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Celtic U19 2-3 Feyenoord U19 (UEFA Youth League Group Stages) I’ve woke up on a single bed in a box room in Workington and my ankle’s giving me jip. It’s boiling as I don’t know how to turn the heating off. I’m hobbling over to the bathroom for a shower before hitting the road for Scotland. I’m heading for Carlisle before joining the M6 and A74(M) where I find a stunning service station set back, mountains in the distance, sat beautifully on a lake, Johnstonbridge is my new UK number one with a McDonalds, Costa, WH Smith and BP Garage with M&S, everything you need from a services but with looks to kill. Off fuelled by a sausage and egg McMuffin I’m back in the car heading north at a snail’s pace with time on my side. The sun shines between cloudy spells midst magnificent views ahead of reaching Hamilton, where I nip into Next and Boots at a Retail Park to pick up some Xmas bits. Finally arrived on the hills of Mount Florida, I’ve pulled up with Hampden in my rear-view mirror and parked on a side street before walking down to the prequel for the day’s main event. It’s Celtic v Feyenoord in the UEFA Youth League and it’s being played at Lesser Hampden, these days known as the City Stadium for sponsorship purposes, a ground that sits side by the home of Scottish football. The Venue I’m walking through the car park of the main arena as I notice the banners have gone up for Aberdeen v Rangers and the Scottish League Cup Final which will be played on Sunday. Pictures of Scotland greats including Denis Law, Alex Ferguson, Archie Gemmill, emblazon the exterior of ‘greater’ Hampden whilst down below, to the left, an idyllic looking renovated property that sits on the land of which has been home of Scotland’s oldest football club, Queens Park FC, since 1873. These days it’s of modern nature but that doesn’t mean it’s not classy and distinct. A big turnstile entrance in the corner painted in black allows you through with a smart scan of your phone. A kiosk offers Scotch Pies of which I oblige with a tea. There’s a small but subtle sign on a brick wall, black with white writing with an arrow pointing next to the words ‘seating area’. It’s only two sided, renovated between 2012 and 2015 the covered seated stand I’m in runs the length of the pitch and gives a cracking, comfortable, unobstructed view whilst being really close up to the play. Brick walls below the backdrop of tall houses and flats either end behind each goal, opposite a classic tall black painted pavilion with seating. The place ‘oozes’ football aristocracy, within the boundaries of these four walls it feels like it means something to play here, whilst outside, looking in, you see how the other half may live, peering through the windows of their two bed squats and their high rise homes onto the field of play, it feels like you have to play here if you’re any good at football in Scotland, and if you are, you get to eventually step inside next door’s huge impressive scaled up enclosed amphitheatre. The Game I’m sat with some Celtic scouts at the back row of the stand it’s all very comfy as the teams come out. Feyenoord Head Coach is Robin van Persie. His son is number nine. I can tell you which one he is instantly as he’s just perfectly crashed home a volley in the warmup. Sweet as his old man, a chip off the RVP block. Despite the Feyenoord quality however I’m immediately impressed with Celtic who dominate possession and get an early goal when a neat move down the right is tapped home by Lewis Dobbie. The home team have been the aggressors, three at the back they have ‘inverted’ wing backs who like to get forward, they’re a technical team and one that press hard, work hard, play quickly, every goal kick is taken almost instantly from the ball going out of play. I feel it’s a Brendan Rogers philosophy to get his team playing in his style through the ages. Celtic impress and double their advantage, same route of attack as a left wing low centre is finished by Daniel Kelly who looks a handful. He’s been earmarked for first team football aged still eighteen. Another player earmarked is one I really like, the big powerful composed defender Lenny Agbaire. I ask a scout ‘what’s the plan with him? He looks ready for first team football to me? Are you sending him out on loan?’ the reply is “he might be in the first team in January”. Robin van Persie has seen enough. His side have been outplayed, 2-0 down they aren’t at the races and the former Manchester United and Arsenal striker wants to make a statement. 38 minutes gone he makes three subs. And with it, the momentum turns in the away teams favour. The Score Celtic do go in at the break with a two-goal cushion but Feyenoord look hungrier and improved. In the second half they press harder, higher up the pitch, and begin to dictate proceedings, a couple of chances go begging before Givairo Read stands one up for Aymen Sliti to nod home. Celtic are clinging on and are left fuming when they want to make a double substitution as the Referee refuses and instead books goalkeeper Joe Morrison for time wasting. With a minute left Feyenoord level through Kraaijiveld before Celtic have a chance to win it late on. Vata races away through on goal but see’s his shot stopped and at the other end, Feyenoord attack, Nesto Groen unleashes and his twenty yard thunderbolt crashes into the roof of the net. Scenes sparked are outrageous as the Dutch team go crazy, there’s people on the pitch, they think it’s all over? Het is nu! The Stars Celtic impressed me more than Feyenoord did which is strange having lost the game but they were brilliant for long periods, wing-backs Quinn and Bonner effective, Carse in midfield was busy with Kelly and Vata good in attack. The stand out however was Agbaire in defence who reads the game well and is not just a big physical presence, he can play a bit too, in fact, they all can. As for Feyenoord their fortunes changed when they made their substitutes. On the left, Rainey Breinburg got them instantly going, whilst on the right, Givairo Read was brilliant. His crossing on another level and everytime he got the ball I sensed danger for Celtic. A Dutch Trent Alexander-Arnold? He could land it on a guilder. Whilst mini RVP wasn’t so ‘twinkle in his dad’s eye’ he was dragged after an hour which was another move by van Persie, I felt, to make a statement. The substitutes all doing better than the starting eleven which probably tells you more about the mindset on the day, than it does of star quality. The Verdict I was hugely impressed by the pace, power and technique of the Scottish side but was expecting more from Feyenoord, who got their rhythm eventually, they have good technical players and I’m sure they’ll be a few who go on to glittering careers, one or two might even play their part in first team football this season? The Teams Celtic: Joe Morrison, Ronan Ferns, Lenny Agbaire, Magnus MacKenzie, Jude Bonnar (Justin Osagie 80), Mackenzie Carse, Kyle Ure (Corey Tomson 65), Ben Quinn (Tom Hatton 62), Rocco Vata, Daniel Kelly, Lewis Dobbie. Feyenoord: Mannou Berger, Lugene Clarinda Arnaud (Givairo Read 38), Djomar Giersthove, Jan Plug (Mike Klein 38), Jayden Candelaria, Zino Sneijer (Rainey Breinburg 38), Ayoub Ouarghi, Nassim El Harmouz, Jaden Slory, Shaqueel van Persie (Nesto Groen 61), Aymen Sliti (Thijs Kraaijeveld 69). 2:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 13th December 2023, Lesser Hampden, Glasgow (att 502).

Workington 3-3 Worksop Town (Northern Premier League) It’s the midweek game nobody wants. Workington on a Tuesday night. I was supposed to be in Blyth for their match against Scunthorpe but that’s been called off and I’m on my way to Glasgow for Celtic’s European adventure which concludes tomorrow. I could do with a stop off on the way. Workington nor Blyth is not necessarily near Glasgow, but it’s on the way for me… Let’s lock it in. I’m only told at 2pm that I can cover the game having left booking a hotel in the North East to the last minute, in knowing how the British weather can work against us football people, so I grab myself a new hotel in the North West, just fifteen mins walk from the ground and hop in the car, through Stoke and onto the M6 before trudging through the Manchester traffic and off again full throttle past Preston, Lancaster and finally West on the A66 at Penrith. The roads are winding and it’s dark but I’m making good time, just four hours into my journey as I pass Cockermouth and soon I get to a hotel in Workington Town Centre called the Sleep Well Inn. I’ll be honest, it’s not the easiest check in process as I’m directed to another hotel across the road to get my key card entry swiped and when I’m back at the front doors even that doesn’t work.. I’m running out of time (and patience) so say ‘sod this’ and get back in my car.. I’ll worry about where I’ll sleep tonight later. The Venue I’m driving over the Northside Bridge over the River Derwent as I see floodlights above and a full pitch beneath, you get a great view without having to buy a ticket but I pull up at the back of the ground and park on the side of the road where there’s no signs I can’t do so. I’m walking towards the turnstiles where I’m told ‘to buy a ticket I need to head through the two white doors’… I’m walking through reception where a sign says ‘Welcome to Borough Park’ it has a dated feel to it and a warm friendly reception behind a window from a chap who swipes my card in exchange for a traditional paper matchday ticket. I’m taken by a steward through the gates, he asks ‘is it your first time here’ as I walk in to the arena half lit with some floodlights still to get going. He says ‘sit anywhere you like’ and ‘you can grab a tea or coffee at the clubhouse further down”. I’ve always felt this ground is a good Saturday afternoon venue and a place to really appreciate on a grey, wet, miserable day as in the dark it seems like a place that might not get going? It’s a big old ground, but decrepit, in a good way. The place stinks of nostalgia. It’s football porn and I feel like I’m the 60’s or 70’s zapped back in a time capsule to an era which was far less complicated. Even the tannoy is playing 60’s and 70's music as it twice blurts out the Z cars theme tune ahead of Paul McCartney’s JET which he wrote with his post Beatles band the wings. I’ve been in the club house, a long rectangular awkward room with a bar at one end, some club merchandise at the other and in between a place to get some hot drinks and food. I can’ be bothered to queue so have a quick pit stop and walk outside to take it all in. I’m stood in the small covered press area which looks directly opposite at a big seated quirky stand. To the left an open end and to the right a sublime part covered terrace that wraps around a top bank. I’m walking the length of the ground to take some snaps as I marvel at the rusty steel roofs and the red paint peeling off the side of the barriers. Big wide steps for standing room only, the pitch wide, spaced out, green, looking ok considering there’s a few matches called off tonight. The Game I’ve finally sat opposite the clubhouse and press, the dugouts and directors, because the large stand on the opposite wing has plenty of seats and a good elevated position despite a couple of posts in view, it’s filling with home fans as the two sides come out but credit Worksop, they’ve brought a few with them for their first game here I’m told, in seventeen years. Worksop are smart in Coventry City sky blue but I really take a liking to the Workington kit, almost faded all red it’s reminiscent of Liverpool in the early eighties, I’m getting David Johnson and Jimmy Case vibes. The home side start well too… They’re quick to attack and an early corner is half cleared and falls back to the original taker Symington who drills low and home into the net to give hosts advantage. That soon kicks Worksop into gear who have settled after their five-hour bus trip from Bassetlaw. They begin to play, I’ve seen them before and have been hugely impressed with their style, they knock it about with swagger and look like a league club against lower opposition, Paul Green is dictating play at 40 years young, over five hundred football league games and 22 international caps , you can tell even at his ripe old number that he loves the game and is bloody good at what he does. Worksop take just seven minutes to equalise, another with league experience, Hamza Bencherif heading home unmarked from a corner. It’s an even contest but you feel Craig Parry’s Tigers have a couple of gears to go up and they score a sweet goal when the lively Luke Hall crosses to the head of Hanson to nod in. There’s a few old boys sitting behind me and a few comments are coming out of high appraisal… “This lot are a good side” they agree as Worksop pass from side to side and get in down the Workington wings a little too often. The Score At half time you sense another from Worksop and that comes soon into the second hald as Hutchinson dives in low to head home a Green centre. Three goals, three headers, the game is won and it’s played at a canter, Worksop haven’t been brilliant, they haven’t had to be, they’re the better side.. One fan is up and leaving with ten minutes left… “Best side I’ve seen here since Radcliffe Borough” he says… But a late corner falls to Rigg with six minutes left, he belts home off the bar and suddenly the home side have the bit between their teeth. And you fancy them too… I liken Worksop to flat track bullies. Great when it’s going there way but not so good when they have to dig in. Suddenly Paul Green is falling over his own feet, his age starting to tell, and the away side get nervous as their hosts find another level, and so do their fans, substitute Brad Hubbold is given time outside the box, he unleashes as the board goes up for five minutes injury time, a rocket which has the home crowd roar. It’s the least the Reds deserve, outplayed for long periods but they never gave up, testament to what they have as a team, that drive to keep going, a point more than they should have took, and one which they’ll be relieved to have taken. The Stars Worksop played at times like a team levels above and knocked it around competently on an inviting big pitch. Full backs Regan Hutchinson and Josh Wilde getting forward well. Right winger Jay Rollins oozing class, always a threat. Luke Hall and James Hanson busy in attack whilst Starcenko and in particular Paul Green in midfield gave an easy on the eye approach to their play. Whilst Workington had to dig in and rely largely in playing on the break, they had solid performances from their own wide men Tinnion and Symington and full back Joe Bunny was gutsy, their left side a threat with Steve Rigg also lively up front. The Verdict It’s certainly a game that Worksop should have won. These are the nights which might lead them to falling short for promotion when they look back on the season in May. I feel they’re as good as anyone in the division on their day, but also on their day, I see discrepancies that can make them vulnerable. In fairness the Tigers were without two of their best players in Terry Hawkridge and Liam Hughes but that was no excuse for not winning this game of football. Workington like Worksop have made the step up in division from promotion last season, they’ll be happy with staying mid table and going again, but this ground, this town, this team, it would be great to see them doing bigger and better things, because you can tell through their people that football is in the blood. A place worth making a pilgrimage too for any football fan in Britain, Borough Park is one of the iconic homes of English football history and it should be celebrated more. The Teams Workington: Jim Atkinson, Finlay Wallbank, Joe Bunney, Niall Brookwell, Sam Smith, Bobby Carroll (Greg McCaragher 74), David Symington, Kitt Nelson (Dannen Francis 85), Steven Rigg, Scott Allison (Brad Hubbold 59), Conor Tinnion. Worksop Town: Sebastian Malkowski, Regan Hutchinson, Josh Wilde, Sam Wedgbury, Hamza Bencherif, Jack Broadhead, Aleks Starcenko, Paul Green, Luke Hall, James Hanson (Colin Daniel 71), Jay Rollins. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 12th December 2023, Borough Park, Workington (att 412).

Nottingham Forest 3-1 Boldmere St Michael’s (Women’s FA Cup Round Three) I’m back in Long Eaton again as Nottingham Forest face their third consecutive home game of this year’s FA Cup. They’ve already beaten Sheffield and Sporting Khalsa and it’s another ‘non-league’ club of these middle England parts, Boldmere St Michael’s who are opponents for round three. I’m back at Google maps as I know the name but am educated online to find that Sutton Coldfield is home of their establishment and has been since 1883. I’ve never played or even watched them but I’ve kept tabs on results as for years the men’s team has been in the Midland League, now they are in the Northern Premier League Midland Division which is step 4 of the non-league pyramid. My coverage skills usually stop at one level above that tier. The women’s team are a league below Forest and are going well in the top three of the National League Div One Midlands. I’m more concerned about the weather than the level of football today though as the Grange Park pitch held firm yesterday but it’s not stopped raining since. The wifes in London taking her niece to the Panto so I’m driving Bruce to the mother in laws before picking up a Sunday dinner on my return, I’m driving down the A52 and down the Toton Lane where I can see the huge Ratcliffe Power Station burning some fossil fuel in the distance. I’m on Station Road and pulling into LEFC before you know it, sun is out, for now as I pull up hop out my car and make my walk up to the turnstile. The Venue Not much different in surroundings from yesterday, other than a few more Forest logoed banners, the pitch looking slightly worse for ware as I walk around the perimeter, I’m checking my phone as I’m tempted to have a tenner on Luton beating Man City as the Boldmere girls enter the field in grey tracksuit tops. It looks soggy in patches but firm in parts as I walk the circuit before perching up on the top row of the only seated stand in the ground. Boldmere have a radio commentator all set and ready to go. We watch the warm ups as the fans build up around us, a team of young girls no older than eight or nine years old taking pictures by the side of the pitch, they’re mascots today and look to be having fun as their families take photos of them lining up. The Game Like yesterday I’ve only just sat comfortably into my seat and the home side score with just a couple of minutes gone. Nat Johnson apparently gives Forest the lead but I’m too busy looking down at my phone to change the weather settings for the match to even notice how it went in? The rain has started coming down by the way. The Reds are the better side though and look to expand the pitch at every opportunity. They pass with good distance, firm and crisp between themselves and stretch the game to wear down their opponents, it’s a tactic I really like from Carly Davies and each time I watch them the side look very well drilled. The Score They’ve had chances to increase their margin but a soft free kick is conceded half way and a ball pumped into the box causes concern. Evie Billingsley prods goalwards after the goalkeeper Emily Batty makes a hash of things, the ball eventually looks to be headed into her own net by an unlucky Forest defender. Concerns aren’t caused for long though, Mai Moncaster is sent through and she shoots low and is quickest to react to the rebound to reinstall Forest’s lead, then Louanne Worsey heads home a beauty to provide the Reds with a two goal half time cushion. In the second half I’m impressed with the guts, determination and workrate of Boldmere but they often leave their striker Billingsley isolated, she can’t lay a glove on the Forest defence on her own as the Reds often leave two at home whilst full backs Johnson and Haughey push on. Forest should have more as they miss a couple of big opportunities but were almost made to pay for their own mistakes again, Batty this time making a mess of things late on to collide with an away team attacker inside the box, penalty awarded but the spot kick blasted wide… That mistake going thankfully unpunished, before the Referee punished us all for wanting to leave early by taking the match to the 100 minute mark. The Stars Freya Thomas is a player I’m enjoying watching everytime I see her play. She gets it and drives from midfield, is silky smooth and a real talent on the football. Also impressing me were both full backs but Nat Johnson in particular on the right. What I like about her is her crisp direct passing, she makes sure the ball gets to her target and plays with a real intent. For Boldmere, not much quality but a lot of guts and a lot to be proud of. A couple of big tackles by Hayleigh Sutton even had me wincing, it was a day for getting stuck in and they certainly did that. The Verdict An exciting fourth round draw now awaits Forest who’ll be looking forward to a potentially big and attractive tie like when they faced Manchester City in 2022 at the City Ground. That match might have ended in an 8-0 loss but testing themselves against the best is where this side wants to be. They were far too good for Boldmere St Michael’s without playing particularly well. Everytime I watch the Reds I feel there’s more to come but that won’t happen overnight, it may take more time but the futures bright for those in red and white. The Teams Nottingham Forest: Emily Batty, Lyndsey Harkin, Nat Johnson, Sophie Domingo (Alice Keitley 87), Mai Moncaster (Chloe Dixon 81), Hollie Manders, Louanne Worsey, Mollie Green, Freya Thomas (Niamh Reynolds 86), Becky Anderson, Ella Haughey. Boldmere St Michael’s: Jodie Whiteman, Hayleigh Sutton, Anna Wilcox, Jasmine Sherrell, Jade Formason, Evie Billingsley, Annie Ackroyd, Alima Abdullah, Chloe Bickley, Abby Bevan, Jess Keeling. 2pm Kick Off. Sunday 10th December 2023, Grange Park, Long Eaton (att 250 est).

Long Eaton United 1-0 Berkhamsted (Southern League Central Division) Joey Barton's been causing a stir on X (Twitter) about women pundits in the men's game. I'm not getting involved as I sometimes question my own opinions on football (men & women's) but have the imaginary popcorn at the ready as I trawl through the socials on my Saturday morning dog walk. It's pissing down and has been all week, but fortunately today's game at Long Eaton is on. I've googled where the town of Berkhamsted is and I'm surprised to find it's in Hertfordshire in between Aylesbury and Hemel Hempsted on the A41 (I wrongly accused it of being in Essex). It'll be my first viewing of 'the Comrades' today. They sit 21st and above bottom of the table Long Eaton by six points but United's only win of the season came at Broadwater back in September. A 1-0 win thanks to a goal by Micah Jebbison. 'Jebbo' has since moved on, he joined Ashton United but has just been announced as an Ilkeston Town player today. I'm intrigued to see how the 'latest' Long Eaton side line up as they aim to put an end to nine straight league losses. My drive over the Derbyshire border is short and sweet, I need petrol after commuting to London midweek for a Thursday night Xmas party at Wembley Stadium. Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole were in attendance for a champagne swigging event. Coley telling me he's now loans manager at his former side West Ham United. If any clubs are looking for some young South Eastern talent in January you now know who to hit up. I've got 50 miles in the tank but pass the petrol station in Attenborough as Im starving and need some grub at the game as I've been rushing around and not even had breakfast yet. Pulling up at 1:45pm it's eerily silent as I wonder if there's a Referee out on the pitch dropping a ball towards an instant splash? The Venue As I walk to the turnstile I ask 'is it on' to be provided with some positive news by the young guys on the gate. I'm straight to the kiosk and order a meat and potato pie with gravy. The chefs boiled a kettle and is stirring in some bisto into a cup before pouring it over my pie. I've a cuppa and a twix and tell him "that's my dinner sorted for the day." £6.50 for the lot. The sun is out but it's blowing a gale, the rain hasn't fallen since mid morning and as I walk up to my seat at the top of the big Jim Stand where I can chill and fuel my body ahead of the fun stuff, I'm joined by one or two of the home clubs hierarchy. "We've had new drainage installed in the summer" I'm told. "Well it's certainly paid off for today" I respond. I ask "as I'm back here tomorrow, will it be ok for Forest women's FA Cup game?" "Depends if it cuts up or not" I'm told. I've not moved from my perch, sat on the top row on a blue plastic seat for over an hour I've written down the teams and have pulled my hood up and down on countless occasions between sips of colding tea. The crowd is sparse but it starts to pick up around me ahead of the match. Fans slowly packing into the small seated stand i'm in on half way. Opposite side the covered stand has no more than ten people in it. Both ends open behind the goal have nobody mad enough to stand out in the cold. The Game The teams are out as a fan shouts 'Cmon Long Eaton' punching his fist on the roof of the tunnel covers, the wind swirls around almost gale force it looks like it'll have a big impact on the match and as Berkhamsted in yellow kick off. They immediately play the ball back to their centre half who whacks it foward and out for a throw in. It's tasty as both sides are smashing it as hard as they can early doors. Long Eaton right back Casey Johnson has cleared his lines on the half volley and the ball curls around the back four of the visitors. Suddenly James Spruce is through on goal as the Comrades keeper Jamie Head back tracks, Spruce running onto the ball and coolly slots home an opener low inside two minutes. That gives an instant lift to Long Eaton's players, staff and fans but Berkhamsted slowly begin to get a foothold. They play the better stuff, 3-5-2 their wing backs looking most dangerous as a cross from the left is blazed over on the volley from close range by Bessadi. He should have hit the target and levelled up the scores, he's holding his head in his hands as he trudges back for the goal kick. The away side go nearest when they hit the bar but for their endeavour, Berkhamsted don't seem to have that killer instinct which is noticeable in both teams attacking positions but Long Eaton have something at least to cling on to. Lead by stallwart centre back Riece Bertram they fight for everything and battle hard to keep their opponents at bay. The Score At half time it's a deserved lead but the away side have had some chances. My thoughts if they keep doing what they're doing they'll eventually get their goal, but the second half states otherwise as they do everything but score. The longer it goes it seems to be Long Eaton's day. Durrant is busy in the hosts goal as the away side hit a post and have a goal chalked out for offside. You seem to think it's going the way of the home side as the banter in the crowd turns to chears at every tackle. The few fans in attendance anticipating their first home win of the season as on occasion they even dare to catch out the away side on the counter-attack, but with seconds remaining their joy of three points looks set to be a distant dream as the Referee awards a soft penalty for something which nobody seemed to see. Bateman stepping up for Berko, striking to his right but Durrant guessing correct. It's at that moment when it beomes apparent it's certainly the home sides day. They'll be here all night and this lot won't score. The Stars It wasnt one for the purists but Long Eaton battled with credit in tough conditions and in Riece Bertram they have a proper leader at centre half who enjoys the battle of having to dig in. His presence in front of Ross Durrant who handled everything exceptionally, a key reason to the club securing a much needed clean sheet, Luke Martin, Jamie Hanson and Callum Cocks also doing well, often putting their body on the line, head, foot, tackle, commitment at levels over 100%, it was all enjoyable to see and in the end you couldn't help but feel pleased that they managed to see it through. Long Eaton's speed on the break a useful tool too. Spruce and Hewlett a constant menace before Nathan Tyson came on and shown at the ripe old age of 41 he's still no slouch himself. For Berkhamsted their best two players were their wing backs which says a lot for their own attacking prowess. In the first half I was hugely impressed with left sider Kyal Williams who shown pace, talent, a good sensible head on young shoulders and he looks to be a footballer natural in the position. Hard to believe he was a forward before recently. I really liked the look of him. Also impressing was St Alban's loanee Olu Lawal. Technically very good he was always on the front foot, willing to take on his opponent and aiming to get his side back in the game. On another day he might have had a goal and a couple of assits himself? The Verdict It'll make no difference in the grand scheme as Long Eaton are resigned to destiny at dropping into step 4 next season where they'll be happier with a few more local games to look forward to. But a win was celebrated by their fans, staff and players as it should be with some real passionate scenes at full time. A long hard season and it's games like this, where they rode their luck, but got a deserved reward of three whole points for showing their good battling qualities and sticking in with the fight. For Berkhamsted, losing twice to Long Eaton, it's definitely six points dropped this season which could be for them, their own difference in surviving? They actually played well and dominated the game, but the age old art of scoring goals aluded them. Something they will certainly need to address should they want to stay in the division. The Teams Long Eaton United: Ross Durrant, Casey Johnson, Callum Cocks, Jamie Hanson, Riece Bertram, Luke Martin, George Atwal (Marley Fearon 46 (Joseph Nyawema 81), Lewis Bellane, Tom Hewitt, James Spruce (Nathan Tyson 58), Jack Rogers. Berkhamsted: Jamie Head, Olu Lawal, Kyal Williams, Dan Newton, Sam McLelland, Luke Massingham (James Towell 46), Mark Riddick, Sami Bessadi, Connor Toomey (Adam Marton 67), Max Bustamante Malaire, Mark Bateman. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 9th December 2023, Grange Park, Long Eaton (att 141).

Nottingham Forest 3-2 Sporting Khalsa (Women’s FA Cup Round Two) Formed in 1991 by the local Sikh Community in Willenhall. Sporting Khalsa are a modern-day success story of ‘Sunday league’ to ‘non-league’ with their men’s team in 2015/16 reaching the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup before losing to FC United of Manchester who went on to play Chesterfield in the first-round proper later that year. It’s the furthest the men have been, who’s first team now play in the Northern Premier League Midlands Division (level 8 of the football pyramid), whilst their women’s squad who play in the Women’s National League Division One Midlands (level 4), have already surpassed their gender-opposite cup exploits. They face Forest in round two having last time out beaten Stratford Town Ladies 31-0 in the County Cup. They have also recently thumped Notts County 11-0 and Crewe Ladies 3-0 amongst some other hammerings in their league to the likes of Northampton Town (6-2), Kidderminster Harriers (7-1) and Hull City (3-0). Certainly, a side with good credentials and one that Forest will be hoping they don’t slip up too… There’s only a division and ten places separating the two teams despite one having ‘famous club’ mentality and the other, being happy with punching above their weight and smashing home the goals. The Venue I’m only 30 minutes drive from Long Eaton so arrive with plenty of time, still hobbling from a foot injury I’m at the ground a good hour before kick off as I wanted to get a parking place close to the main entrance. Not so today though, I’m directed by a steward to park up on the grass where there's a Sunday league game finishing off, I pull up next to an attractive young girl who’s doing her make-up in her car before making my own way over the field to the entrance, where I scan a £3 ticket on my phone in on arrival. It's grey, miserable, bloody cold and typically November as I go straight to the burger hatchet and ask for a tea and a twix. Cardboard cuppa in hand I’m sat down on the first row of the Big Jim stand as the players do their warmups, Khalsa have brought their own stereo, pitch side, crowd slowly gathering in their Forest logoed garments, I’m taking notes as the seats around me slowly fill up, more annoyingly the walkway in front has folk at the barriers and I can’t see down the left wing. I decide to move further down and stand up in the quiet, outside the 1956 suite where the girl who was previously doing her makeup is standing alone on her phone. The Game It’s a game of two halves as Forest dominate the first half, they take the lead when the blonde haired Mai Moncaster is given time to turn inside the box. A neat passing move then allows the joyful Sophie Domingo to net from close range and a minute later, just five from half time, Worsey nets a third, it looks like it’s going to be a similar one-sided score as the Sheffield match a fortnight ago, but Sporting are no mugs, they battle hard and get their own reward when Stubbs chases down a lost cause to beat Aja Aguirre to the ball and nestle home into an empty net. The Score That goal gives Khalsa a glimmer of hope into the break as I notice the girl who earlier done her makeup in the car and stood behind me checking her phone is now doing a video pitch side, she’s Ryhanna Parara (thanks Google), a Tik-Toker on official Adobe FA Cup duty. That mystery resolved; it was back to action as I ask the linesman “how many subs are being used today” upon his return from rest and drinks. He says three each, Forest having gone for the jugular to make two at half time. Those subs don’t add the firepower to take the game away though as Khalsa are now the team with more bight, more fight, they battle for everything and really impress me. But Thomas is taken down inside the area and the Reds have a penalty. I wasn’t so convinced Becky Anderson would score though, and she didn’t. Hitting a post before the rebound fell into the hands of Khalsa goalkeeper Hall. That missed opportunity gives the away side even more glimmer of hope as they really do start to scare the Forest faithful. They get their rewards too, when Forest try and play out from the back and the ball is stolen for Joyce to nestle home. Less than ten minutes remaining.. Will this game go to extra time? I’m enjoying the battle as Forest dig in but I’m concerned that I have a dog crate to drop off at the mother-in-laws and a Sunday dinner to tuck into when I get back. Thankfully the Reds hold on and their players punch the air on full time, by the third peep of the whistle I’ve headed for the exit to beat the rush. No time for standing around in the cold tonight. The Stars Sophie Domingo is a lovely footballer. Intelligent, hard working with a bit of star quality, she gets in the right place of play, but it’s her ball work that really impresses me, picking up on the half turn and sliding her team-mates in from deep positions. She caresses passes with real panache. Mai Moncaster is a solid true competitor who also has intelligence to get in the box from her midfield position. A lot of Forest players look well trained on the eye, they play best when they are most expansive, opening up the game and using all four sides of the pitch. Niamh Reynolds and Freya Thomas in particular seem to suit the sides forward passing philosophy, whilst full backs Haughey and Johnson get forward well. For Khalsa, they had plenty of battling qualities and were decent in both defence and attack, my only ‘critique’ is that they often played the forward ball too soon, when trusting the quality they have to pass and move is for me, their next level of progression. Stubbs, Lowri Walker, Becca Hall, all giving solid performances whilst Natalie Hall in goal handled everything well and controlled her box exceptionally. The Verdict The only difference I feel is that Forest look a more drilled, more professional, more polished outfit than Sporting Khalsa, who’s training and luxury of better facilities and better coaching have resulted in a proper team who play a certain noticeable way, the Reds have a lot to do to gain promotion this season, they’ll do very well if they even get further than round three in the cup (which is par), but they are a work in progress and in that, they were more advanced in what they did against their opponents on the day, they are advanced enough in their ethos to keep on aspiring for better things. If Sporting had Forest’s coaching team and facilities to enjoy it might have been a different scoreline? I would suspect that this team have potential to keep on growing and improving along with opening eyes to some of those in the know, but I would also be thinking that those bigger names in the West Midlands, like Aston Villa, Birmingham City, the likes of Wolves and West Brom, they may also be opening eyes to the talent Sporting Khalsa have? The Teams Nottingham Forest: Aja Aguirre, Nat Johnson (Charlotte Greengrass 46 (Alice Keitley 65)), Olivia Cook, Sophie Domingo, Mai Moncaster, Niamh Reynolds, Louranne Worsey (Chloe Dixon 46), Mollie Green, Freya Thomas, Becky Anderson, Ella Haughey. Sporting Khalsa: Natalie Hall, Hannah Sparkes, Isabelle Austin-Short, Lowri Walker (Skye Owen 80), Josie Smith, Laura Cooper, Daisy Wickett, Maja Szymkowiak, Olivia Stubbs, Olivia Owen, Ruth Graham (Leonie Joyce 75). 2pm Kick Off. Sunday 26th November 2023, Grange Park, Long Eaton (att 300 est).

Boston United 2-2 Chorley (National League North) It was my birthday on Friday, and it was supposed to be celebrations with the wife at the swanky newly refurbished Bulls Head in East Leake. My recent foot injury though put pay to any fun we could have, night cut short, back by ten, I'm sleeping on the sofa, alone, foot elevated on a pillow. RICE... Rest, ice, compression, elevate. It's still no good on Saturday morning but I've got a game which no one else can cover so I'm hobbling over to the car, before switching on the engine and listening into the Premier League's early kick off between Manchester City and Liverpool along my travels. It's an hour's drive from West Bridgford, plus some, as traffic around the A52 builds up at Gamston, fans in red scarves at bus stops, Forest have a rare Saturday 3pm kick off against Brighton to enjoy. My enjoyment is driving down the sunny roads towards Lincolnshire, we're just over 50 miles door to door and today I'll be at the Jakemans watching two playoff contenders play. Chorley in fifth who I've seen once this season, beaten at Rushall Olympic 5-0, are playing Boston in eighth who I last saw this season, beaten at home on Tuesday, by Rushall Olympic, 1-0. The Venue I've arrived in good time, little after 2pm as the sun glistens above a Starbucks opposite the Jakemans Community Stadium curved floodlights touching the blue sky. The pain unbearable in my foot as I stop, take a breather, and look at my phone, where I notice Liverpool have scored a late equaliser to thwart Man City. Eventually I'm at the doors to the ticket collection point, then through the turnstiles and up to my seat. The two teams already out, Boston warming up in black tops whilst Chorley have a nice little jade number going off. "Traffic not too bad today" I'm asked by a fellow scout who got my gripe on Tuesday night. "Well, I've made it in time... And the players look to be here on time too". The A52 has been its usual 60mph pace today after an accident on Tuesday made me, seventeen away fans and the Rushall players late. The Game I say to the scout besides me "should be a tight one this". Chorley unbeaten in their last six, whilst Boston are knocking on the door. A win for the Pilgrims can see the hosts jump above the Magpies to as high as fourth in the table. Boston have signed winger Deji Sotona from Doncaster on loan whilst they give a first start to Jacob Hazel in attack. Chorley have had a few good results of late but no real 'point of attack' as goals have been spread around a bit. I'm keen to know who'll be their focal point today? Jack Sampson is their number nine, but he doesn't get many goals. Since I saw them last (just seven games ago), they have had ten different scorers. The crowd slowly packs in as the players finish their warm-ups, go back in their locker rooms to reset, get out, take in the buzz, start battle and true to form, the away side begin well. They look 'up for it' and pass short, sharp, mindset is good and Justin Johnson down the left is giving Jai Rowe at right back the spin. He's started really well like a non-league Jeremy Doku whilst young Joe Nolan in midfield, who has a brother apparently at Manchester United, he plays like Johan Cruyff, confident with suave, turning in tight spaces. They look the business, and you can see how they've climbed the table of late. But a corner won against the run of play has Boston take it quickly, Jai Rowe blasts home on the angle a super strike to send the home crowd into cheers. We talk of corners as Notts County Manager Luke Williams recently did an in-depth interview on why his club take them quickly and short, it's a stunning analysis which focuses on not giving your opponent chance to rest and reset, he also explains that until the ball goes dead from a corner, it's still a corner, and whilst it might come twenty passes down the line, Notts create more chances from corners than any other side in the country. Maybe Ian Culverhouse was watching? All his sides set plays are quickly taken today and it's from those which catch Chorley off guard. Boston end the half the better side, and grow in confidence with their deserved lead. The Score The second half continues the same, Chorley dangerous through Johnson on the break look the better 'footballing' team, but Boston have more energy, are now more game, they have something to cling onto, a neat move which starts with Jacob Hazel pressing the opponent defenders, and ends with Keaton Ward tapping in from close range, gives a lead extension which looks enough to win this match. And that's how it stays for long periods of the second half, by now Chorley are passing it between their back four with little interest in getting back two goals, it all looks a foregone conclusion, especially when substitute Carlton Ubaezuonu blasts wide from four yards. It's not their day, let's get out of here, head west and get home, we can go again next week. But football's a funny old game. As Boston drop deep a late scrappy goal by Joe Nolan on 87 suddenly has the home side more nervous. Tails up of the Magpies. They smell blood, and as it looks to have all been too little too late, a foul on halfway, ten seconds short of the allocated five minutes of injury time gives Andy Preece's side one last chance. They stick the ball on Boston who actually clear for a throw in, Referee not content to blow up during this 'attacking phase' deep in to added on of added on time, the throw in to the box somehow falls at the feet of Ubaezuonu who doesn't make the same mistake of missing from close range twice. You can hear a pin drop as the nine or ten away fans on the far side cheer. The Chorley lads are running all over the place punching the air, as Culverhouse kicks over a bottle of water, the hordes of Boston fans leave disappointingly for the exit. The Stars My immediate shine towards Joe Nolan a twenty-one-year-old centre midfielder of elegance, a player who's hip swerve and quick feet set the tone for Chorley's passing style, he got an all-important late goal to give his team a chance. He's a good player next to the solid Mike Calveley in the middle of the park. Dutch journeyman winger Justin Johnson out left, as he did when I watched him against Rushall, started on fire, but soon whittled out of the game, if he can put those sporadic occasions of brilliance up, more consistently, he could arguably be the best, certainly most dynamic, wide man in the league. Another wide man I liked, Billy Whitehurst the mop haired scruffy right sider with socks rolled down his ankles. A bit of Jimmy Bullard's about him. He came off the bench and was more than game, feisty, up for a battle, with a touch of end quality too. For Boston, on his home debut Jacob Hazel led the line really well. He had a say in both goals and although he's yet to score for the Pilgrims, there's no doubt it won't be too long before he does. He’s a proper ‘number nine’ who starts the press and knows his job. He’ll get goals as long as he gets the service. The Verdict Chorley started the better team, Boston though had full control with longer periods of dominance, until they dramatically let two points slip late on, they should have been sitting fourth and above Chorley in the table, instead they're tenth and two points below them, the Magpies stay fifth, it's a point that both sides might have been happy with before the match, but after it... There's certainly one team who'll be regretting it not being much better. The Teams Boston United: Cameron Gregory, Jai Rowe, Michael Bostwick, Tom Leak, Brad Nicholson, Keaton Ward (Zak Mills 90), Dylan Hill, Jordan Richards, Deji Sotona (Keziah Martin 76), Kelsey Mooney (Jimmy Knowles 64), Jacob Hazel. Chorley: Matt Urwin, Jack Moore, Mark Ellis, Harvey Smith, Adam Henley (David Moyo 81), Joe Nolan, Mike Calveley (Billy Whitehouse 64), Jack Hazlehurst, Ollie Shenton (Carlton Ubaezuonu 58), Justin Johnson, Jack Sampson. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 25th November 2023, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,289).

Boston United 0-1 Rushall Olympic (National League North) I’ve got tendinitis in my Achilles. F*ck me it hurts. I’ve not been able to sleep for two nights and walking as far as my lounge to the kitchen to make a brew is about as far as I can hop. But I’m in Boston tonight and ready to brave it even with injury, playing through the pain barrier as the Pilgrims host Rushall Olympic in the first ever league meeting between the two sides. (They did meet in the FA Cup earlier this season in a game which Boston won 1-0 at Dales Lane). Ian Culverhouse’s men are ‘pottering’ around the middle of the table with chance to break into the playoff places. Liam McDonald’s Rushall ‘hovering’ at the top of the drop zone, their first season in the National League North has been tough, without a win in five they were beaten by Redditch in the FA Trophy on Saturday as Boston also went out after losing on penalties at league lower Coalville Town. It’s 5pm, I still can’t walk well but if I leave now, I’ve got plenty of time to make the 70-minute journey East and down the A52… I’m trudging nicely with an ETA of 6:15pm before hitting traffic… A road accident has me stuck on the single carriageway, blue flashing lights and cars doing U-turns. I’m not moving with my clock going up and up… Suddenly ETA says +7pm... I was banking on getting to the ground early for some pie chips and gravy. I’ve got no choice, I’m circling back and going through the village of Bottesford, but Sat Nav is trying to redirect me back down the A52, I’m going bananas shouting at my screen as it just freezes, out with my phone and google maps takes me north to Long Bennington which is completely the wrong way I need. I’ve thought of ditching it as I head down the A1 back towards Grantham and finally some parity, back on the A52 and heading east, by now I’m working on getting my ETA down from 7:15pm, not to mention a five-minute walk over the road from parking my car, which tonight will probably take me longer due to having only one fully working foot. The Venue No sooner have I switched off the engine having parked up do I have laptop bag and coat in my arms, hobbling across Wallace Way in pain but knowing I need to get my ticket and input the teams ahead of the 7:45pm start. I’m bouncing like a kangaroo across the A16 as I up my pace with twenty minutes until kick off. Past Costa to my right and through the gates and ground entrance doors to the ticket office collection point, my names not even on the list tonight, I don’t care as I take a free ticket regardless and tell the girl ‘if the guy who’s ticket I take comes in, let me know and I’ll pay for him’. Inside alas, I’m hobbling up the stairs where I notice a few friendly faces, I tell them of my drama and my painful injury that's noticeable to them, it’s then I learn even Rushall have only just turned up. “They must have been in the same traffic as me” I’m given ten minutes extra as the kick-off is delayed thankfully, until 7:55pm. Inside the modern arena the crowd it feels is slightly lower than usual, Rushall have a head count of 17 away fans who've headed East and they look to be well wrapped up, cold, sparsely separated on the terrace opposite me as finally the away side comes out to warm up. The Game I talk to one of the scouts who says, ‘Boston shouldn’t have allowed Rushall to delay kick off.’ His argument is ‘they should have left earlier’, but mine is “if they were anything like me, they did, just unfortunate.” He wonders how it will play out with them having a shorter sharper warm up routine. By the time Rushall have finished their shuttles and star jumps and drank some energy drinks before heading down the tunnel, Boston are well and truly back indoors sat in the warmth for a good five minutes or more, not sure who wins the psychological pre-game advantage stakes? Perhaps we'll tell at kick off? The start is after all, not helped by the delay, predictably slow, laboured, both sides you feel aren’t at it… Even the crowd is quiet tonight. Boston without striker Jimmy Knowles (injured) and winger Keziah Martin (on international duty for Bermuda), Rushall’s league top goalscorer Danny Waldron also missing. They seem set up to frustrate the away side, they take their time with throw-ins and goal kicks, there’s no real rhythm to the game, then an innocuous challenge for the ball as Jai Rowe’s foot is high on Hudson in going up for a header on half way. Less than ten minutes gone and Emily Heaslip controversially sends the home team right back off, to the displeasure of the Boston support. You feel that decision would kick start Rushall into attack but their game plan continues the same to frustrate and annoy with no real target man to aim for. Boston by now a man down are into defence mode but coping, neither side is keeping the ball well, neither side is testing the goal nets, the officials are busy, the crowd becoming irate. As half time heads in we’re discussing if they’ll be a ‘levelling up’ decision to come and no sooner do we agree that ‘this game won’t end 10v11' is Rushall’s Moore sent off for something again most innocuous in the middle of the park. This time the decision is one that lifts the crowd and Boston immediately should score from the resulting free kick as Mooney smashes against the bar an attempt from close range, when he probably should have scored. The Score That chance on the stroke of half time is the only real effort of the half and as we discuss ‘what might come’ during the second half of ten a side we ‘expect’ the tactical battle to continue with the ‘hope’ of things ‘opening up’ thanks to some more space provided by the card happy referee. Ian Culverhouse first to play his own cards as he offers striker Jacob Hazel a debut, the recent signing from Darlington coming on to start the second half, but it’s the visitors who press and look to seek advantage. The lively Adan George going close before left back Lewis Hudson crosses low, his drilled centre missing everyone bar perhaps a nick along the way, and eventually through the fingers of goalkeeper Cameron Gregory to rustle into the side netting and open the scoring. It's bittersweet for Hudson who in the first half was pantomime villain due to a bit of play acting, some squealing aloud and a few choice words with fans. He’s had a good solid game despite his antics and with their lead in tact, Rushall’s Olympians grow in defence and they start to look the more formidable team on view. It’s been a frustrating evening for Boston, Manager Culverhouse makes another couple of subs but the game plan from the away side has their hosts at arms length. There’s cries in the crowd of ‘rubbish’ from the home support who as the board goes up on 90 for four minutes injury time, are already starting to leave. The Stars It wasn’t a fancy show of overwhelming skill or technique. But for Rushall, young Kai Adan George was a tricky threat down the left, a busy bee from Birmingham City and a technical nuisance that Boston struggled largely to deal with. He's only 21 and has joined from Alvechurch where he's already scored five goals this season, he worked hard and shown good feet with a positive running game lasting well past ninety until being subbed to waste a few seconds. Defensively the Pics were solid, Hudson at left back and young centre half Luke Badley-Morgan in particular, a former Chelsea Academy star on loan from Stoke, tall, leggy, comfortable on the ball and enjoying the art of classy defending on a night when defenses were on top. In midfield, Sam McLintock, once a Pilgrim, a player who I like watching too, swooping balls across the park. Whilst in opposition Keaton Ward, a player who has replaced McLintock at Boston, somewhat, did well, beside Martin Woods who limped off with injury, not a great night for him but I do think the Pilgrims midfield duo isn't the issue. Brad Nicholson and Dylan Hill also putting solid performances in across the backline, proof that Boston’s best players on the night were solid no nonsense defenders, when they needed the most, a bit of artful craft in attack. The Verdict On a night where things from very early doors did not go to plan. A good side I would have said, would still have had enough to get a point, and take their medicine and move on, but Boston weren’t good enough for even that, which was really disappointing. Their lack of firepower has been noted this season. Rushall have shown enough in the two games I’ve watched them so far, to suggest they can stay up. They might be relying on a few loanees which isn’t ideal, but if they can hold their heads above water this season, they’ll be stronger and better equipped the next. The Teams Boston United: Cameron Gregory, Jai Rowe, Michael Bostwick (Sam Essien 83), Tom Leak, Brad Nicholson, Jordan Richards, Martin Woods (Ethan Sephton 59), Tom Edge (Jacob Hazel 46), Dylan Hill, Kelsey Mooney, Keaton Ward. Rushall Olympic: Jake Weaver, Alex Fletcher, Harry Craven, Luke Badley-Morgan, Lewis Hudson, Alex Moore, Sam McLintock (Tyrell Skeen-Hamilton 90), Jourdain Masidi, Sonny Singh, Callum Sullivan, Kai Adan George (Andre Carvalho-Landell 90). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 21st November 2023, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,170).

Leicester City 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Women’s Super League) We’ve been on a 7km dog walk around Cotgrave Country Park this morning and my ankle is in bits. I’m hobbling down the stairs and trying to put my right trainer on, squealing like a six-year-old who doesn’t want to go to school as I squeeze an adidas classic over my swollen foot. It’s back to WSL action this afternoon as Leicester City host Tottenham Hotspur. Both have had reasonable starts to their campaigns although Leicester lost 6-2 at home to Arsenal last weekend, throwing away a two-goal half time lead. Spurs having drew their last two games are unbeaten in six and have only lost against Chelsea this season so far. They played well in a recent game I saw them win at Aston Villa. I'm in the car, the drive down the A46 is always nice on a Sunday, never much traffic, even on the A6 or through Leicester City Centre you can breeze through without too much stop start, so I never mind doing Leicester games, although last time I was here I got told off by a nosey steward for peering through my binoculars at the back of the stand. The Venue I’m parking in the club car park where I’m asked if I’ve booked. Before trudging awkwardly across the Raw Dykes Road onto Filbert Way, the Stadium bowl like and blue under the grey drizzling skies. There’s a huge Christmas tree up outside the club shop. I’m walking towards stewards guarding the entrance as I’m prepared to be patted down with my binoculars in my pocket, I’m relieved when he lets me through before saying “you know where you’re going”. I don’t always need binoculars, but they have been a solid purchase by my wife for scouting as they can help spot a shirt number in the distance, or when a Referee reveals a yellow card on the far side, but a lone man walking into a girl’s game with them in his pocket, it has myself feeling at unease but always prepared with my explanation. Through the stand turnstile where I scan my phone I’m into the concourse which feels busier than usual for a WSL match, I’m having a quick pit stop and although the pies smell lovely, I’m saving myself for Sunday dinner when I get back. Up the stairs I go to the block, I’m walking past the seat I purchased to the very back, these often left unreserved for women’s matches are nicely padded unlike those below, I’m sat down looking at the stunning surface as the teams warm up, music playing, slowly filling, only this side is used for women’s games, the attendances probably the same as you would get for old reserve team football which used to be played at clubs home grounds in midweek. Three sides of the stadium not in use but cosy in this, the West stand. The Game I’ve noticed more people than usual in this block as a club official is directing folk to sit near me, I think they are mostly parents of mascots who enter the field with the players. Credit Leicester, they don’t get many here, but they have a real passion to make it work. A woman blurts out the teams on a PA as the video boards show footage of games, there’s good music (mainly Kasabian) and a really good vibe before kick-off. Flags are waved by youngsters, a drummer boy stands behind the goal, there’s a persistence by all involved to make it work, a real family vibe and it feels like the start of a city getting behind what is a relatively young franchise, formed only in 2004 but ‘acquired’ by the King Power group in 2020. And since that acquisition the side have prospered, from Midlands League to the top league it's their third successive campaign in the WSL. The game is nearing, by now I’ve moved seats as I notice the media section is 90% unoccupied, I walk over naughtily and sit down with a huge log desk, the seat is not so nice and padded as previous but at least I’m out of way of screaming kids and parents with backpacks eating sandwiches and bananas. The pint guzzlers maybe in men’s football… In the women’s game it’s all about bringing your packed lunch to feed the family. Leicester start well. They have Hannah Cain out left and she’s causing early problems to the Spurs full back. A slick move down the wing see’s her racing away before squaring to Cayman inside the box who takes a touch and finishes. 1-0. The Score It’s a deserved lead at half time as they open up their opponents at times but at the other end, Janina Leitzig in goal does pull off one top save from Jessica Naz who should have scored when one on one and another from a looping header where she dived to her left to flick it around the posts. The second half starts with Spurs pressing for a leveller and they eventually get on the scoresheet through Celin Bizet who nets on 56. The game is good, competitive, even sided, the away side end the match pushing for a winner but despite a flurry of corners and some good defending by Leicester, the match ends with a shake of hands and points satisfyingly shared. The Stars Leicester defended really well and broke on occasion in particular through Hannah Cain where neat one touch football often got her away. CJ Bott at right back and centre half Sophie Howard, in particular, always up for a committed tackle almost old-skool in the way they play. Janina Leitzig is a top-level goalkeeper and it’s no secret that since her arrival the side has performed much better. Sam Tierney in midfield putting a good shift in whilst leading the line, often isolated, Lena Pettermann put in a good unselfish performance for her team. For Spurs, league top goalscorer Martha Thomas couldn’t add to her tally but Jessica Naz on the left wing was a constant threat, very quick, direct, if she could finish more often, Spurs might be converting their recent draws into wins. In midfield I saw a really good performance from Grace Clinton and Eveliina Summamen beside her played well. In defence, Spurs at times used Molly Bartrip’s distribution to get her side quickly away whilst Luana Buhler besides her looked solid. Ashleigh Neville at left back another of my 'no-nonsense' favourites. The Verdict Women’s football is good. It’s a good family day out and is starting to get some real personalities in the game, fans now regularly singing the names of their heroines, players are becoming star attraction and men, walking out of the stadium are talking about performances, with the words ‘we’ used, win, lose and draw, I’m feeling there’s much more serious and genuine passion involved from those who go see their team play. If we can get ‘more’ through the door, the game will only grow for the better. Kids for a quid? Free tickets for schools? How about discounted entry for men’s season ticket holders? Bring your relatives along for free? Get more mascots involved and more pre-match and half-time entertainment, to grow the fan base further and encourage more families to get involved too, as the only thing that is missing right now is more regular, larger, attendances, and I think there’s a market for these to double, triple, even quadruple in size within the next few years. The Teams Leicester City: Janina Leitzig, CJ Bott (Denny Draper 87), Jo Green, Sophie Howard, Courtney Nevin, Missy Goodwin (Aileen Whelan 46), Sam Tierney, Janice Cayman, Jutta Rantala (Aimie Palmer 72), Hannah Cain (Ava Baker 73), Lena Pettermann. Tottenham Hotspur: Rebecca Spencer, Angharad James, Luana Buhler, Molly Bartrip, Ashleigh Neville, Ria Percival (Rosella Ayane 58), Evelina Summanen, Grace Clinton (Ellie Brazil 71), Celin Bizet, Martha Thomas, Jessica Naz (Asmita Ale 58). Sunday 19th November 2023, Leicester City Stadium, Leicester (att 2,000).

Brackley Town 2-0 Gloucester City (National League North) I’ve had to cancel watching Northern Ireland v Denmark on Monday as my expenses are lower than the cheapest flights I can get from East Midlands to Belfast and the hotel accommodation is more than my match fees. I’m off to Leicester City v Tottenham women on Sunday instead, where I’ll chuck in a €20 petrol receipt. Tonight is another ‘cheapish commute’... Down the M1 and across the A43, usually, to Brackley, but roadworks at Junction 15A have it shut tonight. Instead, I’m cutting through the quaint Northamptonshire villages of Upper and Nether Heyford, onto the A5 and across at Towcester past Silverstone, vroom, vroom, and into Brackley, the town itself and the lovely looking High Street, before pulling up on Churchill Way where I have time to kill. I’ve been listening in to TalkSport who have Noel Gallagher on throughout my whole journey. He knows his football for a rock star and speaks a lot of sense. Seems like the sort of bloke you can go and have a pint with and chat anything but the music he’s made, which is testament to how likeable I find him to be. A man’s man who tells stories of meeting Maradona and ‘the original’ Ronaldo, he says he doesn’t generally do photos, neither do I… But when it comes to superstar footballers it seems he can’t resist. We all have our heroes. Brackley are tenth in the National League North and a win can take them to within a point of the playoff places. They beat Gloucester three times last season including in the playoffs on penalties where they went on to reach the final before losing to Kidderminster who gained promotion to English football's fifth tier. Gavin Cowan in charge since May is steering a ship towards a similar destiny this time around but has had a few stumbles along the way. For Gloucester, their ship has well and truly sunk from the financial mess that was left last season. They ‘had a go’ at promotion and failed, so this time around they cut budget and have pretty much a completely new squad and manager in Mike Cook, they have suffered since those drastic changes and sit bottom of the table on eleven points from eighteen games. The Venue I’m out of my car and walking up to the ground where a billboard states parking £3. I ask a steward where to collect my ticket and he points me to a big red container which states ‘ticket office’ on the window. On collection I’m walking past the glass fronted doors of a modern new clubhouse, a Christmas Tree is already up in the foyer, I continue my walk where I’m through the turnstile and into the corner of the ground which is well lit under the clear dark skies, spacious and wide it’s time for a walk around all four sides, my first visit to one of three grounds in England that I know of, called St James Park. Behind the goal to my right, a decent bit of terracing with a roofed stand in the middle section, I’m taking a walk down towards the Avara Foods Family Stand which has three or four rows of red and white seats running across, under cover to the edge of the eighteen-yard box. An identical twin to that stand is in the opposite corner of the same wing, my walk takes me to the back of that goal which has roof cover the width of the six yard box, the business end is dominated by the huge grey clubhouse which has some neat Press and Directors seats, to the right of that an old looking seated stand with ‘Brackley Town Football Club’ written on it's roof and to the left, the players come out of a brick built pitch roofed number which has a club shop out of a hatchet, it stinks of burgers and onions as I queue but decide against buying anything put off by the strong stench I’m inhaling. The Game I’ve sat down in a modern feeling space and am soon joined by the Gloucester City radio team, three young lads I’m old enough to be their fathers. They’re tweeting the Tigers team as I’m handed a share of the official team sheets, a new kid on the bench for Brackley tonight is Layton Love who recently signed on loan from West Bromwich Albion. The two teams come out in the far-right corner, I’m sat in the press area behind a bit of flexi glass which has a glare off the floodlights, you need to pop your head higher to see the action clearly whilst to the left of me a post obscures my view of half of Gloucester’s eighteen yard box. The away side in green surprisingly don’t look bad. I’ve watched them in defeats at Boston and against Warrington and they aren’t a million miles away, Brackley though are pressing high and they force consistent errors from the Tigers back line, a bit more urgency in the away sides play and these errors can easily be limited. Brackley are in Nottingham Forest red and white, my favourite of all kits, the plain red Garibaldi shirts white socks, red stockings, why complicate these outfits when the classics always look best. The home support are quiet, it’s not a rowdy bunch. Blokes with their old man who take a walk down from the town to watch their local team play with a beer or a coffee, under 500 in attendance which is disappointing for a Tuesday night where there’s not much else to do, it could be much better, the club certainly lacking some noisy youthful stone island wearers to raise the decibels. I’ve noticed a Gloucester player who’s impressed me in previous games, right sider Alefe Santos, start sluggish. He’s already given a sloppy pass or two away and in trying to shepherd the ball out he’s gifted possession to Reds full back Calder who whips it in on a plate for Danny Newton who heads perfectly into the bottom corner. The warning signs were there for Santos, pick pocketed after a poor start, he's not yet got into the game and we're nearly twenty minutes through, it seems these are the mistakes Gloucester are constantly making, the difference in league positions is all about these errors and in players looking and feeling 'match sharp'. The Score Despite the goal, Brackley aren’t hugely superior as both sides play ‘nice’ football and try and knock it around with a slightly laboured tempo. The home side have an issue to Newton who goes off with a hamstring injury as Gloucester fight their way back into the game, a looping header by Hanks goes inches over for them whilst Brackley have a couple of chances flash by the posts, but not a classic first half which is played mostly on my far side which is a good 80 yards away due to the huge perimeter around the pitch. At half time I’m checking the other scores as I notice struggling Kings Lynn beating high flying Scunthorpe. A defeat for Gloucester could tonight leave them eleven points adrift of safety. Whether the players themselves heard that news at the interval I don’t know, but the boys in green start the second half with direct intention to level, Elliott Durrell immediately kicks off and drives forward before blasting over, the away side have sustained pressure on their opponents goal without really troubling Danny Lewis’s gloves. A few murmurs from fans of Brackley to ‘get out of bed’ as one or two become irate with their lack of ball retention. Those tempers boil onto the pitch on 65 when a blatant looking foul is signalled by the ‘female’ referee for a goal kick. That has the home team players complaining with two immediately booked, cries from fans of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ and ‘who’s the wanker in the black’ are similar echoes regardless of gender. “Same old Brackley, always sexist” shout the Gloucester fans to humorous response. Those temperatures boiled tend to lift the home side though and whilst it looks comfortable without them dominating proceedings, one man who’s took my eye is home team midfielder Shepherd Murombedzi who I’m told it’s his birthday. He’s been elegantly stroking it around, smooth as silk, confident with swagger, the 29 year-old has woke up this morning and said ‘I’m going to score’ and true to his word, starts a passing move by breaking down play, caressing the ball forward, receiving it back and shooting low from outside the box. That goal seals the fate of Gloucester to yet another disappointing loss. They’ve huffed and puffed but had no serious blow. Brackley in fairness have been in second gear, not needing to push too hard, but proving despite winning, they still have more they can give. The Stars It was Shepherd’s night, the Zimbabwean midfielder just does the simple things well, he’s good on the ball, very disciplined off it, a hunter down in those battle areas and key to his side winning the battle is how he and his midfield performs. Next to him, the neat footed Alfie Bates is a lovely player to watch, Cosmos Matwasa equally eye catching down the right, whilst Danny Newton went off early you can see how having a top striker can make the difference. He presses well and turned over the ball several times early doors, his predatory instincts natural to only those who know how. Young West Brom loanee Layton Love may learn something from watching Newton, a tall athletic kid himself, he looked thick set with ability to cause opponents problems, even having the ball in the net late on, but for his debut goal to be chalked offside. Whilst Gloucester may be down there and fighting with a real lack of potent striking presence, they had commendable performances all over the park. Right back Max Ram probably their best player on the night. Elliott Durrell ‘tried’ to make things happen as much as possible, often picking up the ball in the Quarterback position to get Gloucester started. Harry Pinchard beside him in midfield, neat, left footed, rangy with his distribution, but he’s a better player than his performances suggest. I like Joe Parker who’s frequently used off the bench, he offers a bit more steel and quality to their make up, whilst Ben Everton-Richards is a real leader from left back. They need players like him to pick up those younger, if they are to turn it around. The Verdict Is it too early to suggest that Gloucester will go down? Usually when you get to November and December and you’re sitting bottom, adrift, it all looks doom and gloom and chances are that only gamblers and mad men can survive. Throw some money at it? Change the manager? Sign some players? Maybe it’s not too late… Stick with what they have? Destiny looks like step 3 next season. Brackley meanwhile, they’ll be again up there fighting for a chance at National League Football. They’ve never been as high as the National League North, but have had five successive top four finishes in the division… Will this be the year? Maybe? Who knows?? There's an awful lot to play for but they certainly have the punching power. Brackley Town: Danny Lewis, Riccardo Calder, Shepherd Murombedzi, Alex Gudger, Gareth Dean, Cosmos Matwasa, Alfie Bates, Danny Newton (Morgan Roberts 32), Dan Turner (Layton Love 62), Zak Lilly (George Carline 71). Gloucester City: Zach Jeacock, Max Ram, Tyrone Duffus, Ben Everton-Richards, Jamie Reckford, Elliott Durrell, Alefe Santos (Kai Churchley 71), Harry Pinchard, Joe Hanks, Harry Emmett (Joe Parker 60), Ben Beresford (Harry Williams 80). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 14th November 2023, St James Park, Brackley (att 475).

Boston United 1-0 Hereford (National League North) Two juggernauts of the English non league. Mention Hereford without mentioning Ronnie Radford, Newcastle United, Edgar Street, 1972, mud, fans running onto the pitch, the FA Cup, Ricky George or John Motson and you're far from a true football fan. Boston United were founder members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 when it became footballs 'official' fifth tier, eventually the division went on to become the Gola League, GM Vauxhall Conference and the National League which we know today, these clubs are stalwarts of the mid-lower echelons of English football and in their orange and in their white, they'll both be on show in sunshine that is bright, on this crispiest of November days. Ok, Hereford might be a phoenix formed in 2015 to rise from the ashes that the bulls before them left. Since the modern 'Unitedless' era they have three back to back upward step championships ahead of peaking in the National League North where they have sat since 2018. Boston, since reaching fifth level football in 1968 haven't been below the division they are in now, and have even flirted, like (the old) Hereford did, with football league status. 'Gazza', Julian Joachim, Jason Lee, some famous names of pilgrims past. The Venue I'm driving down the A52 past flat fields, one of which is full of hunters carrying guns searching probably for rabbits and other edible vermin, before I'm diverted by a road block, towards Kirton which is not my usual last leg. It's a pretty village with a church which I cut through onto the A16 where I see floodlights in the distance. To my left a grassroots Saturday game taking place at Wyberton Sports and Social Club. I've parked up on Wallace Way and scurry over towards the ground where I'm in the queue for tickets. Collected and through the gates I'm up to my seat a good forty five minutes ahead of kick off. The players are out, stretching on the green surface the skies are blue but it's cold as I'm joined by a radio presenter who parks half his equipment on my desk. There's a stand for silence and the last post played ahead of kick off. Boston do a superb job with military personnel present as two of them lay reefs on the half way line, the crowd packed in to this three sided modern home all paying their respect with a moment and more to reflect. The Game I'm asked by a scout besides me what I think the score will be. "1-1" I say as Hereford are above Boston in the table who don't score that many goals on past performance, he goes 1-0 thinking the home side will edge it. And he's right, as they're the better team, early doors Boston are the aggressors, front foot, they're quicker to everything with an intensity about their play. Hereford aren't bad, far from it, but they can't get a grip on possession, the hosts winning a succession of corners which has the home team radio commentators saying 'they need to score whilst on top'. That goal doesn't look like coming as in fact neither team really test the goalkeepers, then from nowhere, Jimmy Knowles sets his sights and strikes right footed from twenty and more yards. The keeper hasn't moved as the ball nestles Into the net, mid to high to the unreachable left shoulder of Curtis Pond. "What a goal" shouts Radio Lincolnshire. It's brilliant by Knowles who's looked busy and direct. The former Mansfield forward still only 21, full of confidence then shortly after unleashes again. Even further out this time he blazes inches wide. The Score It's a half time lead more than deserved by the team who seem to want it more. And credit Boston, they continue where they left off, on the front foot during the start of the second 45, a free kick by Martin Woods crashing the crossbar from all of thirty yards most certainly the highlight. But Hereford aren't out of it with only one goal in the game to level, it's tight, edgy and the latter stages see's them more prominent in attack, their best chance in the last minute of injury time when Cowley's header from close range is brilliantly tipped around the posts by Cameron Gregory in injury time. Boston surviving a late scare with the Bull's goalkeeper in the opposition box for the final few seconds play. The Stars Match winner Jimmy Knowles had his best match under my eyes and I was really impressed with a player who I felt on the day, really had the bit between his teeth. Knowles along with strike partner Kelsey Mooney are both young, direct, hungry, at times a bit naïve but you wouldn't change that to unravel their positivity when in possession of the football. They both love running at defenders and that's refreshing to see. Not yet a dynamic duo that are singing on the same hymn sheet, sometimes their passes to each other will go astray, but they possess similarities and with more games together could become a real partnership of improved menace, the only problem with 'strikers' at this level is if one does well, or if one indeed does badly, within a few months they'll probably be on the move. Hopefully not moving anywhere for Boston is Goalkeeper Cameron Gregory who was talked about a bit around me during the game, his kicking can be at times unpredictable but his shot stopping unbelievable, he made one last minute save that secured two points, which an inferior goalkeeper would have most likely conceded. He's the confidence behind a defensive duo in Micheal Bostwick and Brad Nicholson who I'm liking more and more every time I watch them play. Left footed Nicholson probably had his best game under my watch, Bostwick a no nonsense defender with experience who signed in the summer from Stevenage, hasn't put a foot wrong in any of the games I've seen from him. Commendable mentions too, for midfield trio Woods, Ward and Jordan Richards, it really was Boston's day and those through the spine of their side stood up and done their Manager proud. It was the battles won in those key areas, that were the difference on the field of play. Not so many Hereford players could take the same accolade of doing their boss Paul Caddis proud. Centre half and captain Nathan Cameron at least shown grit and fight to defend in only the way he knows how. He was solid and no nonsense, right back Aaron Skinner likewise. Lassana Mendes and Aurio Teixeira in midfield had technical ability. Mendes tall and leggy with a fine touch, Teixeira little and nippy with a bit of guile, but for large parts out of his depth and forced to play a head it and scrap game which he's far from suited to do. It certainly wasn't a day where the key cogs in Hereford's midfield shone. Star signing Yusufu Ceesay down the left another with glimpses, but not near enough end product to trouble Boston's backline. The Verdict Hereford are ok. Their fans, a hundred plus who travelled the 3 hour drive to Boston, were brilliant, they didn't stop signing and I feel with them behind their team they'll probably get more points at home where they'll be stronger on average as Edgar Street is an old fashioned proverbial 'tough place to go'. They drop from tenth to seventeenth in the tightest of tables whilst Boston now boast above them in ninth. The pilgrims journey is an upwards trajectory towards the playoff places... On this form it could end in a bright and juicy season for the boys in tangerine. The Teams Boston United: Cameron Gregory, Jai Rowe (Dylan Hill 62), Brad Nicholson, Michael Bostwick, Tom Leak, Keaton Ward, Martin Woods (Tom Edge 81), Jordan Richards, Keziah Martin, Jimmy Knowles, Kelsey Mooney. Hereford: Curtis Pond, Aaron Skinner, Adam Livingstone, Aurio Teixeira (Jamie Tolley 80), Yusifu Ceesay, Alex Babos, Jason Cowley, Lassana Mendes (Ethan Freemantle 65), Oliver Southern (Tom Pugh 46), Nathan Cameron, Kyle Howkins. 3pm Kick Off. Saturday 11th Novembers 2023, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,505).

Nottingham Forest 7-0 Sheffield (Women’s FA Cup Round One) It's moist, misty and miserable today. The wife's at a Christmas Market at Woodborough Hall so I'm taking Bruce to his Beagle meet in Cropwell before a walk around Cotgrave Country Park. I'm off to Forest v Sheffield in the FA Cup. These days the Reds Women playing in Derbyshire over the border at Long Eaton United FC. It's not a long drive as the wife gets back for 12:45, I'm out the door after a kiss on the cheek and on the road through Beeston and Chilwell before turning onto Station Road and up the track signposted for Grange Park. Forest were unlucky last season in missing promotion to the Championship, beaten by Watford who won the Southern National League which is tier three of the women's pyramid. The Reds winning the Northern Section are again going strong this year and are one of the favourites to go one better, they have had a managerial change since last season as Andy Cook is replaced by Carly Davies at the helm. Cook's Newcastle in second are above the Reds in the table with Burnley top and Forest fourth, it's been a competitive campaign, but eyes are drawn elsewhere today as they enter the cup to face a team, a league below, who themselves are yet to win a game. Sitting eleventh in the National League Division One Midlands, Sheffield FC have drawn four and lost three of their seven league matches and have only one cup win all season, in normal time. Their previous FA Cup qualifying victory against Shrewsbury Town coming after penalties following a 2-2 draw. The Venue It's quiet and has a touch of Sunday leagues about it but the wooden fenced in arena has music blearing out of the PA as I arrive and get out my car. I've parked on a grass verge but left two wheels on gravel as I don't trust this wet weather today, on foot it’s spongy and I really don’t fancy getting stuck in the field where others have parked as a quick getaway is needed to race back for my Sunday dinner. Through the turnstile after walking around the back of the ground I scan my ticket via Google wallet as I’m asked if I want a programme. The players are out on the pitch already as I notice a squidge on foot from the goalkeepers warming up. I'm walking around the back of the goal, grey drizzly skies as folk are already sat in the main stand named after Big Jim. Clustered in blue seats patiently and quietly observing as coaches put the girls through their paces. The Game A minutes silence again. And rightly so on this Remembrance Sunday, immaculately observed bar one woman coughing over the far side. The rain is starting to race down as the two teams do battle, Sheffield immediately sitting off as Forest pass across their own back four. The cold temperatures probably scupper the away sides game plan as the visiting teams girls get the blood pumping in their legs and begin to press. They're game and despite their poor start to the season are far from second best, matching Forest early doors for effort, if but a little quality missing in the final third. Forest seem to have that bit more quality and boss proceedings as a fan in front of me talks ‘baby’ lingo to his young daughter who is perhaps a relation to one of the players. Daddy’s pointing out ‘Charlotte’ & ‘Ella’ who are doing “vewy vewy well”. There’s plenty of kids in full Forest kit, mums and dads with back packs on, the rain gushing down as everybody races for the covered terrace where ten minutes ago I was alone stood.. One kid besides me has the West Ham v Forest match being played on his phone, he’s sat down on the top step, back against the wall not even interested what’s on the pitch in front of him. I am though, and so are Forest, they probe new openings and finally after almost half an hour get their goal, Worsey bundling home from close range, but Sheffield can go in heads held high at the break. One guy saying to his carefree six-year-old “they’re not that bad to say they have not won all season”. The Score It’s been a battle and I’m hoping for more of the same as the skies slightly clear for the second half, the green pitch in front of me is holding up well but it aint half heavy on the legs and Sheffield are starting to feel it chasing around after Forest’s superior athletes. The Reds immediately make it two through Domingo who flicks through her legs on 48 before Worsey nets again almost straight from kick off. Sheffield’s good first half work undone inside 90 seconds of the second. That quick fire double leads to an inevitable landslide as Reynolds makes it four ahead of Keitley netting off the bench. Manager Davies is saying to star striker Charlotte Greengrass “keep going, it will come” as the tall number 22 has chance after chance but has still somehow not scored. Greengrass is powerful and leggy and runs past players with ease. She reminds me of a female version of ex-Forest legend Stan Collymore, because like Stan did, everytime she receives the ball she seems to create a buzz. Suddenly she has the ball on the edge of the area back to goal and twists two Sheffield defenders, likened to a goal I once saw Stan score against Wolves, exactly the same movement, stunning centre forward play, but this time Greengrass was again denied, her shot palmed low around the posts as the striker sinks to her knees… If only she had Mike Stowell to beat, It doesn’t look like it’s going to be her day. But persistence pays off as Greengrass finally gets her reward. Time is ticking late but yet another goal for her stunning season as she eventually pockets from close range, then Niamh Reynolds nets a second for her collection. A 7-0 thumping win for Forest who pull away from Sheffield’s dogged defending after an excellent second half of no mercy attack. The Stars No doubt Greengrass is usually shining star of Forest’s show but some lovely footballers for the Reds will back her up with Sophie Domingo neat and energetic in midfield, Niamh Reynolds ditto, Freya Thomas showing a lovely hip swerving Cruyff turn on a couple of occasions and I really liked left back Ella Haughey who got up and down well. Lyndsey Harkin the experienced lynch pin at the back was also on fine form and looked like a Rolls Royce around several younger, smaller and quicker Audi TT’s. For Sheffield, interestingly the last time I watched them play I picked three players who stood out and on the day against a decent Forest opponent I felt those three stars stood out again. Moriah McIntosh started really well but faded from an attacking right position whilst full back Pip Cassidy was game and gutsy and not all bad on the ball. In the first half Sheffield defended really well and this was epitomised by their leader and skipper Brooke Smith who is a solid hard-working number five. Millie Fugler had a good game beside her before hobbling off with injury whilst Goalkeeper Leah Kellog had a brilliant game but for palming one late shot over the line. She made a couple of point-blank saves including one in her face and if it wasn’t for her, it could have been more. The Verdict Last season, Forest’s FA Cup campaign ended with a thumping at the City Ground against WSL side Manchester City. They’ll be hoping for another decent run and a glamour tie that will further advertise the growth of the women’s game in these parts. The Reds are back at the City Ground on Sunday as they host Newcastle United in the league, fingers crossed for another good crowd which will push them to three points in what looks like a proverbial six pointer against their old gaffer. Sheffield will be pleased to get back to league focus and attempting to stay in the division they are in. They face a long hard slog against them for the remaining five and half months. For me. Did I tell you it was cold? As I walk away from the ground a shout of ‘bollocks’ is cried aloud as I read Forest ‘men’ have conceded a late winner to West Ham. A 3-2 loss has me angry until the electric heated seats of my car hit my back. Then it’s foot down for Sunday dinner and feet up with the TV to enjoy Chelsea play Manchester City… A glass of red to finish the weekend off. The Teams Nottingham Forest: Aja Aguirre, Lyndsey Harkin, Sophie Domingo, Chloe Dixon, Niamh Reynolds, Louranne Worsley (Olivia Cook 64), Mollie Green, Freya Thomas (Mai Moncaster 76), Becky Anderson (Alice Keitley 64), Charlotte Greengrass, Ella Haughey. Sheffield: Leah Kellog, Pip Cassidy, Millie Fugler (Becky Matthews 57), Brooke Smith, Louisa Anderson, Eden Hinchcliffe, Amy Pashley, Caitlyn Douglas, Tilly Hallas Potts, Moriah McIntosh, Tash Wood (Stacey Buxton 70). 2pm Kick Off. Sunday 12th November 2023, Grange Park, Long Eaton (att 250).

Gloucester City 1-3 Warrington Town (National League North) It's grey, dark, wet, miserable and I’m up early as we've got the mother in laws dog staying over this weekend. The wife's getting her nails done at 9am and she's asked me to walk Bruce & Molly before I leave for football. Sod that, too wet, regardless, they haven't moved from their comfy sleeping positions all morning. Fast off they are, they're not wanting to go walkies in this horrible weather, I'll grab a quick brew and do some emails instead. She's back for 11am and I'm soon out the door, quickly swapping sitting duties. The rain relentless as I run to the car and switch on the engine to find I've only got 30 miles of fuel left. Clifton petrol station is packed so I'm filling up at Castle Donington where I also grab a meal deal, then onto the M42 and M5 before hitting the A40 South-West for the last leg. Last week I watched Gloucester get beat at Boston and after his late sending off they'll have Danny Wright missing this weekend. 22nd on eleven points it's been a tough start for the Tigers who have been troubled financially since last seasons’ playoff achievements, they play a Warrington side who I thought were competitive a couple of weeks back at Alfreton in a 1-1 draw. The yellows in 15th on nineteen points after promotion last season are doing ok in their first ever year at the level. The Venue I've arrived in good time and pull up on Submeadow Road, a scruffy looking back street on the outskirts of town, a few terraced houses opposite some factories it smells of manure, I'm walking through some puddles as the road opens up, then the ground appears, distant, on the left-hand side. Shipping containers. The back of the stand is made up completely of them. Stacked on top of each other I've heard it was done in the World Cup and went down a treat in Qatar. Not as popular in the National League but I'm certainly all for it. Recycling does make use of them well… If indeed they look a little odd. Apparently, the clubs old ground, Meadow Park was ruined by flood waters a few years back and their new ground, New Meadow Park, was built as replacement in 2020. The rain is still chopping away but at least the 3g surface will hold up with little chance of water damage here, despite it pelting down frantically on the metal roof, players warming up as fans take cover. It's not the most pleasing afternoon for a football match. Inside the grounds boundaries it's all very modern, open to the elements wide and spacious. Two large metal red and yellow seated stands on one side, two low roof terraces behind each goal and a far side, tree lined with nothing more than two portacabins on top of each other with a bright light scoreboard for all to see. The Game An old boy is sitting in front of me, he’s a groundhopper from Sheffield and got the train in to watch the match. I'm chatting away as the two sides come out, it’s only then I notice the skies have cleared and the sun is beaming down on the soaked synthetic surface. Gloucester start well with a gorgeous curling effort by Alefe Santos which is inches wide, at the other end, Connor Wood is given too much space to turn and strike. A couple of minutes gone and Warrington already one up. A few giggles in the crowd, even from the home support as the stadium announcer mumbles dis-heartedly 'Gloucester Nil, Warrington One'... It seems he's had to say similar a few times this season. That goal is more than worthy difference of the qualities in teams on show. Warrington confident in passing between themselves, they dominate play whilst Gloucester lack ideas, they go long, fail to press, it looks like a team in trouble and one that is lacking several players good enough for the level. That trouble worsens when Warrington make it two. Josh Amis sent through to coolly finish at the goalkeepers near post, they’re much the better team in a one-sided first half but Gloucester have their moments as yellows goalkeeper Atherton is called into action to flick one attempt onto the bar. The Score The groundhopper says his goodbyes at the break as he tells me ‘I like to watch each half in different parts of the ground’. There’s a local kids team playing on the pitch all kitted out in yellow and blue, there must be thirty of them running around after one ball. It looks like madness, but they seem to be having fun. Into the second half it’s again the home team who start brightest. Warrington sitting on their cushion haven’t really got out of second gear but their fans are in fine voice. 'Yellows' they sing as the home support respond with ‘Barmy Army’ as they bang on the back of the stand. There's good banter between the two sets who stand pretty much side by side. Not used to winning so many games this season the away following bait the home support with a chorus of ‘how shit must you be, we’re winning away’ before Gloucester reduce the deficit. Debutant Ben Beresford on loan from Birmingham City, up top on his own and scratching around for sniffs, he gets a bite inside the box and bundles one in… ‘How shit must you be, we’ve scored a goal’ sing the Gloucester fans. That goal kicks Warrington into gear who must come out and play, attack is their best form of defence, and they do, as the game goes on their former England youth international Isaac Buckley-Ricketts becomes more prominent with more space to run at the Tigers defence, he carries forward before playing wide where a lovely cross by Woods is headed home by Amis, textbook centre forward play by a very good number nine who climbed above his marker to powerfully thud home a proper goal into Zach Jeacock’s net. That goal is enough to take the tie away from the home side and put Warrington out of sight. They end good value with a tidy three points on the road. Some very neat football played by them, a happy coach journey to follow up the M5 and M6 for their players, staff and fans. The Stars Connor Woods was always a threat down the right and it’s the best I’ve seen of him with a goal and an assist. Tricky and talented he’s a tough boy and is always up for the graft. I was very impressed with the finishing ability of Jordan Amis who struck a cool calm strike and a proper forward’s header to cap a good day for him and his team. The little and large duo of Sean Williams and Bohan Dixon combining well in midfield. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts driving in possession is a player when in full flight is a real good sight. One worthy of a mention is goalkeeper Dan Atherton who didn’t have too much to do. He’s always on the move and is probably the most comfortable keeper I’ve seen with the ball at his feet at the level. He’s chirpy and confident, at one stage he had former Premier League defender Andre Wisdom tying his laces for him. At 23 he’s not the tallest but commands his area and catches well, he made one stunning save to tip a shot onto the bar and due to his confidence on the ball will take a lot of touches that allows Warrington to play calmly out from the back. For Gloucester, there was a debut goal for Ben Beresford and he worked hard up front, often without great service. He’s a young kid, local to me, who I remember getting transferred to Birmingham City from Basford United a couple of years back. Tall and awkward looking he has an eye for goal and I’ll be watching how he does in a struggling side, which will probably tell you a lot about the character of player as he develops. Brazilian born Alefe Santos and seventeen-year-old Kai Churchley were two players who also caught the eye. Like Churchley, Right back Harry Leeson in on loan from Bristol City and also looked like a player with good technical ability and heart. It’s not for want of trying that Gloucester are down there, but perhaps their lack of experience at the level counts when carrying a few youngsters in their makeup. The Verdict I see Gloucester going down if things don’t change and after listening to what one of their media guys tells me I don’t see it changing too soon, with their owners refusing to put money into the club, their current chairman is left with a struggling squad and not much funds to improve it. For Warrington they’ll be ok in the division, maybe even an outside contender for the playoffs, as they grow at the level, they’ll get better, and they already have a good side under Mark Beesley, in my eyes. The Teams Gloucester City: Zach Jeacock, Harry Leeson, Tyrone Duffus, Ben Richards Everton, Jamie Reckford, Max Ram (Elliott Durrell 55), Alefe Santos, Joe Hanks, Harry Emmett (Enoch Andoh 83), Kai Churchley (Harry Pinchard 66), Ben Beresford. Warrington Town: Daniel Atherton, Declan Walker, Andrew White, Connor Woods (Aaron Bennett 87), Sean Williams, Joshua Amis, Bohan Dixon (Jordan Buckley 90), Isaac Buckley-Ricketts (Matthew Grivosti 83), Mitchell Duggan, Andre Wisdom, Peter Clarke. 3pm Kick Off. Saturday 4th November 2023, New Meadow Park, Gloucester (att 755).