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Braintree Town 2-1 Aldershot   Town (National League) I got invited to a barbeque on Saturday so had to scrap plans to cover Boston United and Forest Green Rovers at the Jakemans Stadium in Lincolnshire, instead doing a bit of hungover viewing from home on Sunday afternoon as I streamed the previous days Bradford City and Salford City match on Wyscout, which I already tediously knew, ended 0-0 in a damp squib at Valley Parade. I wasn’t too bothered about missing Boston lose 4-0 as I only saw them the week before, but I’ve never been to Braintree, so no chance of scrapping a Tuesday night in Essex as the ‘Iron’ play Aldershot at the wonderfully named Rare Breed Meat Co. Stadium. The Shots are National League mainstays these days, in their twelfth season in the division after five years previous in the football league. Braintree have never been in the football league, previously known as Crittall Athletic they changed from Braintree to Braintree Town in 1983 and have since had a few spells in the fifth tier of English football with a best placed third finish in 2016. Ever-since that season the club have yo-yoed between National League and National South, but they gained promotion last season after beating Worthing in a thrilling playoff final 4-3. This season hasn’t yet gone to plan with two defeats by Oldham and Yeovil, Aldershot unbeaten after drawing 3-3 with Forest Green on the opening day and winning at Halifax 1-0 on Saturday. It’s 4pm, the wife has just got back, so I’m off out the door leaving her on dog duty, heading south, down the A1 and M11 it’s a 2-hour 30-minute drive which is thankfully smooth as the sunshine threatens to come out beyond the cloudy skies, I'm off the A120 ring road of Braintree by 6:30pm and pull up outside a pub called the Orange Tree off Cressing Road where I park. The Venue It’s full of Lego houses around here, flat roof, white painted things, as I walk down Clockhouse Way towards the ground entrance. It’s quaint inside the gates and not much to it. There’s a training pitch next to the car park (£3 a car) and the ground itself, sponsored by a local butcher, is all fenced in as I search for a gate which says ‘season tickets only’… Apparently, I’m on their list. Once inside it’s a lovely, leafy, grassy home backed by trees, old, pitched roofing, steel posted stands, not huge, but idyllic, proper non-league and 'real', each end is open to the elements but its all neatly tucked in, packed into a cosy tight area as I ask ‘where can I get a brew’. I’m seated at the top of the Main Stand where I’m met by a Radio London presenter doing the comms for Aldershot today. He’s from Croydon which is ironically the same place as where the man from Radio Essex once lived as they talk across me about the joys of South London. It’s a good view, bar the post in my way to the left hand goal, the fans behind it packed into the open terrace, it looks like they’re standing on the roof as you can just about see the top of the clubhouse behind them. The Game Braintree in orange are buoyed by a vocal support but Aldershot in black start well, they keep possession and look dangerous largely through their talented left winger Ryan Jones, the away side having more joy in a first half which they often menace, but there’s something about Braintree who look less talented, but certainly more than up for the fight. They’ve had to dig in and defend though to get to the break level, but with a minute to go until half time, Theo Widdrington gets space outside the area, he chips to the back post where Jones is waiting, he makes no mistake in giving the Shots the lead. The Score Braintree make a change at half time and bring on Kyrell Lisbie, he’s a player I remember from Cray Valley Paper Mills and last season’s magical FA Cup run, he scored against Charlton in the first round where they were beaten 6-1 after a replay, ironically against a team his dad, Kevin, used to play for. He’s lively too, quick and direct down the left wing he’s causing problems and Braintree have came out of the blocks a different team, but Aldershot are still getting chances, debutant goalkeeper Lucas Covolan who himself had a memorable FA Cup run with Maidstone last season, races out of his goal and miss-kicks to Tyler Frost on half way, the Aldershot number 8 returning the ball towards the open goal but inches wide. Frost has another chance to make it two, blazing over inside the area, I start to wonder will those two opportunities cost his team? Suddenly a marauding run down the right has the ball centered to Lisbie who heads home a leveller, now the game really is anybody's to win. Aldershot react with a powerful run from centre back by Christian Maghoma, a smart move linking up with Jones he pops a thunderbolt shot off towards goal which hits his own man and out for a goal kick, you feel it might not be there night? And as the crowd noise intensifies late on and the home team reacts in having that bit more self-belief to push on and attack, a scrappy few minutes in pressure results in a ball again being pumped into the area, Lisbie on hand to stretch out a leg, a two goal hero and matchwinner as the home team deservedly turn the table over. The proverbial game of two halves. The Stars Lisbie was a constant menace in the second half but hats off to Braintree Head Coach Angelo Harrop who made good positive substitutions at the right times, in Reggie Lambe and in the huge, strong and experienced John Akinde who certainly managed to ruffle a few feathers. The powerful 35-year-old Akinde came on for Inih Effiong who had a good tussle with Aldershot defender Maghoma, but my eyes were often drawn to young Marley Marshall Miranda who at 21 is a midfielder with a bit of snap, and certainly some technique. He’s a recent signing from Colchester United and one I think to watch this season. For Aldershot, they looked to have the better players, they were the better side in the first half, but not in the second half, where they deserved what they got from not knowing whether to stick, or twist, I did really like left winger Ryan Jones who got his goal and caused problems down the left, whilst full back Luke Jennings behind him was solid with decent feet, Former Spurs centre half Christian Maghoma is a solid National League defender, whilst in midfield, the Manager's son Theo Widdrington kept things simple and Cameron Hargreaves worked his socks off, their technical playmaker Josh Barrett unfortunately going off with injury before half time. The Verdict I told the Braintree chief tweeter that his side will be hard to beat at home this season and he replied ‘we pride ourselves on our home record’ a tight ground with a good atmosphere, Angelo Harrop has signed some good players and has some old wiry heads in that dressing room to battle through when the chips are down. A good blend of characters at his disposal. Aldershot looked every bit a team with potential to do well this season, but not winning when on top will disturb them and their Manager Tommy Widdrington, do they have the spine and backbone to kick on and be a real pretender for promotion this year? I’m not so sure? Although I certainly think they have the technical ability through their players to be in and around the mix. The Teams Braintree Town: Lucas Covolan, Ryan Clampin, George Langston, Louie Annesley, James Vennings, Marley Miranda, Inih Effiong (John Akinde 72), Callum Powell (Kyrell Lisbie 46), Chay Cooper (Tom Blackwell 90), Matt Robinson (Reggie Lambe 68), Joe Grimwood. Aldershot: Marcus Dewhurst, Lachlan Byrd, Luke Jenkins, Christian Maghoma, Theo Widdrington, Cameron Hargreaves, Tyler Frost, Kai Corbett (Jack Barham 72), Josh Barrett (James Henry 43), Ryan Jones, Hady Ghandour. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 20th August 2024, Cressing Road, Braintree (att 1,227).

Basford United 0-1 Leek Town  (Northern Premier League) I used to live in Basford. The home of Shipstones Ale, Imperial Leather and HP Sauce, is also the home of one of Nottinghamshire’s most decorated non-league sides and one that since the days I grew up playing ‘against’ them regularly, have established themselves amongst the top echelons of part-time clubs in England, a real success story of their dedication, in particular, through club owner Chris Munroe. Munroe has seen it all, growing the side up from grassroots to county champs, as Manager, as Chairman, he even took a picture on his tractor today whilst ‘combing’ the grass… Himself religiously preparing the Greenwich Avenue 3g surface ahead of each game, now that’s dedication. Speaking of dedication, the last time I faced Leek, as a Coach for Loughborough Dynamo in January 2016, they had a striker on their books called Tim Grice, well looks like he’s still here and still scoring goals, the clubs record net bulger and longest serving footballer ever, has been at Harrison Park since 2011. Josh Brehaut’s team won the Northern Premier League West Division last season to gain promotion to step seven of the football pyramid, they’ve had success previously too, a former Conference side in the late nineties, their stand-out season was winning the NPL in 1996/97 although they did reach the FA Trophy final in 1990 losing to Barrow at Wembley 3-0. It’s all of a twenty-minute drive for me, but I need to nip to co-op for some hayfever tablets as the sun has been scorching my senses all day, a quick stop off at Raleigh Island before the last leg down the ring road and Nuthall Road, eventually pulling up outside some bungalows off Bagnall Road to allow a quicker exit upon my leave. The Venue The walk through the gates and into the complex of loose chippings for car park heads me past the old club changing rooms on the right, the ground to my left has a turnstile behind the goal and it’s there I’m asked to pay £11 on my card. Once inside it’s pleasant enough, not spectacular, the tall fir trees behind the far goal, the low roofed clubhouse on my right with portacabins and a small seated stand hogging the wing, behind the near goal where i'm stood also has a small seated area which is covered, the rest of the venue is largely open, it’s wide, spacious, the pitch to be fair is lush looking as water sprinklers shoot out down one side. I’ve eventually found a seat in the small stand directly opposite the dugouts, it’s only three or four rows high and it’s not a great view, one goal half blocked by a floodlight and I can't see neither near side corner flag, but it’ll do, it’s quaint and covered as I write down the teams and demolish a packet of chocolate eclairs. There’s a smartly dressed guy sat next to me looking at me oddly, he’s got a clipboard and a beer in his hand and I don’t recognise him, he keeps looking and plucks up the courage to speak, it’s only then I realise it’s a scout I know from Boston games, a good lad who’s from Grimsby, he’s travelled a couple of hours for this tonight, and will be covering Grimsby Borough tomorrow. The Game We’re still chatting along as the match kicks off, Basford in yellow and black, Leek in blue, the away side are sharp and crisp in their passing, the home side also play at a tempo with pressing and getting the ball forward quickly, there’s a real fizz to the game, the ball gets crossed in early and Bredon Daniels volleys low into the corner, Leek one up and deserving, they’ve had sniffs already and continue to have more as further chances are sent whiskers wide. Midfielder Nathan Okome is getting on the ball making things happen, Town’s team is uncomplicated, defenders defending, the engine room is physical, they get it out wide and aim to get the ball in the box, Basford also defend for their lives and aim to get things going through Matt Thornhill in midfield, their outlet is number ten Jordan Hallam and their best chance is through Ashley Chambers who’s shot is tipped onto the post. The Score If the first half was frantic, the second 45 is much slower, Leek retreat with their lead in tact as Basford knock on the door, the away side were much the better of the two in the first half but look content to holding onto what they’ve got, trouble is Basford look more likely to score than not, Leek ride their luck on several occasions as a free kick loops over via a deflection, crosses into the mixer are only just dealt with, in fairness, number five Olly Harrison heads everything away, then there’s a chance to break, Grice is set free but his shot is saved by Deeney, it would have wrapped things up nicely, but Leek have to defend for their lives again, as Kacy Butterfield strikes wide late on, there’s relief when the whistle is blown and the Blues celebrate a first ever win against Basford. The Stars A day for defending it was Olly Harrison who impressed the most with his heroic heading and blocking ability, he’s a big blonde centre half who once played for Ostersund in Sweden and for the last three seasons has made the NPL West Division team of the year, who’s betting against him making another, all be it a league higher this year? Another big lad in midfield is Nathan Okome who offered presence and simplicity during the frantic first half stages when it seemed to need slowing down, out wide Alex Hurst was quick and busy whilst Bredon Daniels shown quality up front with his winning goal. For Basford, Matt Thornhill is their classiest footballer but Jordan Hallam looked their most effective, the 25-year-old former Scunthorpe playmaker picked up great positions and tried to make things tick, buzzing around behind the two strikers. Ash Chambers will score goals at the level despite not offering much movement, the home side looked a bit thin on the ground for quality, one or two additions will be needed this season if they are to survive any threat of relegation. The Verdict Leek might just surprise a few, they are riding on the crest of a wave and have enough quality to be chasing the promotion party pack. Whilst Basford will probably be nearer bottom than top, unless they invest in personnel. It’s a venue I said to my fellow scout from Grimsby, I’m not all that keen on, due to a lack of good vantage points with cover, but it’s convenient to my home and not too far to drive back to, the plus side had me through my door at 10pm, a novelty when it comes to Tuesday night viewings for me. The Teams Basford United: Saul Deeney, Victor Nierennold, Henri Wilder, Matt Thornhill (Harvey Ridgley 87), Nelson Aideyan (Josh Barnes 68), Ethan Stewart, Kane Richards (Rev James 76), Kacy Butterfield, Ashley Chambers, Jordan Hallam, Tyrell Waite (Tyler Dacres 76). Leek Town: Dino Visser, Liam Buckley, Liam Edwards, Nathan Okome (Fenton Green 69), Olly Harrison, Tom Curl, Alex Hurst (Lucas Weir 59), Billy Reeves, Tim Grice, Ollie Shenton (Joe Woolley 78), Bredon Daniels (Tyrese Onyeka 60). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 13th August 2024, Greenwich Avenue, Nottingham (att 404).

Barwell 0-1 Banbury United  (Southern League Central Division) Newtown Unthank is the home of Poundstretcher. It's the sort of useless knowledge you wouldn't even know about had you not needed to go to villages like Barwell in Leicestershire to watch some seventh division English football. I'm driving past the home of the budget retail giant and down the winding bumpy roads through Kirkby Muxloe and Earl Shilton, it's little over 30 miles but an hour's drive, as I'm thinking to myself, Barwell, is actually Leicestershire's second highest ranked team after Premier League giants Leicester City. A quick fact check has Harborough Town in the same division this season following their own promotion to the Southern League Central Division but gone are the days when the likes of Hinckley and Coalville stood tall. The county not known for its stronghold of soccer establishments. Banbury is in Oxfordshire which is also not exactly your English footballing hot bed. Oxford United did gain promotion to the Championship last season whilst Oxford City were relegated from the National League. The Puritans themselves suffered relegation from the National League North after a two year stay and three different managers. I was really impressed with the football they played under first boss Andy Whing who went on to get the Solihull Moors job after a seventeenth place finish in 2022/23, United had earlier flirted with promotion that year but last season couldn't get it right under Mark Jones then Kevin Wilson who eventually steered the side down towards relegation, now in charge is Simon Hollyhead, employed in the summer to get the team back on track, he brings with him an excellent CV which includes a UEFA pro license and the assistant managers job at Malmö, Brann, Odense and Stevenage previously. Barwell Manager Jimmy Ginnelly is more your bread and butter non-league gaffer back for a second spell at Kirkby Road. He was doing well at Nuneaton Borough until the club folded last season, luckily for Barwell he's managed to bring a few players with him. One player not with him though is Beck-Ray Enoru a high speed striker with tons of ability and one I've long had my radar on, he got a summer move to Tamworth but is here tonight, in the crowd, I’ve said before that Barwell is ‘a lovely club’ and it feels like everyone is welcome, past and present the fanbase is a real mix and it’s a good strong crowd in for this Monday night home opener of the new season. The Venue I’ve pulled up outside Kirkby Road Community Park before walking past the bowls club, the cricket club, and a decent looking boozer all connected indirectly to the football ground. A real community hub, the setting is idyllic and as you walk through the turnstile you find yourself in a pleasantly fenced venue with one large stand on half way, its enclosed and modern with a 3g pitch, not a lot to it, but some good numbers are in tonight and it makes for a warm and cosy village club feel. A real good atmospheric home. The Game Barwell lost on Saturday against Royston Town (3-2) whilst Banbury drew their league opener with Sudbury (1-1), the away side are much changed from the team I last saw last season with three seventeen-year-olds in their starting eleven, Barwell a few familiar faces and one or two taken from Nuneaton’s recent demise. The game starts at a frantic pace but there’s not much quality on show, Banbury’s goalkeeper makes an early error in trying to clear the ball which ricochets to Leroy Lita who puts into the empty net but is given offside. The ball is bouncing around left to right without any real conviction, a few stoppages, a couple of cards, plenty of throw-ins and free kicks, it’s far from classic but a big chance is spurned by Ball who hits a post for Banbury on 26. I’ve had a pound on the Golden Goal and got 47 minutes so am pleased when the referee calls time on the first half with the score still nil nil, not many chances with defences on top but it’s a real full bodied game of guts and determination, just lacking that bit of quality in the final third. The Score The second half is much of the same as the time passes my lucky dip selection, neither team really look like scoring but a half-cleared corner is pumped into the box by young Archie Hollyhead, it’s headered back into the danger zone where Highland punches away, he looks to have connected with a Banbury striker and the referee signals for a penalty, after a delay for Highland’s injury, AJ George steps up and calmly slots home as he did at the weekend to the same effect. That slender lead gives Banbury something to cling on to and cling on they do, Barwell don’t really threaten as their talisman Brady Hickey is having an off day, he can’t get things going which is largely down to some very good defending by the away side, in the end they see out the game with a strong defensive display and might have even added to their lead late on, when on the break they couldn’t capitalise on the home team sending numbers forward. The Stars AJ George was the best player on the park, the matchwinner was lively from the get-go and shown speed and positivity when in possession, the Antiguan international has been around the non-league circuit but if he stays at Banbury this season he could play a significant part in them doing well. His experience will be needed, a relatively young squad that included teenagers Keon Lewis-Burgess, Archie Hollyhead and Dylan Reason amongst others, out of those I was most impressed with midfielder Hollyhead who made good decisions on the ball, Banbury were solid defensively with former Oxford United defender Nico Jones and another well-known non-league centre back Yaw Ofosu doing well, they look to have something about them under Simon Hollyhead with scouts sure to be heading to the Spencer Stadium this year. Whilst Barwell evidently missed their magician in attack of the now departed Enoro, they shown plenty of spirit and have a lot of good solid players, in defence I found centre halves Scott McManus and Lathaniel Rowe Turner combative and aggressive as they were when they partnered each other at Nuneaton, left back Deen Master is a player I like, uncomplicated and who puts in a good delivery, Lamine Sherif in midfield is one who get’s about and plays things simple, whilst Brady Hickey in attack, is sheer quality, even if it wasn’t to be on the night. The Verdict Barwell will be ok, they have signed some good players and you feel the club has a good comradery with players, fans, staff, a community and spirit that will get you a long way, although I’ll be surprised if they finish any higher than half way this season. Banbury too could easily finish mid to lower table but there seems to be something brewing under Simon Hollyhead which I like, he has some very exciting but very young gifted players, a bit of quality and experience too, if it gels right they could be a team to watch, but we all know in non-league football ‘anything’ can happen, lose one or two players it could be very tough, sign one or two more and they could even end up leading the promotion charge. The Teams Barwell: Will Highland, Jahdian Fridye-Harper (Johnson Gyamfi 87), Deen Master (Ciaron Keane 70), Lamine Sherif, Herve Pepe-Ngoma, Scott McManus, Leroy Lita (Tristan Burke 70), Jahvan Davidson-Miller, Brady Hickey, Ethan Hill (Olly Brown-Hill 70), Lathaniel Rowe-Turner. Banbury United: Jack Harding, Harry Reilly, Kgosi Ntlhe (Claudio Dias 60), Tai Fleming, Yaw Ofosu, Nico Jones, Keon Lewis-Burgess (Matty Donaldson 60), Archie Hollyhead (Charlie Donaldson 71), Dylan Reason (Harvey Westwood 65), AJ George, George Ball (Prince Henry 75). 7:45pm Kick Off. Monday 12th August 2024, Kirkby Road, Barwell (att 477).

Boston United 0-3 Rochdale  (National League) The opening weekend of the football season has me heading East to see some old friends at Boston United as they return to the fifth tier of English football for the first time since 2002. Promoted from the National League North after playoff success in May, the Pilgrims had spent fourteen seasons in the sixth tier of English football but have re-acquainted themselves with the likes of Rochdale who were an old football league foe from the early part of the millennium. A quick fact-check and I've somehow never previously watched Rochdale play in person. A new team on show for me at least, but one I know plenty about, founded 117 years ago they were famously in the fourth tier of English football for 36 straight years between 1974 and 2010 before promotion to League One where they spent four years, suffering relegation in 2014, they eventually dropped out of the Football League after 102 years in 2023 and are now in their second season trying to get back in it. Rochdale gaffer is Jimmy McNulty, still officially 'player manager' having originally taken the job as caretaker in 2022. A centre half by tradition and one with over 200 appearances for the Dale. A real cult hero at Spotland. Another former defender and cult hero (with largely Norwich City) is Boston boss Ian Culverhouse, now leading the Pilgrims charge for a third season, he's had some enforced changes this summer with strike duo Jimmy Knowles and Kelsey Mooney leaving for Accrington Stanley, Boston have picked up Dan Mooney from Altrincham, Sam Osbourne from Buxton, Frankie Maguire from Chorley and Tony Weston on loan from Derby County amongst others. Rochdale have also rung in the summer changes, amongst them Tarryn Allarakhia joins from Wealdstone, Toby Adebayo-Rowling joins from Notts County, Sam Beckwith from Maidenhead and Aaron Henry on loan from Charlton, word is they'll be having a serious go at promotion this season. The Venue I'm off out the door for 12:30pm as I switch on Leeds United v Portsmouth on the radio during my journey, overcast but the sun is peeping out, it's warm and windy as I casually commute down the A52 towards Lincolnshire. It's one of my favourite drives on the single-track carriageway through the flat fields of middle Eastern England, I cut through Grantham and keep heading towards the coast before crossing the A17 and through the village of Kirton End, before pulling up in Wyberton five minutes’ walk from the ground. You can feel the anticipation of that first game of the season with excitement in the air, the walk across the A16 delightful with fans in Amber shirts talking amongst each other, as I arrive at the ticket office to get my pass, there's a Rochdale fan complaining that he's had to pay extra for the bus, ‘some people are never happy’, as the lady in the ticket office vents her frustration to me. "Only 46 games to go" I tell her. Ticket in hand I'm through the turnstile of the Main Stand at the Jakemans, I'm asked to wait an age for a cuppa as it feels the new seasons catering staff are far prepared for the 1:30pm rush of all of five people, finally brew in hand I'm up to my seat in front of Radio Lincoln at the back of the stand pleasantly perched with a cracking summer Saturdays view. It's a wonderful modern stadium of three ‘finished’ sides and it impresses those from Rochdale who visit for a first time, a packed house too as I'm joined by a fellow scout who I've not seen since last season, it's always great to catch up with familiar faces, as I notice players’ wives, girlfriends, mums and dads in attendance, a real family feel as Boston begin life at level 5 with an ear of real optimism. The Game Boston start well too, they have that tenacity and ferocity in their early play to get their fans on side and singing, but with their high press on Rochdale’s back-line they often leave themselves exposed at the back, their own high line exposed on a couple of occasions but for close calls with the linesman’s flag. Rochdale have been caught offside on four or five occasions but it’s a risky tactic by Boston, and one which fails on fifteen minutes as Devante Rodney breaks through, he’s left one-on-one before casually rounding the goalkeeper and putting the away side one up. That settles the nerves in the away end and it’s the Dale fans now in full voice, the home side revert to conceding possession as their pressing game falters in to what feels like two banks of five, the first half is competitive and largely unimpressive in the final third, but one man showing a bit of quality is Rodney, he has time and space to prod home a second just five minutes before the break, it’s a deserved double for him and his side who look much the stronger of the two teams on show. The Score After Boston concede to their credit, they go straight up the other end and could have halved the deficit at the break, Mills going close and Weston blazing over on the stroke of half time. I expect them to come out of the traps quickly in the second half, but the visitors shut up shop, protect what they have got, and use their experience to see the game out in style. It’s far from classic, as the game counts down, Rochdale taking time with throw-ins, with goal-kicks, the new sub rule in the National League allows five players to enter the field from each team on five different occasions, this stretches the half out further even towards it’s inevitable conclusion. There is a chance for another goal, all be it well into injury time as a shot onto the crossbar is headed home from close range by Ian Henderson, another Rochdale cult hero now 39-years-old, still bagging goals, right place, right time, he runs off to dance in front of the celebrating fans as the home team supporters head for the exits. The Stars Devante Rodney was the best player on the park, now 26 he’s a powerhouse striker who’s solid and composed, holding the ball up well his movement was great and he never looked like missing when the two opportunities he had, landed at his feet. At the other end, experienced centre half Ethan Ebanks-Landell was quietly brilliant, given time on the ball he played with the proverbial cigar but when needed, made one great block and won everything that came to him in the air. Rochdale’s 3-5-2 system allowing him to centrally sit comfortably with Kyron Gordon to his right and Sam Beckwith in particular, to his left, also playing well. In midfield, the Dale were dominant with Harvey Gilmour also impressing but it was out wide where I feel they’ll get a lot of joy this season, Tarryn Allarakhia didn’t have a brilliant debut but he has technic and sophistication when cutting in from the left, Toby Adebayo-Rowling a player I liked from Notts County, is a direct winger who gets back and puts a shift in, he’s quick and plays balls into the box, uncomplicated, and could be a great signing with goals contributions assured from the right. For Boston, not one of their better days, the experienced defender Michael Bostwick perhaps the one who looked most comfortable with the step up, but credit Tony Weston and Frankie Maguire, two young new signings who ran about and worked their socks off. The Verdict Boston are a big club, and losing games like this will hurt, and I no doubt expect them to invest until they get it right, which might ensure they pull themselves towards safety by the season end. Rochdale are also a big club, and they have expectancy for promotion this season. My own tips of Barnet and Gateshead might need to be reviewed as I’ve overlooked a team well equipped to be challenging at the right end, only 45 games remain but I expect them to be at least playoff fodder, whilst should the Pilgrims achieve anything higher than 20th, it’ll be a huge success for them. The Teams Boston United: Cameron Gregory, Cameron Green, Mitch Roberts, Michael Bostwick, Dan Mooney (Keaton Ward 84), Jai Rowe, Tony Weston (Sam Osborne 78), Pemi Aderoju (Jacob Hazel 70), Jordan Richards (Dylan Hill 84), Frankie Maguire (Martin Woods 70), Zak Mills. Rochdale: Luke McNicholas, Kyron Gordon, Aaron Henry (Ryan East 70), Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Tarryn Allarakhia (Finlay Armstrong 83), Harvey Gilmour, Kairo Mitchell, Devante Rodney (Ian Henderson 89), Tobi Adebayo-Rowling (Ody Alfa 90), Connor McBride (Jake Burger 64), Sam Beckwith. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 10th August 2024, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 2,578).

Linfield 3-2 Stjarnan (UEFA Europa Conference Qualifying) Belfast is a small town, the population almost of my home city of Nottingham, but unlike back in blighty, everywhere you turn you see a football ground, it feels it punches above it's weight in comparison to many cities in England, it feels football is at its heartbeat of the city, even the local airport is named after George Best, the homes of Crusaders, Cliftonville, Glentoran, Linfield, all around ten or fifteen minutes drive apart. Linfield are the most successful side in Northern Ireland with 56 league titles. Their blue white and red kit resembles Rangers in Scotland, and they have a fierce rivalry with Glentoran who like Celtic in Glasgow, act as the green half of the Belfast big two. I won't go into politics but you'll instantly tell who supports who. If you're catholic, pro-Irish and born locally it tends to be Glentoran & Celtic, if you're British and fly the Union Jack in your garden, you'll probably support Linfield and Rangers. Tonight's game see's Linfield take on Icelandic part-timers Stjarnan who are 2-0 up from the first leg in the Europa League first qualifying round. I don't know anything about Stjarnan which is apparently a multi-sports club from Garobaer which is just south of Reykjavik. Formed in 1960 the football team has one league championship in 2014 and one Icelandic Cup win in 2018, to its name. The Venue Linfield play at Windsor Park which is also the home of the Northern Irish FA. The stadium has had major works in recent years and looks unrecognisable to what it once did, three sides bowl shaped and modern now connected to an old two tier stand which I liken to those you used to get in an old Subbuteo set. I've pulled up on Olympia Drive outside a couple of 4G training pitches, the short walk has me heading up the road, past terraced houses with Union Jack and Northern Irish flags in their gardens to the back of the East Stand and wrapping around to the South Stand entrance where everyone else is heading through the electric turnstiles. Inside the arena is stunning and modern but upstairs on the concourse it's grey, miserable and basic, to say the least. I ask for a pie but they don't do them so it's a quick burger and brew before I'm out in the open a good fifteen rows up, nicely elevated as the stand I'm in fills up with home supporters, the stand to the left housing the ultras who are making some noise, the one opposite has around 30 Stjarnan fans in the top tier, the stand on my right unoccupied, as the rain starts to slowly spit down. The Game Being 2-0 down from the first leg the impetus is on Linfield and they start well, pegging back Stjarnan who seem to play without real identity. Not knowing whether to stick or twist with an awkward lead which catches them in two minds. Linfield get an early goal to reduce the ties deficit as Kristjansson heads into his own net for a roar of belief, the home team push with a flurry of first half corners as the rain starts to fasten and pelt down, there's people in front of me moving seats as even ten rows high they're getting wet, I'm thankful of the half time whistle as I look to move to a drier spot. The Score No such luck, the stand I'm in is packed to the rafters (whilst all the other three sides aren't), everyone now sitting in the top few rows as they aim to keep dry, Linfield come out from the break with one intention, but Stjarnan break themselves, win a corner and Atlason dives in like Keith Houchen to get an all important goal. That seems to lift the spirits of the Icelanders as their fans do the Viking chant in the gods above standing in the middle section upper tier of the stand opposite, but Linfield Manager David Healy makes three changes and one of those subs, 17-year old Matthew Orr, heads home a beauty of a ball by Millar to squeeze the tie into a one goal game again. By now it's really seething down and you can tell that Stjarnan dont want it. Playing percentages and getting rid with the hope they do Linfield on the break, the pressure is on and the ball falls to Fitzpatrick who unleashed through a crowd a third goal on the volley to take the tie level, everyone is up chanting and celebrating bar me, who's thinking extra time is on the cards, and I'm already drenched to the skin. But as Linfield go for the jugular, another rare attack causes panic, Brink down the left crosses low where Halldorsson smashes home. A smash and grab from a team that hardly deserved to go through, although their clinical finishing when it mattered, their get out of jail free card. The Stars You have to feel for Linfield who played well on the night. Chris Shields was brilliant in the quarter back position, often picking the ball up from deep and looking to start play with his range of passes, he defended well but went in reckless late on to receive his marching orders in injury time. Another player impressing was the busy Joel Cooper, apparently playing his 200th Linfield game he floated about in all sorts of attacking positions. Whilst Kirk Miller out right put some brilliant balls into the box. Of the Stjarnan players their star of the show for me was a tubby little left winger called Oli Omarsson. Very much in the Xhedran Shaqiri short and stumpy mould, a stocky but dinky little bull of a player who was quick, direct and a constant irritant until he was frustratingly substituted during Linfield's best spell of the game. The Verdict I said last night on Larne's performance against RFS that if they play like that domestically, they won't win the Irish Premiership this season coming. Whilst watching Linfield put in a top attacking performance I see more scope that they have the tools. A team with good experience and some good quality pros who certainly work hard for the cause. Stjarnan are a funny old team, part-timers who obviously have something about them, who didn't show much of it tonight. They'll be relieved to get through but i'll be surprised if they go any further. They do have some good footballers and were probably hindered by performance from their two goal lead, which in the end was the deciding difference over the two legs. The Teams Linfield: Chris Johns, Ethan McGee (Matthew Orr 64), Scot Whiteside, Sam Roscoe-Byrne, Ryan McKay (Rhys Annett 64), Kyle McLean (Cameron Ballantyne 90), Chris Shields, Joel Cooper, Kirk Millar, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Chris McKee (Darragh McBrien 64). Stjarnan: Matthias Rosenorn, Heidar Aegisson, Sindrithor Ingimarsson, Gudmundur Kristjansson, Orvar Logi Orvarsson, Robert Thorkelsson (Heldi Ingeson 81), Daniel Laxdal, Kjartian Mar Kjartansson (Hilmar Halldorsson 80), Orvar Eggerston, Emil Atlason, Oli Valur Omarsson (Havkur Orn Brink 76). 7:45pm Kick Off. Thursday 18th July 2024, Windsor Park, Belfast (att 3,046).

Norway U19 0-0 Ukraine U19 (UEFA European U19 Championships Group Stage) Day two of my Northern Ireland excursion has me off to Linfield who face Stjarnan of Iceland in the UEFA Conference league qualifiers, but lucky me I've found out there's another competition going off in Belfast this week. The under 19's Euros has some of the continents top young talents on show and I've got time on my side to head to Seaview, the home of Crusaders, to watch a 3:30pm kick off between Norway and Ukraine. Not before I spend the morning walking through CS Lewis Square in Belfast's East Side to the home of Glentoran however, after a quick McDonald's I'm jumping in the hire car and heading out to the Ulster Transport Museum where there's a couple of Delorean's on show. The Venue I've driven past the stadium a couple of times already whilst on the M2 and I pull up on the corner of Keadyville Avenue and park the car, a tiny white Toyota Yaris on loan from Hertz. The walk up Shore Road is short, buses and TV trucks line the back of the stadium which is adjacent to the main road, I ask a steward for the South Stand entrance and he points me straight through the gate where I'm scanned by a girl with a zapper before asking her "where can I get a cup of tea". Inside the venue it's spacious and adequate for this type of match, the goalies out doing their warm ups as I get a close up of the pitch, plastic, like most in these parts, a large seated stand hogs half way on the far side, to my left and right, low seated areas behind each goal and another long seated stand behind me, at the top of which I choose to sit, not before grabbing a cuppa and putting £2 contactless in a vending machine for some chocolate which doesn't come out. The Game I'm joined by an odd looking man who sits down beside me with long grey hair and a Yorkshire accent. "You're not from round here" he guesses. He's had ties with Halifax Town and endlessly drops the name of his friend Gary Worthington, apparently a good player back in the day, a scout for Manchester City he was a youth player with United before spells at Wrexham, Wigan and other lower echelon football league sides. He's a lovely chap who got the ferry over to watch a week's worth of football and I've talked him around to missing Northern Ireland's youth match with Italy tonight to instead head down to Windsor Park and watch Linfield. Whilst chatting the games going off. Norway are on the front foot at full throttle but Ukraine throw bodies on the line, blocking shots and crosses it's not pretty, but frantic, the two sides going at it, without the end goal. The Score The first half flies by as I hear all about this chaps football career. Norway have a couple of half sniffs and crack a post early through Faraas whilst a shot by Kilen is well stopped by Krapyvtsov who's the busier of the two goalies. The second half is much of the same, no real cutting edge but both teams try hard and i'm well into hearing stories of Halifax Senior Cup Finals. Left back Aleksander Andresen impresses me the most with his powerful forward runs for Norway, the tidy Krevsun the best of an average bunch of grafters for Ukraine, not even a cameo for sub Kristian Shevchenko can improve matters. The son of Andrei looks nowhere near as good as dad. As the game goes on it becomes end to end with both sides looking for a winner but both lack that killer instinct, by the time the whistle blows the Ukraine players collapse on their feet. They've put a lot in, got small reward, a point a piece has Norway facing Northern Ireland next needing to better Ukraine's result, the yellows facing Italy in their final group stage game before a potential semi-final slot. The Stars As mentioned, the short and stocky Andresen at left back for Norway looked a good prospect, hard working and forward running, thick set but hair reseeding (already at 19) he was good on the ball, powerful and always fair game and combative. Silkier in motion was Newcastle United youngster Travis Hernes, a tidy midfielder with the ball at his feet, whilst next to him, I couldn't help notice the giant Eivind Helland, a holding midfielder well disciplined and decent in possession. For Ukraine, a player I've seen before is Dortmund youngster Danylo Krevsun. He glides around the pitch in a number eight position and has an eye for a pass, he possibly shone most along with Matkevych of Dynamo Kiev who was busy down the left. The Verdict The best thing about the match was probably Norway's funky kit. Gone away from tradition of plain cherry red shirts there's now a white and blue stripe down the middle, at least jazzing up the appearances on show for the day which was largely grey and dull. Ukraine in standard all yellow, were typically hard working and it was good to see there players sprawled on the floor at the end of the match, having put everything in to get a nil nil draw. What next for these nations? Well one at least will get a semi final slot with Italy. Unless Northern Ireland have anything to do with it, but whilst both teams were organised, both lacked the creativity to unlock defences, which might be the Achilles heel as either look to progress. The Teams Norway: Martin Borsheim, Filip Loftesnes-Bjune, Simen Haram (Hakon Rosten 79), Rasmus Holten, Aleksander Andresen, Sander Kilen, Travis Hernes (Daniel Braut 68), Elvind Helland, Sondre Granaas, Edwin Austbo (Bork Bang-Kittilsen 68), Benjamin Faraas (Julian Gonstad 68). Ukraine: Vladyslav Krapyvtsov, Oleksiy Gusev, Maksym Melnychenko, Taras Mykhavko, Mykola Oharkov (Ivan Yemachkov 21), Danil Vashchenko, Timur Tutierov (Kristian Shevchenko 62), Ramik Hadzhyiev, Danylo Krevsun, Andrii Matkevych, Matvii Ponomarenko (Dmytro Bohdanov 62). 3:30pm Kick Off. Thursday 18th July 2024, Seaview, Belfast (att 612).

Larne 0-4 RFS (UEFA Champions League Qualifiers) I've pencilled in a couple of days in Northern Ireland and my trip starts with domestic league champions Larne and their visit of Latvian league winners RFS to Inver Park. It's the first ever time Champions League football has been played on this patch in Antrim, although last season, Larne played HJK Helsinki at Solitude in Belfast in the second leg of a thrilling qualifying tie, their recent history has been pretty impressive, backed by Purple Bricks co-founder Kenny Bruce, the reds from the North Coast have had regular seasons playing European football and won their second successive NIFL Championship in April, wrestling the stronghold from the usual suspects of Linfield, Glentoran, Cliftonville, Crusaders and co. Funny enough I've actually seen RFS play before. In 2019 my stag do in Riga just so happened to include a football match (of course it did), the biggest in the country too, at the Skonto Stadium. Riga beating visitors RFS that day 2-0, and there's a viral dance clip that can be found on the web, mostly of twenty lads from Nottingham raving outside the ground following the hosts victory. That victory helped Riga to a run of three titles in a row but RFS have fought back in recent seasons, they won a first ever title in 2021, backed that up in 2023 and are on course to win a third championship in four years with a seven point gap on their rivals in second place after 22 matches of the season played. Rigas Futbola Skola (RFS) are 3-0 up from the first leg and are clear favourites to go through but it's a special day nonetheless for the people of Larne who get to see their team play, in their own town, hosting Champions League football, with over 3,000 packed into Inver Park, a modern day record attendance to boast. The Venue I've got a bit of time before the game so take a walk around the town centre which is a little underwhelming, it's quiet and eerie with not much open to choose from but there's a Dutch Doner Kebab house open and I'm starving. So it looks worth a try. In fairness it's very good, as I choose a park bench to eat it on with a can of coke to wash it down with, before making my way under the fly over and onto Inver Road. The grounds floodlights beside the A8 as a great big block of flats hogs the skyline. The walk is serene as I make way up the hill, plenty of fans now on journey all wearing red and white, a bus shelter is decked out in everything Larne FC. You can tell there's money been spent on the place as I walk into the 1889 Sports & Social Club where there's a singer in the beer garden and plenty going off outdoor for the kids. I have a quick pint of Hop House as I'm overseas and getting holiday vibes, just one, before finding my seat in the Main Stand, perched up on the back row, a tight squeeze near half way, the ground is lovely internally, three sides have seating, the opposite end open, those flats above the end to my right, where an idyllic church top also joins the horizon, that stand boasting the changing rooms and a glazed corner which I'm told today is being used for 'VIP'. The Game There's around 15 RFS fans who have made the trip from Latvia. All housed far corner of the stand behind the goal to my left. The stand I'm in packed to the rafters by locals as the two teams come out to a standing ovation. The visitors are more technical, but Larne have fire in their belly and start on the front foot. They fight for every ball, a little too much, as the opening half hour sees them rack up four bookings to the oppositions two. They've been the better side of large parts but RFS look good on the break, and when Brazilian winger Emerson Deocleciano cuts in from the left onto his curling right foot, the outcome is bleak for the home side. Soon, Lemajic doubles advantage with another cracker from outside the area, then Larne get in a mess on the edge of their box, gifting the ball to Ikaunieks who slots home a third, it should be nil nil at the break at least for Larne who battle well for 38 minutes, but their dropped standards allow RFS to up-gear and with their first three shots they find the net with all to have a healthy unassailable lead at the break. 6-0 on aggregate. The Score Only ten minutes into the second half and lively winger Ismael Diomande gets a fourth after dancing his way into the box following a neat pass by Ikaunieks. It's a one sided and impressive performance from a team who grow stronger in confidence and work rate as the game goes on. RFS make several subs which only strengthens their hand. Njieh impresses off the bench in midfield, as does Odisharia who dances around defenders for fun. Cedric Kouadio is top heavy but is also having fun with flicks and tricks and no look passes. Diomande still on the pitch is sometimes unplayable with his speed and endless stepovers. It's a joy to see such a strong squad of athletes, but it's a frustrating watch if you're a Larne fan, many have already left, as Tiernan Lynch brings on his full array of subs, they try hard and battle, but by now it's too late, the away side victorious as they see out the game with confidence. If the first half was tighter than the scoreline suggested, the second 45 were played at a canter in the favour of the Latvian league leaders. The Stars Brazilian winger Emerson had trickery whilst number nine Ikaunieks had presence and vision, the back three were solid with Prenga in particular the pick of the defenders and in midfield their athleticism looked too much for Larne, but their shining light above all was Ismael Diomande who had a hand in a couple of goals and scored one himself, his fast feet and trickery too much for the Larne defenders to deal with, a player who's goalscoring record is good, and at 20 years old, he could go on to achieve something in the European game? For Larne, plenty of gritty performances but the quality was severely lacking. Their left side of Ives and McKendry linking well but to little effect. I was looking forward to seeing former Arsenal Academy midfielder Mark Randall, now 34, strut his stuff with experience and silky smooth passing, but saw none of it, the game too quick for his ageing legs as he was often harassed and too often gave the ball away. The Verdict Larne will drop into the Europa Conference for another stab at European football but on this showing will do well to progress, or even win a third straight Irish championship, but hats off to RFS who are stronger than you might imagine. RFS might not be strong enough to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League but don't rule out another route and a good run in the Europa themselves. That win their seventh in succession, unbeaten in fourteen, their only dropped points a 2-2 draw with Riga in June. The Teams Larne: Rohan Ferguson, Tom Cosgrove, Cian Bolger, Aaron Donnelly, Levi Ives, Mark Randall (Dylan Sloan 60), Chris Gallagher (Paul O'Neill 73), Sean Graham (Baris Altintop 77), Matthew Lusty (Lee Bonus 60), Andy Ryan, Conor McKendry (Joseph Thomson 73). RFS: Fabrice Ondoa, Daniels Balodis, Herdi Prenga, Ziga Lipusciek, Janis Ikaunieks (Martins Kigurs 60), Adam Markhiev (Harona Njie 46), Stefan Panic, Pete Mares (Rostano Ndjiki 73), Ismael Diomande, Darko Lemajic (Cedric Kouadio 60), Emerson Deocleciano (Lasha Odisharia 60). 8:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 17th July 2024, Inver Park, Larne (att 2,030).

Gainsborough Trinity 3-5 Scunthorpe United (Friendly) Less than 18 miles of the A159 separates north Lincolnshire neighbours Gainsborough & Scunny. I'm back scouting after a two month lay off, last season it feels only ended on Sunday night after England lost their Euros final v Spain, two days later my 'official' pre-season campaign gets under way, as news filters that Gareth Southgate calls it a day. I was a big fan of Gareth and what he did for the nation but even I were a little tiresome of those negative tactics he employed. Looking forward to seeing a couple of lower league rivals 'go at it' tonight. Nothing to lose no caution to the wind but all to win, on the card this evening it's all about local bragging rights. They'll be no pessimism on show, no pragmatism aloud, just a battle of honesty and brutality towards the leather sphere hoofed from one end to the next in search of scoring goals. Scunthorpe failed last season in their quest for promotion after the year previous relegation to National League North level. They have a new Manager in Andy Butler who played well over 100 games for the Iron including 36 league apps when they were a Championship side. Gainsborough boss Russ Wilcox also played for Scunthorpe United many moons ago. The 60 year old is these days assisted at the Northolme by former Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Kevin Pressman. The Venue It's a ghost town is Gainsborough, there never seems to be any people about, on the plus side there's plenty of spaces as I park up outside KFC in a local town car park which is free after 6pm. The short walk down Northolme is peaceful as one or two Scunny fans join me from nowhere, through the turnstile and into the old ground, pitch in squashy green carpet looking conditions, a place of holy worship for the holy blues as one old boy shouts 'raffle tickets pound a line', a lady beside him calls out 'programmes'. One of the oldest homes of football in England it's also one of my favourites, I'm standing behind the goal making journey towards the large curved roof main stand on the left, the low roofed terrace on my right backed by terraced houses, an open end immediately in front as the Gainsborough goalkeeper coaches drill balls towards me in their pre-game warm up. The Game The home team in bright pink start fast and within 3 minutes their tubby number nine Fraser Preston gives them the lead. He's a player I like, technical, tricky, but as each year goes by an extra ounce or two on his hips increase his midriff, one of those for the level, he's dynamite, but probably not arsed about getting back up the divisions? Scunthorpe wrestle possession but Gainsborough have pace on the break, a long ball over the top is latched upon by their trialist number ten, he beats Ross Fitzsimmons to it and taps into the unguarded net. It's a deserved lead as the visitors don't look in great shakes, their 3511 formation not really working, but as we approach half time they win a corner, bundle one in, then do it again moments later, two in two minutes to tie up the tie. The Score Those scrappy goals from Boyce and Kouogun, big defenders up from the back, give Scunthorpe the impetus, and it's they who strike first in the early stages of the second 45 whilst reverting back to a simpler and easier on the eye 442. Whitehall heading home after a good move down the right to spark the loudest cheer of the night from the away support. But Gainsborough aren't done, they strike back through Lewis Butroid who curls from the edge of the area left footed, the game turning into an end to end classic and well worth the ten pound spent. Changes are soon made though, and with it a load of trialists are on for Trinity, by now the impressive Tuntulwana who started at centre back, who moved to right back, is now playing right wing, shape gone and unknowns everywhere, it's Scunthorpe's second string who takes advantage of Trinity's trialling, first Ubaezuono again from a set play, he prods home a third Scunny goal from yet another corner kick, then the recent signing from Chorley turns provider for Max Brogan who blasts home a fifth, it's been quite a game, better than any England Euros encounter I have had to endure over the past two or three weeks. In the dying minutes there's an injury to Kian Scales who's crunching tackle by Ashley Jackson leaves him with a stud mark in his ankle, the referee blowing up early as he receives treatment ahead of minute 90, thankfully the player was ok and once eventually up on his feet, received a warm applause from the exiting 700 plus supporters. The Stars Scunthorpe, you feel played at a tempo below their usual best and their Manager Andy Butler will be annoyed by the goals they conceded, Max Kouogun in defence however is Mr reliable, more comfortable in a four than a three, he's strong, powerful, solid, and will be a key campaigner should the Iron go up this season. With invention, Cal Roberts was the man in the hole behind Danny Whitehall to provide, I can't help feel the former Notts County wingers career has gone stale though. Roberts who is hugely talented, at one stage having a little ding dong with his own team mate Ross Barrows which shows frustration to where he's at as a footballer. Michael Clucas with the armband on was neat and tidy in the centre of the park as he always is when I watch him and recent signings Danny Law and Brad Nicholson shown glimpses of promise to come, as did the pacey Ubaezuono who's a handful at the level. For Gainsborough, grit and determination got them through the early stages up on the score cards, Dylan Cogill at centre half has a lovely left foot, his partner on the day, the skinny and fragile looking Sisa Tuntulwana, almost the star of the show, running out of defence with the ball at full speed, he's technically talented a twenty year old to watch. The Verdict Back in the game, how I've missed football at this level over the past few months, to endure a Euros of largely defensive negativity to be back smelling the mud and hearing the thud, remarkably this is the third time in three years I've visited the Northolme as a scout. On each occasion I've seen 8 goals a game... It's certainly never dull in Gainsborough, a place where you won't often find defences on top. The Teams Gainsborough Trinity: Josh Render (Ollie Battersby 23), Jordan Helliwell, Ashley Jackson, Bailey Conway, Sisa Tuntulwana, Dylan Cogill, Lewis Butroid, Bobby Johnson (Trialist 5), Fraser Preston, Trialist (Declan Howe 29), Joe Stacey. Scunthorpe United: Ross Fitzsimmons, Max Kouogun (Finlay Shrimpton 60), Will Evans (Brad Nicholson 46), Andrew Boyce, Michael Clunan (Joe Rowley 60), Alfie Beestin (Max Brogan 60), Danny Whitehall (Carlton Ubaezuono 60), Cal Roberts (Sam Fishburn 60), Kian Scales, Tyler Denton (Jason Law 46), Rob Barrows. 7:30pm Kick Off. Tuesday 16th July 2024, The Northolme, Gainsborough (att 747).

Holzheimer SG 0-3 Fortuna Dusseldorf (Friendly) The morning after the night before as England secure a semi-final against the Netherlands and I nurse a hangover after drinking until the early hours with Swiss fans, little known just a few miles out of town today, Fortuna Dusseldorf open up their pre-season friendly campaign with a short trip to local non-league (regional) side, SG Holzheimer who play in Neuss, a town just over the River Rhine. Apparently, there’s 3,000 in attendance with beer stalls, bouncy castles and sausage stands, it’s a real family event and will be a nice touch from drinking all day, as me and my mate Joe get an uber from Dusseldorf centre and Schumacher’s Brewery which cooks an impressive pork schnitzel downed with a red coloured stout, I’m in the cab heading over the Rheinkniebrucke bridge and into the leafy district around the ground, Holzheimer usually play at the Johann-Dahmen-Sportanlage but due to popular demand will be hosting at the Ludwig-Wolker-Sportanlage, an athletics venue with plenty of space to house large numbers. The Venue Tucked away in urban Neuss this attractive sports village backs on to a tennis club and boys school with plenty of field space for a kickaround. The ‘stadium’ itself has just one stand of seating, opposite that a raised bank and behind the goal at one end is the changing rooms and clubhouse, the Fortuna Dusseldorf bus is parked within the complex as a row of stalls greets us on entrance, kids playing with everybody it seems wearing Fortuna Dusseldorf red and white, the sun is gleaming and everyone is in good, but calm spirits, it feels like a festival, rather than a football match, those in charge have certainly done a good job. The Game We’ve found a raised area of bank to stand on after grabbing a couple of bottles of pilsner, all around the perimeter is people, stacked in to watch their team play, myself and Joe aren’t really too concerned at what’s happening on the pitch, low tempo, largely dominated by Fortuna who are probably five or six leagues above their hosts. Karim Affo heads home from close range after the home team goalkeeper palms the ball into his path for the opener, Fortuna have a few chances before the Holzheimer number nine tests goalkeeper Kastenmeier with a chip, which he’s more than equal too. The Score Fortuna soon show their dominance and left back Rossman plays a neat one two before crossing low to Schmidt who scores, at half time we go in search of another beer and stand largely behind the goal under a parasol and table, which at an athletics arena is quite a way back from the play. Not a lot, we hear happens in the second 45, another goal is scored, this time by Yang, rolling it into an empty net, the 17-year-old Korean on with a whole host of half time changes, the game ends with little else to tease us to watch much as we chat away amongst the heard of fans. The game itself, a real sideshow, the event a brilliant day out, as the full time whistle blows the supporters all run on the pitch to take photos and get autographs of their heroes, we stay for another drink as the players and officials eventually walk past us, and back to their changing rooms, where they’ll all no doubt enjoy a beer. The Stars Belgian born centre midfielder Noah Mbamba, on loan from Bundesliga champions, Bayer Leverkusen, looked a really good and tidy player, as did centre half Joshua Quarshie who’s on loan from Hoffenheim and aged 20, has several Germany youth caps. Two young wingers in Karim Affo and Si-woo Yang also shown their goalscoring touch whilst there was a second half cameo for former Hull City and QPR midfielder Jordy de Wijs. The Verdict These events not only provide much needed exercise for the players preparing for their long campaigns ahead, but they really do give something back to the community, in Germany it feels the fans have a unique bond with players, which is on a personal level without any kind of animosity or jealousy or nuisance, can you imagine in England the clammer around the players from over exuberant supporters, players rushing off from the playing surface just to get away. Not here, where the players will quite easily have a beer with their fans, a chat, a photo, and on to the next, a brilliant occasion that lives long in childrens memories as they get chance to meet their heroes. The Teams SG Holzheimer: Not provided Fortuna Dusseldorf: Florian Kastenmeier (Milan Czako 46), Andre Hoffman (Tim Oberdorf 46), Joshua Quarshie (Jona Niemiec 46), Yannick Englehardt (Shinta Akkelkamp 46), Felix Klaus (Dennis Jastrzembski 46), Emmanuel Iyoha (Jordy De Wijs 46), Tim Rossman (Marcel Sobottka 46), Danny Schmidt (Si-woo Yang 46), Matthias Zimmerman (King Manu 46), Noah Mbamba (Jan Boller 46), Karim Affo (Sima Suso 46). 3:30pm Kick Off. Sunday 7th July 2024, Ludwig-Wolker-Sportanlage, Neuss (att 3,000).

Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City (FA Cup Final) The FA Cup final, now 143 years old, it's a once very special event in the English football calendar when winning stuff and silverware mattered, now superseded by the all-important millions in money to be earned by just surviving the Premier League. I'm old enough to remember when they used to dedicate a whole day for it. Saint & Greavsie and Grandstand interviewing the players before they left their Hertfordshire hotels all nervously suited and booted, the bus journey filmed from a chopper above as it made its way down the Circular with a police guard towards the twin towers. These days the only reason the chopper is in the sky is to look out for potential trouble from the fans. An all Manchester derby however has no trouble but loving families split in sky blue and red, no nonsense bar Mancunian banter, the underdogs are once the biggest club in the world, the favourites, the noisy neighbours, now the best and richest on the planet there is. The Venue It's my last Club Wembley appearance after seven years a member, I'm taking the wife for her final padded seat experience under the giant arch with an all you can eat and drink buffet. The stadium one of the best and most iconic in the world, for me is the best I’ve ever been in. The service and food shatters anything I've had at any other stadium, all be it not one for the purists, more for the theatre goer and wine bar drinker perhaps, it’s certainly not like the old days of cigarette smoke and shoving under the crowded terraces? I love it here, the walk to the ground through chicken shop crappy suburbia North West London which improves the closer you get, to Designer Outlet territory with mainstream chain restaurants, over priced hotels and high rise apartments that now dwarf the stadium, a modern metropolis. Inside the ground is magical, from my corporate middle row view behind the goal a sea of sky blue in the end we are in, opposite all red beneath the sun, the West Stand I have sat in for seven long years always gets the shade, the East Stand is the one where you need to wear the shades, my wife tells me every time we are here "we should have chosen opposite sides" just so she could have sat in the sun. The Game I was here last year when United gave it a go but we're well undone by superior opponents and as the same cast do battle again twelve months later, more of the same is expected today, Erik ten Hag having a pretty rough time of it of late, United often toothless beneath him, win or lose he faces the chop, Pep Guardiola has won it all with City, his eyes on the double, his seat firmly secure regardless of result. But, against the odds it's United who start best. A horrendous error by Gvardiol sees his headed back pass cut short, Garnacho capitalises and puts the red half of the stadium one up. City aren’t firing, they look tired and jaded as United punch harder, they're up for it today, giving everything on the pitch, which is somewhat surprising following past form of late, Rashford swirls a pass to Garnacho left to right, he plays in Fernandes and his no look pass finds Mainoo, the teenager buries home for number two, an iconic Wembley cup final goal. The Score We're in for a bottle of bud and glass of prosecco during the break as the United fans bemuse on their powering first half performance. All they need to do is repeat their dominance and a famous victory is theirs, a second half display has them organised and solid, hard to break down, City knock at the door but no one answers, it seems ten Hag has today done his homework. Pep is out of ideas. A long shot however by Doku creeps in past Onana's near post, low, on 87, the Cameroon goalkeeper up until then had been good, but a nervy few moments are short of City quality, United hold on and the celebrations begin. The Stars Two teenagers in Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo steel the show with goals and assured performances beyond their years. Marcus Rashford had been recently cut from Gareth Southgate’s England squad but on that outing against one of the best full backs in the world in Kyle Walker, Rashford still has a lot to offer. An unlikely hero is Sofyan Amrabat who in centre midfield throws is body on the line upon countless opportunity, Lisandro Martinez back in the back line is a huge improvement to their team, the United performances player for player are eleven out of ten. For City, largely disappointing, they kept the ball, as standard, but failed to break down their opponent, but for the lively Belgian substitute Jeremy Doku late on, the United win would have been more convincing. The Verdict Has the win done enough to keep ten Hag his job? That question is for another day, but tonight is about celebrating, United beating their nemesis to win the FA Cup, the Red Devils are partying into the night and I’ll be joining them, as I would have done, even if City had won. The Teams Manchester United: Andre Onana, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Marinez (Jonny Evans 73), Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, Sofyan Amrabat, Alejandro Garnacho (Mason Mount 90), Marcus Rashford (Rasmus Hojlund 74), Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay (Victor Lindelof 90). Manchester City: Stefan Ortega, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Nathan Ake (Manuel Akanji 46), Josko Gvardiol, Rodri, Mateo Kovacic (Jeremy Doku 46), Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne (Julian Alvarez 56), Phil Foden, Erling Haaland. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 25th May 2024, Wembley Stadium, London (att 84,814).

Long Eaton United 2-1 Leiston (Southern League Central Division) I’ve had to google where Leiston is. Apparently in East Suffolk, a town of just over 5,000 people, it has a team that has done well in the Southern League Premier Central Division this season, middle of the pack with nothing to play for as they close their campaign against bottom of the pile Long Eaton. No trouble googling this Derbyshire town, I know it well and have visited Grange Park five or six times already this season, Long Eaton strictly, aren’t bottom, as Nuneaton Borough folded earlier in the campaign leaving ‘the Blues’ twenty-first in the former twenty two team table, but not including Nuneaton’s rescinded results, a last day win could perhaps see Long Eaton leapfrog Berkhamsted who’s two 1-0 losses to their relegation rivals could cost them their chance to avoid taking the wooden spoon. I’ve never seen Leiston play. Formed in 1880 they are managed by former Norwich City forward Darren Eadie and have had a modest past that took lift off from the Norfolk & Suffolk and Ipswich & District Leagues from the early stages of this millennium, gaining promotion to the Eastern Counties League in 2001 before reaching first the Isthmian League in 2011 before transferring to the Southern League in 2019. The clubs best season was to win the Isthmian North in 2012 a year after winning the Eastern Counties Premier Division and before that, in 2008/09 they had their best ever run in the FA Cup, reaching the first round proper before losing to Fleetwood 2-0 in a replay after a goalless draw in Suffolk. Last season they finished third in the Southern League Central which is as highly ranked as they have been in the pyramid, Long Eaton, promoted last season from the Northern Premier League East Division have this year found it tough going, but are already preparing for life at step 4 again, next season. The Venue I’m in my car following a quick stop off at Lenton Lane Recycling Centre, driving through Beeston and Attenborough before pulling up on Station Road, a little walk to the ground up the side track past Erewash Bowls Club you can hear the music of the tannoy playing as I follow a lone groundhopper with a backpack on through the turnstile. It’s 2pm, not many are in yet, I’m standing waiting at the kiosk desk for a brew but there’s nobody there, so I sit myself down in the stand, the Long Eaton media guys already seated, not talking to each other, it’s eerily quiet, it has the feel of a relegated team, little atmosphere, little buzz, let’s get this bloody season over with. The ground is ok at Grange Park, the stand I’m in has a partial blindspot to the right corner flag,  but other than that the view from the top row is good, elevated, central, looking out to the covered standing area opposite and the two open ends either side, Nottingham Forest Women also play here on a Sunday, the pitch a little bobbly in places but I’ve seen far worse, flat and wide it at least allows for an expansive game of football. The Game Leiston are firm favourites with the bookies but anyone who knows anything about football will tell you that these last day games with little riding on them can end on a whimper, or with emphatic victory, or neither, it’s never easy to second guess the last match of the season, but the away team start ok, they knock it about well and look to get at their opponents who are dogged, unusually set up by Bradley Munn as centre half Reece Bertram is up front. He’s a unit and a bit of a handful but has no legs, he’s hardly going to get in behind and threat the visitors defence. Ross Durrant in goal for Long Eaton has just been awarded the clubs fans player of the season, after a quick pitch side photo he passed his trophy to his dad sitting in front of me, and early on is called into action, little wonder why he won the award as he’s kept busy early doors with a  couple of good stops. Long Eaton though have had their chances too. Nyawhema on the left wing is causing mayhem with his pace and Tom Hewlett pokes wide when it looks easier to hit the target. The home side are gaining confidence and the effort is certainly coming from them, Leiston look laboured, half hearted, lacking intent, their goalkeeper Sam Donkin has had a couple of eery moments and it’s his mistake that leads to an opener, he’s robbed of the ball by Liam Loughlan who tees up Hewlett to place in the empty net. The Score At half time it’s certainly a deserved lead for Long Eaton who come out with more intent and more fire in their belly during the second half. Leiston have switched things around with Ashley Boatswain and Jamar Loza switching wings, the latter is direct and fast and is a tough handle for Long Eaton right back Callum Cocks who looks a good solid player. Loza and Leiston go close on a number of occasions but Long Eaton are plucky, they're having five themselves in attack and Ciaron Keane closes down an opponent on the edge of their box, the ball falls nicely for him, he’s through on goal, his first shot is blocked but is second is put home, Long Eaton two up and heading upwards off the bottom of the table. The atmosphere changes, suddenly there’s optimism and chanting from the 143 fans inside Grange Park, a bit of a buzz that their side are starting to perform, Leiston look like they just want out of here, a 3 hour plus coach journey back to sleepy old Suffolk. They’ve hit the post, they’ve had goalwards shots blocked by their own players, desperate goal-line clearances and great saves by Durrant, one of the Long Eaton media guys says “you know when it’s not your day” as time enters additional minutes for stoppages.. You fancy they’ll get one, when it’s all too late, and they do, in the third minute of the allotted four, Loza again doing the damage down the left, Albi Armin with the consolation, Long Eaton just need to pump their centre to the corner flag and it’s all over, three valuable points to lift them up and above Berkhamsted. The Stars Leiston didn’t play well but one player took my eye, left back Sebastian Dunbar, a former Ipswich Town youth player now in his thirties, who captained the side, who looked a class above, whilst Jamar Loza was always a threat, racing away in the first half down the right, and in the second, down the left. For Long Eaton I was most impressed with Joe Nyawhema who had serious technique and a bit of pace down the left wing, he had an impressive first half and started the second 45 well but when Reece Bertram had a go at him for misplacing a pass, he went into his shell and was later subbed with his tail between his legs. Bertram did ok up front, he was certainly no worse than Tom Hewlett, but I was surprised his manager never called upon him to defend, late on when up and against it, Bertram often stood half way whilst balls were being chucked into the box, you’ll think his aerial presence and defensive mind set would have him better poised in helping out his back four, but fortunately, Long Eaton didn’t really need him. Callum Cocks at right back had a terrific match and looks a good player, whilst all the blues boys dug in and fought for three points, they were full of endeavour, if at times lacking a bit of ability, which in the end I suppose, is to their downfall of inevitable relegation. The Verdict I hope Brad Munn stays on at Long Eaton and I hope they can keep the basis of the team, Durrant, Bertram, Cocks, Nywahema, Jamie Howson to name a few, and if they do, they could be ok in the league below, whether it be North/South or Midlands, due to Long Eaton’s geographical location, they are still to find out. Leiston will I’m sure be ok, an end of season whimper it maybe, but their status was long assured, they’ll probably be better than worse next season, should all their assets, and their manager, stays put. The Teams Long Eaton United: Ross Durrant, Callum Cocks, Ryan Cambell-Gordon, Ciaron Keane, Reece Bertram, Luke Martin, Liam Loughlan (Jack Rogers 90), Jamie Howson, Tom Hewlett (Nahan Tyson 75), Joe Nyahwema, George Atwal. Leiston: Sam Donkin, Sebastian Dunbar, Adam Bailey-Dennis, Eddie Jackson (Ollie Sanders 58), Ross Crane, Albie Armin, Jack Manly (Zach Dronfield 68), Jamar Loza, George Quantrell, Chris Casement, Ashley Boatswain. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 27th April 2024, Grange Park, Long Eaton (att 143).

Manchester United 3-3 Coventry City (FA Cup Semi Final) *4-2 pens aet This is the game of the weekend for me, the one ‘I have a feeling about’ as I tell Daz if ‘yesterday was all about the booze, today is all about the football’. He’s been snoring for hours as I check my phone whilst lying in bed at 10am, we were in Soho until the early hours and are going to spend an hour in the British Museum after a spot of breakfast to sober us up. It’s London Marathon Day but thankfully we’re away from the mix, by 2pm we’re en-route to the stadium from our base at Russell Square, the only difference today we need to use the Wembley Bag Drop, which is the other side of the stadium to the train station, slightly annoying as we were planning an early get away to beat the station traffic ahead of our short train commute to Stanmore. Coventry City are in the semi final and return to Wembley after their playoff final defeat last May, Manchester United we all know have been here before, it feels more blue than red as we make way off the train to the cheers and songs down Olympic Way, the atmosphere already feels better than yesterday, if Chelsea and City felt like ‘another’ game between the two… United and Coventry feels ‘exciting’ for one of these teams at least. The Sky Blues fans are in celebration mood and they want to be heard. The Venue We’ve had to walk miles to stick our bags at the ‘official’ drop where we are met by the most unprofessional team of people I’ve ever seen. Daz looks at me to ask ‘is my bag safe here’ as I reconsider my options, but we shove in our nights laundry and head for the Wembley turnstiles, the huge arch in view peering between the sky rises as we walk down past Wembley shopping centre. No fancy food today, but into Club Wembley we go and up the escalators, we have a pint in the Lioness Bar which I’m disappointed doesn’t show Sky Sports as I instead watch bits of Everton v Forest in the early kick off on my mobile phone. Just one drink today, so we are out a good half hour at our seats, soaking in the atmosphere which is electric, in front of us the Coventry fans are all in the stadium bowl, waving blue flags and singing ‘we live and die in these towns’ by the Enemy, it’s a song I’ve not previously heard, but over 30,000 fans singing, loudly, passionately, it’s incredible, I’m emotional to hear it and I’m not even a fan, a spine tingling unforgettable moment at Wembley for me, reminiscent of when my fellow Forest fans sung Mull of Kintyre during the Playoff Final, or when Liverpool sung You’ll Never Walk Alone after winning the FA Cup two years back, the Coventry fans are giving it, beautifully, one half of Wembley full, whilst the Manchester United section is still awaiting most of their seats to be filled, in fairness they go next with a rendition of John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads, we all know this one, and in fairness the Cov fans join in on that too, in fact they take over, a cracking couple of minutes karaoke, now I’m feeling the buzz for something special. The Game The two sets of teams appear to roars of the crowd and the game is under way and Manchester United immediately go on the attack. The Red Devils are dominant, they push, press, probe, they do it with pace, Marcus Rashford gets the ball and his ‘only’ objective is to run and take on his man, Alejandro Garnacho on the opposite wing does the same, but does it better, Rashford often loses the ball, but Garnacho draws fouls, he sometimes even plays it simple, I love Rashford’s ability but his IQ is so low, he doesn’t need to run through defences ‘every’ time… Especially when Coventry have ten set back. City are deep and organised but they struggle to get out, so the ball keeps coming back, Casemiro at centre half puts a couple of big tackles in as he starts moves from deep, Bruno is popping up in areas to get on the ball, Hojlund busy running in between the lines, a slick move down the right sees Garnacho feed Dalot on the overlap who crosses low for McTominay who runs in late, a training ground goal, textbook and impressive from United who are simply too strong. I’m ‘hoping’ more than believing Coventry can do something to get back in the match, Ben Sheaf looks neat in midfield, Haji Wright looks a player with ability, wing back Milan van Ewick is having a good game, but everytime the ball goes towards Ellis Sims upfront on his own, he’s surrounded by United defenders, too big, too slow, he has no pace to get away. The Score As half time approaches Daz nips for a piss and a shot is well saved and flicked over the bar for a corner by Collins in goal. Half the crowd have already gone in for their Bovril’s and Prosecco’s but thee following corner is headed home by Harry Maguire, another training ground goal, another routine finish, it’s more than deserved as United show their strength and ability. At the break we discuss heading off early to beat thee traffic, we’ve had a good couple of days out and it’s not our intention to stay too late, getting out of Wembley and on to the trains is quite simply a nightmare, add to that we need to walk around half the stadium to get our bags. But stay we do for the first twenty minutes of the second half and it’s more the same. United dominant, too good, today they’ve been very professional, very organised and very good in attack, Bruno Fernandes makes it three via a deflection, that’s our cue to go as we head out on 65 during a break for some substitutions. The Stars From what I saw, United were excellent, Bruno Fernandes was ticking things along, Mainoo and McTominay effective in midfield, the wide men a real threat, Wan-Bisakka asked to play left back, doing well, Casemiro making centre half look easy, whilst Coventry ‘tried hard’ they looked well beaten and out of sight, Ben Sheaf looks to be a player who can play Premier League football, as did Haji Wright, but as I walked away from the stadium, I did mention to Daz “Imagine if we miss the greatest comeback of all time, I suppose it’ll be something to tell the grandkids”. No fewer did I mention that, walking down Engineers Way, did we hear a cheer of Coventry score. By the time we got our bags, another cheer and they had scored again. The Verdict Interestingly, there were lots of fans already on their way to the trains even with the score at 3-2, but we luckily made the rush, a carriage pretty much to ourselves as we got the Jubilee line to Stanmore, a couple of Arsenal fans watching the match on their phone, one of them saying aloud “they’ve got a penalty”. Coventry did complete the comeback and take the game to extra time, and even I don’t need to tell you the rest, by the time the shootout was in effect we were almost at Newport Pagnall eating KFC, but what we saw, what I saw of Coventry, was enough to suggest that today was always going to be special. I’m glad I just saw half of it, because even I don’t think I could have brought myself to accept their remarkable late winner being chalked for offside. Manchester United will now face Manchester City in the FA Cup Final, again, for the second successive year. United will have to be at their best, and ensure the 60 minutes I saw, is continued for 90 minutes and more, because too often this season they have crumbled, and they are a very lucky team to be in with a chance of still winning this competition, a cup which they have won only once, in 19 years. The Teams Manchester United: Andre Onana, Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay (Omari Forson 103), Kobbie Mainoo (Christian Eriksen 72), Alejandro Garnacho (Antony 66), Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford (Amad Diallo 90), Rasmus Hojlund. Coventry City: Bradley Collins, Liam Kitching (Luis Binks 63), Joel Latibeaudiere (Fabio Tavares 63 (Matt Godden 105)), Bobby Thomas, Jake Bidwell (Jay Dasilva 80), Josh Eccles (Victor Torp 63), Ben Sheaf, Milan van Ewijk, Callum O’Hare, Haji Wright, Ellis Simms. 3:30pm Kick Off. Sunday 21st April 2024, Wembley Stadium, London (att 83,672).