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Manchester City 1-0 Chelsea (FA Cup Semi Final) All the news this week has been about the scrapping of replays and (more importantly) the FA’s decision not to consolidate with the EFL and over 700 nationwide clubs as they instead asked twenty teams from the Premier League to decide next seasons fate. From round one onwards no replays are needed, they get in the way of all that European football the big six and friends like to play, f*ck Blyth Spartans and Chesterfield… We’ve got our eyes on Lille, Leverkusen and Levski Sofia. The FA Cup has certainly lost its magic for me… And because of that, along with the price of the game these days and the persistence of using ten subs a match along with the painfully over-used poor practice of VAR, this will be my last season as a Wembley member, but I’ll be going out with a bang, with back-to-back semi’s and a night out in London with an old friend, let’s make a weekend of it and ignore the hate for now, just football, beer and fun. Daz is picking me up at 10am, a quick cup of coffee as we wait for my mrs to get back from the gym before I’m unleashed off dog duty, we take the M1 to Stanmore where he wants to park his car for the weekend so we can get on the tube, drop our bags in the hotel and head back north for a game that kicks off at 5:15pm. We’re in Russell Square for lunch and have a pint in the Friend at Hand before heading up the Metropolitan Line to Wembley Stadium where we have it all laid on, eat and drink as much as you like I feel the football is going to be a less significant sideshow today. The Venue The fans are stopping at the top of the steps of Wembley Park Station to take photos, we’ve a couple of hours to kick off but walk down the Olympic Way through the traffic of sky and navy blue and under the steps into Club Wembley’s entrance. They’ve made a few changes to improve the queuing system and in fairness it works as we enter further back but are straight through the barriers and up the escalator within minutes, before arriving at the Venue Restaurant, a fine dining type of place where you can help yourself to as many starters, mains and desserts as you like, with booze on tap as and when you need it. The next hour and half is about drinking, eating, chatting, quaffing, there’s a programme on the table, I’ve a lanyard over my neck, it’s certainly prawn sandwich but you wouldn’t believe you’re in a football arena. No after dinner speakers, no celebs, no smoke or sawdust of years gone by, just top chefs and busy waitresses with good, no great, food and drink. I always say it’s what you expect the world’s best sporting arena to be, the finest dining experience you can get at a football ground, after all Wembley Stadium is iconic, and so it all should be. Finally, after bellies are fuelled and bladders are emptied, we make our way down to the seats, ahead of the game, just, both teams and sets of supporters in shades of blue, the atmosphere feels disappointing, underwhelming, but the stadium in sunlight magnificent, I still don’t believe that the semi-finals of the FA Cup should be played at Wembley, as it takes the gloss of the final itself, but what a place to play football, as Chelsea start strong. The Game I’ve been watching Wembley finals since 2018 when Chelsea beat Manchester United with an Eden Hazard penalty to win the FA Cup, since then, I’ve seen Chelsea five times at Wembley, and they haven’t scored a goal. But today feels different, they start with attacking intent and look good on the break, Nicolas Jackson is causing problems with his pace, but he never looks like scoring, a player who has all the tools bar a) confidence and b) finishing ability. Phil Foden goes close as he rounds the keeper but his dink from a wide angle is cleared by the head of Cucarella, Cole Palmer dances into box at the other end but can’t beat Ortega with a low effort, by half time we’ve been entertained by a decent performance and of the two sides, we agree Chelsea have played the best. The Score It’s a bit of a walk to the upstairs restaurant where our half time drinks and cheesecake are waiting. We manage like the many in the middle seats below the Royal Box to make it only five minutes into the second half. Another reason why the semi’s shouldn’t be played here, most fans (or shall we call them corporate guests) prefer to not even bother coming out for the second half. I don’t like it, I do it, but I also watch up to 100 non league games a season without missing a beat, this is my day off to enjoy a little more than the show on offer. And it’s not been the best show, yes Chelsea are good, City disappoint, perhaps they’re tired from their Champions League exit on Wednesday, they keep the ball, probe and pass, they aren’t the most exciting watch in England due to the way they look to patiently grind teams down, but they are technically fabulous, Kevin De Bruyne is more instrumental, Jack Grealish combines with Phil Foden who’s shot is saved well, and eventually, as Chelsea begin themselves to huff and puff, City get their break through, Bernardo Silva right place, right time, after good work by De Bruyne see’s the ball eventually fall into his path. That’s enough to be the difference, at 1-0 there’s only going to be one winner, in the end they’ve had to be patient, but City just do, what City do. The Stars Pep Guardiola’s side are an impressive machine of players who can simply fit into whichever system they choose to operate. Likened to a high end Olympic compatible bike, Kevin De Bruyne is the back wheel that makes things happen when fully in motion, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish are the pedals you press down to get the best out of that wheel, Ake and Akanji the stabilisers when needed, Walker and Stones the breaks at the back, Rodri and Silva the handles that steer you back to parity when things don’t quite go your way. Chelsea were impressive and if this team can stick together under ‘Poch’ then they will have a chance to do something special next season, Jackson up top is raw and if nurtured could be a twenty goal a season striker, Cole Palmer is excellent, drifting into pockets and looking to make things happen, defensively they look much better when the great Thiago Silva plays centre half. The Verdict Despite losing to Real Madrid, City still have a league and cup double to play for and both competitions are realistic this season to win. Chelsea have the tools now to potentially grow, as a young team which needs a couple of experienced tweaks, they still look short for a title push next season, but they could certainly be back in the Champions League before too long, with potentially some silverware from a cup or two, coming back to Stamford Bridge soon. The Teams Manchester City: Stefan Ortega, Kyle Walker, John Stones (Ruben Dias 46), Nathan Ake, Manuel Akanji, Rodri, Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish (Jeremy Doku 65), Julian Alvarez (Oscar Bobb 88). Chelsea: Dorde Petrovic, Malo Gusto (Axel Disasi 79), Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva, Marc Cucarella (Ben Chilwell 88), Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez (Raheem Sterling 88), Noni Madueke (Mykhailo Mudryk 79), Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Nicolas Jackson. 5:15pm Kick Off. Saturday 20th April 2024, Wembley Stadium, London (80,902).

Weston Super Mare 1-1 Eastbourne Borough (National League South) I’m back home from Gateshead well gone midnight as I drive past a Kebab House on Nuthall Road still open, I’m tempted, but more tempting is to get straight back home to bed. Today I’ve got an equally as long journey than my commute and back to the North East on Monday, this time to the South West as I head down to Weston Super Mare and my first ever visit to their Woodspring Stadium. Weston won the Southern League (South) last season and this year have consolidated at the level above in mid table, safe from relegation and without chance of promotion, they are playing for pride, which is a dangerous beast, as their opponents Eastbourne Borough have all to play for. Eastbourne are in their thirteenth season at the level, having gone fully pro in the summer they had a terrible start to the campaign but recent form has seen them rejuvenated under Manager Adam Murray who has local connections to me, he previously managed Mansfield Town and played for Rainworth Miners Welfare, he has a few locally known lads based in his makeup, one of which Pierce Bird, who’s family I know quite well, it’s a fair old place to play his football on the south coast, currently on loan from AFC Fylde. The Seagull’s, as Weston are nicknamed, play in Swansea City all white, formed in 1887, they have had one or two re-incarnations, previous players include current England international Ollie Watkins who once went on loan here from Exeter, their Southern League success last season perhaps their most notable achievement. Eastbourne are much younger in comparison, changing their name from Langley Sports in 2001, they had three years in the National League 2008-2011 and have ever since pluckily survived at tier six of the English Football Pyramid. Their Chairman Simon Leslie has ambitious plans for the club and is a bit of a character, in the job since the summer I’m told he tried too much too soon which is no real great sin, but the initial results put Eastbourne in a predicament and it’s only recent form that has seen them fight for survival, a win tonight should guarantee safety but anything else, with a game left to play, it will go down to the wire and this weekend's match at Braintree. The Venue I travelled down the M42 and M5 with surprising minimal fuss, I’m in the town of Weston Super Mare in 3 hours, the geography is flat in a wide valley, with plenty of roundabouts, the sun is out as I pull up on a chalk coloured housing estate across the way and on the edge of town. The ground glistens in sunlight as I walk towards the turnstiles on Winterstroke Road, there’s a Lidl next door for emergency supplies, opposite is an industrial estate, as I approach the steward to ask ‘how to get in’, I notice a huge white board which says ‘Next Match’ in front of a low brick built clubhouse which is quiet for 6:30pm on this beautiful bright spring evening. I’m told to go to a side gate where I ask a lady if my name is on the list… “Not tonight” they can’t see anything, “Usually we don’t have your lot down here” I’m told. But thankfully I’m submitted a pass, let in through the door by a very kind chap and I walk into a flat, wide, beautiful, spacious non-league football home, pitch looking grassy, a bit left on, the stand to my right behind the goal is metal, big, a few red seats, crash barriers, it dwarfs everything else, far side is open ended with the dugouts and a bit of scaffold for TV cameras, near side has a couple of tin roofed seated areas which have seen better days, behind the goal to my left a low roofed stand, but it feels like a proper football place, a real quaint and charming bedded in ground of age, backed by trees and hills, looking even better in gorgeous dusking sunlight. The Game I meet an old chap who works for the away side, he’s lovely and fills me in with their situation, they need a win but they’re in fine form of late with one defeat in nine, they have a really good team, and they have a really good chairman, and they have a really good vibe as even the travelling players not in the matchday squad seem to have good banter with their staff. It feels like a good place to be at, surreal for a team that is not yet out of the relegation fight, to have such feel-good factor, as I’m told of a player, Yahya Bamba, recently picked up from Cray Wanderers, a striker who fell out of love with the game after being released by Brentford, but who’s helping turn Borough’s fortunes around, he’ll be one to watch tonight. The opening itself is a contrast of styles, Eastbourne 3-5-2 look to go back to front quickly and hit their attacking threat with direct play, whilst Weston are very neat on the ball, triangles from defence into midfield, Lloyd Humphries is a lovely footballer, stroking it about in the centre of the park, every time he gets the ball the crowd shout ‘shoooooot’ maybe alluding to the capabilities he has? Weston force Eastbourne goalkeeper Harrison Foulkes into a wonderful diving save early on but it’s Eastbourne who draw first blood, a long ball is misjudged and the pacey Bamba is through, he benefits from a mix up and sticks a leg out as the ball crosses the line to give the away fans (of which there’s not many) along with their staff and cheering chairman sat in front of me, a cushion of relief. The Score At half time the chap beside me has his tablet out, trying to work out the permutations from Taunton Town losing against Torquay, I say “in 45 minutes they’ll probably be a few more changes to that table” as he nervously tries to work out if Eastbourne can avoid going to Braintree in their final game needing ‘something’ to stay up. But Weston Super Mare are not worried about that, they come out from the interval with the shackles ‘off’ as they intend to attack, whilst Borough sit back, and decide to protect their lead. It’s damned if you do, damned if you don’t as I mention it’s a tricky stick or twist philosophy to entail, defensively Eastbourne look assured, by now they aren’t too adventurous going forward, they look to have pace on the break which does suit, but a moment of magic, or a mistake, and the hosts are back in the game. There’s a couple of nervy moments, the game has a bit of edge in the later stages, a couple of bookings as tensions rise, both sides have made all subs, but the Seagulls are still following the trawler as they aim to get level, they’ve had a couple of long range pot shots, most notably through Humphries, as the board goes up for six minutes extra, Borough fend off four into that, before Humphries tries his luck again, this time it’s on target, his previous couple of attempts hitting the roof of the stand (which isn't as high as it sounds), but this one forces Foulkes into a fingertip save, “he’s earned his money tonight” I say, but the following corner has an almighty scramble, and substitute Jamie Soule smashes home, a sickener for Eastbourne who’s two points dropped means their survival fight will now go to the last day. The Stars Some excellent performances from Eastbourne on a night where they dug in, defended well, and almost grabbed the perfect away, I had visions of Adam Murray being satisfied with that, more than any other game this season, for the very way each individual did their job, for 95 of the 96 minutes played, but that gut wrenching leveller would have changed the mood, from one of joy, to one of ‘what might, and should have been. Credit the home side who in the bald headed Luke Humphries orchestrated at times some lovely passing play, calm, short, neat stuff, one and two touch, a good side to watch and Manager Scott Bartlett deserves acknowledging for what he’s assembled. I liked big centre half Sam Avery who could play and mix it, left winger Bailey Kempster who got chalk on his boots, and James Dodd in midfield who combined with Humphries well, delicate and tidy in possession. For Eastbourne their star asset did look like Bamba who is tall, leggy, quick, quite strong and awkward as a centre forward, whilst the experienced Matty Green beside him didn’t have his best night, he battled, their defenders, in particularly Moussa Diarra, a solid warrior of a competitor, and right wing back David Sesay, who’s decision making and natural attributes was very good, all played well, goalkeeper Harrison Foulkes unlucky to concede, as he was probably man of the match. The Verdict As I said to the Eastbourne guys “good luck for Saturday” I couldn’t help feel like I wanted them to have had a better result, they equally wished me to come and see them at there place, where I hope, they’ll be playing National League South football next season. The club seems to be in a good place and relegation could banish that, so I feel for all involved, keeping them in the division is key, and I hope they can survive with a plan to build in the summer. For Weston Super Mare, I think they just tick along fine, good football, good fans, a good ground, it’s a lovely place to watch and play, and I’ll be back at the Woodspring Stadium again one day soon. The Teams Weston Super Mare: Max Harris, Keiran Thomas, Jordan Bastin (Jacob Crane 15), Lloyd Humphries, Jason Pope, Sam Avery, Robbie Willmott, James Dodd, Marlon Jackson (Jamie Soule 74), Dayle Grubb, Bailey Kempster (Rex Mannings 74). Eastbourne Borough: Harrison Foulkes, Brad Barry, Dan Quick, Alfie Bendle, Finn Ballard-McBride (Decarrey Sheriff 77), Sam Beard, Moussa Diarra, Matt Green (Jake Hutchinson 76), David Sesay, Yahya Bamba (Imran Uche 77), Pierce Bird. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 16th April 2024, Woodspring Stadium, Weston Super Mare (att 1,078).

Gateshead 2-1 Chesterfield (National League North) Almost a year a go today was the last time I saw Chesterfield play, they thumped an awful Torquay 5-1 at the Proact Stadium and I seriously had the Spireites as a threat to Notts County’s promotion party, in the end they were just a penalty away, as they took the Magpies all the way at Wembley in the playoff final. Gateshead, I saw much more recently, a month or so ago against Solihull Moors where they lost an entertaining match to promotion rivals 3-2, but they have a chance to put that wrong right at Wembley, as they soon look forward to an FA Trophy final against the same opposition. The fixture congestion has thrown up a bit of chaos, this game was originally on my list for Tuesday, but it’s been moved forward a day as the Heed host Aldershot on Thursday in a match that was controversially re-arranged after a late pitch inspection last week followed the Shots arriving at the stadium only to have the game deemed unplayable. Some harsh words were exchanged with a late flurry of rain leaving the pitch puddled despite the two teams leaving the decision as late as possible to get the game on. Aldershot had travelled by train a six hour plus journey without luck. I’m hoping tonight will be on as another late downpour flurries as I reach the GIS… I’ve stopped off at a KFC and fuelled up ahead of a match which Gateshead need to win to keep their promotion chances alive, Chesterfield already on their new League One beach after securing the championship with a few games left to play. The Venue I’ve pulled up in my usual spot where a seagull has landed on my bonnet, staring me in the face before flying off with the grandstand of Gateshead Stadium in my view, I’m off inside to get my press pass, I’ve been here four times this season now, it’s a bloody long drive and one which will see me back in Blighty for the early hours of tomorrow. Up the stairs of the entrance to the large concrete stand where the view is set back, but great, panoramic, I’m a good twenty rows up with the camera crew, laptop on my knee, paper cup of tea on the floor and twix in my pocket, as the rain falls, the sun shines, wind howls a chill in the air, a couple of rainbows in the sky which is half black and half blue, the setting is quintessentially English April as I look out to the horizon and the city of Newcastle upon Tyne upon the hill. The Game The hosts start well in their predominantly white over black shirts, they need to win tonight whilst Chesterfield in blue have made changes, giving guys a run out whilst some of their stars sit on the bench, and you feel there’s only one team trying to win it, the ‘champions’ have more of the ball but the ‘hosts’ do more with it. A slide rule pass into the penalty area looks to be too long but Dajuane Brown is quick, his long spider like legs get to the sphere first as Chesterfield goalkeeper Tyrer whips them away, penalty to the home side, no doubt, dispatched by Luke Hannant into Tyrer’s bottom left corner. The away side go close as the inventive Dobra gets on the ball and makes things happen, they have a lot of corners without luck and some desperate defending keeps the champs at bay, but Gateshead have chances themselves and Brown is sent through again, this time he tries to round the keeper and looks to have taken a bad touch to trip himself over as he flat faces the suface, the ball trickles out for a goal kick, but the Referee thinks Brown is too quick for the keeper again, penalty again, this time Tyrer is booked, no one in the crowd, not even Gateshead fans and staff, believe it’s a pen. The Score Hannant again dispatches in the same corner as the goalkeeper ‘nearly’ gets fingertips on it, and Gateshead are deserved two goal leaders at the break, Chesterfield Manager Paul Cook is booked for an outburst after what he thought was not a penalty, but his side have only themselves to blame. Chesterfield do however improve in the second half, they give Gateshead a couple of scares and pull one back on the hour when Manderville crosses low, the ball bundled into his own net by Louis Storey, but the home team hold on, their fans magnificent in full voice, despite only being just over 800 in attendance. The Stars Ed Francis in the Gateshead midfield wouldn’t look out of place in the middle of the park for Chesterfield, a cultured footballer from the Manchester City Academy and one who could long term replace the likes of Ollie Banks and Mike Jones who are these days the wrong side of 30. Francis is a silky cog in the Gateshead engine and would suit a higher level club who play football like Chesterfield no question. Whilst Dajuane Brown was largely the difference, the liveliest threat from Gateshead on the night was often from left winger Kain Adom who caused Ryheem Sheckleford plenty of problems. Adom is direct, quick, powerful with a bit of technical talent, back from a recent injury he looks an exciting young player aged 22. Exciting Chesterfield all season has been their own talented winger, Albanian Armando Dobra, twisty and turny he has real ability and can unlock defences in the final third, fortunately for Gateshead not many others were on his level tonight, Liam Mandeville another lovely footballer, but the Spireites never really made it out of second gear. The Verdict Chesterfield are champions, they’re already resting up and thinking about life in League Two which had large effect on how they performed tonight, whilst Gateshead still have all to play for, now secured in the playoffs, it’s not impossible they’ll be joining Chesterfield next season, with two potential trips to Wembley on the horizon next month? Can Gateshead achieve football league status? They certainly have the players, they have great noisy hard core fans and a stadium that is massive, but the gates and footfall don’t match the ambition of the club, perhaps because it’s not a brilliant place to watch a game of football, a huge athletic stadium on the edge of the Tyne in an industrial part of town, maybe they need to move to a real football ground have a real shot at progressing their giant, remember Gateshead is a city with a population near 200,000, Chesterfield is a town under half that size of locals, it should be no surprise that Gateshead are beating teams like this, even though it is. The Teams Gateshead: Nathan Harness, Louis Storey, Robbie Tinkler, Kenton Richardson, Luke Hannant (Joe Grayson 69), Kain Adom (Ben Worman 66), Ed Francis, Greg Olly (Callum Whelan 76), Regan Booty, Keiron Evans, Dajuane Brown. Chesterfield: Harry Tyrer, Ryheem Sheckleford (Michael Jacobs 86), Tyrone Williams, Jamie Grimes, Bailey Clements, Mike Jones, Tom Naylor, Liam Mandeville, Bailey Hobson (Harley Curtis 90), Armando Dobra, Joe Quigley (Ryan Colclough 77). 7:45pm Kick Off. Monday 15th April 2024, Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead (att 879).

Peterborough Sports 1-0 Farsley Celtic (National League North) Tonight’s football includes Real Madrid verses Manchester City and Arsenal v Bayern Munich in the Champions League. I did actually apply to cover the Arsenal game at the Emirates, but they gave me Peterborough Sports at Pims Park instead. It’s actually quite a big game. Peterborough were beaten 1-0 by Farsley on Saturday and a repeat result would lift Celtic out of the relegation zone and above Sports by a point, with two games after this one to play. Farsley’s form had been horrific, they have been in freefall since a decent start to the season and have only just found themselves in the bottom four, having not won in nine prior to their weekend win, whilst Peterborough have never quite done enough to get away from trouble this season, they went seven without a win in the league before beating lowly Gloucester but the loss to Farsley has them needing victory tonight, three points should be enough to all but save themselves for another season in the National League North. It’s been raining as I hear of pitch inspections up north but not so much in Peterborough I’m told, I’m in the car after 5pm heading down the A52 and A1 and arriving for 6:30 where the sun is shining, my walk from parking the car to the turnstile only brief as I notice a queue already to get in. The Venue There’s been a clamber on social media to get fans in tonight. Peterborough United won the FA Trophy at Wembley on Sunday and there’s a feel-good factor in the town with a larger than usual looking crowd already assembling on Lincoln Road. I’m next in line through the turnstile where the lady doesn’t even check to allow me in. “I’ve not got my glasses on so I’ll take your word for it” she says when I tell her my name ‘should’ be on her list. The players are already out warming up, a feel of spring in the air, it’s also half term so there’s a few young kids about, I’ve not eaten all day so ask the burger van man if he takes card and am happy when he says yes, I order a cheeseburger and coffee for £7 before noticing they do a kebab bap, and switch my order, a little healthier I imagine ahead of my nights duty of playing ball possession percentage on my phone. I’m sat down, sun slowly lowering off the pitch as the wind kicks in, it’s nippy as I chat to an old bloke who seems to always sit in the same seat, back of the tin seated stand which is offset towards the clubhouse end of the ground. He’s a Posh fan and always goes to Sports when the blues are away, he didn’t go to Wembley but watched it on the telly. “He never meant that in a million years” he said about winning goalscorer Harrison Burrows curling home a cross for a last minute winner v Wycombe. The Game I’m joined by a fellow scout from Bourne, he did go to the game on Sunday and got home for a reasonable time at 9pm, there’s plenty of people around us tonight, usually the seating here is where friends and families of the players sit, with the odd director and club official, tonight its full of bloody kids, screaming aloud they seem excited, singing “PSL, PSL”, I haven’t a clue what the ‘L’ is for? Leisure perhaps? The start is frantic, as you would expect in a relegation battle, Farsley buoyed by their win on Saturday are confident and seem better in possession early doors, Peterborough route one, they don’t take chances, get it forward and use their pace on the break. Mark Jones has a couple of low efforts saved and pushed out for a corner, Dan Jarvis then does the same, three efforts from the edge of the area all pushed away by Leban diving left in goal, the only real chances of the half. The Score My friendly scout from Bourne besides me keeps me updated with scores from the Champions League, City and Madrid keep scoring, so do Arsenal and Bayern, it’s nil nil here, windy and cold, kids are screaming at every incident in front of me and I’ve had a terrible bout of hayfever today, I’m sniffing, coughing, sneezing, I’ll gladly swap this now for a night in front of the telly. But soldier on I do. I’m keeping track of the ball but every time it goes down the far corner I have to stand up as the view at this place no matter where you sit is often restricted, it seems that during the start of the second half, Farsley have it camped in to where I can’t see, typically, but the one time Peterborough do get it out, Dan Jarvis scores, a break away by the lively Njoku see’s the ball ricochet into ‘DJ’s path, he takes a touch and prods home from inside the area, he has a timely knack of arriving into the box late and scoring does Jarvis, an underrated player who’s goals have been valuable for Sports survival this season. Moments later, Jarvis races down the left to cross into Njoku who has time and space but heads low and soft into the bottom corner where Leban can reach down and pluck, a huge opportunity for the Cambridge United loanee who’s not been at his best tonight. That chance with half an hour left is not rued by Peterborough though as they fend off the feeble challenge of Farsley, I’m asking my fellow scout “what are they good at” as all I see before me is an ok team of ok players with no real star attraction, structured yes, gutsy too, but no substance or style, the philosophy is one dimensional and no player stands out as the one who can 'make a difference'. Darren Stephenson is well marshalled tonight by Dan Lawlor and co, every challenge and tackle is cheered by the young kids in front of me who have really created an atmosphere, even the elders are getting involved to cheer the turbines over the line. And that they do, more chants of “PSL, PSL” echo until the whistle is heard, not a deciding factor in the outcome but they were certainly noted for their troubles, the PA man bursting with pride on the final whistle with “a special mention to the noisy children in attendance”. A touching moment after the game as every single one of the Sports players came over to clap and high five their little fans who stood in a line and each received a ruffle of their head for their troubles. Real football, real community spirit, the next generation appreciated for playing their part, seeing that alone worthy of missing out on tonight’s Champions League on the box. The Stars It wasn’t pretty at all, fast paced, high intensity, direct and scrappy, the one star to make a difference was Dan Jarvis who has a knack of scoring important goals. Elechi Ahui had a busy game from left wing back as did McCammon down the right, whilst Dan Lawlor, Connor Johnson, Rory McAuley, all combatted the threat of Farsley with comfort. The away side had some battling qualities and won’t give up their fight for league survival just yet, Ryan Watson was their main threat, replaced for Joao Silva who himself looked skilful with talent, although he does have a touch of petulance, Farsley didn’t really penetrate the Peterborough defence enough on a night they needed to score, centre back Danny Ellis and perhaps goalkeeper Lebran their best players of the night. The Verdict The three points for Peterborough now mean they are five points and five places aloft of the relegation places with two games to go. They’ll be ok as Farsley and Blyth who are below them won’t both win their remaining two games, Farsley might be in the relegation zone on goal difference, but they have Darlington and Buxton to play next whilst Blyth have high flying Scunthorpe and Brackley to finish, you’ll probably take Celtics fixtures over Spartans, but either side can still go down, or neither? As Darlington, Southport or Rushall all a win away from being caught, and they could also still join Banbury, Gloucester and Bishop’s Stortford in playing 2024/25 step three football. The Teams Peterborough Sports: Peter Crook, Matt Tootle (Cuba Meyer 74), Elicha Ahui, Connor Johnson, Dan Lawlor, Josh McCammon, Mark Jones, Dan Jarvis (Hugh Alban-Jones 80), Ashton Fox, Rory McAuley, Brandon Njoku. Farsley Celtic: Zan-Luk Leban, Harry Sheridan, Jordan Carroll, Chris Atkinson, Danny Ellis, Conor Branson, Ben Atkinson, Jack Evans, Darren Stephenson, Ryan Watson (Joao Silva 82), Michael Coulson. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 9th April 2024, Lincoln Road, Peterborough (att 550).

Alfreton Town 0-0 Curzon Ashton (National League North) It’s the start of the new cricket season this weekend but I’m not needed until day four at Trent Bridge on Monday so I’m on Saturday afternoon duty, booked in for a usual full-bodied non-league football encounter between Alfreton Town and Curzon Ashton. I’m excited to be heading the short journey into Derbyshire to a ground I’m very familiar with, I’ve asked the wife for a pound in loose change to give the guys in the press box who provide the tea and biscuits, and a quick glance at the table tells me both teams are locked horns, level on points in fifth and sixth respectively and equally fighting for playoff places. Storm Kathleen is on her way, the wind has picked up over the last 24 hours but the weather is mild, blue skies with a bit of cloud, as I head out the door and up the M1 just 20 miles from my home, a local one for me, which makes a nice change. The Venue I’ve pulled up on North Street as the Curzon coach appears, I’ve had nothing to eat all day and there’s a petrol station at the top of the road with a Co Op, so I take a walk and grab a ginsters pasty and pack of beef hula hoops. I’ve got time so finish my grub in the car as I listen to Crystal Palace v Manchester City on the radio, before walking over, ten to two, across the car park and into reception, the wind howling as the door slams shut behind me, “go straight through” says the man with a clipboard when I say my name, entering the corner of the ground, the pitch sloping down has a bit of grass left long, in reasonable but bobbly looking condition, the red paint pealing off the posts propping up the roofed terrace above the walkway to my right as the wind whirls up a gust, I’m heading straight for the press area and some cover as I walk past the away teams changing rooms where music blurts out. I’ve sat down on the back row of an elevated two tier platform for press use only, it's tight but cosy, there’s a couple of photographers as folk congregate near a glass door, “Anyone for a cuppa” a club official shouts. “I’ve brought my pound” I reply, apparently nobody who visits ever pays but the staff at Alfreton do pay out their own pockets for tea bags, coffee, milk, bourbons and custard creams and they always say “help yourself” whilst expecting nothing but a charitable donation back. It's a little price to pay for the upkeep of a lovely service, for a quid I get access to a kettle and as many biscuits as I like, they’ve even brought out the cakes today, a sticky little fruit flapjack for anyone who wants one. As I’m sat down with a cuppa and cake, writing the teams out, another gust of wind whirls in, I’m looking down onto the pitch, in sunlight, the Alfreton chief tweeter telling me the last match of the season is at Scarborough. A night out planned, the hotel is already booked. The Game It’s cagey is the opening as Alfreton go long but struggle to deliver the ball where they want it in such strong wind, the first half is niggly, feisty, but fair, the only person moaning is a fan sitting to my right, every decision he contests as he frequently tells the linesman on this side what he should, and shouldn’t be giving. Long throws are hurled into the Curzon box, all dealt with quite well, in return the away side look to play on the break, and look the better with the ball, a shot five or six minutes before half time by Sinclair from outside the box is pushed around his posts by Willis, the first attempt on goal of the game, but for an earlier blocked effort by Waldock at the other end. The Score I’m pouring myself another brew at the break as we discuss a damp squib of a first half, it’s not been the best but tensions are high, neither side want to give anything away and although it’s been ugly, the best players have been the centre halves, one of which Dwayne Wiley of Alfreton is booked for a big heavy challenge on half way. A reducer as we say in the game. He's a big unit but not one I would like to play against. “Billy’s launched into them at half time” we are told as shouting is heard from within the doors of the Alfreton changing room, they don’t improve much however in the second half as Curzon again look like the ones more comfortable on the ball, but it’s far from a classic, there’s far from much incident, my first nil nil since the FA Cup Final of 2022. The Stars There’s key battles between target men and man marker as Kennedy Digie keeps Jimmy Spencer quiet, at the other end I’m impressed with Marcus Poscha, he besides Devon Matthews get the better of Jake Day who’s busy but doesn’t really look like ever scoring. Alfreton’s wide man Jordan Thewlis is direct and positive, Curzon number 7 Isaac Sinclair is equally as immediate in the way he plays, a forward thinking footballer who likes to get on the ball and make things happen with jinking ability, unfortunately on this service, in these conditions, against this opposition, it's easier said than done. I’m impressed again with Jordan Richards at right full back, he used to play for Alfreton Town I’m told and I vaguely remember, whilst Stefan Mols is a player with ability, but he wasn’t allowed to get in the game, Town’s aggressive defending collectively impressive rather than individually brilliant. The Verdict South Shields apparently won 7-0 against bottom side Bishop’s Stortford to leapfrog both Alfreton and Curzon in the table but with Curzon facing Bishop’s and another of the leagues relegated sides Gloucester next, they’ll be confident in a maximum six points from their remaining two matches of the campaign. Alfreton have three games left, like Curzon they have Gloucester next, on Tuesday, before hosting Spennymoor and that trip north to sunny Scarborough at the end of the month. By then, they’ll be hoping to have a playoff slot already wrapped up. The Teams Alfreton Town: George Willis, Josh Clackstone, Nathan Newell, Adam Lund, Kennedy Digie, Dwayne Wiley, George Cantrill, Jake Day (Ryan Taylor 87), Liam Waldock, Billy Fewster (Lewis Salmon 89), Jordan Thewlis (Gerry McDonagh 75). Curzon Ashton: Joshua Olleranshaw, Marcus Poscha, Devon Matthews, Alex Kenyon (Luke Griffiths 67), Isaac Sinclair, Jimmy Spencer, Will Hayhurst, George Waring, Stefan Mols, Jordan Richards, Adam Barton. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 6th April 2024, North Street, Alfreton (att 665).

Peterborough Sports 1-0 Gloucester City (National League North) As I scrolled through my phone in bed, a photo appeared on my ‘X’ of Ian Rush in an Everton shirt on the cover of Shoot Magazine in 1989, still to this day the best April Fools I’ve ever seen, an early indication of what to expect as I trailed through the morning’s news. April 1st might be one to look out for if you don’t like jokes, but it also marks the business end of the football season, the final month of the campaign, where promotion and relegation is all but resolved as the league season draws to a close. Neither Peterborough, nor Gloucester have promotion in sight, but they do have relegation woes. It’s funny, the bottom three of the National League North are three of the southern most teams, perhaps a telling sign that the likes of Bishop’s Stortford, Banbury and Gloucester can’t get the best local players to play for them as they perhaps opt for clubs whose away days aren’t so demanding? My away day today is less demanding than usual. Only 50 miles or so is Pims Park on Lincoln Road, from my south Nottingham home, I’m on the road for 12:15pm but word is the A52 is shut… I’m panicking a little as I head towards it, so am using Sat Nav to guide me away, I’m touring the vale of Belvoir, bouncing over country roads at 60mph in the middle of North Leicestershire without a clue where I’m going, just hoping to join the A1 somewhere, after some time I’ve finally made it, I’ve lost a bit of time on my ETA but there is no rush, before you know it I’m passing RAF Wittering and onto the A47 and arrive and park on Thistlemoor Road for 1:30pm as I switch off the radio and Leicester City’s match with Norwich to get out the car, and head down the short walk past the Medical Centre and Hand Car Wash towards the turnstiles where the sun is trying to appear. The Venue Apparently, it’s £16 to get in today. A fortune for football at this level if you ask me. But already there’s a decent crowd as players have wives and children watching them play, it’s a lovely vibe, a family affair, the sunglasses on the heads of the glamorous young ladies in attendance. I’ve parked my bum early in the seated stand, at the back row behind the press desks which are shamefully touchline level, a better view four seats up, bit of shade too, it’s slightly parky, I’ve still got a coat and hat on but the sun when appears gives your face a lovely glow. The pitch in good nick, to my left is the new terracing that’s been in place this season, it really adds a stadium feel to this otherwise quaint and dinky little home, behind the Colin Day Stand, a small seated area in the opposite corner of the pitch, a church steeple over the houses, directly in front is a bit of all sorts, an out of use goal net, a couple of dugouts, a TV gantry on scaffolding, a roofed area for no more than ten people, the changing rooms, turnstiles and a couple of portacabins for toilets, to my right a roofed stand behind the goal which only covers half the breadth of the pitch, above that netting stopping balls astray from reaching the car park. The Game Sports are only two points clear of the relegation zone so it’s a game they need to win as they aim to pull away from those below, Gloucester very much down bar the maths, they’ve picked up in recent weeks but are eleven from safety, they start with tiny tank like midfielder Elliot Durrell playing right back, they have two more players in attack even smaller than him, Teddy Rowe and Harry Pinchard both look to have ability as they feed off bulgy target man Danny Wright. I’m impressed with Gloucester who certainly seem to be playing with freedom in fluid 4-2-3-1, but Peterborough seem to have that bit more strength, in attack they have a new player on loan, and one who I watched and was hugely impressed with earlier this season, Brandon Njoku is just 19 years old, his parent club Cambridge United loaned him to St Ives where he scored a dozen or so goals at step three, he’s since joined Sports following injury to their main striker Mark Jones who earlier hobbled past to take a pew, Njoku looks far from out of place at the level above. He's small but quick, progressive, an irritant for big defender Harlain Mbayo who he has a real good battle with. The striker reminds me of a young Ian Wright, full of running and when he gets half a yard he unleashes. Early chances are few and far between, Peter Crook’s goal is hardly tested whilst at the other end, the Turbines hit high wide and not so handsome on a couple of occasions. Peterborough’s best chance comes after 40 minutes. Njoku finds Jarvis who rounds the keeper but has his shot cleared off the line, then Njoku grazes the bar with a fired attempt, the striker then tests the goalkeeper with a low driven shot from the edge of the area, the half time whistle coming perfectly timed for Gloucester. The Score I check the scores on my phone as the bloke sitting next to me nips off for his half time pint, he comes back and is shortly after followed by a man in full club tracksuit who passes him a pie, I think to myself he must have some pull, as the two teams re-appear the sun now beating down on the surface, the home team in orange with Gloucester in green. The away side start the second period really well, they take the game to their hosts and have a lot more possession, I don’t mind their set up, dreadlocked haired left back Jamie Reckford is barking orders on this near touch line as centre backs Mbayo and Duffus deal with the threat of Njoku, the tiny playmakers of Pinchard and Rowe look a real menace on the break and 35-year-old Danny Wright in attack is strong, physical, he wins more than his fair share of headers against a tall defensive line. Gloucester are gaining the edge but a soft free kick is awarded on 66, the ball pumped into the air is only half headed away by Reckford and Dan Jarvis comes in from nowhere, a couple of touches, one prodded through a crowd of players as the ball bobbles low beyond Thompson for the opening goal, it’s been harsh on the away side who perhaps don’t deserve to be down. Manager Mike Cook reacts by bringing on Theo Robinson, an ex-football league forward of many clubs who partners Danny Wright in attack, but their duet age of 70 has the much younger defenders in opposition at ease as everything is defended in front of them, despite their best efforts as Gloucester start to pump balls in. Peterborough deal with the threat and often head away. The best effort for more goals is through them, Brandon Njoku who’s largely been quiet, he looks like he’s long been running out of steam, but late on he picks up the ball and luckily gets away from one, there’s no luck as he darts past another and then he glides into the box before shooting at the near post, Thompson dives to his left to keep out and put behind for a corner, what a goal it would have been, what relief for those defenders who have eventually came off the pitch ran ragged, saying they managed to keep his tally to nil. The Stars Njoku was awarded man of the match to large mutual applause, he’s not yet a man at just turned 19 but he’s certainly some player and I’ll be keen to see how he progresses, a natural talent with an eye for goal, they’ll be clubs hovering over the next season or two. I’ve seen a lot of Peterborough Sports this season, but one player I often fail to mention is Hugh Alban Jones who had a terrific game in midfield, willing to break up play he has a cultured right foot and can spot a pass amidst their otherwise direct, back to front philosophy. For Gloucester they’ll sadly go down, now needing to win their last four matches to stay up, and they might lose a couple of their players who look more than adequate at the level. Jamie Reckford is now 32, but he offers experience and determination in defence that many a club at step two would take, Harlain Mbayo at only 26 could even play higher. As for the attacking players, Harry Pinchard and Teddy Rowe have talent, Rowe is on loan from Aston Villa but he’s certainly no Emi Buendia, he looks good for the level which is a long way off Premier League, whilst Brandon Smalley shown a bit of deceiving pace as a no10, if the club is to bounce back, keeping the likes of Smalley and Pinchard, would certainly help. The Verdict Peterborough are much better than their position suggests but that win will help ease any small concerns of relegation, not out of it yet, they are five points clear of the drop, with four to play, whilst Gloucester need a miracle, but in fairness they’ve known that for a long time, credit them for not giving up, I suspect they’ll take a scalp in their final four games, because they aren’t a bad outfit at all, a club who’s been in turmoil, hoping to reset this summer. The Teams Peterborough Sports: Peter Crook, Connor Johnson, Elicha Ahui, Dan Lawlor, Ashton Fox, Josh McCammon (Cuba Meyer 33), Dan Jarvis (Kellen Hickinson 71), Brandon Njoku, Hugh Alban Jones, Rory McAuley. Gloucester City: Jarrod Thompson, Elliott Durrell, Tye Duffus, Harlain Mbayo, Jamie Reckford, Josh Smile (Brandon Liggett 49), Joe Hanks (Josh Barlow 49), Harry Pinchard, Teddy Rowe (Theo Robinson 66), Brandon Smalley, Danny Wright. 3:00pm Kick Off. Monday 1st April 2024, Lincoln Road, Peterborough (att 450).

England 2-2 Belgium (Friendly) The first ever international between these two was played in 1921 in Brussels, when Charlie Buchan and Harry Chambers helped England to a 2-0 win. England have won the majority of matches against Belgium, 16 in all, Belgium just five and this is the 26th match between the two, although in recent times the Red Devils have fared much better than the Three Lions having won three of the last four meetings since 2018. Saturday’s loss to Brazil means this is rather important not to lose, for Gareth Southgate who’s doubters will always echo his poor record against the football elite. Belgium might not be the side they were back in 2018 but they can still shift a bit. England are considered amongst favourites for Euro 2024 but this is last chance to show what their players can do, before the Manager announces his squad for the finals this summer. Speaking of shifting, it’s 3pm and I’m heading out the door, I’m taking the neighbour tonight who’s last trip to Wembley was during London 2012. She’s a huge football fan and this is a bit of a treat, I’m hoping she’s not left disappointed. It’s started raining as I head down the A453 onto the M1, plenty of chit chat in the car we discuss England’s hopes this summer and the gameplan of Gareth Southgate tonight. I’m a huge fan of the England Manager but he does have his flaws, I’m not expecting an entertaining evening because his sides don’t often entertain, which leaves me thinking ‘why’ am I leaving work early on a Tuesday afternoon to trapes 200 miles in rush hour traffic and watch it at all? It’s like a drug though, watching England isn’t for the feint-hearted and it’s certainly not always about the event, but seeing players today, that could be superstars tomorrow, playing with superstars today, that will be all time greats tomorrow, there’s something about the highest level of football which I really love, and it doesn’t get any higher than representing your country. The Venue The rain hasn’t stopped since getting on the M1, two hours and more I’m on the North Circular by 5:30 and heading around the back of Ikea on to Great Central Way where there’s a few ‘park for cash’ outlets in the surrounding industrial estate. I’m handing over thirty English pounds to an Albanian on the full understanding the next car park up is only twenty, but I like it here, my exit strategy means I’m best placed for less traffic and I can quickly march, through the rain, down Engineers Way past the high rise apartments that surround the stadium and its arch. Glowing in white and red the neighbour stops off for a picture at the foot of the Wembley steps on Olympic Way, as we quickly head under them towards the Club Wembley Entrance where it's dry. Up the escalators we notice the 2024 Nike shirts on the walls, the away one takes my fancy, past the Bobby Moore Suite and onto level two where there’s plenty of choice of eatery, we grab a programme before taking a look at the surroundings, the spectacular pitch green and well lit underneath the huge bowl of red seating. More pics for the neighbour who takes a heavy breath of sigh, I tell her ‘still now I get goosebumps everytime I walk out into this amazing arena’. She said "I didn't expect it to feel that emotional". Back inside we grab a quick beer to settle the nerves, a Camden Pale Ale with a lager top as i'm driving, in the Lioness Pub we’ve ordered Pizza and Nachos for another thirty English pounds, it’s been a struggle getting a seat so we’ve still a slice left and half a pint to sup as we reach 7:30 and fifteen minutes before kick off, the whole feeling of the place has you totally forgetting you’re at a football match, I’ve not even yet checked the teams. The Game A light show flashes during some loud dance music as we take our pew, a cushty number on the aisle behind the East goal, the teams announced onto the field, the venue 85% full, England and Belgium walk out in the torrential rain that hasn’t stopped since we left for Nottingham. The anthems are respected, and sung, the Red Devils fans to our red most colourful and loud, the action underway as England in ‘raisin’ take on Belgium in Man City blue. The action is positive from the off, Gareth Southgate’s side noticeably attacking tonight, which in effect exposes a rather ropey back four, John Stones has already hobbled off, before Jordan Pickford kicks straight to Tielemans, who delivers side footed a shot low from range into the corner of the net, one mistake, one goal for Belgium. It’s an annoying error as England have been on top, but they break through when the lively looking Ivan Toney is tripped inside the area by Vertonghen, he steps up and takes the penalty, coolly slotted home for his first international goal. Jarrod Bowen thinks he’s done the same, he heads home from close range following a deep corner routine that is knocked back to him but VAR intervenes and cancels goal. We can’t see why from here but the Referee, arm up, gives us the verdict that somebody was offside. The Score We’ve already had more shots than Saturday night and I like the way England have came out and attacked, they press high and nick the ball in good positions in the final third, but defensively they don’t convince, Lewis Dunk who made an error for Endrick’s winner in the Brazil match, makes an error again, he slips whilst sliding in on Lukaku, who retrieves the loose ball and curls outside of the foot to Tielemans who diving in heads home what is a truly classical and memorable Wembley goal for Belgium. England haven’t deserved to be losing at half time but two mistakes have proven costly, Bowen has at least three opportunities, Bellingham two, and in the second half that same duo prove England’s biggest threat, but it doesn’t look to be our night. Before long, the paper aeroplanes are back, Belgium fans are attempting to start a Mexican Wave as a number of subs are made, by now most of the fans have left as the half drags to a close, I’m predicting the headlines again of ‘Southgate Out’ and the TalkSport phone in on the way home, that will no doubt provoke the hoards of drunks to call for his head, but on a night which hasn’t been his best, one thing about Jude Bellingham, is his incredible desire to win, to not give up, and he keeps going, and going, and going, after missing earlier chances, he’s dictating things in the rain, finally he has a bit of space inside the box, it’s England’s last opportunity with four minutes of injury time already played, and Bellingham, unleashes low and hard, to save Southgate's bacon, he won’t be getting a heavy slaughtering tonight. The Stars Footballers like Jude Bellingham are just different, his persona rubs off all when he sprinkles his magic and in the stand you cheer, clap, gasp, admire, he doesn’t just ‘glide’ nicer than everyone else, he says ‘sod it’, this is ‘about me’ and he leads like true world class footballers do. Declan Rice was captain, and is brilliant, but Jude is the leader, the talisman, the star of the show, he knows it, Belgium know it, everyone in the stadium knows it, and he’s still only 20 years of age. Bellingham wasn’t great, but he did what great players do, and pulled something out of the bag, eventually, and in having players like that at their disposal, England will always have a chance, to do great things. On a night where plenty of positive performances outshone those two errors for Belgium’s only real efforts on goal, there’s plenty of food for thought, who Gareth Southgate takes on that plane to Germany. Ivan Toney, and Kobbie Mainoo, have now failing injury, possibly made it? Ezri Konsa and Jarred Bowen did themselves no harm, as did James Maddison with a late assist. For Belgium, this wasn’t as star studded as sometimes previous, but in Jeremy Doku they had speed, in Leandro Trossard they had elegance, in Romelu Lukaku they had power and in Youri Tielemans they had precision, on the night I was impressed by Theate at full back, and the leggy Onana in midfield, they two had an achilles heel of defensive instability, but as an attacking force are a serious outfit in particular on the break. The Verdict Gareth Southgate spoke after the match about ‘not liking’ his side being so ‘open’ which may ensure for the opening match against Serbia in the summer, he’ll add a bit more resilience and protection in midfield, so his defence doesn’t get over-exposed again, but I liked this England performance much better than the pragmatic, make yourself hard to beat style they shown in losing to Brazil, that doesn’t really suit the attacking players at England’s disposal… But we by now know what to expect from Southgate, who’s players do still play for him and the badge, and who obviously still enjoy the burden of representing their country, something that others haven’t always previously enjoyed in years gone by. Quarter Finals at best for me? With Kane and Saka we could achieve what has long felt like an impossible dream but I think the shackles on the attacking flow will be holding us back to full potential. If we come back from Germany having reached a final I'll be very surprised indeed. As for Belgium, in a funny way, no pressure at all, they might over-achieve, they have the capabilities and squad depth to reach the last four, where after, anything can potentially happen. The Teams England: Jordan Pickford, Ezri Konsa, John Stones (Joe Gomez 10), Lewis Dunk, Ben Chilwell, Kobbie Mainoo (James Maddison 74), Declan Rice, Jarrod Bowen (Anthony Gordon 80), Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Ivan Toney (Ollie Watkins 80). Belgium: Matz Sels, Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast (Wout Faes 82), Jan Vertonghen, Arthur Theate (Aster Vranckx 71), Youri Tielemans (Thomas Meuneier 71), Orel Mangala (Lois Openda 82), Amadou Onana, Jeremy Doku, Leandro Trossard (Dodi Lukebakio 60), Romelu Lukaku (Michy Batshuayi 82). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 26th March 2024, Wembley Stadium, London (att 80,773).

England 0-1 Brazil (Friendly) It was May 2000 and one of England's last ever appearances at the old 'Twin Towers' when I excitedly took the journey south to watch the Three Lions for the very first time, take on Brazil. The team Kevin Keegan assembled, Seaman, Neville, Neville, Campbell, Keown, Beckham, Ince, Scholes, Wise, Owen & Shearer. Subs used for England, Parlour, Fowler, Phillips, Barmby... Whilst for Brazil, Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo went with Dida, Cafu, Aldair, Antonio Carlos (nope, me neither??), Sylvinho, Cesar Sampaio, Emerson, Ze Roberto, Amoroso, Franca and Rivaldo... Subs used Roberto Carlos, Denilson and another chap called Emerson, although I'm not entirely sure which was which? I do however remember the beers in JJ Moons, the packed crowds down Wembley Way and Owen scoring for England before Franca levelled on the stroke of half time. Stand out players were Beckham, Shearer, Scholes, for Brazil I couldn't help but be blown away at the sheer fitness levels of Cafu, the most energetic footballer on the pitch by some way, last man defending, furthest forward in attack, a modern-day full back who I still admire as one of the greatest I've ever seen. That game has long been locked into my memory and it still feels like it was yesterday, now 24 years ago, that's what England v Brazil can do to a young 22 year old football enthusiast.. in awe of the rolling names of superstars on show, It's not just the best game an England 'fan' can attend at Wembley... Ask a footballer who they 'want' to play international football against... They'll 'all' say Brazil. That's why I was pleasantly surprised when this latest game between the two nations was announced last year. Even the wife wants to come to this one and she doesn't like football.. although she does enjoy a day out and the tickets I get these days, at this wonderful renowned stadium, will often include a bite to eat with the prawn sandwich brigade. So we'll make a night of it. I'm stopping at the Fox & Goose Hotel on Hanger Lane, we've had a quick drink ahead of our Uber which picks us up with a good three hours to go and I specifically ask the driver to take us down the North Circular, traffic is always a nightmare for England games and getting on to Harrow Road takes us a good fifteen minutes, but we finally pull up at the Wembley Triangle and make the walk up Wembley Hill Road and onto South Way where I spot a bar I've not previously noticed called Sixty Six. A year which will be forever remembered as England's finest. The Venue It's huge but these days only appears behind the growing number of high rises, the arch seeming through the gaps in between buildings, people stopping at the foot of Olympic Way to get a photo, we go straight for the lower levels where there's a newly done up Club Wembley entrance, I pass the old metal detector test as the wife has her bag checked, through the barriers and up the escalators to the third level and the venue restaurant. We're sat in between a couple of Pompey fans to the left, a couple of Villa fans to the right, the banter is good as the wine is poured, a three course help yourself style buffet, the food always first class, you feel far from being at a football game, no after dinner speakers or rowdy tables of drunks, just upper echelon football fans talking football and business over the tightly packed twin tables as the waiter fills up the flutes with more prosecco and brut. Well fuelled and filled we head down towards our seats at around 6:45pm, a Wembley light show is keeping the masses entertained as I go through the glass doors to the middle level, behind the goal at the East side of the stadium, pitch covered in flags ahead of 7pm kick off, a roar is heard as the players enter before silence, and a moment to reflect on the passing of former England manager Terry Venables, who’s face is also on the front cover of tonight’s match program. The Game England have given a debut to Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon who starts in positive vein whilst Foden and Bellingham show elegant touches before being hacked down as Brazil’s midfield looks to clamp down early on England’s golden boys. The South Americans control possession, quickly passing between themselves, it’s swift, silky, fluid, they are by far not at their best these days but technically are still superior to England who instead look to have size and strength on their side. Bruno Guimaraes lifts a ball over the top to the rapid racing Vinicius Junior in attack, he takes a touch away from the defence and passes towards the net past Pickford but Kyle Walker gets back and clears away, Paqueta then hits a post before Maguire’s short back pass lets Raphinha in to shoot wide, England’s best attempts in an underwhelming first half for the hosts, Watkins and Chilwell both blazing over. The Score We’re back up to our seats at the Venue Restaurant where there’s a beer waiting although I have to remind the waiter to fill up my wife’s glass of prosecco, by the time the second half has kicked off we’ve missed a few minutes but nothing of the action, the second period is without a shot on target and by now the loudest cheers are for a smaller than usual bout of paper aeroplanes which manage to make it onto the pitch, thrown from the stands above. It all looks like ending in a stagnant stalemate, Gareth Southgate has made his substitutions including 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo for a debut as Brazil trump even that, 17-year-old Endrick replaces Rodrygo and immediately looks busy, England are caught out defensively and Vinny Junior is away again, his shot deflecting off Pickford into the path of Endrick who bundles home into the empty net, and thus becoming the youngest men’s international goalscorer at Wembley, a superstar in the making? Perhaps. Endrick rushes away to celebrate with the Brazil fans in the corner, a goal that they have more than deserved, the better team on the night, in the lead, but you can’t help but feel it was a lead given to Brazil by England’s failings, rather than a well worked opportunity created through some samba magic. That winner coming after Southgate shuffles his pack, ensures England have no more cards to play, and the visitors comfortably see out victory on what is a pretty underwhelming evening, but fortunately I’ve still got an hour and half’s free drinking to do, which helps me drain my sorrows slightly. The Stars Endrick is the star of the show with his late cameo, the Palmeiras striker has reportedly already agreed to join Real Madrid, short and tubby looking he’s been likened by the experts to Romario, a natural centre forward who sniffs goals, his first international one in just his third cap will certainly be one of many more to remember. Brazil’s superstars of 2024 may not be as highly regarded ‘yet’ as those of years gone by. Vinicius Junior however was a real threat with pace and dynamism, a positive player who you feel feels responsible for making Brazil better again, Rodrygo another with ‘potential’ to forge a decent career at the highest level. Paqueta and Guimaraes more familiar to English fans, offering a workmanlike midfield with a touch of class. For England, Jude Bellingham didn’t have his best night but is one that stood out who looked to have wiry ability to make things happen. Elsewhere it wasn’t one to remember for many, Kobe Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa aside, as all three made their national team debuts. The Verdict It’s all a bit underwhelming. England perhaps proving they aren’t as good as we think they are. Brazil are probably a little better than first thought, but players were missing, no Neymar, no Kane, so no conclusions need to be made from a Saturday night practice in the park. Just a shame Gareth Southgate didn’t show a little more ambition with his substitutes. He used five centre halves in the game and left Toney & Maddison on the bench. A freebie to entertain and he didn’t even bother to do that! Little wonder why the England manager often divides opinion. The Teams England: Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker (Ezri Konsa 20), John Stones, Harry Maguire (Lewis Dunk 67), Ben Chilwell (Joe Gomez 67), Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher (Kobbie Mainoo 75), Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham (Jarrod Bowen 67), Anthony Gordon (Marcus Rashford 75), Ollie Watkins. Brazil: Bento, Danilo, Fabricio Bruno, Lucas Beraldo, Wendell (Bremer 89), Joao Gomes, Bruno Guimaraes (Douglas Luis 79), Lucas Paqueta (Andreas Pereira 71), Raphinha (Savio 78), Vinicius Junior (Pablo Maia 90), Rodrygo (Endrick 71). 7:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 23rd March 2024, Wembley Stadium, London (att 83,664).

Barnet 2-1 Eastleigh (National League) If Barnet win all their remaining games this season, and Chesterfield lose all theirs, the Bees will be champions of the National League and promoted back to the Football League for the first time since they were relegated from the ‘92’ in 2018. Slim pickings and unrealistic as the Spirietes have outright promotion destiny in their own hands, 24 points clear at the top of the table with just seven games remaining, I think it’s safe to say they’ll do it. Barnet in second place do however have their own pride and points to play for, by winning and securing a top three slot in the division, they’ll avoid a ‘KO’ tie ahead of a playoff semi-final which by finishing second, or third, will be played at home, so much incentive to keep winning and avoid any potential slip ups. Eastleigh got hammered at the weekend by Rochdale, they’re keeping their heads above water in the relegation fight but it’s tight down the bottom with just six points separating 23rd and 13th, one of those in the survival fight, Woking, beat Barnet on Saturday 1-0. I’ve never been to the Hive. It’s been on my bucket list for a while and on Monday morning it’s suddenly appeared in my diary that I’ll be needed, so without hesitation I’m emailing the club for a ticket, by Tuesday lunch I’m told where I can collect it, and I’m in my Merc for 3pm, heading south down the A46 towards Leicester, M1 past Luton and off at junction 4 where I stop off at a McDonalds in Edgware and fill up on my own much needed fuel. The Venue Originally built for Wealdstone FC the clubs then investment partners went into liquidation during 2003 and the local council placed the lease up for tender and it was Barnet, who in needing a home, took on the site soon to be called 'the Hive', originally for training purposes. By 2013 the club moved from their Underhill Stadium to the redeveloped complex which has several 4g pitches adjacent, but there’s been recent requests to get Barnet back home, as Canons Parks is a good six miles away, the ground as I pull up off a side street on Camrose Avenue, hidden behind a housing estate of 3 and 4 bed 20th century semis. There’s a few kitted out youngsters outside the gates, “you want a ticket” one says? I’m thinking it’s youth team players touting their freebies but in fairness they’re trying to give it away, “we’ve got one extra” I’m told “you can have it if you want it”. I tell them “I’ve got one in the bag” as I walk away and hear them shout out to their next punter “excuse me sir”. On my lengthy walk through the car park and past the many five a side pitches I’m joined by a ‘walking footballer’ who asks me “don’t you prefer a game with us tonight”. “I would love it” I reply, “but don’t think I’m old enough”. I’m told the cut off is fifty and up but kudos to the old bloke who thought I could make the grade, I ask him if he’s ever tempted to get into a jog when playing “Oh no” he replies sternly, “we don’t allow that”… “Not even a little burst”  I reply? As I wish him well and to ‘have a good blowout’ I reach the glass fronted ticket office in the corner of the post millennial built stadium, I tell the young man behind the counter ‘I’m collecting’ and ticket in hand i'm on to the turnstiles, operated by a scanner and a red or green light, nothing more, I’m finally in after a couple of attempts as the rain starts to fizzle around in the air, it’s that really fine stuff which gets you wet, as opposed to the really hard stuff which does exactly the same. Inside the arena, I find myself standing at the players tunnel entrance, eerily quiet there’s a couple of photographers, a couple of stewards and the Eastleigh media team of two sitting down as a tube train goes by behind the stand on the far side. To my right, stand 66, the name why, I have no idea? Behind the goal, it’s an all seated modern metal number that sits alone, almost identical to the one opposite where I’m stood, the Legends stand, which is an orange seated roofed stand running the length of the pitch, far side is nothing but a grassy bank, the stand I’m in, has a couple of rows of seating, and a platform for disabled spectators which backs on to the Hive Bar, a modern drinking establishment packed with flat screen TV’s. The view from the press area is two rows high, level with the pitch you are close to the action and even closer to the dugout, as TalkSport’s Moose walks by and gives me a nod to say ‘hello’. The Game There’s only a few in tonight, the rain is falling as the Moose takes selfies with fans, he’s collared the Dorking and Bromley managers on scouting missions for a snapshot as a fella walks in the ground holding a cuddly toy monkey. Club Mascot Mr Brumble looks to have some competition. The two teams walk out to Guns & Roses ‘sweet child o’ mine’ as the sparse crowd applauses, a handful of no more than fifty in the far side of the stand to my right, Eastleigh away, far side has scatterings of Barnet fans with a drummer boy somewhere at the back, making a racket not entirely in sync with his fans, he's certainly no Steve Adler. As the Moose perches up behind me and takes a chunk out of his chocolate bar the action is underway on a skiddy slippery surface in front, and the home side look to have had a rocket up the arse from Manager Dean Brennan (who’s serving a touch line ban) after defeat in Woking at the weekend. Barnet do things quickly, throw-ins and goal-kicks are taken almost as soon as the ball goes out, back in play as the team look to catch their opponents knapping. Eastleigh have five across the back, although their wing-backs are more like wingers, frustrated they have to defend, their Manager Kelvin Davis keeps talking to Enzio Boldewijn who doesn’t seem comfortable in the job he’s asked to do. It’s a good start from Barnet who play neat passes and get it wide, they don’t complicate things, they use their left wing to get as many crosses in as they can, and after an array of corners take a deserved lead on 18, Dale Gorman with a bit of space outside the area, he lets fly with an absolute belter that rockets into the net. The Score Barnet are good value, another cross into the box is curled in, headed up in the air and young Gatlin O’Donkor, on loan from Oxford City, acrobatically volleys his temporary home into a two goal lead, it’s been one way traffic and is Barnet’s to lose from here. They sense going for the killer blow, like Anthony Joshua against Andy Ruiz in New York, they have sent men forward for their umpteenth corner, it’s cleared and somehow Chris Maguire has the freedom of the pitch to run through and score, unattended, a quick brake due to defensive negligence, Barnet from control to on the canvas, Eastleigh back in it ahead of half time, a goal that gives them a much needed lift. At the break Ben Strevens, a former Barnet player and former Eastleigh manager, is having a chat on the touchline, looking dapper in a light padded knee length coat as the rain continues to fall. It feels like a non-league ‘this is your life’ as there’s plenty of recognisable faces, I’m just better with names than faces so struggle to recognise most of who’s who. The second half action underway, and Eastleigh spurred by their lifeline are more game, more physical, more front footed during a second half where Barnet look to defend and break on their opponents. The hosts aren’t nearly as good as they were in the first 45 but credit the away team who have a real plucky go, one big save is made by Laurie Walker but he’s kept relatively quiet, at the other end Gorman tries to replicate his earlier effort from distance but blasts well wide, in the end the Spitfires falling short but they’ll be upbeat that they can survive the relegation fight from taking on a team who have a real good opportunity to be playing in the Football League come August. The Stars Barnet’s teenage on-loan striker Gatlin O’Donkor took his goal really well, whilst next to him in attack, Nick Kabamba, the clubs leading scorer was busy, wiry, positive in his play and a real menace in particularly in the first half for Eastleigh’s three centre halves to handle. The away side had one stand out in particular, right sider Oscar Rutherford was a lovely looking footballer, silky and skilful on the ball he looked always to beat his man and had very good close control, their main threat Paul McCallum missing for the evening whilst on England ‘C’ duty. The Verdict Barnet are certainly the division’s best of the rest after 39 matches played, seven to go they’ll be best hoping for a top three finish so they go straight into the playoff semi-finals with two further potential cracks at promotion. Eastleigh might be looking over their shoulder in an extremely competitive fight to stay up, but they have plenty of tools to be good enough, but more of their second half performance please, if they believe in themselves a little more, they certainly have some players that can hurt opponents and playing to those attacking strengths is what they need to ensure they’ll be a National league club next season. The Teams Barnet: Laurie Walker, Reece-Hall Johnson, Ben Coker (Idris Kanu 77), Danny Collinge (Jordan Cropper 83), Jerome Okimo, Dale Gorman, Nicke Kabamba, Anthony Hartigan, Gatlin O’Donkor (Jordan Maguire-Drew 63), Adam Thompson, Zak Brunt. Eastleigh: Joe McDonnell, Nigel Atangana (Luke Croll 46), Ludwig Francillette, Ben Reeves, Jake Taylor (Solomon Nwabuokei 84), Enzio Boldewijn, George Langston, Lee Hodson, Chris Maguire, Scott Quigley, Oscar Rutherford. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 19th March 2024, The Hive, London (att 1,018).

Sheffield United 2-0 Crystal Palace (Women's Championship) It's Sunday, 10am, pissing down outside I'm leaving the dog home alone as the Mrs is already at the shops, I need to be in Sheffield for a midday kick off at Bramall Lane in the women's championship. Crystal Palace are going well in the table, they have a chance to go top against the Blades, having recently beaten them 1-0 just seven days ago. I'm up the M1 and off at junction 33, down the Sheffield Parkway where the weather takes a pleasant turn. I've checked Google maps and Sunday says the surrounding roads of the stadium are free to park. Useful to know as you can plonk your motor pretty much outside the doors when the women play. Only one stand in use the crowds are growing at this level but still sparse, the sort you used to get when reserve team men's football was regularly played on first team pitches. The Venue I've parked on Randall Street which is directly behind the Bramall Lane Stand. Walked the short distance to John Street and through the turnstiles of the Family Stand. A quick pit stop and brew, a steward tells me "there's plenty of seats, sit anywhere you like". Out into the sunshine I'm about ten rows up, level with the eighteen yard box, it's a fabulous view as the players warm up. Bowl like huge red seated stadium it has an opening between the Tony Currie Stand and the Kop which views on the distant green hills of Yorkshire in the background. You get a feeling of sentiment when you sit back and remember the history this venue has, once an England test cricket venue of course, it's been home of United since 1889 and these days feels like a traditional proper English football home, distinguished with it's cantilever roofing and propped up pillar behind goal end. The Kop is a grandstand fabulous in full flow, single tier it stretches back high and looks magnificent empty, even better when full. The Game In some ways the place feels ever more serene as an almost empty cauldron as the two teams come out to miniscule applause, a crowd of little more than a thousand, mostly families of players and young children, as a recording of the chip butty song kicks into play which no one bothers singing too. On eight minutes there's an ambient applause as the home crowd remember midfielder Maddy Cusack who died last year, one young girl has the number eight on her back, fitting and spine tingling that the player is far from forgotten following her tragic death, he image posted on the electric scoreboard for one whole minute as play continues to the back drop of quietly clapping hands. Palace are much fancied and on paper have the better team, but the Blades have started well and crack a post early on. A half of few incidents is drawn to a close, a sunny scorching day where I've even had to take off my gillet. The Score There's a children's dance group on the pitch offering half time entertainment, it's average but is possibly the best action of the game. A nice touch, twenty kids bopping in all black on the side of the playing surface, each of them with mum and dad, dad and dad, mum and mum, sisters and brothers, the odd relative, it puts on a good few extra on the gate, a positive way to endorse the women's game to those that might not otherwise watch it. On with the action, by now the many kids in the sparse crowd are jumping over chairs and running up the aisles, not arsed about the on field stuff, but in fairness to them, there's not a lot going off. One baby no older than six months wearing a Crystal Palace shirt with 'Auntie Aimee' on the back is really putting the hard yards in, mum & dad taking it in turns to walk the little thing up, down and around the concourse. Time is ticking and the children are tiring but a United corner on 66 is headed home by Rachel Brown. That suddenly sparks mild celebrations as a deserved lead is taken by the home side. Palace make instant changes but not enough to inflict any damage on Fran Stenson's goal. I fail to register any serious second half attempts from the Eagles, before another corner, swung in from the right, by substitute Jodie Hutton, flies straight in. Game set and match, the best team most certainly deserving of the points as the Blades players start to provide their own post-goal dance act. The Stars United forward Sophie Haywood is tall and skilful and she looks to have some real threat up top. Bex Rayner is busy in the attacking third and defensively the Blades are strong, in particular, left back Charlotte Newsham plays really well. Little but gutsy, she sticks to her task and never puts a foot wrong, one big tackle on Araya Dennis who's double her size has me nodding in appreciation. For Palace, I liked the look of Hayley Nolan at centre half who read the game well and was decent in possession, but it wasn't a day when many of their players could hold their heads high. The Verdict With that win United go sixth, they'll consolidate another season in the second tier of women's football, whilst Palace will rue missed opportunity. A win would have taken them top with a game in hand on Sunderland, instead they are one point behind the black cats, but they'll need to be better than that, If they're to pip them to the league title. The Teams Sheffield United: Fran Stenson, Charlotte Newsham, Sophie Barker, Molly Graham, Tara Bourne, Bex Rayner Alanta Brown 90), Izzy Goodwin (Jessica Sigsworth 90), Ash Hudson (Charley Docherty 84), Sophie Howard (Tamara Wilcox 90), Ella Kinzett, Rachel Brown (Jodie Hutton 84). Crystal Palace: Demi Lambourne, Ria Percival (Kirsten Reilly 81), Aimiee Everett, Hayley Nolan, Felicity Gibbons, Chloe Arthur (Anna Filbey 74), Shanade Hopcroft (Shauna Guyatt 67), Annabel Blanchard, Molly-Mae Sharpe (Lucy Watson 81), Izzy Atkinson (Araya Dennis 67), Elise Hughes. 12:00pm Kick Off. Sunday 17th March 2024, Bramall Lane, Sheffield (att 1,000 est).

Boston United 3-0 Farsley Celtic (National League North) Last weekend, Kelsey Mooney & Jimmy Knowles became the first players since 1967 to score hat-tricks in the same league game for Boston United as the Pilgrims beat Gloucester City 7-3. Back then, Boston were in the West Midland League, anyone who knows the geography of Boston in Lincolnshire will notice it’s about as East as you can go in England, but apparently, after reformation in the early sixties, the club burnt a few bridges in their region and instead headed to the likes of Tamworth, Kidderminster and Port Vale Reserves where they won back to back titles and thereafter became founder members of the Northern Premier League in 1968. Last weekend, as a birthday treat for the wife, we stayed in the cider mill adjacent to the oldest house in Wales which was apparently used for Prince William and King Henry IV as a hunting lodge in the Wye Valley. Middle of nowhere the nearest town was Builth Wells as we took the dog for a walk in the peaceful, idyllic and very grey Elan Valley. The weekend before we were in Belfast doing the Titanic Museum and tour of their sectarian peace lines, although the best thing about the trip was trying a local delicatessen at St Georges Market, the Belfast Bap packed with six or seven rations of bacon with sausage and egg, you could hardly put it in your mouth but it tasted unreal, it’s been a blast but it’s good to get back to the routine of Saturday afternoon football. 12:30pm I’m out the door after a spot of hoovering and a cheese toastie for breakfast, I’ve filled up a flask of coffee and hit the A52 towards Grantham and arrived at Wyberton, a short walk from the Jakemans Stadium which I’m at by 2pm, in the queue behind an old friend where we collect our accreditation for the game. He tells me of a player, Bradley Wood, who’s playing his first game today for Grimsby Borough after a 6 year ban. Apparently, I vaguely remember he ‘deliberately’ got booked in the 90th minute of an FA Cup game whilst playing for Lincoln City against Ipswich Town in 2017 and a curiously large amount of money was put on his name. His foul indirectly led to Lincoln snatching a late win after a poor Ipswich free kick was cleared away and the Imps broke out in numbers to snatch a memorable winner, a £2m plus cup run that ended with the then non-leaguers playing in the Quarter Finals against Arsenal at the Emirates, created off the back of a lad trying to make a few quid for his mates. I wonder what the odds are on him booked upon his return? The Venue Modern, sleek, it’s the best venue in the National League North for me, I love coming to Boston, a long and boring drive over many flat fields all be it, but one I can switch off with my thoughts along, assisted by the ramblings of Talksport where todays game is Wolves v Coventry in the FA Cup, parking up, over the road on a new housing estate, is easy enough, a short walk past the franchise coffee shops and you arrive at this magnificent structure, still not yet complete, but when one day it is, it’ll be stand out no matter what the division, due to its quirky floodlights and bowl shaped surroundings. The view is great from the press seats, high enough but up close, leg room is fine with a nice flip table, directly behind the supporters who love an eff and jeff. There’s around 30 Farsley fans opposite in today as the Boston PA behind me says ‘we’ve had worse away following this season’. The Game Farsley’s form under player manager Clayton Donaldson hasn’t been great, their young media guy tells me in a broad West Yorkshire accent “we started alreet, pushing fut playoffs but av’ slipped tuther downt league” the Celts are seventeenth and are looking over their shoulder after just one win in eight. Boston are gaining traction on the playoffs after hitting seven at Gloucester last weekend, the away team from early doors look to be heading down the damage limitation route, 5-3-2 the order of the day as they get men behind the ball and make themselves hard to break down. Boston control possession but begin to get frustrated, until a pass into Kelsey Mooney’s feet has him swivel away from his marker Rudy Misambo who gets too tight too soon, the son of former Watford striker ‘Tommy’ is away and calmly slots home for an opener as the home crowd cheer. The Score Plan A out of the window, Farsley do push up on the front foot and Darren Stephenson, played in un-marked has a shot smothered by the alert and imposing Cameron Gregory, that save keeping the Pilgrims ahead at the break. The second half however has Boston back on top, nothing from a toothless away side who barely lay glove. A Martin Wood free kick is headed home by Mooney on the hour and the striker completes his hat-trick when substitute Michael Gyasi strides away on the break, he pulls back for Mooney to complete his second hat-trick in a week. A first back-to-back hatty for Boston since 1966 I’m told. The Stars Only one man stood out for the pre match collection of the sponsors awarded Brut, Kelsey Mooney was having a frustrating first season in Boston’s attack, stuck on seven goals until Gloucester he got four against the Tigers and three against Farsley and is now suddenly having a prolific campaign on 14 goals, what a difference a week can make. Mooney is a busy young striker who’s hold up play is improving and with a bit of pace and power he’s a nuisance in attack with the equally useful Jimmy Knowles. I like them both together as they keep distance between each other which allows space for either, and a double whammy threat on the break for opponents. Boston have a relatively strong spine with Cameron Gregory arguably one of the best goalkeepers at the level, Michael Bostwick is often brilliant in defence alongside the no-nonsense Brad Nicholson, the likes of Keaton Ward and Martin Woods, combative in midfield, and they have some pace and skill out wide. Sam Smart is a talent, Gyasi, Keziah Martin, Deji Sotona all more than useful from the bench. Farsley failed to offer much at all in an attacking third, I liked big Tom Allen on the left side of centre half, Darren Stephenson shown glimpses with a couple of stylish nutmegs on the half way line, he’s a player who’s came back from injury and should he link up with player-manager Clayton Donaldson, more often, in attack, if they played together then Farsley could be a tough side to contain, but Donaldson is 40, Stephenson now in his thirties, relying on players past their best is a tricky conundrum to entail. The Verdict I really fancy Boston for the playoffs where anything can happen. Scunthorpe and Chester maybe favourites for next best behind champions pending Tamworth, but the Pilgrims can compete with all those above, so if they do make it, I’ll be willing to back them as the surprise package in the promotion push. Farsley should, have enough to stay up, not that their media guy was too confident, the side is in freefall right now and although they have not been in the relegation zone yet this season, every week they are looking over their shoulders, that bit worryingly more. The Teams Boston United: Cameron Gregory, Jai Rowe, Ethan Sephton (Lucien Mahovo 81), Brad Nicholson, Michael Bostwick, Keaton Ward (Deji Sotona 83), Martin Woods, Kelsey Mooney, Jimmy Knowles, Sam Smart (Michael Gyasi 80), Dylan Hill. Farsley Celtic: Zan-Luk Leban, Harry Sheridan, Lewis Turner, Jack Evans, Rudy Misambo, Tom Allen, Ben Atkinson (Jordan Carroll 87), Conor Branson, Michael Coulson, Darren Stephenson (Clayton Donaldson 73), Sam Leverett (Ryan Watson 79). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 16th March 2024, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,522).

Aston Villa 4-0 Ajax (UEFA Europa Conference League Round of 16) Johnny van’t Schip was one of my favourite overseas players when I was nine or ten years old. I think there was something about his name? Then he did play for the greatest Dutch side in my lifetime. The Netherlands team of 1988 still rolls off the tongue… van Breukelin, van Aerle, van Tiggelen, Koeman, Wouters, Rijkaard, Vanenburg, Murhen, van Basten, Gullit, van’t Schip… That’s my team (and one which I didn’t even need to google to jog my memory)… Unfortunately, the current Ajax ‘interim’ Head Coach was the only name in that list omitted from the Euro 88 final as Erwin Koeman instead, played down the left in the 2-0 win against USSR. He was however an integral part of that squad and one of only 22 players (Cruyff, Bergkamp, Sneijder, van Dijk etc all omitted) to win his nation major international silverware. Ajax have had it tough this year, they hovered dangerously above the drop zone under Hedwiges Maduro before van’t Schip took charge in October and the former Ajax star himself, a player of over 300 appearances winning four Dutch titles between 1980-90, has since risen ‘his’ team up the league table towards some parity, currently fifth but someway behind leaders PSV, they won’t win the title, and probably won’t even get near to second where Feyenoord of Rotterdam sit, themselves 19 points ahead of their Amsterdam based rivals from an hour up north in the lowlands. I’ll admit I had to do some research ‘why’ Ajax have been so bad. A club that in recent years reached the semi-finals of the Champions League with the likes of Antony, Donny van der Beek and Frankie de Jong, but one that year after year is forced to sell their best academy assets for huge capital appreciation. They still have an unbelievable youth set up and as I write down the names of their squad members on Thursday morning, I notice the age of the players is ridiculously low. Take Borna Sosa and Jordan Henderson out of the side that drew 0-0 with Aston Villa in the first leg of this competition last week, and the eldest of the rest of the XI is only 22. Because of that, I’m excited to see the latest conveyor belt of Dutch footballing talent tonight, I’ve had to switch off ITV’s coverage of Cheltenham to iron my jeans and put on my flat cap, head out the door of my Nottingham home, I’m filling up in Ruddington before hitting the speed humps of Clifton and cruising down the A453 past Ratcliffe on Soar power station, onto the M1, briefly, before crossing East to West down the M42 and finally, after a bit of traffic at Tamworth, hitting the M6 and coming off at Spaghetti Junction down the A38 and towards Aston station as I look for somewhere near an industrial area to park. The Venue I’m on UEFA duty tonight. That means I’ve got to find my accreditation somewhere in the stadium but ask any one who works here and they haven’t a clue. I’ve walked up the Witton Lane and past the Holte Pub onto Trinity Road, Aston Park to my left, the fabulous steps to the Holte End on my right. Under the huge stand in front, I’m looking for some glass doors marked North Stand reception, as I’m pointed right around the ground, I’ve still someway to go. The place is just huge. Finally I’m here, squeezing through a car park clipping wing mirrors with my lap top bag, the back of the stands daunting in size as the sky darkens above, growing foot traffic, there's still a good hour and half before kick off, you sense there’s real excitement in the air tonight. Villa are back, they’ve played in Europe this season of course, but this is a proper big tie. Two real traditional European names that have iconic football history. Finally I’m at the door of the North Stand, I’m told to go to another door, who's gating steward then tells me to go to another door. I’m eventually sent to the press lounge where my bag is checked and I’m given a wristband, before being told I need to go back to the doors where I started. Luckily I have a phone, so instead use that device to meet someone outside the North Stand reception, we then travel to an entrance near the turnstile of the Witton Lane Stand, a quick check of our badges by a friendly steward and up the lift to level two, we are walking up the steps of the stadium, past a load of coppers in a line, Ajax fans to our left, then up the gantry to the commentators position, stretching the length of the pitch we have choice of desks on the half way, high up with a birds eye view, the ground below stunning as the rain falls heavily, as you look down and get vertigo you can see the touchline under your feet. The Game There’s a light show as Aston Villa fans give a resounding edition of Hi Ho Silver Lining, there’s fireworks going off on the roof of the stand opposite and smoke everywhere. I turn to my colleague and say “it’s the round of sixteen, not the final” but it’s a great atmosphere and feels like a really special occasion, I’m hoping the game will produce the goods. The start is sceptical, each side sniffing out each others danger players, an air of caution as the away side strut their passes with Jordan Henderson, booed everytime he touches the ball. But Villa grow in the game, their first sniff of danger is when Diaby gets in, he rounds the keeper who blocks his attempt from the angle, first corner is swung in by Douglas Luiz and straight on the head of Ollie Watkins who is unmarked, the Holte End roars and the home side have the lead in the tie. Watkins, who's been hobbling earlier is shortly after substituted with a knee injury. It’s been a stop start first half as an Ajax player, Kaplan is also replaced, injured. At half time we check the other results in Europe, both West Ham and Liverpool have scored five goals each, perhaps we are at the wrong game? At least we have a pack of fox's crunch biscuits to munch on. The Score Ajax have to go for it in the second half but in truth they offer little threat. Villa winger Leon Bailey has been threatening all night, he plays a neat one-two with Luiz and suddenly he’s through, calm and composed he drills in low and puts the home side two up, it seems it’s going to be Villa’s night. That is further emphasised as Ajax leave themselves short, they have another player off injured as they delay making a substitute and already reduced to ten, centre midfielder Mannsverk is last man, he’s pulled back Duran through on goal and is given his marching orders, a second yellow for him, the away fans start to sing Bob Marley’s ‘Don’t worry’. It’s past the worrying stage though, Ajax by now have nine on the pitch, before finally getting their latest sub on, they are toothless and offer very little threat, Villa’s dominance surges when Duran crashes one in off the crossbar, a thunderous shot that bounces ‘just’ over the line, that leads to another opposition player going down. The hosts lead further stretched when Diaby runs through, given too much space out right by the poor Borna Sosa who’s had one of those nights, perhaps he should have feigned injury to get out of chasing back Bailey and alike all night? On 90 minutes exactly the Referee blows for full time, not one to inflict further pain of Ajax it’s a sensible solution to finish a game already well won, the fans re-enact their earlier rendition of Hi Ho Silver Lining, plenty of cheers and celebrations on a memorable night finished with a touch of Sweet Caroline. Villa Park a special place, Aston Villa under Unai Emery, a special club. The Stars My first ever viewing of Pau Torres, a Spanish International who I know Aston Villa fans have been raving about, and my eyes were instantaneously drawn to his elegance and his reading of the game, in car terms he looked like a Rolls Royce, stylish and smooth, deciding when to drop deep, when to go in for the press, and was a calming influence on the rest of his side, an easier nights work for him perhaps, or he simply made things look easy, but he certainly did the things you don’t notice, better than anyone else on the pitch. Leon Bailey was a constant threat down the right with speed and intention ‘always’ to take on his man, but player for player, the home side were very good. McGinn in midfield, Cash at right back, the whole lot played really well. In truth, I was hugely disappointed with Ajax, the stars I had selected pre-match, doing little to fulfil me with confidence for their future, a long way off Premier League class, Brian Brobbey is an unfashionable striker who I like the look of, but nothing more than a Dutch Britt Assombalonga, think of all the good number nines Ajax have had over the years… van Basten, Suarez, Ibrahimovic, and he’s certainly not in the same league of elegance, but he has a certain way, a physique built for power, he actually has a lot of goals this season but is more likely to bobble one in off his shin, then chip in off the bar from 30 yards, although the old saying says, they all count the same. Kenneth Taylor from what I’ve seen is a player who can do that. He scored a cracker at the weekend in a 2-2 draw against Fortuna Sittard but was non-existent tonight. Hugely disappointing from him, as was Sivert Mannsverk who was sent off, but probably looked like Ajax’s best player with the ball at his feet. As for Jordan Henderson, selected in the latest England squad I wanted him to do well, to prove the doubters wrong, he did ok, but the scoreline won’t do him any favours. The jury on whether Gareth Southgate has done the right thing in ‘again’ choosing him to play whilst long past his sell by date, will probably be at a majority verdict non-favourable, and he certainly doesn’t merit being chosen after that. The Verdict Villa are favourites and could go on to win this competition, they also have the added bonus that it’s very likely five teams from England will be in the UEFA Champions League next season. They do however have an issue after Ollie Watkins limped off, hopefully it’s nothing too serious for the England international and he still has a major part to play for the remainder of the season. Ajax themselves have a lot of work to do, but nothing a couple of inspired, experienced signings wouldn’t put right. What they would do for the like of a Dusan Tadic right now, they need a playmaker, a number ten, someone to take on responsibility. Christian Eriksson in the summer for a homecoming perhaps? They’ll probably finish third or fourth in the Dutch league and evade disaster following their awful start, they know their place in European football right now, which is sadly not elite, but the faith I have in the model, is that Ajax will be back, one day, and as a football purist I long to see the day they conquer Europe again. The Teams Aston Villa: Emiliano Martinez, Matty Cash, Diego Carlos (Clement Lenglet 74), Pau Torres, Alex Moreno, Morgan Rogers (Youri Tielemans 46), John McGinn, Douglas Luiz (Omari Kellyman 83), Moussa Diaby, Leon Bailey (Tim Iroegbulam 74), Ollie Watkins (Jhon Duran 33). Ajax: Diant Ramaj, Devyne Rensch (Benjamin Tahirovic 79), Ahmetcan Kaplan (Chuba Akpom 39), Jorrel Hato, Josip Sutalo (Anton Gaaei 69), Jordan Henderson, Sivert Mannsverk, Borna Sosa, Kristian Hlynsson, Brian Brobbey, Kenneth Taylor. 8:00pm Kick Off. Thursday 14th March 2024, Villa Park, Birmingham (att 37,916).