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Boston United 1-0 Gloucester City (National League North) After seeing it in a shop in Newcastle on Wednesday I decided to buy the 2023/24 Non-League Club Directory on Amazon where it was £4 cheaper than in store price. It arrived yesterday. Now I know my stuff… More prepared on the football pyramid than ever before as I browse details on the last time Gloucester came to Boston on January 7th of this year, it looked a cracker too, a Desmond Tutu with a last minute equaliser from Scott Pollock in front of 1,316… A quick look in this guide has me nudging club media personnel with assurance… Reeling off stats in football is one way to get the locals on your side. Not that I’ve needed it though, Boston is a lovely town and they seem to have taken to me, which is why I suppose, I keep on going back. It's Saturday lunchtime and all in good time I’ve set off down the A52 for my second visit to Lincolnshire this week. Through Grantham where there’s a queue of cars turning right at McDonald’s causing tailback and an annoying delay, up and over the fields of loneliness and through villages like Donington, Bicker Bar and Kirton End before reaching Wyberton. The Venue It’s a quick walk from Scott Drive where I park as I toy with the idea of grabbing a coffee from Starbucks or Costa but decide against it. Getting on for 2pm I head straight for the ticket office where I get my pass. “your names on the ticket my lovely” the woman behind the counter says... I’m through the turnstile with a scan of my ticket, a quick wee and a wash of my hands before ordering a cuppa and a mars bar, pouring the milk in my brew it’s still quiet under the stand as I make my way out pitch side where a couple of Boston Coaches are chatting outside the tunnel entrance. The playing surface here is immaculate and it must be a real treat at this level for players to play here. Your eyes open with a nod of approval when you walk out the tunnel to see the smart modern arena for the first time, the pitch is perfect, wide and lush and suitable for a ‘no excuses’ passing brand which every footballer secretly wants to play. I’m in my usual seat, desk flipped down and note books out around twelve rows up, I’m flicking through my new non league guide as I write the teams down from the team sheet passed to me. The Game There’s a rainbow over the stadium as the two teams kick off. Gloucester reached the playoffs last season but not a single player survives, Manager Mike Cook is new in his role after the sacking of Tim Flowers in September but things haven’t gone well for a side in the relegation places. Boston are above them in the table but are by no means great shakes themselves after home loss v Banbury on Tuesday. This is a must win for them as they look to avoid getting sucked in, and they start well, feisty and up for the challenge with a better tempo than in midweek, although both teams seem to lack class in the forwards department. Kelsey Mooney who I was impressed with against Banbury is kept relatively quiet, his strike partner Jimmy Knowles looks to have pace and can carry the ball but is easily containable. At the other end 38 year old Danny Wright up top on his own is an isolated figure. Chances are few and far between in a half where the home side are the aggressors, but the visitors dig in and defend, word from the crowd is they’re not totally happy with how things are going. The Score That changes soon into the second half though as Keaton Ward picks the ball up outside the eighteen yard box and is urged to shoot by the Boston faithful. He does so, low, left footed, to perfection in the corner of the net as sprawling goalkeeper Jeacock can’t get near it. An opening goal from a player whose played well. Boston at last have something to smile about. The home side are dominant but a shot on the volley from nowhere has Pilgrims goalkeeper Cameron Gregory diving to his right to keep out and push away for a corner. I’m discussing the importance of having a top keeper with the Jakemans PA announcer as Gregory’s solid performances since arriving suggest he’s been the difference in a point or two, especially when he makes memorable saves like that. Another player impressing is Zak Mills who I’ve seen a bit of but this is his best performance I’ve witnessed from him so far. He’s been immense from right back all afternoon where he’s getting space to attack. He’s showboating in the opposition corner before being announced as man of the match and substituted with a few minutes left, clearly having blown out of steam having given his all on the day. Those minutes tick agonisingly long as four plus during injury time roll over into six but Boston hang on, helped late by a red card for Wright who’s frustrated up top alone. He’s stuck out an elbow into the face of an opponent and trots off without complaint to the laughs and jeers of the home fans singing ‘cheerio’. The Stars Michael Bostwick is that old-skool centre half you need on days like this where you have to dig in and he was exceptional next to Brad Nicholson whilst Zak Mills had his best Boston game in front of my eyes. Midfielders Woods and Ward also enjoying good games, battling away and getting the better of their Gloucester counterparts who shown little on the day other than fighting spirit and a will to compete until the end. Their best player perhaps in Alefe Santos who got around the pitch in unspectacular fashion but was quick to press as the away sides star playmakers Elliot Durrell and Harry Pinchard struggled to impose themselves against more physical opponents. The Verdict It looks to me like it’ll be a long hard slog for Gloucester who lacked firepower and creativity to threaten Boston who aren’t exactly firing on all fours themselves. I do see potential in a upwards Pilgrimage for Ian Culverhouse and his boys but it seems for every step forward there’s two taken back. They’ll be ok but a club like this should be doing better than ok, they continue to punch well below their weight because what I see when I come to Boston is a league side in the making. If more off the pitch than on it, that is. The Teams Boston United: Cameron Gregory, Ethan Septhon (Dylan Hill 55), Brad Nicholson, Michael Bostwick, Zak Mills, Keaton Ward, Martin Woods, Jordan Richards, Jimmy Knowles, Keziah Martin, Kelsey Mooney. Gloucester City: Zach Jeacock, Tyrone Duffus, Elliott Durrell (Kai Churchley 72), Louis McGrory (Max Ram 31), Danny Wright, Harry Pinchard (Joe Parker 46), Joe Hanks, Ben Richards-Everton, Alefe Santos, Harry Leeson, Harry Emmett. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 28th October 2023, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,331).

Newcastle United U19 1-2 Borussia Dortmund U19 (UEFA Youth League Group Stages) Like PSG a fortnight ago I’m at it again for a Newcastle double header as I travel north to watch the Geordies in action both this afternoon and tonight. The Toon’s men and boys playing against Borussia Dortmund in a European double header. Out the door for 10:30am I’m heading up the M1 where I’ll join the A1 at Leeds after passing the Emley Mass in the distance to my left. The roads are quiet as the rain starts to drizzle in after seeing signs for Darlington and Teesside. A quick stop off at Durham Services for a piss and I’m into Gateshead where I’m pulling up on Stadium Road to park my car. The Venue Built on the site of a chemical works plant in 1955 the stadium has a large seated stand which was built in 1981 and is a brick backed metal roofed concrete pillared number which takes me back to being a kid when up in the newly built Nottingham Forest East Stand you got a similar perched view and feel. The smell and aura of the Tyne & Wear (West) Stand is very 1980’s and when you get out into the open you see a full athletics stadium beneath which has hosted the likes of local legends Steve Cram, Jonathan Edwards and Brendan Foster as well as Mo Farah, Jessica Ennis, Linford Christie, Carl Lewis, Tyson Gay, Asafa Powell, Kriss Akabusi, the list runs on. Real appeal in the running game but less so in the football charts, Gateshead FC have played here since 1977 dating back to before the West Stand was built but these days the arena feels very European with a modern roofed West Stand adjacent, that was completed as recently as 2009. The Game I’m up perched high as a couple of bubbly University goers park in front of me and ask ‘Are you a scout’. There questions are never ending but in fairness they soon shut up as the players come out and leave me to it. Borussia Dortmund in bright yellow, Newcastle black, white, red numbers on their back. You can’t spot them though through the constant drizzle. 47 looks like 57 and I see no difference in 63 and 65.. It doesn't help that all bar one Newcastle player are same height, body type and same dark hair… Ellis Stanton standing out with his bleach blonde top. Borussia Dortmund couldn’t be further different. They’re a league of nations. A Pole in goal, a Spaniard at right back, they have an Italian, a Ukranian, an Icelandic lad in midfield, a Dutch guy up top and a few Germans too. They start well, knocking it around with confidence, you feel there’s a huge difference in the levels these are at. Newcastle’s catchment area is probably 40 miles from St James’ Park whilst Dortmund’s is the whole of Europe… You can tell the difference because of it. The early promise is coming from BvB’s Samuel Bamba who is electric down the left and leaving his marker for dust… He crosses low for Julian Rijkhoff who I really like the look of, a touch of Haaland or Hojlund’s to him as he slots home the opener before stroking back his moppy hair. That lead is kept until half time where I see a number of Newcastle youngsters including Remi Savage, Shaun Mavididi and Amadou Diallo who are sat in front of me, having photos taken alongside young supporters who are here to watch during half term. The Score I’ve been chatting to the Uni lads who are now sat behind me as I catch one looking at my notes, the rain still persistent it hasn’t stopped since south of Darlo and it gives the pitch a sticky feel as the odd pass is played short. Dortmund though are highly competent and in Danylo Krevsun in particular, dictate the midfield. Number eight beside him Rafeal Lubach reminding me of Mahmoud Dahoud, they control proceedings ever looking to break the Newcastle lines, they set Samuel Bamba away who cuts inside and scores although Newcastle goalkeeper Harris might have done better. That goal gives a cushion to Dortmund who sub captain Hendry Blank on the hour, but Newcastle fight back, one thing they have which I noticed when being inferior technically on my previous viewing at the PSG game is desire, hunger, and a will to keep plugging away. That ‘English’ mentality is installed in striker Johnny Emerson who knocks he ball around a defender and runs down the wing to cross low for substitute Sean Neave who pulls one back late on. To protect a lead now halved Dortmund’s star of the show Bamba is then substituted with a healthy reaction from the home support who hugely applaud a fabulous individual performance. Newcastle fighting til’ the end but falling short as Dortmund cling on, a cracking game and a match that the home team will learn so much from. Beaten by the better side but by no means put to shame. The Stars Samuel Bamba was the eye opening zesty forward who triggered the pulses with his direct sprinting, powerful play and pulsating performance, he looks a real player with talent and was too hot for the young Newcastle defenders to handle. Next to him up top, I liked the leggy looking Dutch kid Julian Rijkhoff who was awkward, gritty but technically good, taking his goal well, he might have had more. In midfield the blonde haired Krevsun kept things ticking in front of the back four whilst at the back, Hendry Blank was a solid thick set defender who sat in the centre of a three whilst to the right of him, Leonardo Garcia Posadas was very easy on the eye, technically assured and most calm in possession, he flicked the ball blind side over an attackers head early doors which shown cultural differences in how to play out from the back. For Newcastle, Jamie Miley and Ellis Stanton were gritty in midfield whilst Johnny Emerson was direct, powerful and quick up top, Kyle Crossley down the right did well for an hour whilst Leo Shahar at 16, the youngest player on the field of play, shown promise at full back. The Verdict You never can tell with footballers how they’ll evolve which is the beauty of going to these games and seeing talent at an early age. The Newcastle boys certainly have the temperament to stay in the game which was shown through their passionate coach on the sideline, perhaps over passionate at times as they had a desire to win and get stuck in? For Dortmund it was all about technique, and whilst the German side of various nationalities proved good footballers can beat good honest lads… I wonder of the diamonds on show, the ones unearthed by me, hardly noticed on the day, would perhaps go furthest in the game? The Teams Newcastle United: Aidan Harris, Leo Shahar, Cathal Heffernan (Rory Powell 88), Ciaran Thompson, Dylan Charlton, Kyle Crossley (Sean Neave 64), Ellis Stanton (Anthony Munda 63), Jamie Miley (Callum McArthur 73), Travis Enrique Hernes, Ben Parkinson, Johnny Emerson. Borussia Dortmund: Robin Lisewski, Leonardo Garcia Posadas, Hendry Blank (William Rashidi 61), Filippo Mane, Jaden Korzynietz, Danylo Krevsun, Kjell Watjen (Vincenzo Onofrietti 88), Rafael Lubach, Cole Campbell (Ousmane Diallo 88), Julian Rijkhoff, Samuel Bamba (Charles Herrmann 77). 3:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 25th October 2023, Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead (att 726).

Boston United 1-1 Scunthorpe United (National League North) It’s Halloween and the trick or treaters are out in force. I’ve made a casserole and sunk a quick bowl down before heading out the door to watch Boston v Scunthorpe, a Lincolnshire Derby which I’m told hasn’t been played since the days when both were in the football league. A bit of research remembers the last game between the two in League Two at Glanford Park in January 2005 ended 1-1. The match before that on 2nd October 2004 at York Street, ended Boston 2-1 Scunthorpe. The sides have played each other more recently of course. Pre-season friendlies and Lincolnshire Senior Cup matches included, when often Scunny will bring their kids or ressies to trial during meaningless minutes, not tonight in this must not lose league battle when both, for a first time in a long time, are on a level playing field separated by just seven points. These days sitting in step six, both have fallen from grace of better days, Scunthorpe have picked themselves up of late though after making the national newspapers through their previous owner David Hilton. Now back to being run properly through local businesswoman Michelle Harness, the side have had back-to-back six goal wins under Jimmy Dean, beating Bishop’s Stortford 6-1 on Saturday after beating Spennymoor last Tuesday 6-0 and they are doing ok since relegation last year sitting second in the table and closing in on leaders Tamworth. Boston have been kicking around in the National North for nine years now and after a wobbly start this season are only actually three points off the playoff spots. A much needed 1-0 win over relegation battlers Gloucester City at the weekend, easing some pressure on their marmite manager Ian Culverhouse. It’s pitch-black outside, the moon is out in full and as I head down the A52 the mist rolling in from the North Sea is scarily whistling over my car thick and grey. I can hardly see the end of my bonnet. TalkSport are talking ghost stories and I’m driving alone in the middle of nowhere… Great. The Venue I’ve pulled up in the suburb of Wyberton and it seems busier than usual. Cars everywhere as Scunthorpe are in town, they take a fair few with them away as their fans look to tick off new grounds in this new league for them. A fella parks up on the side of a roundabout and asks me “am I ok to park here mate?” I reply, “usually you’ll be fine, but because your lot are in town the traffic wardens will probably be all over it tonight.” I’m walking across the road to the mistily lit modern stadium where I’m through the doors to the ticket office, in a small queue ahead of scribbling my name for a press pass. Back outside I’m through the turnstile and up to my seat where it’s already quite cosy, full of media and radio, the clubs PA doesn’t even have a seat tonight. I’m taking it all in as the players warm up on field, the moon directly above me lighting the black sky, the fog is still whistling around heavily though. You can hardly see the far corner flag of this golden looking three sided venue. The Referees are out on the pitch talking to members of staff as a fan says to me “surely they can’t call it off”. The mist makes it hard to see the stand opposite where the Scunthorpe fans are packed in, I’m questioning whether we’ll get ninety minutes played tonight, I’m praying that we get kicked off just so I can get paid. The Game It’s quite a flat atmosphere but the ground is packed. Scunthorpe fans are singing ‘is this a library’ as the ball goes back and forward, pumped high and away from danger, it’s not pretty down this near side, only god (and those on the far side) knows what’s happening when the ball races down the opposite wing. The puffs of cloud bustling in over the stadium from the sea swirling pitch level to make viewing anything most tricky. But the game is game, it’s a fair scrap and both sides are competing. My all-time favourite Scunthorpe United player is Reagan Ogle who’s mullet reminds me of my dad’s. He even runs like my old man from his right back position. Boston have their own retro defender in Michael Bostwick who clears and clashes and clumps away at anything in his path from centre half. By half time I’m just relieved to have seen what I’ve seen… Not a lot of high-quality football but at least we’ve made it this far. Time for two Boston stars of recent past, Gregg Smith and Jamie McGhee to be paraded as today’s guest of honours. I worked with them both at Grantham before they moved to the Pilgrims from their home town club, both good lads who did well for the club and worthy of a generous applause. The Score Everyone is stood up in front of me during the break, so I haven’t really noticed how or why but suddenly the skies are clear. It’s like a parting of the waves? An exodus of fog as the only steam on show is now coming from the kitchen behind the stand opposite. The smell of food lingering around as the packed stand I’m in slowly sits itself down. It’s more of the same ‘clearing your lines’ and 'getting stuck in' but at least we can see it this half. The battle is in true ‘derby’ style as everyone is on their defensive ‘A’ game with not much showtime for players who like to trick and treat the audience with their Halloween night talent. Scunthorpe are first to ‘twist’ as they play their cards with a sixtieth minute attacking substitute. Cameron Wilson is brought on for the last half hour and this coincides with their best spell of the game. Suddenly there’s a bit of maintained pressure on the Boston goal and they look like succumbing with goalkeeper Cameron Gregory getting twitchy. On 75 an error by Nicholson is pounced on in the centre of the park and Connor Smith is sent away, racing clear he’s into the box, rounds the goalkeeper, delays, and prods through a number of legs, an opener which has the Iron match reporter besides me jumping up screaming ‘YES’ before nervously looking around like he’s done something wrong. “Tamworth are losing too… It could be a good day for you guys” I tell him… But Boston have other ideas. They have no intentions of losing this match tonight and they are pressing from the off with Kelsey Mooney and Jimmy Knowles leading from the front with new found aggression, running at defenders, the yellows persistence paying off when Jordan Richards is given time inside the box from a low pass by Zak Mills, he prods home through a crowd to level things up, a huge roar from the home end as all the seats in front of me flap as fans stand to their feet to cheer. Boston have deserved it, but there’s more spice to come. The game’s end is tasty and feisty and now end to end, players now pushing and shoving after every challenge, the BBC Radio Lincs commentator behind me is loving it… “This is what the derby needs” he says… The Referee has got it all on and is probably not helping, he’s given three foul throw-ins tonight and has made a few questionable decisions with six bookings in total. Late on it’s last chance saloon. Scunthorpe have a corner to win it, but it’s cleared, before Boston have a corner to win it, with a scrappy header slowly clattering a post as everyone watches in agony. In the end the away side are relieved not to concede, whilst the home side are probably happy with their point too. The whistle is blown as the crowd stay behind to clap off the two teams who gave everything to ensure they would not lose tonight… And credit both clubs, they didn’t. The Stars Jacob Butterfield is the one that stood out in the middle of the park, I feel alongside Micheal Clunan they have a pairing that is probably the best in the division, you’ll win more than you lose with a strong midfield and Scunthorpe certainly have that. Good intelligent footballers who can mix it too. In fairness, Scunthorpe are strong all over the park. Goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons kicks well, full backs Ogle and Denton are very solid, I really like centre half Will Evans who they signed from Boreham Wood. With the likes of Connor Smith, Jason Law, Cameron Wilson, they have talented playmakers who can get on the ball and create. Whilst Danny Whitehall didn’t have his best night up front, he offers real threat with a thunderbolt shot and when he’s not on the park Danny Elliott a former Boston striker, is certainly a handy replacement. For Boston, after his man of the match performance on Saturday, Zak Mills had another good night at right back, in midfield they battled well with Martin Woods solid, Bostwick at the back was brilliant, Mooney much better than on Saturday in attack, the only weak position to note at left back where Ethan Sephton for the third match in a row, was substituted and looked like he’s playing up a level he’s not too comfortable at. The Verdict After back-to-back six goal thumping’s this was a more down to earth bump for Scunthorpe who might have known and expected that they would be in a tough game at Boston. Their media guy says ‘we need to pick up more points on the road’ and if they do, they’ll probably pip Tamworth for the title, their problem being, which was my reply ‘you're everybody’s cup final’ and those opponents will often raise their game against them. Scunthorpe have what it takes to bounce straight back up, no question, and I hope they do, a club who’s been in turmoil for a couple of years, it’s about time they had a bit of good luck with a season of cheer. Whilst Boston are these days more ‘contained’ with life at level six.. I still think they should expect bigger and better things to come. There’s no reason why in a few years, Boston and Scunthorpe, like Lincoln and Grimsby, can’t all be representing the county of Lincolnshire, in the football league, where I feel they all are suited to belong. The Teams Boston United: Cameron Gregory, Ethan Sephton (Dylan Hill 46), Brad Nicholson, Michael Bostwick, Keaton Ward, Martin Woods, Kelsey Mooney, Keziah Martin (Jai Rowe 79), Jimmy Knowles, Jordan Richards, Zak Mills. Scunthorpe United: Ross Fitzsimons, Reagan Ogle, Will Evans, Andrew Boyce, Michael Clunan, Jacob Butterfield (Jack Jenkins 70), Kian Scales, Connor Smith, Jason Law (Cameron Wilson 57), Tyler Denton, Danny Whitehall (Danny Elliott 77). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 31st October 2023, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 2,178).

Aberdeen 1-1 HJK Helsinki (Europa Conference League Group Stages) The marathon continues as I travel further north in attempt to crack four games in three days as I wake up blurry eyed from the night before and the emotional nuance at St James’ Park with a knock on the door at my bed without breakfast in Gateshead, it’s 9:30am and I need to be out by ten so I get a move on and head to McDonald’s where a strong coffee and sausage and egg mcmuffin will do. I’m leaving for Aberdeen at 1pm. The Dons of Pittodrie is about as north as it gets when it comes to football in Great Britain. A top tier Scottish club since 1905 they’ve never been relegated and I’ve never been to Aberdeen. My earliest recollection of them in my 1987 panini sticker book but slightly older viewers will remember by that time, they had recently dominated Scottish (and European) football by winning three league titles and the European Cup Winners Cup under rookie Manager Alex Ferguson. It’s amazing to think no other side bar Rangers or Celtic have won the Scottish League since... The Dons most recent of four top flight titles coming in 1984/85. Contrast that with HJK who reside even further north in Finland. The dominant club of their nation has 32 championships and is most likely about to win another one this weekend. Past players include Teemu Tainio, Jari Litmanen and Shefki Kuqi... Aberdeen will raise and see you though with Willie Miller, Alex McLeish and Gordon Strachan, real icons who once played part in that famous European Cup Winners Cup final win over Real Madrid. I’m on the train at Newcastle Station travelling up through the beautiful towns of Berwick-upon-Tweed and Edinburgh and over the stunning Forth Rail Bridge crossing the Firth of Forth but it’s not until I get to Kirkcaldy when I’m particularly wowed by the site of Raith Rovers home at Starks Park which sits closely besides the rail track. Another checklist as we pass Dundee is Golf Street Station which sits across from Carnoustie which looks to have a European Tour event going on, there’s more than a few golf courses on the way and one daunting looking links course in particular is Stonehaven which can be seen from my seat which is basically on the edge of a cliff. Finally, after a good four and a half hours I’ve arrived at Aberdeen Station and it’s a quick scurry over the road to the Station Hotel where I’m staying the night before walking up through the centre which is a good half hours walk to Pittodrie. The Venue I’m walking up Guild Street towards Regent Quay where a huge offshore tug ship is docked, taking a shortcut up Shiprow past a lively Irish bar called Malones, it’s a bustling area of cobbled streets packed with restaurants and pubs, I’m impressed for what I presumed was a sleepy northern town, the rain and wind coming in off the north sea, I’ve got my hood up over my hat as locals walk laughing from bar to bar in shirts and short sleeves. I pass the Mercat Cross and onto King Street which is a good mile long before turning right towards Pittodrie, the stadium floodlights appearing above the grey stoned terrace houses of Merkland Road. It’s relatively quiet as I approach the ground an hour and half before kick-off but outside the main reception there’s a crowd of people as the Aberdeen players arrive one by one. I’m in the queue for my accreditation as Jamie McGrath, Jack MacKenzie and Ryan Duncan ask to leave tickets on the door for friends and family. Outside the ground I can’t help noticing people walk by with golf bags, not only does Pittodrie back on to the sea but is also a stones throw from another fine-looking golf course – this really is the hotbed and birthplace of that particular old sport. I’m told by a steward to head to the South Stand so walk around the back of the huge imposing two-tiered Richard Donald Stand where outside is a bronze bust of Alex Ferguson. The ground from the outset is a little warn perhaps through the unprotected bashing it gets off the North Sea weather but it’s classically Scottish and is a proper football place. Reaching the back of the South Stand I’m directed to my seat in the gantry, a temporary build of scaffold for the UEFA analysts of which there are only two of us, perched at the back in front of the concourse looking down onto the green playing surface, to the left a pitched roof end similar to the stand opposite where I’m sat, to my right that huge two-tiered stand which dwarfs everything else, the arena dressed in all red seating as the bright northern lights threaten to break through the cloudy dark blue skies. The Game It’s a tight affair where HJK look to be solid and comfortable on the ball without having any real star assets to unlock the Aberdeen door open. The home side are technical but slight in comparison, the Finnish players thick set and blonde whilst Aberdeen relies on a few overseas imports along with their Scottish and Irish contingent. One player in particular, Luis Lopes is seemingly a crowd favourite, everytime he gets the ball a cry of Looooou goes up from the Merkland Stand Ultras who are packed into the central reservations behind the goal on my left. Flags waving they sing all match and create a cracking atmosphere but chances are few and far between, Jesse Ost is called into action just once from a header by Miovski, Lopes is getting the beating of his man as he leaves Soiri a clear set of heels but he then injures himself tackling the said player who in return elbows him in the face before clashing heads with his own man Richard Jensen which see’s the Dons centre back sent back to the changing room to receive attention as the first half continues with ten added long minutes. The Score From a pretty dull first half of Aberdeen being the aggressors without really penetrating the opposition defence, HJK make two changes and it’s they who dominate the early stages of the second 45 as frustration grows in the home end as Barry Robson’s side struggle to keep hold of the ball. To add to that frustration, it’s the away side who take the lead as Soiri does well down the right to pull back to Radulovic who makes no mistake, the few away fans that have travelled go wild to my bottom right hand corner in the South Stand as their team celebrate at opposite ends. That calls Robson into making a couple of changes himself and with the introduction of Johnny Hayes and Connor Barron the home side wrestle back authority and begin to attack with intent. They eventually get reward when a ball chipped into the box by Jensen is headed up into the air by a HJK defender and onto the noggin of Miovski who levels things up. Late on it’s the home side who press for that winner but despite some lengthy pressure the lack of quality in front of goal tells, HJK will be happier with the point whilst Aberdeen are disappointed, both sides will probably miss out on qualification to the next stage with PAOK and Eintracht Frankfurt in the driving seat, both sets of teams having technical differences but both very similar in levels of average quality. The Stars Jamie McGrath in Aberdeen’s midfield is a player who has elegant touches and enough technique to tell he’s a level above most on show. He plays well alongside the experienced Graeme Shinnie in the centre of the park whilst wide man Luis Lopes started well but faded after a couple of ugly clashes. He should have scored in the second half but blazed over when the goal was gaping. Defensively, I’m impressed with Stefan Gartenmann who is comfortable on the ball and has a huge throw in whilst Connor Barron off the bench made a lot more happen than young Leighton Clarkson did in the ‘playmaker’ role before him. For HJK I was most impressed with number ten Lucas Lingman who floated around the midfield inventively whilst Filip Rogic and Georgios Kanellopoulos did the doggy work. They two played better post substitutions and one of those players, right back Tuomas Ollila did well when he came on during the second forty-five. Both strikers seemed like lonely and isolated targets for much of the night but both shown their class with well taken goals. You could probably fit a Rizla paper between the two teams on show, both well drilled but very ordinary in what they had to offer in an attacking sense. The Verdict A draw does neither side any favours with chance of progression whilst one of the analysts I was sat with stated “I think we’ve seen the bottom two sides of the group tonight”. For HJK and Aberdeen just to be competing in major European group stage football is a positive result in itself. Although they’ll both be happy to be part of continental competition, concentration now firmly cemented on league action this weekend, a point for the title is Helsinki’s destination whilst Aberdeen will next face St Johnstone as they look to climb up the Scottish Premier League table after what has been an average start. It’ll take you best part of a day to get here… But ‘come to Aberdeen’ I tell you… A great football ground to visit and a great town too. I’ve not written off returning soon, if anything to try some of the bars I didn’t get time to frequent this time around. The Teams Aberdeen: Kelle Roos, Nicky Devlin (Ester Sokler 87), Jack MacKenzie (Johnny Hayes 64), Graeme Shinnie, Richard Jensen, Stefan Gartenmann, Jamie McGrath, Bojan Miovski, Leighton Clarkson (Connor Barron 59), Luis Lopes, Slobodan Rubezic. HJK Helsinki: Jesse Oost, Joona Toivio (Kristopher Da Gracia 46), Filip Rogic (Perparim Hetemaj 73), Bojan Radulovic, Lucas Lingman, Matti Peltola (Tuomas Ollila 45), Miro Tenho (Nicholas Hamalainen 87), Topi Keskinen (Hassane Bande 74), Jukka Raitala, Pyry Soiri, Georgios Kanellopoulos. 8:00pm Kick Off. Thursday 5th October 2023, Pittodrie, Aberdeen (att 16,316).

Newcastle United 0-1 Borussia Dortmund (UEFA Champions League Group Stages) I’m straight out of Gateshead and its boys to men as I brave the rain and jump in the car to program ‘Times Square Car Park’ into my sat nav for a next date with Newcastle and Dortmund, this time the elders. The car park is cheap but it’s a good bloody walk from St James’ Park and this rain is not relinquishing. Luckily, it’s quite fine so I won’t be a drowned rat on arrival, more of a wet pussy you might say, I’m pulled up after a bit of traffic and out the car park and onto St James’ Boulevard as I head towards Grainger Town. I’ve got a bit of time to kill so make my way down St Andrews Street under a China Town arch opposite the stadium where all the pubs are busy full of fans, not fancying a pre-match pint I instead find a book shop called ‘The Back Page’ which is littered with sporting memorabilia from around the country. Predominantly Newcastle stock it has Miggy Almiron drinks bottles and Bobby Robson coasters, I’ve even spotted a Forest scarf and a non-league guide 2023/24 which I’m most tempted to buy (I’ll take a look on Amazon where it's probably cheaper later). Back in the rain I’m heading up the short walk to the stadium sat nicely not too far away on the hill, glowing in the grey skies as I cross Gallowgate towards the Jackie Milburn Stand to get my press pass. It doesn’t seem as madly busy as it did for the PSG game but that was then and this is now, the clubs first match back in the UCL was always going to be an occasion to remember, this has an after the lord mayors show feel? Dortmund are a whopping 4/1 against and I can’t fathom why Newcastle have been made clear favourites by the bookies. I’m shocked as BvB’s form has been sensational this season, still unbeaten in the league having only suffered loss at PSG in Europe. The Venue I’m under the Milburn Stand as I walk up to the packed ‘hospitality’ suites entrance before making my way up the escalators to the UEFA Office where I quickly say hello and grab my pass. I’m having a look at the memorabilia inside a glass cabinet where I spot a few old FA Cup medals and various international caps from Newcastle stars gone by before crossing back over the road where a little doorway by the players entrance takes me to the press room, I’m waltzing in as Alan Shearer is chatting to somebody by the door before finding a quiet seat and doing a little work on my laptop as we’ve still a couple of hours to go until kick off. I’m sat a good forty minutes before making my way up to my seat. Through a back door under the stand I’m out into concourse and up the steps to the open, fans already inside this huge arena which has a large circular Champions League banner covering centre circle. The Dortmund fans high up on my left in the top tier are already here and making a racket, I’m walking up the huge number of steps to my table seat, I’ve brought a laptop today where I’ll also get a stream but it looks like we’ve also been provided monitors, the mod cons of UEFA Champions League nights, the pitch is a long way down and with my eye sight you need all the help you can get. The Game There’s a racket ahead of kick off as the Newcastle fans pack in and make a noise with a full stadium tifo of black and white as 52,000 hum to the Beatles Hey Jude, but Dortmund aren’t here to make the numbers, they start bright and should have taken the lead, in fact the opening moments see chances at both ends, the match is end to end and in particular the away side enjoy some progress in breaking down their left. It looks to me like they’ve targeted the usually solid Kieran Tripper who takes all Newcastle’s set plays. When United have the ball he’s invariably out of position, so when he's not at right back, Edin Terzic’s side are quick to send Marco Reus away down the left. The Score The half is slowly soul destroying for Newcastle who look a shadow of the side that beat PSG as they struggle to break the solid Borussia lines and suffer injury to their star striker Alexander Isak. The game looks to be festering out into a scoreless half of football as Dortmund prove a tough nut to crack, the home crowd now flat as the away support beat their drums, the yellow wall high up in the gods haven’t stopped all game, and then Nico Schlotterbeck is sent away, down the left as standard where he has time and space to pull back to Felix Nmecha who coolly gives the yellows the lead. That goal in the rain certainly dampens the mood further inside the stadium, by half time it’s gushing in from the East and my laptop is getting it despite being under the largest roof cover imaginable. The second half I expect fireworks from the home side who do give it a good go, substitute striker Callum Wilson goes close but at the other end Dortmund continue to attack, the hosts bring on Sandro Tonali for his last game ahead of a twelve month ban for gambling but his appetite and drive cannot help either, a succession of corners leaves with Newcastle hitting the bar, by the time the whistle is blown for full time United goalie Nick Pope is still in the opposition area, the fight was there but they were brutally knocked down by the better boxer midway through the night, despite picking themselves up to claw back some points of pride late on, an actual point could not be retrieved. The Stars The level of football was of high quality and the post match verdict was met by Newcastle fans with appraisal, that ‘this is the Champions League’ and being able to go toe to toe with a great club like Dortmund who have regularly been there and done it is huge strides in itself considering where the Magpies were less than 2 years ago. Nick Pope made a fabulous double stop in the first half and he proved you don't need to be good at kicking to be a good goalkeeper whilst Kieran Trippier, despite being regularly exposed and targeted down the left, well he’s such an important player for Newcastle and I get the feeling he’ll be remembered for a very long time favourably at this club. Bruno Guimaraes was fabulous in midfield and is a real cult hero whilst Anthony Gordon was lively out wide. Borussia had several excellent performances non the least by their defensive duo Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck. Marcel Sabitzer and Emre Can (for 45 minutes) were solid with Felix Nmecha providing the difference ahead of half time, he's a top all round midfielder, all in all a well rounded team effort from them, a chance they’ll give Bayern a good run for their money in the Bundesliga this year? The Verdict In some ways this defeat is probably the kick up the backside Newcastle needed as they approach more difficult matches to come, they still have it all in their own hands but two tricky away games in Paris and Dortmund will make it hard to qualify, but they knew that as they all did, before they started when they were handed this group of death. Ditto Dortmund who are second on 4pts but level with Newcastle behind PSG on six … You feel the next match between the two at Signal Iduna Park will tell you a lot about who may make it along with the French favourites out of the group and into the round of sixteen. The Teams Newcastle United: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton (Jacob Murphy 65 (Joe Willock 70)), Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak (Callum Wilson 15), Miguel Almiron, Dan Burn (Matt Targett 70), Sean Longstaff (Sandro Tonali 65), Bruno Guimaraes. Borussia Dortmund: Gregor Kobel, Nico Schlotterbeck, Felix Nmecha (Giovanni Reyna 78), Ramy Bensebaini, Marco Reus (Karim Adeyemi 63), Niclas Fullkrug (Sebastien Haller 78), Mats Hummels, Marius Wolf, Marcel Sabitzer, Donyell Malen (Niklas Sule 78), Emre Can (Salih Ozcan 43). 8:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 25th October 2023, St James' Park, Newcastle (att 52,024).

Boston United 1-2 Banbury United (National League North) I’m off to one of my favourite football grounds tonight. I’m not sure why I hold the Jakeman’s Community Stadium so high on my list of all-time best locations? A new venue that has only been with us since 2020 when Boston moved out of the fabulous but decrepit York Street after 67 years. Perhaps it’s the quirky looking curved floodlights that draw me in from afar? The three-sided arena is impressive but still awaiting to be finished as behind one goal is an empty builder’s yard awaiting the go ahead from club bosses to get it all complete. Perhaps it’s the journey I take? Through Grantham and across the A52? Which I really like? The flat country roads of sheer darkness only lit by the moon peering through the sporadic clouds as I follow a tractor and other slow moving vehicles down the single carriageway. The canny parking spot I’ve found off Wallace Way? It could be the ease of entrance and exit to and from the venue and the smile I get off the girl behind the ticket office window when collecting my pass or is it the food that is sublime in the under-stand kiosk which lures me in with its sizzling smell? I just enjoy going to Boston… A sleepy Lincolnshire town, nothing around it bar the smell of sea air and soil then suddenly those stadium lights appear and they always get good crowds too. Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League played in front of less than 700 at the weekend. A team that included Jordan Henderson, Gigi Wijnaldum and Demari Gray, players being paid millions to be there… Well Boston will double that crowd tonight for lads on less than £200 a week. A cold Tuesday night in the sixth tier of English football. And that’s with Banbury, the away team taking a total of 23 supporters. It's 5pm and I’m on the road, mixing it up tonight, my sat nav always encouraging me to avoid the congestion at Grantham and hit the A1 for a couple of junctions, only issue is the road I’m told to go up is not yet complete… Luckily, I’ve been here before, back through the back end of Grantham and East up the A52 again. The Venue It’s dark and cold but not too snappy, I seem to always get Boston around this time of year and I’ll be back on Saturday, and next Tuesday, to do it all again. I’m walking over the traffic lights on the A16 with a few fans in front of me, Costa to my right you cut through the car park to see the modern grey structure it feels like a football league venue, league one or league two it would not look out of place. There’s a queue for my ticket but after signing in at the desk I walk around to the turnstile of the West Stand before grabbing a tea and a Twix for £2.80. The concourse is ground level but under the stand and as you walk out through the entrance you’re pitch side touching distance to the chalky white lines that look slightly faded on a green immaculate wide surface with a smart roofed terrace in front of you, orange painted walls with Boston United in black writing at eyeline view. That terrace sweeps around to the left and behind the goal whilst to my right a fence no more than six feet high with a few billboards plastered on it. I’m up to my seat in the press area where an elevated view has you perched at a lovely level. The radio commentators in attendance as we ready to do battle. The Game I did the same match between the two sides last season but only two players remain from that day in December when Banbury won 1-0. Andy Whing has since been replaced by Mark Jones as the Puritans Manager whilst I’m surprised that Ian Culverhouse is still at Boston. He’s been through more players than Katie Price.. It seems whatever he tries to do, Boston are always scrapping in the lower half of the table which for a side of this size and stature is punching well below their weight. Banbury, who are below them, aren’t the force they used to be under Andy Whing. Last season they played some beautiful stuff but not tonight. The start is half paced with neither team looking like they want to take responsibility, but Kelsey Mooney has other ideas, he’s already caused defensive panic and is spinning his marker with pace and trickery before being brought down inside the area, with just three minutes gone, Martin Woods converts from the spot. Mooney is a real handful, he’s too hot to handle and the Banbury centre halves don’t like trying to stop him, they stand off and give him time to turn and run. The Pilgrims number nine suffered an ACL injury at Leamington last season but looks a good bit of business for Boston, who are unrecognisable from the side I watched last year. Neither team I feel are as good as when I last watched them in fact, both feel in their comfort zone and it’s a match that I could probably do justice in playing myself aged a month shy of 45. No real fast-paced pressing or stand out quality, unforced errors are allowing Boston in again, they through Mooney force a good save by Harding who parries his header from a corner over. That save, the best piece of action bar the goal in a half where Banbury might have had two themselves on the break. Odabeyi hits fresh air with only the keeper to beat and does well to reach the corner flag as the ball spins off the outside of his boot, he should have done better to put his side level. The Score The first half is littered with injury stoppages and a couple of changes are enforced for each side by the start of the second half. Banbury having already made two subs look like they mean more business, told by their Manager to no doubt buckle up and get themselves back in the match. Boston don’t know whether to stick or twist? They go for five at the back on the hour and that gives Banbury more control in midfield. Lawson D’Ath crossing from the right where Tai Fleming has popped up at the back post, unmarked he fires in from close range to level the score. That leads to more Banbury pressure and on 79 they take a lead which has probably been coming. A defensive mix up allows the ball to bounce inside the box and sub Adi Yussuf is there to pounce. ‘Taxi For Culverhouse’ is the cry from one Boston supporter in front of me. The atmosphere had been flat all night, but that goal dampens the mood further towards home supporter depression, I don’t see how Culverhouse can keep surviving not only losses, but displays like this. The last few minutes see Boston lack ideas, going long when they should have kept the ball, passing it short when they should have gone long, by now Banbury are fighting for everything and containing the opposition through grit and determination which was largely lacking in the first half. The away side seal their victory upon the Referees whistle before celebrating with their fans who made the journey. The Stars There wasn’t a lot to shout about with two ordinary sides on show but Kelsey Mooney, son of former Watford striker Tommy, looks a twinkle in his dad’s eye and a decent striker with pace and the proverbial good feet for a big man. I liked the neatness of Finlay Thorndike who also had good feet and Keziah Martin down the left wing had pace, was raw, but infrequently used. For Banbury, at half time I would have said not a player on the pitch impressed me from their side but a better second half saw central midfielder Emmanuel Maja grow in the game, he put a real shift in alongside Simeon Maye and the two got a control which evidently helped them win the game. Jack Tompkins got forward from right back well whilst Tope Obadeyi didn’t have his best night, I still see a talented footballer in the 33-year-old former England schoolboy. My only regret not seeing Love Island’s Finn Tapp make it off the bench. The Verdict I’ll be surprised if by the end of my week of watching Boston that Ian Culverhouse will still be in his job, but I’m pretty much sure I said the same thing at this stage last season. Boston are now sixteenth on seventeen points three above the drop zone whilst Banbury climb to fourteenth a point above the Pilgrims. I think the playoffs on current form is a big ask for either club, nothing a managerial change won’t fix and another influx of talented individuals which I think is needed by both teams to make them competitive at the right end. A long hard season for both teams perhaps? They finished 15th (Boston) and 17th (Banbury) respectively last season… If they better those performances this time around, I think they can each take that as a morale victory. The Teams Boston United: Cameron Gregory, Jai Rowe, Ethan Septhon (Dylan Hill 71), Michael Bostwick, Martin Woods (Keaton Ward 41), Kelsey Mooney, Keziah Martin, Jimmy Knowles, Jordan Richards, Zak Mills, Finlay Thorndike (Brad Nicholson 61). Banbury United: Jack Harding, Jack Tompkins, Simeon Maye, Tai Fleming, Lawson D’Ath, Craig Hewitt (Ken Charles 46), Tope Obadeyi, Aidan Elliott-Wheeler (Adi Yussuf 69), Lee Henderson (Jack Davies 42), Louis Hall, Emmanuel Maja-Awesu. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 24th October 2023, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 1,237).

Aston Villa 2-4 Tottenham Hotspur (Women’s Super League) Storm Babet may have hit our shores, but I’ve been brewing up my own whirlwind attempt this weekend as I aim for two games in one afternoon starting with Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur in the Women’s Super League at Walsall before heading over to Rushall where I’ll watch Olympic play Chorley in the National League North. Yesterday’s torrential rain has put pay to many a game in the domestic football calendar but not in the West Midlands, these two matches are pretty safe from water damage, the Bescot Stadium is the fifteenth highest league ground above sea level in England and drains well compared to others whilst Dales Lane in Rushall, even higher on the hills just fifteen minutes’ drive away is these days fitted with a 4g surface that even slopes down from wing to wing. They’ll be no flooding here. I’m up early taking the dog for a walk as I need to be out the house for 11am ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime 12:30pm kick off in the WSL. The calm serene skies above give a pleasant autumnal feel, it’s wet on foot, squidgy, but warm as I leave the house and make way down the A42 towards the M6 passing the city of Birmingham and Villa Park to my left before reaching junction 7 and seeing signs for Walsall, turning north onto the Birmingham Road. The Venue I’m racing a bit against time but pull up with a good half hour to spare on the Walstead Road where I park outside a school called Joseph Leckie Academy. A quick march towards Bescot Crescent turning right by the Park Inn Hotel which for some strange reason is playing Latin music from some external speakers, the M6 motorway on stilts to my left, Bescot Stadium painted in grey and red, elevated in front of my eyes as the grey skies lead to a little drizzle in the air whilst folk walk towards the doors to their matchday pew. I’m at turnstile one of the Experienced Energy Solutions Stand and although I have my seat number, opt for a corner spot out of the way of happy families and crying kids that are seemingly usually guaranteed in the women’s game, the players already out on the pitch doing some ball retention drills as I look around this beautiful monstrosity. It’s not pretty this arena now over 30 years old, but it feels like a football home, a proper place propped up by posts with odd looking floodlights above the metal roofs, a two tiered stand to my right attached to the rest of the venue square edged but bowl like enclosed, single tier three sides around with red seats up to row N, which is where I’m sitting, level with the 18 yard box as I already plan my early exit which is to my bottom left near the corner flag. The Game The stadium is a fifth full as Hi Ho Silver Lining is quietly sung by less than half of those in attendance, there’s a few from Spurs behind my goal to the left, no more than 100 as a couple of them put flags up draped across the seats. The teams come out and line up to shake hands, then there’s team photos as standard within the WSL, ahead of the ‘No Room For Racism’ stance as all 22 girls on the pitch take a knee before kick-off finally has us underway. Villa start well. They look to me the more impressive team and are comfortable on the ball, dominating possession they look dangerous on the right where Leon & Blinkilde link up in the final third. In fact, it’s Leon’s persistence that wins an early penalty, she’s felled by Summanen in the area and Rachel Daly steps up to smash home and give Carla Ward’s side an early lead. It’s the least that they deserve as Villa continue to dominate, knocking the ball from side to side and out wide where the blonde ponytailed Canada international Leon looks to attack with positive demeanour, her opposite side winger Ebony Salmon cutting in and testing Rebecca Spencer from range who’s dive to her left stops it from becoming 2-0. Despite dominance, Spurs when they do get the ball, look decent on the break, it looks an intriguing contest as I’m not totally convinced by Villa defensively and like the look of Tottenham in attack, a few minutes before half time I’m proven right on ‘why’ I shouldn’t have written the 'lilywhites' off, as Rachel Corsie blind passes the ball back short to her goalkeeper allowing Scottish international teammate Martha Thomas to latch onto and lob Van Domselaar to level the scores. That goal, a stunning finish from thirty yards, gives Tottenham more confidence going into the half time break and it’s they who take an unexpected lead as Ashleigh Neville leaps like a salmon to nod home Jessica Naz’s cross. The left siders have linked well all half for Spurs and their combination as Naz briefly switches wings unlocks the Aston Villa door for a lead they probably don’t deserve. The Score The second half continues to see Villa dominate the early possession, but they look more and more devoid of confidence as Adriana Leon see’s her shot saved the best of few attempts. Spurs sitting back and breaking nicely through midfield duo Clinton and Summanen who like to progress by carrying the ball forward almost Gazza like of days gone by. On 64 minutes Tottenham win a corner and after a bit of ping pong the ball falls to Martha Thomas, she blasts home from close range and puts the game to bed, Thomas then completes her hat trick racing onto a through ball by Ahtinen and shooting early a curling finish of high quality into the corner of the net. Late on Villa do pull one back. By then I’ve already walked down to the corner near the turnstile in order to get away for my next game. The fifth minute of injury time ticks as they score a late consolation from nowhere, Lucy Parker nodding in from a corner to reduce loss deficit, by the time the whistle goes after eight added minutes and as the clock strikes 2:30pm I’m out the door running towards my car to ensure I make match number two of the afternoon, in time. The Stars Scotland international striker Martha Thomas was sensational and took her goals brilliantly, she’s now scored in every game this month with seven goals in five successive matches during October. Impressing me for Spurs was their Finnish midfield duo Olga Ahtinen and Evelina Summanen whilst Ashleigh Neville at left back got forward very well, short dark hair she’s almost a lookalike to men’s team legend Heung Min Son, in her seventh season at the club she's not far off legend status herself. For Villa, a disappointing day for them when perhaps the early goal didn’t help as they never really got ‘at it’ after taking the lead. Adriana Leon was a constant threat and a livewire down the right, Rachel Daly a class apart, a player who can play in any position on the pitch, but one isolated too often, a lone figure up front. Not many good performances from the hosts who I expected much more from, they’ll have better days at the office to come. The Verdict I predicted better from Villa who went toe to toe with Manchester United earlier in the season but they are still to record a WSL point. I probably didn’t expect as much from Spurs as I got, they now sit a point off top with three wins from four. A better side than I previously gave them credit for. The season has still time to settle into its usual pattern with those predicted, Man City, United, Arsenal and Chelsea, still all to fire at their best levels, they’ll no doubt share the top four spots and the domestic trophies to go with, but below those, these two teams will be in the hunt for that fifth position. Villa though need to get some points on the board before that task becomes too hard to obtain, Spurs at the minute, looking most likely to be best of the WSL rest. The Teams Aston Villa: Daphne von Domselaar, Danielle Turner, Rachel Corsie, Anna Patten, Lucy Parker, Lucy Staniforth (Olivia McLoughlin 82), Laura Blinkilde Brown, Jordan Nobbs (Simone Magill 64), Adriana Leon (Sarah Mayling 64), Rachel Daly, Ebony Salmon (Mayumi Pacheco 65). Tottenham Hotspur: Rebecca Spencer, Angharad James (Asmita Ale 85), Luana Buhler, Molly Bartrip, Ashleigh Neville, Olga Ahtinen, Grace Clinton (Kit Graham 90), Evelina Summanen, Celin Bizet Ildhusoy, Martha Thomas (Linyan Zhang 90), Jessica Naz (Drew Spence 55). 12:30pm Kick Off. Saturday 21st October 2023, Bescot Stadium, Walsall (att 2,810).

Oxford City 2-3 Scarborough Athletic (FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round Replay) The wife was on the piss on Saturday and Sunday she went cocktail making so me and Bruce (the dog) had to sack off Matlock v Workington and all our other weekend plans to watch India v Pakistan in the cricket followed by England who woefully got beat by Afghanistan in the World Cup… At least the Rugby was good! Today I’m in Oxford and watching an FA Cup replay thanks largely to a 97th minute equaliser as the Hoops rescued a desmond draw at the Flamingo Land Stadium in North Yorkshire on Saturday, Canice Carroll’s late goal ensured the Seadogs would have to head south and do it all again on a cold Tuesday night 217 miles away. Oxford City (not to be confused with United) have been kicking around a good hundred plus years… Winning the FA Amateur Cup in 1906 they gave Bobby Moore his first managerial job in 1980, bringing with him a young Harry Redknapp as coach, the clubs long standing in the Isthmian League ending in 2004 and ever since it’s been upwards trajectory, they now reside in the National League, their first ever season in the fifth tier of English football. Scarborough ‘Athletic’ are a phoenix formed in 2007… Their predecessors the first ever team ‘promoted’ to the football league after winning the GM Vauxhall Conference in 1987 under a fledgling manager in Neil Warnock… These days one off the fifth tier in the National League North where they sit sorrowfully in eighteenth under ex-Manchester United winger Jonathan Greening. Oxford themselves under former Watford midfielder Ross Jenkins dangerously hovering above the drop zone in the league above. None of that matters tonight though, as Forest Green Rovers await the winners in Round One of the world’s oldest, biggest, most famous, and best knockout cup competition. I’m off down the road little past 3pm to beat the traffic, Oxford is only 2 hours away from Nottingham but I’m stopping off for a bite and taking my time, the sun beaming onto the windscreen as I head down the A46 and onto the M1, crossing the A43 at Junction 15A and past the towns of Silverstone, Brackley and Bicester where I stop off at Cherwell Valley Services. I must admit it’s one of the best I’ve been to, a shopping centre like feel spacious and with all the ‘big name’ amenities you need. I’m walking to the toilet as three men in Scarborough shirts talk to each other “wat ya think eel go wi tonight” one says. I’ve had my KFC and hit the M40 past a funky looking incineration plant and the Trow Pool Water Tower before re-joining the A43 and into Oxford down the A40 before sat nav redirects me down the Banbury Road and a nice looking area of pretentious bars and cafes, taking my eye a sign for the Dew Drop Inn on the same side as a huge M&S Foodhall and an Olivia Bonas, it’s that sort of place. The Venue Over the River Cherwell and into Old Marston I’m finally at Marsh Lane after a bit of traffic (there seems to be cycles everywhere) and turning right into Oxrad Sports Centre car park in a leafy part of town. Luckily it’s free after 6pm so no ticket needed, I click the central locking button on my fob and walk up the driveway past the sign for Oxford City Football Club and towards the RAW Charging Stadium, dimly lit under the dark skies I’m tripping over speed humps as I walk past the Scarborough team bus on my left, a 3g pitch on my right has floodlights on and some small sided games going off, a modern looking pavilion in front of me, to its corner I find a turnstile where I’m zapped in thanks to a screenshot of the ticket bar code saved on my mobile phone. The concourse is wide, as I walk through the gate to the left a man selling club kit and scarves out of a portacabin near the ladies & gents (WC), the right side a green and new looking clubhouse before a blue seated stand propped up by posts, immediately in front of me a huge lit up scoreboard in the corner next to a roofed terrace behind the far goal, beyond that a back drop to Oxford’s skyline with high rise buildings lit up, the ground is a mish-mash of small stands evenly spread out with a modern surface, flat, wide, synthetic, the wing to my left lined in trees to give it a real ‘back garden’ feel. The Game I’ve sat beside the press area on halfway in the small blue seated stand as the two teams come out. I’m only two rows up and I’m obstructed by a player’s backside so can’t even see who’s kicking off as the ball is played back to the Scarborough goalkeeper Cracknell who launches it forward with a single touch. There’s a contrast in styles of sort, Oxford in their QPR/Reading lookalike shirts happy to pass it between their back-line at a slow pace whilst Scarborough in red don’t mess about, they get it up and out, quickly wide, look more dangerous, more direct, more like they want it, but Hoops winger Tafari Moore is a menace, he has pace and good feet on the right as the away fans naughtily sing ‘he’s got a pineapple on his head’ to off put his game, on the opposite flank Finlay Barnes is twice as quick and twice as threatening for Boro, he has no kidology from the much quieter and respectful Oxford fans to upset his rhythm. Barnes is causing havoc when he gets it, full throttle on the far right and in fairness I’m more impressed with Scarborough’s attacking threat than I am anything from the home side, the away fans in numbers, a bus load full standing to my right and obscuring my view from that whole corner, they’re loud as they sing ‘I do like to be beside the seaside’ and ‘Seadogs, Seadogs’ at every opportunity. Scarborough have had a couple of sniffs as Haigh in Oxford’s goal dives low to make one good stop, the away side have a corner on 24 which is headed on target by Weledji, Haigh diving right to claw away from danger, but the assistant referee waves his flag to adjudge the ball crossing the line, Scarborough taking a deserved lead, if a little contentious. That was supposed to fire the home side into action but did little to improve them, a cross field ball aimed at the head of Tom Harrison which went out for a throw in had a Scarborough fan shouting ‘his heads made of Dairylea’ before continuing ‘he wouldn’t get in our reserves’. The North Yorkshire fans are vocal and quite ruthless, giving the lino in front of them some jip, their constant barracking of anyone not wearing red only stopping when they sing to back their team. That singing goes up a notch a minute before half time. Barnes marauding down the right before pulling back to Colville who slides home to make it two. ‘We can see you sneaking out’ sing the jovial Scarborough faithful. The Score It’s more than the league lower side deserve, and they look the better team, which continues in the second half as game management comes into play… Before I know it I’m looking down to see 80 minutes played, Oxford haven’t had a shot on target and Scarborough are managing things at a canter, then a mad few minutes that turn a routine victory into a full throttle cup clash – suddenly it’s all to play for. As the away sides defence deepens with just seven minutes to play a cross pumped into the box is headed on target and saved well by Cracknell as gambling defender Harrison reacts quickest to blast home. No more than 90 seconds later the scores are somehow level, Oxford substitute Latrell Humphrey-Ewers shooting through a crowd to have the old boy in front of me jumping off his seat doing fist pumps. As extra-time looms and a half expected late night finish in the back of my mind, suddenly Scarborough play some neat stuff as the board goes up for five added minutes. They're passing it one touch around the Oxford area and Lewis Maloney who came on with his side 2-0 up, has the ball twenty yards out, he’s already had a sighter which went inches wide to earlier put the game to bed, this time he’s curled one right footed magnificently into the top corner, a mutual nod of appreciation to the reporter sat next to me, a stunning winner finishing off the best move of the game. The Stars Maloney is a cracking cultured, player and it’s clear the Scarborough fans enjoy him, they sing ‘ooh Lewis Maloney’ even before he puts home the winner and he impressed in a cameo and was no way at fault of his side getting dragged into a late scrap, defensively Scarborough’s issues have been long term but going forward they have ability with Finlay Barnes and Luca Colville real talents. Wearing number nine Euan Mulhern put in a decent shift up top, his back to goal play solid and he did everything asked of him bar score on the night. For Oxford, I couldn’t help feeling disappointed and I expected much more from a National League outfit all be it one struggling with perhaps one of the smallest budgets in the division, but defensively the mask wearing skipper Canice Carroll looked comfortable on the ball, as too did Nya Kirby in midfield who could certainly pick a pass, he was dragged off at half time without much influence on the game. Tafari Moore in patches caused panic and Renny Smith put himself about, I felt they were a bit too nice about the way they set their stall out and hoped by them getting that late leveller at the weekend by taking this tie to a replay in their own back yard, they would at least try to test the opposition goalkeeper a little more. The Verdict I’ll be surprised with what I viewed on whether Oxford are strong enough for staying in the National League but there’s no harm in saying they’re punching above their own aspirational levels, regular crowds are under 1,000 and competing with the likes of Chesterfield and Oldham is an impossible road to even go down. Their focus now finishing no lower than they are after 46 league games, even with relegation they'll be better suited to level six. As for Scarborough, well they might fancy another upset and beating Football League opponents in Forest Green. I’m sure they’ll be ok in the National League North but they’ll need to stop throwing away leads if they’re to improve on fortunes. This for 88 minutes was as routine a win as they come, for two minutes when they switched off, it could have cost them a lot more than it did. The Teams Oxford City: Chris Haigh, Andre Burley, Nya Kirby (Latrell Humphrey-Ewers 46), Tom Harrison, Lewis Coyle (Pierre Fonkeu 62), Olly Sanderson, Zac McEachran, Mitchell Roberts, Renny Smith, Canice Carroll, Tafari Moore. Scarborough Athletic: Joe Cracknell, Kieran Weledji, Will Thornton, Alex Purver, Euan Mulhern, Luca Colville (Bailey Gooda 88), Alex Wiles, Ryan Qualter, Darren Dom Tear (Lewis Maloney 69), Alexander Brown, Finlay Barnes (Michael Coulson 90). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 17th October 2023, Court Place Farm, Oxford (att 900).

Alfreton Town 1-1 Warrington Town (National League North) I'm feeling slightly fatigued after binging on the David Beckham Documentary on Netflix until 1am last night but I'm sure some National League North action will wake me up as Alfreton (5th) take on Warrington Town (15th) with four points separating the two sides after ten games played. It's my first ever viewing of Warrington who are in their first ever season at this level. A quick Google search tells me the town is famous for nuclear energy. They'll probably need some of that today whilst defending Alfreton's long throw-ins. The Reds under Billy Heath have a resemblance to a Tony Pulis style Stoke or a Joe Kinnear Wimbledon, nobody in the division enjoys playing them due to their direct and physical nature and they have a hack of winning ugly, it's the first time in 28 years Warrington have been here, I wonder if they know what they're in for? I certainly do... Alfreton's only half hour or so from home so it's up the M1 to junction 28 and a quick hop on the A38 and before you know it I'm pulling up on North Street where I spot the Warrington team bus outside the Impact Arena entrance. The Venue Dunked into the corner of a local council estate where most of the two bed semi's are these days owned, Alfreton's home is quaint and central giving it a real community hub feel accessible on foot to those who regularly attend. I'm through a side door as I ask at reception if my name's on the list, directed into the open corner of the ground which slopes down right to left, there's a crowd around the food hatch next to the club shop which is like something from Steptoe & Son's yard. You can't even get in to the shop full to the brim with books and football antiques it has a decorators table set up outside laid out with many pin badges, I notice quite a few from Chatham Town. A walk around the perimeter takes me behind the open end goal which has netting in front of three or four rows of red seats to stop fans getting a whack off stray balls from the warm up. The stand that runs down the length of the pitch has a corrugated roof propped up by posts, it looks old and unloved, blue faded seats, in one corner some pitch covers thrown over them in a heap, a doorway nearby for boardroom and hospitality looks like the old players tunnel, the new one now in the stand opposite which is tightly squeezed in with a brick backdrop under a red roof. Behind the goal a banked area of standing room only with a roofed space covering a small section a good ten or more rows of concrete steps up. I'm in the far corner kiosk asking for a cuppa and am made an unfortunately repulsive instant coffee at £1.20 cash before walking around to the press box where I'm told I can help myself to 'free' tea and biscuits which I do, before putting 50p in the kitty as a gesture of good will, the tea and custard cream helps take the taste of cheap coffee away. It's a tight squeeze as I take my seat, nicely elevated but only a feet or two from the touchline close to the action, the playing surface sloping down as you sit back against the wall as the sun glistens in my eyes and the players come out to play. The Game I've got a DATA scout from Derby beside me and the chief tweeter from Alfreton who's a Man Utd fan on my right, the two teams walk out in the sun, Alfreton in red and Warrington in yellow, the away side including former Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom in their line-up. Wisdom and the Warrington defence are put under immediate pressure by the home sides high press. Dixon is caught dwelling on the ball in midfield and a pass finds Jake Day who blasts his shot wide. The hosts pushing hard and snapping away at their opponents heals, it's going to be that sort of game, not pretty, scrappy, you feel whoever fights hardest wins this particular contest. It's back and forth front to back as neither team get hold, Clackstone's chucked a couple of long balls down the line whilst Lewis Salmon has had to go off with an injury, It's a shame as I was really looking forward to seeing the talented striker play as I'm told he's done well in recent weeks, he has a few goals for the season and alerted some higher interest, but without him the show goes on and suddenly Alfreton get a throw in midway through the Warrington half, Adam Lund trots over, launches it into the box and Peter Clarke, the visiting team captain, can only head into his own net. That goal startles Warrington who have to deal with a few more Lund missiles, it seems everytime Alfreton get a throw in the opposition half it's launched into the box. There's not much football from either side but Yellows goalkeeper Daniel Atherton looks a player. He's already raced out of his goal on a couple of occasions to take on attackers and kicks really well. With only a few minutes to half time he's at it again as he runs down the right wing past two Alfreton players before launching a ball to Isaac Buckley-Ricketts who carries and smashes against the post where Matthew Grivosti follows up to level proceedings. The Score The first half has been scrappy and has been more stop than start with a couple of injuries that have been picked up early by Referee J. Hall. He's dropped the ball back no less than five times already as I say to the scout besides me "I'll give you even money on over 9.5 drop balls." That target ever nears during a second half much similar, Warrington the enforcers are having a bit more time on the ball as Wisdom teases Day into a challenge before dinking it over his foot and laying a simple pass to a teammate, that bit of class you don't lose as a footballer who's played at the highest level. Despite Warrington having more of the ball, chances are minimal but the Referee starts having more influence to interrupt the game at every given opportunity. He's racking up the bookings and still stopping the game on an ad hoc basis. We're on nine drop balls going into the final few minutes as he forgets to even tell the linesman how much added time is left in the game. "Paul he's got to let us know" shouts Warrington manager Mark Beesley at the assistant, he's desperate for his side to cling on to a point. That desperation turns to relief when Cantrill curls over one last chance of a game of very few from inside the area on 90 plus two. The visitors good value for a share of the spoils although Alfreton are disappointing, I tell their chief tweeter "I'm used to them being more aggressive than today" as I feel they weren't completely 'at it' but a point earned is one gained, despite it also being seen as two lost by the fans who largely haven't been impressed. The Stars Home team heroes are centre back pairing Kennedy Digie and Dwayne Wiley who head everything back from where it comes from they're aggressive and old-skool and there's a lot to like in how they defend. In midfield George Cantrill is one I usually fail to notice when watching Alfreton but not today, he does the simple stuff well and gets around the pitch to good effect, he's busy in the opposition faces and always showing himself for a rare passing move. Up top big Jake Day puts a real shift in and I like his attitude, Ryan Taylor replaces him late on and improves the Reds aerially but they can't seem to break down the Warrington defence led by former Blackpool and Everton defender Peter Clarke now in his forties alongside another experienced star in Wisdom who both show touches of quality in the game. The tall ungainly Bohan Dixon is also a handful in midfield and looks like a player who might be more suited to how Alfreton play. Out wide Connor Wood is a threat on the right whilst former England youth player Isaac Buckley-Ricketts has some pace and technique, he's on the cusp but certainly has more to give. Special mention to yellows goalkeeper Daniel Atherton who's mad as a hatter, he's quicker than most players on show and looks like a frustrated outfield footballer. Hardly ever in his goal and willing to take a chance. He kicks well and can be found running outside his eighteen yard box on a regular occurrence. The Verdict Alfreton is a cracking place to watch football but be prepared it won't often be pretty if you make the trip to the Impact Arena to watch a Reds game live. You certainly won't be going to watch an attractive style of play but more to see a soccer venue that stinks of grassroots, one which is tight and testing for opponents who dare visit. Whilst Warrington did well to come away with something on another day they might have had more. Both sides will feel frustrated with the ineptitude of the Referee on the day which certainly contributed to the match being even uglier than predicted. A share of the spoils ahead of a few handshakes is never a bad result in DE55. The Teams Alfreton Town: George Willis, Josh Clackstone, Adam Lund (Harry Perritt 86), Kennedy Digie, Dwayne Wiley, George Cantrill, Jake Day (Ryan Taylor 63), Liam Waldock, Nathan Newell, Lewis Salmon (James Oliver 12), Billy Fewster. Warrington Town: Daniel Atherton, Declan Walker, Andrew White, Bohan Dixon, Connor Woods, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, Mitchell Duggan, Andre Wisdom, Matthew Grivosti (Jordan Buckley 70), Peter Clarke, Sean Williams. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 7th October 2023, North Street, Alfreton (att 552).

Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester United (Women’s Super League) It’s Bruce’s birthday today. Grandma’s coming around at 8:30am with cakes and I’m off to Co-Op for some pastries before Beagle Meet. The wife’s got party bags with all sorts inside, the things you do for your dogs. There’s a good six or seven canines in total but after throwing a few balls around an enclosed field in Cropwell Butler I’m dropping the wife back and grandma, little gone 10am as I empty the car of my wellies and head down the M42 to the home of Aston Villa Football Club as it’s the first day of the WSL season and a 12:30pm Sunday lunchtime kick off for a match also shown on BBC. I had threatened to retire my scouting of women’s football after being poked in the face by several flags during Villa’s FA Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea at Walsall last season but with only 13,000 expected at the vast Villa Park today I’m pretty sure I’ll be safe if I sit myself out of trouble. I’ve topped up at Clifton Petrol Station on the A453 with Sat Nav saying there’s under 50 miles to go. TalkSport radio is describing the opening game of the Ryder Cup singles between John Rahm and Scottie Scheffler as I get goosebumps to what it means, Golf’s equivalent to ‘us’ and ‘them’ and it seems to be going Europe’s way. The Venue I’m onto the M6 from the M42 and off at the A38 Spaghetti Junction where traffic builds as the city centre backdrop of Birmingham is filled with tower blocks beyond the floodlights to my right of Villa Park. I turn left at the Park Circus junction off the Aston Expressway and park up on Victoria Road near a housing estate a good ten or fifteen minutes’ walk away. Out my car I’m trotting down Vicarage Road and cutting through a leafy parkway before reaching Witton Lane, the crowd of many women and girls in football shirts slowly walking past Aston Parish Church and the largely impressive looking Holte Pub to my right, down the green quaint Trinity Road as the huge steps to the Holte End on the right give many supporters the chance of perfect picture opp. The stadium is beautiful from the outside, red bricked grey, claret and blue, Iron painted gates with gold lions standing tall on brick pillars. I’m walking under the huge Trinity Road Stand as I search for my turnstile, there’s a fan park with some band playing music on stage, I’m outside the gates as I’m patted down before scanning my phone ticket at the barriers, walking up to the top turnstile, it’s a good hundred or more steps as I pass an old couple who are having a breather on my way. Out on the concourse I’m up the steps to my seat, I’m early so want to get a good view, the huge stunning amphitheatre beneath is a real spectacle, sky blue seats in the lower tiers, dark maroon seats with yellow steps in the upper echelons, the roof above me is huge and completely covering the skyline. The pitch green, immaculate, you wouldn’t have known Villa’s men only beat Brighton here 6-1 in the Premier League just yesterday afternoon. The Game I’ve had a chicken tandoori pie and a plastic pint cup of sprite with little change from a tenner ahead of taking a seat well out of the way high up in the far left corner of the upper tier. The music is pumping as kids in Man Utd, and Villa tops sit next to each other, no trouble at all, just good spirits, young girls, dads, families, all here to see their football teams play, eating, drinking, chatting, it’s got gig vibes about it, certainly a different crowd to when a men’s game is on. There’s even a family to my right changing their newborn baby’s nappy sat high up on row W. I’ve never seen a baby having a nappy changed during a football game at a stadium like this, women’s football is certainly setting new standards never previously matched by the men. Still going strongly is the Black Lives Matter protest as the players kneel ahead of kick off. You feel the women’s game is starting to stand on it’s own two feet, they want to set a precedent and in sticking to what they believe in they get a bloody good round of applause. The Score On with the action it’s the away side who dominate the first half but for an early palm stinger which Mary Earps in United’s goal is equal too. I’m impressed with Lucia Garcia down the right who looks to have the beating of left back Danielle Turner, the two teams however are locked horns at the break with nothing doing but for a busy Referee who takes centre stage in issuing four yellow cards. The second half however see’s Villa dominate the early stages and they look good value to take the lead with Lucy Staniforth and Kirtsy Hanson having more of a say from midfield, that is until Hanson leaves one in on Hayley Ladd and is shown a straight red card thus leaving Carla Ward’s side with ten for the last fifteen of the match. You feel it’ll be a mountain to climb from there for Villa but as Leon breaks and crosses low down the right Rachel Daly takes a touch out of her feet to smash hard and into the back of the net. Villa Park roars in delight of a home goal scored by last season's PFA player of the year. It doesn’t last long though. Three minutes later Garcia prods home from a messy corner, the two teams then look for a late winner and with the extra player advantage it’s United who in familiar Fergie time late on, grab a goal and three points from a well travelled veteran in Rachel Williams, the sub coming on to head home at the back post and into the corner of the net, agonisingly for Aston Villa who deserved much more than an injury time inflicted defeat. The Stars United certainly had more of the ball and they certainly looked the better of the two teams for large parts of the match with Spaniard Garcia and Geyse their Brazilian striker always a threat in behind, in midfield Ella Toone was exceptional whilst Maya Le Tissier made one stunning tackle that saved a certain looking goal. For Villa, they’ll be very proud of how they played and are a good well organised outfit, defensively goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar pulled off a number of good saves whilst Anna Patten and Rachel Corsie at centre half were solid. Lucy Staniforth always looking to drive forward was the central cog that hoped to get the wheels of Lehmann and Hanson running out wide but service was limited for Rachel Daly, who led the line impressively, taking her goal very well indeed. The Verdict United missed out on the last day of last season as they were pipped by Chelsea for the title but this year they could go one better and win their first ever WSL crown. For Villa, they could improve on a fifth place finish of last season and break into that top four, although realistically, the likes of Chelsea, United, City & Arsenal are just too good to catch. No shame in being the best of the rest though which I personally think this side are. The Teams Aston Villa: Daphne van Domselaar, Sarah Mayling, Rachel Corsie, Anna Patten, Danielle Turner, Laura Blinkilde (Ebony Salmon 46) , Lucy Staniforth, Lucy Parker (Jordan Nobbs 90), Alisha Lehmann (Adriana Leon 66), Rachel Daly, Kirsty Hanson. Manchester United: Mary Earps, Hannah Blundell, Millie Turner, Maya Le Tissier, Gabrielle George, Hayley Ladd (Hinata Miyazawa 80), Katie Zelem, Lucia Garcia Cordoba, Ella Toone, Leah Galton (Nikita Parris 71), Geyse (Rachel Williams 66). 12:30pm Kick Off. Sunday 1st October 2023, Villa Park, Birmingham (12,533).

Newcastle United U19 0-1 Paris Saint-Germain U19 (UEFA Youth League Group Stages) I’ve got a job interview at Iceland at 10am as I’m looking for a bit of extra cash in the winter whilst the cricket is quiet so fancied a bit of part-time delivery driving to help pay the bills... I’m cramming it in as I’ve also got two football matches in the North East today… The first of which the prequel to the piece du resistance… It’s all of a sudden gone very French. That’s because PSG are in town… Well actually, not my town but up toon as both first team squad and under 19’s head to Newcastle for a round of UEFA fixtures. The UEFA Youth League is a Champions League for teens… I’m still not sure how it works but it seems if your men’s first team qualify then the group stages are mirrored for the U19’s so it’s as the main draw suggests… Newcastle, PSG, Borussia Dortmund and Milan… Two groups of death for first team and jnr but two certainly with talent across the ages for all to pit their wits against at the highest comparable level. The Iceland interviewee is a Notts County fan so we’re off to a good start and he’s happy after a 3-1 win over Swindon last night with the Magpies back top of the League Two table, but I’ve got to say my goodbyes as he wishes me good luck against the other applicants and ahead of my travels, I’m off to see the other Maggies of black and white stripes – I’m leaving Newark before hitting the A1 and heading north minus a quick stop at a Greggs services in Doncaster. Talk on the radio today is that of VAR… They’re still going on about this bloody Luis Diaz goal as Jurgen Klopp comes out and asks for a replay following Liverpool’s dodgy defeat at Tottenham. There’s only so much I can take… I’m switching over to Capital Dance from Hawksbee & Jacobs on TalkSport as I finally come off the A1 and onto Rockliffe Way where I spot the Angel of the North in the distance through hazy fields on my way to Gateshead. The Venue I get to Park Road and turn right onto Neilson Road as I see through a gap in the fence the playing surface of the Gateshead International Athletics Stadium. There’s a steward ushering people around the car park but I bang the car on a side street in an industrial area and walk just 100 yards to an entrance with a cardboard placard lent against a chair which says ‘away fans’. For some reason the ticket on my phone which I paid £5 for is sat in the PSG end. I’m telling the stewards I don’t know how it’s happened but can’t imagine many here so they’ll at least be plenty of seats to choose from. The Gateshead Stadium is a big old venue and much bigger than I thought it would be. Apparently holding just under 12,000 it feels larger perhaps largely to do with the running track around the pitch but the grandstand I’m sat in, very eighties like in design, goes up not only to row Z but to row ZZ. A good 27 tiers high if my maths are not mistaken. Inside the arena you get a cracking view half way up the main stand where opposite a Perspex roofed stand banks on to a hill behind, red seats all around as rows of uncovered plastic chairs curve around the back of each goal.. tall metal floodlights straight out of a Subbuteo set, It’s actually very European in style. Speaking of European, I’m wondering around the concourse looking for the toilet where a pretty young stewardess says to me “I bet it’s colder here than in France”… ‘I wouldn’t know’ is my reply… ‘I’m from Nottingham’… ‘God knows how I got in here’. I’m sat down ahead of going for a brew and a kit-kat as she says ‘I’ve had a word with the bosses and we can move you if you like. There could be trouble with these crowds so you’re best off in the home end’… I’m wondering ‘what trouble’ as there’s only me and two French dudes in the stand but I agree to move as the stewardess very kindly takes me to a new seat which I choose myself high up (row W) hogging half way. The Game I’m excited to see this next generation of talent as I trawl through the two sides and notice Kylian Mbappe’s brother is in the starting lineup for PSG. No other names I’m familiar with so it’s all quite new to me, as the two teams enter the field of play to warm applause from a sparse crowd of little over 400 there’s a real difference in personnel aesthetic… PSG with a bit of everything, tall, short, mostly skinny and slight in size, brown skin, black skin, tanned skin, fair skin, long hair, short hair, pony tails, braids, Newcastle are stocky, bigger, white skinned brown haired cut short, ranging on the 6ft height measure, it seems the club knowingly or not, deliberate perhaps, look for a specific type of DNA? The start is an interesting one… PSG technical, passing out from defence and prepared to take a chance, getting the ball into their midfield who carry forward and pass forward, low into the strikers and wingers paths to run onto. Newcastle in comparison are blood and guts, press hard and tackle, get stuck in and do the basics that bit quicker and more aggressively, they look bigger and bulkier than the Parisians who in return are slightly more technical better and natural footballers. The Score It’s nil nil at half time and neither goalkeeper has had really much to do. It’s a good game of decent quality and both teams have their moments, the best are mostly for PSG who’s vocal Coach Zoumana Camara can be heard passionately barking his Gaelic sounding orders whilst wearing a big cream club sponsored puffer jacket. The main outlet is Etienne Michut, with 14 on his back socks around his ankles he draws defenders in with his floppy hair and first touch, out of his feet into big strides he’ll then get taken down or cross in low before Newcastle clear their lines. In the early second half Oumar Camara is put through but blasts wide before he’s dragged off by the manager, Ilies Ardjani comes on as his replacement and it’s eventually he who finds the winning goal, a minute into injury time after a shot saved by Harris falls into his path to blast back into the net. That goal sends the PSG players and staff wild celebrating on the pitch in a huge huddle, a deserved winner from the better team but hard luck to Newcastle who were ‘plucky’ against superior technical but ‘smaller’ opponents. The Stars Ethan Mbappe unlike his brother is not a speedster winger or goalscoring forward but instead a true midfielder with guile who can pick the ball up off the back four, drive forward with it and create invention in the final third with neat simple passing ability and intelligence. Mbappe is not dis-similar to his engine room partner Senny Mayulu who I thought was even more impressive, both good on the ball and progressive in trying to get their team on the attack, they both compliment each others game. In attack, the French side had right sider Michut with guile and panache and had the ponytailed Bensoula drifting in off the left who was mostly on the fringes of the game. A number ten of sorts he didn’t do as much as the similar styled Ardjani did in his short time on the pitch, the player with the most influence on the day however was centre half Joane Gadou who was a huge presence in both boxes and more physically domineering than anyone in the game. He’s a solid centre half with pace and power and could be one to watch of the future stars on show. He did struggle a little against Newcastle sub Trevan Sanusi who’s around 5ft5in and very un-DNA like in demeanour, tricky and skilful himself but not yet having a grasp of the football basics he tried but failed after coming on at left wing, but against those more of Gadou’s size and stature he always seemed to come out on top…. It’s just the little ones he doesn’t like. For Newcastle, they huffed and puffed and worked in commendable fashion and could all rightly be proud of their efforts, centre halves Heffernan and McArthur were organised and sharp to sniff danger, in midfield captain Jamie Miley and central partner Ellis Stanton put good old fashioned shifts in, whilst I liked the look of winger James Huntley, who had a touch of the James Milner’s about him which is no negative comparable on my behalf. The Verdict A late winning goal was the difference on the day and I would say the future is bright for PSG who’s talent stretches deep into that young squad of theirs. Newcastle a little thinner on the ground when it comes to technical differences, they reminded me a bit of that decent public school side you came up against when you reach the latter rounds of the county cup, well organised, thick set and solid but no frills, it’s an interesting comparison to see who how French football promotes technique and skill whereas in England we still seem to believe that above all size matters. Unfortunately on this day, it didn’t… Unless you were Joane Gadou the biggest of all, and most impressive on show for me. The Teams Newcastle United U19: Aidan Harris, Ciaran Thompson, Cathal Heffernan, Charlie McArthur, Dylan Charlton, Ben Parkinson, Jamie Miley, Ellis Stanton (Leo Shahar 60), James Huntley, Josh Donaldson (Trevan Sanusi 8), Johnny Emerson (Sean Neave 90). Paris Saint-Germain U19: Louis Mouquet, Joane Gadou, Ethan Bagbunon, Nadeel El Hannach, Yoram Zague, Senny Mayulu, Ethan Mbappe, Thomas Cordier, Etienne Michut, Kamil Bensoula (Tony Mendy 77), Oumar Camara (Ilies Ardjani 62). 3:00pm Kick Off. Wednesday 4th October 2023, Gateshead International Stadium, Gateshead (att 467).

Peterborough Sports 0-3 Brackley Town (National League North) I had the day off on Saturday so went to watch Beeston v Keyworth United in the Notts Senior League where my lad was playing. Rushing around ahead of kick off I ended up being five minutes late but by the time I got to the less flattering surroundings of Trent Vale Road Sports Ground the Ref had already stopped play to ask someone to clear dog shit off the pitch. It reminded me of my own days playing local parks football on Saturday afternoons in Nottingham, real true grassroots, spit and sawdust, shit and shovel, zero shape and not much quality but 100% commitment and lots of banter. An entertaining match ending 3-2 to Beeston. Today I’m back on National League North duty, Peterborough Sports hosting Brackley Town and two teams with ambition in the division to go further than they have ever been before. Last season, their first at the level, the Turbines finished fourteenth after a promising start to the campaign which faltered when Manager Jimmy Dean left to join Scunthorpe United in January, Brackley Town themselves reaching the playoff final where they were beaten by Kidderminster Harriers who gained promotion to the National League in their place, the Saints themselves having Managerial difficulties after both Kevin Wilkin and Roger Johnson were sacked over the course, their newest in charge is Gavin Cowan who had previously played for and managed Telford (where Wilkin is currently in charge). Brackley will be hoping this will be their year after a few near misses, in the last six seasons they haven’t finished outside the top four in the division, they have seen some changes in the summer with a few new signings that look to have made the side stronger, Peterborough have also seen some changes with a few that catch my eye upon arrival following my journey south down the A1 and across the A47. The Venue I’ve pulled up behind the goal in the car park at Lincoln Road and walk to the turnstiles where I’m trying to find out if my name is down on the list… A bit of rigmarole it seems I’m not, but my employers are, so I’m in without paying but as I wait for the all clear off a man holding a walkie talkie I’m looking around at a few neat changes from my last visit in February, the open end to the bottom goal completely replaced with a new smart roofed terrace, to the left of that another covered standing area and as I take a walk around it seems the press places have been moved, from the front of the Colin Day Stand in the bottom right corner to the front of the stand opposite side of the pitch, a small seated area under cover which the Directors and Members usually sit. There’s fencing installed too and there’s a smarter, newer feel about the place, getting towards the level that stadia should be for step 2 of the football pyramid it feels bigger and better, more of a football home, than just a home of a football team. That’s not all the changes either, it seems the name has changed from the Bee Arena to PIMS Park but we’ll keep it sponsor free for the purpose of this feature, after all, the tannoy man is still calling it Lincoln Road. The Game I’ve long taken my pew on the front row, sunshine blazing heat onto my face and arms as I watch the Peterborough lads warm up directly in front of me with a small sided passing game. The place is filling nicely, there’s a few of the players families in with it being a Bank Holiday, kids, mums, wives, a decent number of away backing with a few flags draped behind the top goal, I’m joined shortly before kick off by a reporter from BBC Northamptonshire, he normally does Cobblers games and tells me of their decent form of late, he calls Brackley the ‘nearest other team’ to cover, now that the likes of Kettering and Rushden & Diamonds have fallen down the wayside. It's scorching hot as the groundstaff move a thick hosepipe with holes in from a dry looking pitch ahead of the two teams coming out, another change is that Peterborough for some reason have this season traded blue for orange, Brackley in their changed kit of yellow and white, it’s all very bright on this late summer afternoon. The game kicks off and the tempo is high, not much of technical flattering to please the supporters it goes long from front to back again and again, on the occasion Brackley midfielders Tommy O’Sullivan and Shepherd Murombedzi get it down and play, the visitors best tool however is with hands not feet, as every given opportunity George Carline chucks one into the box with ferocious distance and flight. There’s not much in the way of chances until Calder races down the left on 22, he’s rapid and direct and crosses left footed for Danny Newton to get up and head goalwards, but his effort is spectacularly saved by Peter Crook who flicks it around the posts. The resulting corner is played short and catches Peterborough out, Crook again making a smart save as he sprawls to his right but Tyler Lyttle is on home to smash home “he’s the son of a former Cobblers player” says the reporter beside me, “I remember his dad Des when he played for Nottingham Forest” I reply. The Score At half time I ask who’s been impressing at Northampton to be told “they have a young team, Danny Hilton is there from Luton, Sam Hoskins still scoring all the goals, Sean Dyche’s son also plays” centre back Max Dyche is just twenty and is I'm told a chip off the old block. Dyche jnr in fact used to play for Brackley but it was another of their current centre halves on the day who impressed me, Zak Lilley looking accomplished in a back three on the left hand side, was up for a corner on 58 which was partially cleared to him to smash home hard and low from inside the 18 yard box. It was nothing more than the away side deserved, they then made it three on 71 when George Carline headed in from Tyler Lyttle’s outswinger, “all three goals scored by defenders” I’m told… “All three goals scored from corners” I reply. The Stars The son of Des, got high acclaim off the radio guys behind me and off the BBC reporter besides me as Tyler Lyttle scored his first saints goals in what was a good personal display of talent from right wing back. I was impressed with him, and on the opposite flank where Riccardo Calder was very tricky and direct, the midfield of Murombedzi and O’Sullivan, the latter of which signed from Gloucester City in the summer, calming, if not always needed to put a foot on it, when they did, Brackley looked a decent side in possession. All three centre halves enjoyed winning the battle with Peterborough strikers Michael Gash and Ben Fowkes who couldn't trouble their opponents with much substance, joint player manager Gash looks heavy and immobile but when the ball was played into him the side started to reap rewards, too little too late their only shots on target coming in injury time, too many of their performers not good enough on the day, a lot of battling qualities but no real quality in possession, Josh McCammon an exception who never stopped working, he at least had a bit of presence with the ball at his feet, substitute Sidney Pereira actually looked like he had some technique and pace down the right, but was strangely subbed (perhaps with injury) late on. The Verdict It might be a tougher season than last for Peterborough under Luke Steele and Michael Gash, after losing Dion Sembie-Ferris in the summer to Scunthorpe it looks like they lack some of the pace they had last season on the break, they also look prone to conceding from set plays which they didn't as much when Richard Jones was in the side, he's since retired and there's a gaping hole in that back line to fill. For Brackley, it might finally be the year they gain promotion to unchartered waters and the National League, they have a bit of everything from organisation and experience at the back, to ball players in midfield who don’t shirk a tackle, in Taylor and Newton in tandem they have two busy hard-working strikers in attack, and with the likes of Bates, McHale, Crawford and Matwasa on the bench, they certainly have some quality in depth. The Teams Peterborough Sports: Peter Crook, Hayden Cann, Connor Johnson, Ashton Fox, Roddy McGlinchey (Sidney Pereira 55 (Ryan Fryatt 78)), Dan Lawlor, Dan Jarvis (Harrison Nee 74), Josh McCammon, Hugh Alban-Jones, Michael Gash, Ben Fowkes. Brackley Town: Danny Lewis, George Carline, Riccardo Calder, Shepherd Murombedzi, Gareth Dean, Danny Newton (Dom McHale 78), Dan Turner (Jordan Crawford 76), Jimmy Armson (Alfie Bates 68), Tyler Lyttle, Tommy O’Sullivan, Zak Lilley. 3:00pm Kick Off. Monday 28th August 2023, Lincoln Road, Peterborough (att 434).