rolled down of Josh Hedges who’s lovely feet and guile had him the most likely to create danger from his attacking midfield position, he’s a powerful, progressive boy aged just twenty and is certainly one to watch. Hedges linked really well with right back Tom Leggett, similarly thick set and powerful he’s now 28 and from the Aston Villa Academy, he still zips passes in like a pro, hard and firm, sometimes too hard for his strikers who are often looking to spin on them which results in the ball bouncing away, but Leggett gets forward well and has good quality, although he did get exposed a couple of times defensively, in particular when leaving a void which was counter-attacked for the opening goal. Aaron McCreadie was another player who impressed, his name was read out as sponsors man of the match, a midfield sitter of Oxford United DNA, just 22 and who did the simple things well, he ended up playing right back as Salisbury tinkered with tactics in chasing the game for a leveller late on. For Chesham, they had one player who I really liked, in Joe Grant, a stylish centre forward who had good feet and made good decisions, who scored a good strikers goal, whilst their left winger Omar Rowe, stocky, small, speedy, unpredictable, he certainly has talent, but he’s one that will also frustrate, an early booking for him could have ended much worse, in the end he was substituted but shown glimpses of a real awkward threat at times. The Verdict The Ray Mac is a lovely ground, a proper football home which smelt of smoke, onions and brut from the elevated seat where I was sat. Salisbury will rightly aim to settle into life in the National League South this season and I feel they’ll take points off others, whilst playing some good attractive football at times, they may be prone to conceding from set plays, a mid-table destination will be most satisfactory for them, and par, for what they have got. For Chesham, well they weren’t pretty, but they have something which all winners have, a real togetherness, managed dually by James Duncan and Michael Murray now in their sixth season at the club, they’ll be aiming for a top half finish which is certainly achievable, and with that, you can’t rule out a playoff push either. The Teams Salisbury: Ryan Gosney, Jordan Raguette, Tom Leggett (Rafa Ramos 67), Luke Wilkinson (Owen Dore 60), Josh Sommerton, Jaden Perez, Craig Fasanmade, Josh Hedges, Ronan Silva, Aaron McCreadie, Sido Jombati. Chesham United: Ben Goode, Lewis Rolfe, Connor Stevens, Mitchell Weiss, Eoin Casey, Jack Connors, Joe Grant (Obi Mfinda 90), Callum Adebiyi, Ashley Lodge, Avan Jones, Omar Rowe (Steve Brown 85). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 3rd September 2024, Raymond McEnhill Stadium, Salisbury (att 727).