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Biggleswade 1-2 Cambridge City (FA Cup Second Qualifying Round) I’d never even heard of Biggleswade until a Spanish journalist I follow on Twitter, Guillem Balague, started tweeting recently that he's involved with the local football team, so when an FA Cup game appeared against Cambridge City on an otherwise redundant Sunday afternoon, I jumped at the chance to attend with a possibility of meeting one of Spanish footballs biggest names, before realising it's the wrong bloody team he's at, Balague is actually chairman of Biggleswade United. There's in fact three clubs in Biggleswade, Town (formed in 1879), United (formed 1959) and Biggleswade FC who were formed in 2016 when the Biggleswade Town U18's moved up to senior level in a breakaway from the Waders who weren’t up for having a Reserves, the newly formed youngsters won the Spartan South Midland First Division at the first time of asking and gained promotion in 2018 from the Premier Division. Ever since they have been in the Southern League Central First Division finishing a highest second spot last season before falling in the playoffs, this season they sit tenth with six points ahead of now arch-enemy Biggleswade Town in the table who are eleventh with two wins having played a game less. Today's opponents Cambridge City have been around much longer in comparison. Formed in 1908 as Cambridge Town they changed surnames in 1951 when Cambridge was awarded city status, at the same time a local team called Abbey United asked to change their name too, they becoming Cambridge United, thus creating a well-known cross city rivalry. For many years City were the predominant team but in 1970 United were elected to the football league and ever since the lilywhites have played second fiddle in the tier of town status. City currently playing in the Northern Premier League Midland Division, like Biggleswade, the eighth tier of English football’s pyramid system. I've done beagle meet and had a spot of breakfast with the wife, she's off to B&M Bargains as I head out the door for midday, down the A46 from Nottingham onto the M1 and south for the town of Bedford an hour and half away. I’m off at junction 13 and up the A421 passing Stewartby Lake before sat nav routes me off for signs of Sanby down the Cambridge Road where I pull up on the left and pass a steward who I ask “is it ok to park here”. The Venue “The cows have been sitting down which suggests rain is on the way” a parking attendant tells me as I get out the car and put on my padded gillet “you should be alright though, plenty of cover here”. It’s wasteland behind a blue corrugated steel stand where in the middle a door looks like the main entrance for players, officials, and directors only. I’m pointed to the far left corner of the stand and a small turnstile where I opt to pay £10 cash, as I walk through pitch side I’m impressed with what I see, all four sides have stands, to my left behind the goal a low roofed terrace area crossing flag to flag, to the left of that a small stand in between two dugouts on halfway with the words Bedford Town Football Club blazoned on its roof, the far goal has a similar small stand which is as wide as the six yard box, and near side to the front of that blue corrugated number on my right (which houses a rather swanky club bar), a blue and yellow seated area with a very obvious white press box, that’s where I’m heading next, after a piss, a few photos and a hot dog, from a tasty little barbeque that is already sizzling the sausages with the smell of onions in the air. It’s not long before I’m chomping on my grub with a cup of tea in hand as I stand against the fencing that surrounds the pitch, players starting to warm up on the wide green surface, flat under grey skies in good nick, a man with a ruck sack on is snapping away as a green scarfed fan says to me “I thought that was Elon Musk” I agree and say “It looks like him” before heading over to find my seat having previously emailed the secretary of Biggleswade if I’ll be ok in the press box. “Daniel” he says, as I ask him “Is this the press box”… “No it’s over there” as he points jestingly towards the opposite side of the ground. “I’ve just got to print the team sheets out” he says “then I’ll move the printer and you can have a seat in here”. The New Eyrie is the semi-new/semi-old part tired quaint’ish’ home of Bedford Town FC.. Biggleswade is a twenty-minute twelve-mile drive but the teams have ground shared after the tenants moved from Biggleswade Town’s Langford Road Ground in 2021. I’m filling my team sheets in as the Director of the club introduces himself, Jeremy Reynolds who seems a very nice chap. “Ready to go” says the secretary who by now has moved his printer and spared me a seat in his office to watch the game, a slightly elevated view behind glass and sitting besides the tweeting arm and Ray Clarke, the stadium announcer who tells me a brief history about the club. The Game As the teams come out, Barry Fry walks by, he parks himself down to sit beside the tunnel entrance just two rows below us all on his own, the Secretary tells me “he was here last week, he’s watching Pemi Aderoju” a nineteen year old striker who scored four in the last round when they won 8-0 against Maldon & Tiptree. “He signed from Kempston Rovers and has been brilliant this season” I'm told. There’s a minutes silence as two young girls walk by in front of us, everyone stood up bar Fry who’s sitting ground level as his eyes wander to the backsides of the passing duo, no sooner has the Referees whistle gone for a moment to reflect than the rain pours down from the skies, “that’ll add some zip on the pitch” I say as the two teams kick off, Cambridge sky blue, Biggleswade in green. It’s the home team who do most of the pressing. They’re comfortable in possession as they dominate the early stages and play some neat football from back to front along the ground. Aderoju takes my eye as Fry also in my sight glances at his movement, an athletic looking tall, black, powerful player with a nice touch, good feet, sharp, he has certainly something that pro clubs can work with. Despite the Biggleswade striker’s stallion like demeanour it’s a short little playmaker for Cambridge who’s showing some nice touches, Stefan Broccoli is picking up the ball in pockets wearing number ten he’s starting to dictate play and it’s he, ‘the smallest on the field’ who gets up highest to head in a cross after just eight minutes to put the away side ahead. “I hate greens” says the stadium announcer. Moments later its two, a long-range effort is struck low into the corner by Dan Cotton, the away side wresting control from a team who started in otherwise comfortable manor, "it’s a long way back here" I say, but a free kick on the edge of the box offers a lifeline, a deflected effort by Tom Coles falls to the feet of Aderoju who does what he does best and prods home from close range. The Score At half time I’m asked by the gateman if I fancy a cup of tea, it’s my cue to move out the press box as he wants to talk ‘money’ with the secretary, he tells me I can get a cuppa in the Directors Lounge and stadium announcer Ray takes me over where Jeremy the Chairman asks what I would like to drink. I’m sat in a sweat shirt track pants and cap feeling slightly under dressed as I’m offered quiche and chocolate brownies to wash my drink down with, I’m thinking poor old Barry Fry is sat outside in the cold on a plastic chair drinking a glass of coke whilst I’m getting five star treatment in the warmth… But I enjoy my brew, and the company as I turn down a post match complimentary tipple before heading back for my second half pew, the two teams out as Biggleswade push for a leveller. Cambridge however look comfortable in defence, despite their first half passing the second half goes too predictable and at times too direct from the hosts, they play into the hands of centre halves Parr and Black who take pride in heading and kicking everything away, by now captain Scott Bridges in midfield is picking up the pieces and dominating all things centrally, the bald headed number eight is a class above, showing his experience, doing the dirty work and more importantly keeping the ball for his team who fail to be broken down. It's a half of few chances and Barry Fry has seen enough, he’s walked off with five minutes to go and although there’s a good five minutes of injury time played it’s in vain as Cambridge goalkeeper Welch has hardly a shot to save. It’s been a top performance from the away side who sat back, wrestled authority, sat back again and made themselves hard to break down. The Stars Aderoju might be the player with most potential for league football but City’s Stefan Broccoli was certainly the one who technically stood out as a player who can unlock doors. He played well in the Cambridge attack but was a long second best behind Scott Bridges who was everywhere in the middle of the park. The former Banbury and Royston midfielder was exceptional on the ball and managed to break play down from the Biggleswade engine who themselves couldn’t really get their cogs going. Alex Marsh huffed and puffed out right whilst Rio Martucci put a shift in but the best performances were in the cornflower blue of Cambridge, Pat Staszewski impressing at right back, at centre half, Taylor Parr played well alongside the equally competent Richard Black, a summer signing from Dareham Town. The Verdict Last season Biggleswade beat Cambridge in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup to reach the farthest in the competition they had ever previously been, this season they couldn’t quite go one step further against a team organised, but currently struggling in their division. There’s no reason to say neither side can’t do well this season, both play good football, both look to have goalscorers in armour, both will back themselves against opponents at their level, both well coached, well drilled, well played. For Cambridge, a good cup draw will be on their immediate agenda whilst for Biggleswade, another season finishing above ‘Town’ will once again give them local bragging rights. For me, I'll certainly be back as it's a club who made an effort to make myself feel welcome, next time as I said to Ray ahead of my goodbyes "I'll come dressed more appropriately for the boardroom". The Teams Biggleswade: Dan Green, Adam Hunt, Miguel Lopes de Matos, Lawrie Marsh, Adam Tilson (Dan Carey-Evans 84), Dan Akubuine, Alex Marsh, Rio Martucci, Pemi Aderoju, Tom Coles, Daniel Bond (Jack Dickerson 74). Cambridge City: Joe Welch, Patrick Staszewski, Jake Battersby, Liam Chadwick, Richard Black, Taylor Parr, Joe Hood, Scott Bridges, Brad Rolt (Ryan Ingrey 76), Stefan Broccoli, Daniel Cotton (Mikey Davis 84). 3:00pm Kick Off. Sunday 17th September 2023, The Eyrie, Bedford (att 308).

Long Eaton United 0-1 Bromsgrove Sporting (Southern League Central Division) Interesting fact… For the last seven years my name has been listed on the iconic Football Manager video game as a coach at Long Eaton United… But despite once being very close to moving to Grange Park from Loughborough Dynamo back in 2016… I never actually jumped ship… Unlike the clubs current Managers Brad Munn and Lewis McGugan who themselves were at Loughborough last season, they have recently taken charge of a struggling side, bottom of the league who at least won their first game of the campaign on Saturday. That 1-0 win at Bekhamsted wasn’t helped by second bottom Kettering Town beating fifteenth spot Bromsgrove Sporting 2-1. Tonight, Bromsgrove travel to the Derbyshire town of Long Eaton, a big game for both clubs as they both look to climb the table of the Southern League Central Division. It’s been a while. Last week I was in Scarborough covering Yorkshire v Derbyshire over four days in the County Championship before heading to Durham on Saturday where England women beat Sri Lanka, no cricket this week so I’ve time to cram a much-needed footy game into my hectic schedule… Long Eaton is around twenty minutes’ drive from my house so I won’t be putting in huge mileage claims for this one. The rain all day my only concern as I check Twitter, sorry X, for postponements. I’m in luck, no news is good news so head out the door at 6:15pm and head down the ring road before passing Nottingham Tennis Centre on the University Boulevard and into Beeston, Chilwell, Toton, crossing the Derbyshire border and onto Station Road turning left down a long single track as I see floodlights in the distance. The Venue The track takes me past Erewash Indoor Bowls Club and a couple of five a side pitches before pulling up on a grass verge to park my car. Drizzle in the air with a miserable tone of orange and grey sky, I’m walking down the back of the venue as I notice a coach behind me. There’s only an hour til’ kick off and Bromsgrove are just pulling in. As the players (and fans) get off the bus I’m walking through the turnstile where I’m asked to pay £11 which I do so on my card. “Do you want a programme” I’m asked… “Errrm, no thanks” I reply. There’s a refreshment window in a hatch as soon as you walk in with some old bird flipping burgers, a couple of home team players are queuing for a cuppa so I walk around the pitch, rain hitting me hard on my windbreaker, hood up as I take some photos from all four corners of the ground. The Long Eaton keepers are out as I walk behind the goal which is open ended, to my right the main stand, the Big Jim Stand, hogs half way with ten rows of blue covered seats, to my left a roofed terrace no more than three steps high with posts in view, the opposite end also open backed, the pitch in cracking condition, wide, green, bouncy, there’s plenty of room around the perimeter. As I walk back past a newly built directors lounge in some modern looking portacabins I say hello to a man in a tie who's on the doorstep “bit wet" I blurt, before walking back to the hatch near the turnstile for a cup of tea and a twix. The Game I’ve taken a seat at the very top of the Big Jim Stand and am joined shortly before kick-off by a scout from Mickleover. A delightful Derby accent he’s an old boy looking at Bromsgrove who they play in a couple of weeks, I tell him to “watch out for number 10 Conor Tee who was at Rushden & Diamonds last season, he's a former Leicester Academy player, is very good technically and I think, can play a level or two higher.” I’m told the son of Rory Delap is on loan at Mickleover and going well before asking how Andy Dales is doing at the club. “he’s an academy coach these days” as I swear, he’s in his late thirties… He seems to have been around forever, playing for Scunthorpe and in Scotland for Dundee and Hamilton either side of long stints at the Dom Arnott Arena, “he’s only 28” I find out… He’s certainly not Finnish. I’m still chatting away as the two teams come out from the tunnel beneath, young fans packing the stand after their training sessions on those five a side pitches adjacent behind the goal to my right, screaming high pitched and running between seat to seat as one supporter in a woolly hat tells them to calm down. Long Eaton all blue, Bromsgove in green and white stripes, the lighting isn’t great, the drizzle slowly dwindling, the venue less than 200 full. As the game starts it’s clear it won’t be one for the feint hearted, both teams battle for the ball in frantic old fashioned non-league style, front to back is quick, but back to the opposition is quicker, the ball doesn’t stay long in possession with one team for anything more than three passes. Despite this, the one true quality player in the Bromsgrove attack is as suggested Conor Tee, he has guile, pulls off the front man and finds pockets from left to centre as he looks to get on the ball to make things happen. On the opposite team's attack I’m impressed with the early stages of Joe Nyawhema’s performance… A young right winger with number nine on his back he’s quick with extremely good feet and technical close control, but in fairness left back Billy Shaw is keeping him quiet. The Score Chances are few and far between but each side blaze over from inside the area before Conor Tee picks up the ball near the centre circle and drives forward just five minutes before the break. He takes a couple of touches before curling a beauty into the bottom corner to give Bromsgrove a deserved lead at half time. “They’ve been the better side” I say at the interval as the scout agrees “I like their number ten”. With only one goal in the game though, Long Eaton are well involved, and the second half starts with the away team more comfortable in possession, but the home side looking dangerous on the break. On 65 a free kick is awarded to Bromsgrove on the edge of the area and Tee curls a magnificent right footed effort which crashes down off the crossbar and is blasted wide on the rebound by Henry, two minutes later Rogers at the other end breaks and drills wide as he races clear one on one, it should have been 0-2 but could so easily have been 1-1. That chance missed was the best Long Eaton could offer, they pump balls into the box to no avail late on, Bromsgrove head for the corners as the Mickleover scout heads for the exit, he’s long gone by the time the final whistle is blown, a win for the away side, the better team on the night, for Long Eaton I feel it might be a long hard season unless they make some signings soon. The Stars Whilst Conor Tee shone a light on a dim and dull wet night he was backed up by some decent performances from his teammates, Kieron Berry worked tirelessly up top and carried the ball at times to gain some much-needed yardage thus taking the pressure off his defence, Miro Pais down the left flank looked direct and busy, the Portuguese winger worked hard and shown glimpses of straight line pace, he linked up with left back Billy Shaw who certainly took a chance and got forward well. Midfielders Luke Rowe and Jack Newell were combative whilst a special mention for player-manager Michael McGrath at centre half, at 38 he looks like he has plenty of legs left in him and is certainly picking himself on merit. For Long Eaton, I was excited to see striker Micah Jebbison in action but frustrated he didn’t get the service he needed, a fans favourite you could hear the cries of the kids in the crowd everytime he got the ball “go on Jebbo” they shout, but it wasn’t often enough to encourage anything special. For his first half quality I was disappointed that the game of Joe Nyahwema fizzled during a struggling second half for him personally, I certainly think there’s a player inside there, somewhere, I question is he one who’s technique is more than his courage? He’s still young and has time to evolve as a footballer at the level, if he can stay in the game he’ll only get better... But will he stay in the game? He was subbed three minutes short of ninety with cramp. As the impressive smell of onions often fizzled around the ground I also felt impressed sporadically with the workrate of James Spruce who came on down the left at half time and looked positively to make things happen, he put a good shift in, as did centre half Ed Cook who hardly put a foot wrong. Cook next to the experienced Riece Bertram a proper non-league centre back, rounded, well built, balding, bearded, tackle, head, kick it long. Another player who I had my intrinsic eye on from the start, left back Lucien Mahove on loan from Notts County, the two games I’ve seen him play for the Magpies (one against Coalville the other against Stoke) I’ve felt he’s been out his depth. He struggled initially during the early stages against Bromsgrove and his decision making is sometimes frustratingly slow, but the more the game grew and the more he got on the ball the more I liked, a little bit of the Trent Alexander Arnold’s… Perhaps they can make a decent midfielder out of him? A lovely whipping left foot... If not particularly a great defender. The Verdict Bromsgrove will be one of those teams in the middle of the pack, or higher, that will probably take points off some of the best in the division, they might slip up along the way but they’re a competent bunch, hardworking, not much frills on show, but they have a good organised back line, a solid thick set midfield and an attack which has goals and creativity in it. For Long Eaton, things might be that bit harder this season. For their Management duo of Brad Munn and Lewis McGugan it’s the first time at this level, Munn especially a player that flourished in the league below, McGugan one who flourished much higher… If they can up their pool of players to pick from, one or two savvy additions could save their jobs. The Teams Long Eaton United: Ben Whiting, Callum Cocks, Lucien Mahove, Morgan Worsford-Gregg, Riece Bertram, Ed Cook, Micah Jebbison (Alans Voskresenkis 83), George Atwal, Joe Nyahwema (Casey Johnson 87), Jack Rogers, Adam Clark (James Spruce 46). Bromsgrove Sporting: Ollie Taylor, Aksum White, Billy Shaw, Jack Newell, Aaron Roberts, Michael McGrath, Callum King-Harmes, Luke Rowe, Kieron Berry, Conor Tee, Miro Pais (Prince Henry 60). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 12th September 2023, Grange Park, Long Eaton (att 168).

Rangers 2-2 PSV Eindhoven (UEFA Champions League Qualifiers) The Ted McMinn Loyal (Rangers Supporters Club Derby) have been in touch. They called to ask if I wanted a lift but by the time I got back to them they had already a car full. They often run trips from Ripley in Derbyshire to Govan on the banks of the Clyde and will be heading up tonight like me, a ten hour plus round journey, to see their team play. Last year, Rangers beat PSV at the very stage of the Champions League Qualifiers. A 2-2 draw at Ibrox followed a 1-0 win in the Netherlands where Antonio Colak’s winning goal was assisted by Malik Tillman. Colak since moved to Parma whilst Tillman is tonight in the squad for PSV after a loan move from Bayern Munich, the Dutch side are 21 ‘competitive’ games unbeaten under Peter Bosz and have recently bolstered with additions of Noa Lang, Jerdy Schouten, Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest. Rangers under Mick Beale lost their opening league game of the season at Kilmarnock but have since bounced back by knocking out Swiss side Servette in the UCL between wins over Livingston and Morton in the Scottish Premier Division and League Cup. The Gers too bolstering their side this summer with acquisitions of Brazilian striker Danilo from Feyenoord, as well as Sam Lammers from Atalanta, Cyriel Dessers from Cremonese and Abdallah Sima on loan from Brighton amongst others. I’m not gonna lie… Tonight I’m very excited to watch this game of Champions League football so fill up my flask, load up my man bag and in the car I get… 11am(ish) for a journey which sat nav says is just over 5 hours drive. Like my last time in Glasgow when I went to watch Scotland v Spain, I’m choosing the M1 from Nottingham up to the A1 and across the A66 to Penrith joining the M6 and eventually M74 but no sooner have I joined Britain’s first and finest known major route am I being redirected off at Mansfield… Ignoring those calls from my in-built route planning system I’m annoyed with my decision an hour and a half later, stuck at Junction 28 in the middle of Derbyshire with two ways of the motorway closed no thanks to a lorry fire on the south carriageway, smoke is in the distance as I ‘F’ and ‘blind’ to myself aloud. Finally… It’s getting on for 1pm and I trudge off the M1 (two junctions after I joined it) at a snails pace to then blast my accelerator down the floor pushing harder than ever to make some lost time.. I’m heading ‘south’ down the A38 before seeing signs for Matlock… I’ve decided to take the scenic route around Buxton and over the hills of the fabulous Peak District, absolutely stunning as I snake around the A537 but still some miles to travel as I reach Macclesfield by 2pm and rally up the Silk Road to get onto the Manchester Circular and the M60. I’m looping past Stretford, the Trafford Centre and Eccles before joining the M61 where I pass the home of Bolton Wanderers Football Club, finally reaching the M6 I’ve not yet had a pit stop and get to Lancaster Services moments after my windscreen is cracked by a stray stone. If my journey couldn’t get any worse, I’ve still got two hours to go but the M6 to Carlisle and Gretna is serenely quiet, equally so as the name changes to A74(M) through Scotland, the odd flick of rain to wipe between the hills but cloudy overcast, a bit of sun peering through I’m at Hamilton Services where I stop off to use the cash machine for a ten pound (Scottish note) I’m readying for stadium parking. The Venue I’ve made it in good time… There’s some heavy traffic approaching the M8 as I see Celtic’s Parkhead home sitting high on the hill to my right but I get to J23 and the Dumbreck Road for 6pm before driving down to the Albion Car Park where there’s plenty of spaces available. Out my car with a couple of stretches I’m walking down the Edmiston Drive and heading for the Bill Struth Main Stand where the UEFA Office at Main Reception is port of call. The stadium is red bricked grey roofed, four separate stands all vast and large, spacious outside with plenty of police presence, there’s the odd table selling sweeties and scarves as I notice the huge blue gates of Rangers Football Club Ltd beside a stunning art deco style stairwell which is enclosed by large amounts of small square frosted glass blocks, iconic looking it was built in 1928 with the listed stand actually having further development to increase its size and stature in the early 1990’s. I’m walking behind the beautiful Main Stand with the road besides closed off for cars, fans waiting at the Players Entrance as I walk straight through the barriers, to the Main Reception, grand, church like, gospel inside, dull lit, tiled floors with wood panelled interior, there’s a room on the right which says UEFA Office, it’s small, messy, paper everywhere with a picture on the wall of a past player who looks like Sandy Jardine or Derek Johnstone (that era) and has a tea urn in the corner so I help myself, but can’t find the milk as I speak to a couple of foreign sounding blokes and ask ‘where can I get my ticket’. Luckily, Colin my man from UEFA walks in and not only gives me my pass, but walks me through to my seat, chatting away in his soft Scottish tone and describing the venue’s perks as I’m led out of the stand back onto the street, to the next turnstile which says ‘media entrance’ and up through the stadium concourse to the middle level, passing the Members Lounge to my right before taking a couple of steps to the commentary positions where a number of people in the media chat to Colin on the way. He says “unlike some new grounds the media’s view is relatively low at Rangers” before pointing to my seat, not far from halfway, front of the second tier I get a cracking panorama of this 50,000 seated stunning four sided blue painted arena. The Game There’s a tiny section of PSV fans in one corner of the Broomloan Stand to my left, the opposite wing has a small section of Rangers Ultras, dressed in black but surrounded by stewards they’re making all the noise as Ibrox slowly fills up. The decibel levels are magnificent as the loud tannoy blasts ‘Every Saturday We Follow’ before the teams come out and a huge red, white and blue tifo is unfolded above the words ‘Surrender Or You’ll Die’ draped along the advertising boards behind the goal to my left, the moment which really gets my spine tingling however lands when the two teams walk out and the Champions League music is played… The most iconic theme tune in football has the hairs on my neck at raise. You can’t even hear the whistle blown by Referee Clement Turpin to start the game, it’s that loud as Rangers attack to my left, traditional in blue, PSV soaking up the pressure and trying to stifle the crowd with possession based football, wearing cream shirts and attacking my right, it’s they who look superior as Bakayoko and Teze link up well down their right. I’m impressed with Ibraham Sangare who’s been linked with a Premier League move this summer, he’s easy on the eye, always offering a hand from his defensive midfield slot, positionally astute, he nearly gives a pass away which shocks me, I’m reminding him to a young Yaya Toure during his Barcelona days, tall, physically strong, disciplined, selfless, making the game look very easy with one and two touch football. For PSV’s dominance though, Rangers are gutsy, there’s a clear gulf in levels which is apparent on the eye but the Dutch pass masters play only one way, it’s actually their style which gets them in a spot of bother, Sangare who’s been brilliant is caught out on the edge of his box and the ball falls to Sima who curls home a beauty, the crowd go absolutely wild. Sima has pace and is direct but his decision making isn’t at the levels perhaps that is required from his fans who moments before were cursing him for not getting into the box, that finish though a curling effort from the edge of the area giving them a moment to remember, I do however think, if things aren’t going Rangers way, this crowd can be a little hostile towards their own players. That hostility however is nowhere to be seen at half time as Rangers fans sing Tina Turner’s ‘Simply the Best’ upon their teams return from break… And although PSV do equalise soon into the second half, Sangare on the end of a fabulous move to side foot home inside the box, the fans keep going, keep singing, keep believing, and it rubs off on their boys. A sweeping counter-attack move led by Todd Cantwell who finds Dessers who lays in substitute Rabbi Matondo to run through and finish has the stadium at dangerous noise decibels again.. Fans are bouncing after Rangers score the goal of the game before VAR thankfully confirms all ok, the lead with the Scottish side, it’s been mostly against the run of play. But those sounds of joy aren’t lived for long as a corner by Bakayoko is headed in by Luuk De Jong, a deserving leveller which keeps the tie on a knife edge, exactly how they were going into the second leg this time last year. The Stars If Sangare had my eyes from the outset having already heard about the potential interest in him, the player that I knew little about, who impressed me most was Johan Bakayoko the Belgian born winger who was very-very quick, direct and physically strong. Teaming up with Bakayoko on the right and teasing the Rangers left-side was full back Teze who also looked equally so fast, so strong, aggressive too, it seems PSV will do well to keep their young and talented assets with those Premier League hawks hanging inevitably over their heads. For Rangers, they were more ‘guts’ than ‘good’ as technically, the better team and individual play came from their opponents, Todd Cantwell ran around like a mad muppet and really got the crowd up at times, often winning nothing more than throw-ins for his team in the opposition half, whilst I was perhaps most impressed with Connor Goldson, an English centre half who looked at ease with his job in hand. The Verdict Unlike last season, where Rangers went to Eindhoven and snatched a remarkable 1-0 win, I think this year is a bridge too far for this newly built team, who at Ibrox came up against a side better, faster, more equipped to deal with the ball, than they are. Hat’s off to Mick Beale’s men who went about their business with bolshy determination and gave everything for their team and supporters, it felt however that Peter Bosz’s side could still level up a couple of notches, and for that reason I think they’ll go through. It’s exciting times for PSV who continue their long unbeaten record and you can see why they don’t lose many matches with the talent they have on show, they’ll be hoping the August window closes without losing too many assets, if so a good European run and a championship challenge could be on the cards, for Rangers, they look like a distant second to Celtic, again. The Teams Rangers: Jack Butland, James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, John Souttar, Borna Barisic, Ryan Jack (John Lundstram 67), Jose Cifuentes (Kieran Dowell 81), Nicolas Raskin, Todd Cantwell (Sam Lammers 86), Abdallah Sima (Rabbi Matondo 67), Cyriel Dessiers (Danilo 81). PSV Eindhoven: Walter Benitez, Jordan Teze, Andre Ramalho (Jeroy Schouten 90), Olivier Boscagli (Isaac Babadi 90), Sergino Dest (Shurmandy Sambo 81), Joey Veerman, Ibrahim Sangare, Ismael Saibari (Guus Til 69), Johan Bakayoko, Luuk de Jong, Noa Lang (Yorbe Vertessen 81). 8:00pm Kick Off. Tuesday 22nd August 2023, Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow (att 47,537).

Scunthorpe United 4-0 Darlington (National League North) I’ve been away in Crete on an all-inclusive family holiday which has meant football scouting has taken a well-deserved rest of late. Back home last Wednesday I was cricket scoring in Taunton for Somerset v Sussex on Friday before the wife buggering off to Ireland had me dog sitting over the weekend. Back at it now though, a couple of matches into the new season missed already so with some catching up to do, tonight I’m covering Scunthorpe United v Darlington at Glanford Park. Two sides that have been fancied by the bookmakers as front runners for promotion in the National League North. Recently relegated Scunny have won one and drawn one in their first ever stint at the level, Darlo, no strangers to this league in their eighth successive season in the division, have had a poor start, losing both their games thus far. My last visit to Scunthorpe was in February where I watched a women’s FA Cup game between Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest. Tonight I’m looking forward to my first viewing of the Iron since April 2011, when Alan Knill’s side took a tonking at the City Ground, losing 5-1 on the last day of the season where the Lincolnshire based side suffered relegation from the Championship. It’s been downhill ever since as United have slowly slipped out of the Football League and having suffered back-to-back relegations they’ll now be hoping to pick themselves up off the sixth-tier floor. Poor old Darlington have been on that floor a while now, a football league side themselves for all of ninety years, since the millennium they’ve flirted with extinction, three times in administration they’ve been homeless, nameless, expelled from the FA but they’re still here, still fighting, living to tell the tale and hoping that Manager Alun Armstong can guide them in the right direction. The direction for me is East down the A52, A46 signposted Lincoln and look north, up the A15 and onto the M180, the sunshine is out and I’ve landed at the Gallagher Retail Park for 6:30pm, a quick stop off at KFC before entering the East Stand car park of Glanford Park. The Venue I’m at the back of the Mortz Stand looking for my turnstile as I look up and notice a huge collage of some of Scunthorpe United’s finest moments emblazoned onto the wall. The ground is tired but has character, low roofed, grey breeze blocks, painted entrances in claret and blue, I’m through the gate where a man on the door scans my ticket and almost immediately pitch side within seconds, walking along the perimeter by the raised playing surface I turn left through a gap where a steward points me the way, toilets on my right, kiosk on my left, a quick stop before ordering a cup of tea £2.50 cash, I’m back out touching the touchline with a sun kissed view of the stadium panorama. It looks great in the sun, pitch perfect as it should be this time of year, sprinklers on, the low roofed bowl looks intimidating for the level, I’m standing here with sun in my eyes thinking Scunthorpe won’t drop many points here this season. The Game As I take my spot at the back of the stand, I’m joined by an old boy who’s hobbling slowly up the staircase with a walking stick and cap on. He has ties with Appleby Frodingham and has been coming here since the 60’s. He tells me about the time they beat Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup, of watching a young Kevin Keegan strut his stuff, we discuss fondly the years of Billy Sharp and Gary Hooper, there’s also an honourable mention for Lord Ian Botham. “My dad trained him at Crowle FC” he says… “Never seen thighs like it”. As the old boy is joined by a few of his friends I shuffle down a few seats, back row, level with the eighteen-yard box the sun is in my eyes and I can’t see anything as the two teams kick off. There’s a couple of young kids with their dads sat in front of me, ears pierced wearing knocked off designer gear they look no older than 6 or 7.. Effing and jeffing at every given chance “the Referees a wanker” they continue to shout. The noise is impeccable, great support from both teams with two sets of supporters in fine tune, 300 fans of Darlington are loud but 3,000 of Scunthorpe louder, it’s a good start as Scunny dominate possession but Darlo look dangerous on the counter-attack, Jacob Hazel finds space in the box and his shot is parried onto the post by Fitzsimons, it should be 0-1. The away side actually have another chance ruled out for offside as Hazel hits the inside of the post to net before the flag is raised but Scunthorpe are the better team, dictating, probing, new signing from Kings Lynn is midfielder Michael Clunan, seven on his back, small in size, he picks the ball in pockets and hardly misplaces a pass. Home grown winger Cameron Wilson a real talent out right, he’s licensed to come in field and there’s fluidity about the Iron movement. Another player I’m impressed with is striker Danny Whitehall, thick set, tall, good touch for a big man, it’s his effort which is deflected on 26 which gives the home side the lead. The Score By now the kids in front have buggered off for a piss and a burger, but they miss the games best moment as Whitehall curls home a beauty of a free kick on 42. 2-0 Scunny, I say at the break to the old boy “Darlo had their chances, but this game is done now”. The second half starts with a huge rendition of ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining’ as the Scunny supporters packed into the Britcon Stand behind the goal find voice, other than the noise coming out of the stands it’s pretty flat though as the home team stand-off, allowing Darlington some belated possession, they fail to penetrate their opponents who have Max Kouogun and Will Evans looking tidy at centre half. A few substitutes interrupt the little flow of football there is before Alfie Beestin finds space to further damage the Darlington season start. The away fans singing “how shit must you be, it’s only 3-0” as the home fans chant “we’re top of the league”. As the ground slowly empties there’s time for one more in added time as substitute Dion Sembie-Ferris get’s his first Iron goal since moving from Peterborough Sports, aided by a deflection he’s a player I like for the level with pace he's direct, joining his old Manager Jimmy Dean who the fans seem to be most appreciative of. The Stars With two goals, Danny Whitehall looks to me like a shoe in for the National League North top scorers trophy this season, he signed from Eastleigh where he scored twelve National League goals last season. In fact, many of the Scunthorpe team have National League experience, goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons played 35 games for the third best team in the division (Chesterfield) last season, defenders Will Evans and Max Kouogan joined from Boreham Wood and York City respectively, Kouogan in particular is a player I really like, Evans himself having spells at Newport, Chesterfield, Aldershot amongst others. Like Evans, former Derby County midfielder Jacob Butterfield has experience of the football league, so too young Kian Scales with Bradford City and the mullet haired right back Reagan Ogle whilst at Accrington Stanley and prior to his move to Scunthorpe, Hartlepool United, he’s quick, game and is a throwback full back, looks like Ian Marshall, plays like Kevin Gage. For Darlington it was tougher to tell who shone on a day where they the sun sparkled more than they did, Jacob Hazel was their menace in attack, pace, power, precision with natural finishing instinct, but could they get the ball to him? Not near enough? Tommy Taylor perhaps the pick of the bunch, the goalkeeper athletically on occasion keeping the score down, it was a tough day for Alun Armstrong’s men, it could be a tough season, the manager might feel the pressure soon. The Verdict My pre-season pound was on Chester to win the league but having seen Scunthorpe play and taking note what they have signed in new talent I really think they could now walk the division at a canter, at home they’ll be a different level, I wonder away how they’ll get on? Rushall Olympic and their ‘plastic’ surface on Saturday next? If they can come through that, it might tell you a bit about the levels they are at. For Darlington, it’s been a tough start to the season and one that might add a little pressure onto the Managers back. They’re too good to go down and will, eventually, get it right, but Brackley Town visit Blackwell Meadows on Saturday, lose that and it’s four defeats from four. The Teams Scunthorpe United: Ross Fitzsimons, Reagan Ogle, Max Kouogun, Will Evans, Tyler Denton, Michael Clunan, Jacob Butterfield (Dion Sembie-Ferris 74), Kian Scales, Alfie Beestin, Cameron Wilson (Michael Kelly 83), Danny Whitehall (Danny Elliott 74). Darlington: Tommy Taylor, Jordan Windass (Cameron Salkeld 65), Toby Lees, Jake Lawlor, Jassem Sukar, Jordan Mustoe, Tom Platt, Ben Liddle (Adriano Moke 63), Will Hatfield, Jacob Hazel (Mitchell Curry 72), Andrew Nelson. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 16th August 2023, Glanford Park, Scunthorpe (att 3,392)

Tamworth 0-1 Alfreton Town (National League North) I’ve been asked to cover a Champions League game on Tuesday night but not before I’m faced with the mammoth task of Tamworth v Alfreton in the National League North. It’s been a good start for both teams with two wins each following opening day defeats, Tamworth promoted last season as champions from the Southern League Central Division have beaten Spennymoor and Boston following a narrow first game loss against Scunthorpe. Alfreton actually finished in the playoffs last season, they were beaten by another promoted side in South Shields on the opening day, but have since beaten Southport and Peterborough Sports to start their resurgence up the table. It's a bright day with a bit of breeze, much better than yesterday where morning rain interrupted the cricket match I was scoring between Derbyshire and Worcestershire, I’m dog walking before cooking up a quick sausage cob for brunch, as the wife heads back from the gym at twelve, I’m shortly out the door and down the M42 towards the Staffordshire town of Tamworth. Built in Sat Nav takes me off at Appleby Magna where I’m down the B5493 at Mercia Business Park. The road is quiet and long, straight through the fields of North Warwickshire and the villages of No Man’s Heath and Seckington. The midlands are flat, green, pretty pastures as I dare to dream it’ll be nice to have a farmhouse here one day, not too long later though I’m midst the less scenic looking surroundings of Tamworth, past the train station and an Aldi on my left, over a few mini roundabouts and I’m onto a narrow terraced street named Kettlebrook Road where I’m looking for parking. The Venue There’s a few spaces on the road but the gates to Tamworth Football Club have a sign up against the wall saying £2 to park with a huge wasteland of opportunity to stick my Merc way out of trouble into. I’m asked by the steward to bang it next to a Mustang in the corner next to a few smashed glass bottles so oblige before sticking the ticket he gave me in my windscreen, I’m out the car heading for an entrance where I might find my name down on a list somewhere… The back of the ground is bland and reminds me of Nuneaton or Hednesford, it must be a Midland thing a small 90’s built stadium in sparse huge wasteland, it’s not even obvious where the turnstiles are as the back drop to the venue lacks any real signage, I’m told to go to the ticket office which is nothing more than a portacabin painted white on my left but before that, there’s a tiny door which says reception, ‘hospitality’ and ‘VIP’… I try that and I’m in luck. “Straight through this door, turn right and walk down the back of the stand” an old boy in a tie tells me. It doesn’t feel very ‘VIP’… I’m walking through a narrow outdoor passage in between tall sheets of metal, there’s another portacabin with a door ajar to my left, peering through the windows as I walk by it looks something like a Directors Lounge, very seedy and hidden away, finally I’m into an opening where I can see a football pitch… “Bloody Hell” I think to myself… “I forgot Tamworth played on plastic”. The bright green 4g playing surface glistens in the sunlight, the arena internals all painted red neath blue partially cloudy skies, behind the goal to my right is open, to my left a little roofed terrace, opposite a small stand where the dugouts are situated, behind me a larger stand of seating, and more importantly the tea bar. £2 for a round tea bag topped up with hot water, I’m told milk and sugar is on the table and to help myself, polystyrene cup in hand I take a walk behind the goal where I bump into Helen, a chirpy blonde stewardess who’s also a bouncer at the Old Stone Cross. She’s lovely, full of conversation and knows a lot of the locals who not only frequent the football club but also her boozer on a matchday evening, she’s working 1pm to 1am today, a long shift awaits. Leaving Helen to get on with her day job, a good hour to go until kick off, I walk back towards the Main Stand where there’s a desk at the top row next to a freelance journalist and the Tamworth FC public announcer who are already both sat down. The guy next to me is an Albion fan, he used to work for the Tamworth Herald before taking redundancy during covid, he now writes more for the love, than the dollar, but he’s a local football enthusiast who certainly knows his stuff, he’s filing the match report for the Non-League Newspaper tomorrow, I tell him “it probably won’t be pretty”… Alfreton are big, strong, physical, ugly, a tight contested game of head it kick it is guaranteed. The Match The start is exactly how I expected. In the bright sunshine in front of a large and optimistic feeling crowd buoyed by back-to-back wins, Tamworth in red come out, try and play a bit, but Alfreton in yellow want to rustle their opponents feathers, they get into them, scrap like mad for every ball, go long quickly, rarely take chances in possession, looking like they're up for the fight, the home team can handle themselves too though, they have technically better players as well as a few tough boys in their team, despite this, Alfreton for me work that bit more, with a game plan to thwart. It’s a team who take delight in doing the ugly stuff and do it well they do. Because of this, the first half is a game of few chances, a shot each from outside the box tests each keepers’ gloves, Jas Singh in the Tamworth goal largely otherwise unworked, George Willis in net for Alfreton flapping at a few crosses, uncomfortable when Jordan Cullinane-Liburd throws long into his box but otherwise he has no real efforts to save. It’s scrappy, ugly, feisty, frantic, the home crowd are already getting on the Referees back when a huge ‘crack’ is heard off the ball in front of us… Town striker Waldock looks to have elbowed Lambs left back Callum Cockerill-Mollet to spark off some handbags and a lot of cries in the crowd of 'GBH'.. It’s only yellow for Waldock, as Cockerill-Mollet gets up and trots off ‘give him some back’ shouts one of the fans. The Score The two teams can’t be separated by the break and there’s a surprise when Tamworth striker Danny Creaney is subbed during half time, “they’ve handled him well” says the fella next to me, we both agree he’s hardly been in the game, well marshalled by Shaun Brisley and Kennedy Digie in the Alfreton back line. I’m told “You were right about Alfreton” who’ve made it difficult for their hosts, “one goal will win this” I reply and that goal comes shortly into the second half. A routine forward ball is flicked on by Ryan Taylor as Jordan Thewlis gets into the box, he slips a defender and finds time to put the keeper on his arse before placing home, it’s certainly what Alfreton have deserved as no more than twenty or so travelling fans begin to believe it could be their day. That goal adds to the growing frustration which is filtering from the stands onto the pitch as Tamworth begin to niggle back at Alfreton, Cockerill-Mollet does dish his own out from that earlier foul, already on a booking though he collides with Perritt on the edge of the box, both are down for a while as the physios come on but when the Tamworth defender arises following treatment, he is shown a second yellow and sent off by Referee Luis Griffiths. It’s a harsh sending but it’s been one of those games, I say “this has all played into Alfreton’s hands” and I’m impressed with how Billy Heath’s side have came, frustrated, and taken all three points back with them. Late on there’s few chances but lots of balls into the box as Alfreton head and kick everything away with joy, Dwayne Wiley is brought on for some extra defensive cover, he even has a ding dong with team-mate Digie before apologising to fans in the stand for his use of bad language, player for player they’ve been immense and totally deserved their win. The Stars I expected big things from Tamworth who were never allowed to get a control in midfield. They have good technical players but weren’t given time or space to perfect their stance on matters, Ben Milnes their best player in midfield on paper but most effective on plastic was Nathan Tshikuma who was one of the few who could handle the games physicality… Wingers Dempsey Arlott-John and Kyle Finn both subbed, both poor, I expected more. In fact, home team man of the match was their barrel-chested veteran centre half Liam Dolman who in fairness hardly put a foot wrong, he was next to Jordan Cullinane-Liburd in defence who at least looked more agile and athletic if ever needed to save Dolman's bacon, he could certainly throw it far but defensively he was pretty good, another who didn’t shy from the physical battle. For Alfreton, without their 39-year-old battering ram target of Matt Rhead up top I thought they might struggle, but turns out the elbows of Liam Waldock are just as useful in weaponry of attack. He battled well in the first half, scrapping for everything and in the second half later stages the tall and thick set Jake Day came on to much similar effect with perhaps a little more panache, besides their big number nines, wingers Jordan Thewlis, formerly of Harrogate Town and Lewis Salmon, recently signed from Nottingham Forest, both played their part to torment and frustrate. Salmon in particular, scruffy looking, socks rolled down, gutsy with a bit of technique and an eye for goal, he’ll be one I’ll keep an eye out for the remainder of this season. But despite my liking for Town's wide men it wasn’t a day for the forwards to be taking all the plaudits, outshone by the defences who were largely on top, not to forget the workmen-like midfielders that sat in front of the Alfreton back four. George Cantrill and Adam Lund grafted hard to put their bodies on the line, but Ken Digie and Shaun Brisley at centre half both exceptional, experienced, enjoying it with a smile on their grimacing faces and on point whenever needed most. When asked by the journalist for the Non-League Newspaper who 'he' should pick as man of the match, I said a toss up between those two, I’ll be interested to see who he went for in the end. The Verdict Alfreton do what Alfreton do, they do it well, it might be ugly, it might not get opposition fans enthralled, it might not be easy on the eye for the purists and neutrals, but it gets results, and they’ll get plenty more scalps this season by playing this very ugly but efficient way. Tamworth may learn from this result, to perhaps be more adaptable when things aren’t going their way, to perhaps learn to be patient, to control their aggression and to dig in 'more' when the chips are down, to not lose games they shouldn’t lose, by lack of discipline or winding themselves up on not being able to play the way they want to play. They didn't lack any effort in the end, just invention, hindered by having a man less and being long frustrated by the opposition tactical approach. They’ll be ok this season as not everyone is as horrible and organised to play against as Alfreton, who apparently, much more used to winning around the mud baths of the football winter season, won for the first time since 2017 on a synthetic surface. A pitch which may invite more football than not, to be played, today saw very little of it, if Alfreton can start winning more games against passing teams on these types of surfaces, well they might have a real chance of doing something special this season. The Teams Tamworth: Jas Singh, Matt Curley, Callum Cockerill-Mollet, Kyle Finn (Ty Deacon 77), Ben Milnes, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Liam Dolman, Nathan Tshikuma, Jamie Jellis, Dan Creaney (Alex Jones 46), Dempsey Arlott-John (Jamie Willets 57). Alfreton Town: George Wills, Joshua Clackstone, Adam Lund (Dwayne Wiley 70), Kennedy Digie, Jordan Thewlis (Jamie Oliver 84), George Cantrill, Liam Waldock, Lewis Salmon, Harrison Perritt, Shaun Brisley, Ryan Taylor (Jake Day 66). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 19th August 2023, The Lamb Ground, Tamworth (att 1,009).

Hereford 2-2 Brackley Town (National League North) It’s all getting heated on Twitter… I’ve found myself agreeing to some comments made yesterday by Roy Keane that Andy Robertson is ‘a baby’ after an alleged elbow to the face from an official during Liverpool’s entertaining 2-2 draw with Arsenal. There’s a million Scots & Scousers defending him over my tweet… I concur it’s a bit ‘pot-kettle’ from Roy but that doesn’t mean he’s wrong… Robertson is a cracking player but like Keane, a wind-up merchant and when someone bites back, he’s quickest to run to the teacher to plead his innocence, which really annoys me, the little baby. Today it’s raining, well it would be wouldn’t it, as it’s a Bank Holiday Monday and usually the case, I’ve pre-booked in to do a game having spent the majority of the Easter weekend walking the dog, from Rushcliffe Park to the fields of West Leake, I’ve had views of Ratcliffe Power Station in my sleep. We’ve only made it as far as the end of the road today, but Bruce wants to head back, it’s 10am and I’m already whipping off my soaked Napapijri trackie to put on my tweed flat cap and Barber jacket, I’m off to a place I’ve always wanted to go to following the timeless viewings of a certain Ronnie Radford goal. Rural England’s deepest renowned proper old non-league football venue, Edgar Street, home of Hereford FC… A place where I need to look the part and fit in with the locals. The home of cider, beef and agriculture, Hereford is the middle of nowhere, hence why I’ve never previously been, but today I’m setting off at 11am for a National League North game between a struggling team who’s not won in six, play against a playoff parked outfit in Brackley Town, who themselves have not won in eight, recently sacking their Manager, former Birmingham City defender Roger Johnson, as club captain Gareth Dean takes over as what I presume is temporary charge until the end of the season. It's dark and grey as I leave Nottingham programming the sat nav for a two-and-a-half-hour journey, but as I hit the M1 and M42 it’s brightening up before another spurt of showers, not a lot on the road bar traffic cones and 50mph signs as roadworks litter the outer Birmingham bypass. I’m onto the M5 before coming off at junction 7 by now in sunlight, hitting the A4440 as I spot the stunning Worcester Cathedral in the distance to my right, to the left the equally beautiful Malvern Hills which I’m driving towards at speed, I’m down the A449 a stunning road that sways and swings up and down tarmac glistening below blue skies that make the green grass of the everlasting rolling fields look so bright. Into the final valley which leads you in town it’s getting on for 1:30pm as the skies darken again, those spots appearing on my windscreen as I pass a few nice-looking houses on the Aylestone Hill before turning right by the train station which looks more like a grand Victorian School Building, set way back as I finally pull off the otherwise bland Hereford City Link Road into Merton Meadow Car Park paying £4.70 for 4 hours on my Just Park app. The Venue You can see the floodlights across the way, dated, proper oldskool like the set you used to get in 1970’s Subbuteo, big metal pylons above the grey roofed venue under the grey skies above the grey stoned surface. A couple of Brackley players are at the pay and display putting their pounds in the meter, no special preference for them it seems, I’m walking towards the back of the Merton Stand past Radford’s Bar as I ask a steward on the players and officials entrance “where can I get my pass”… He points me to the main reception where a guy on the Hospitality Desk provides me a ticket saying “I’ve ran out of lanyards”… He’s just had his cataract operation on Wednesday, I ask if it went well, he replied “well I can see”. He points me back to the players entrance where I walk in and am guided by a friendly fella to my seat, he takes me through a small reception up into the stand, “down the steps, up the steps and up where the radio guys are” he tells me. I stop off to take a quick snap, elevated on the front row above the dugouts, it’s a bit overwhelming for me, a football geek who remembers Hereford United of the early 90’s when they were in the football league, this place hasn’t changed since my childhood, exactly the same since receiving the magnificent first edition Aerofilms Guide to Football Grounds in 1993 for my fifteenth birthday. The Len Weston Seating & Terrace is a double decker with seats in the upper tier and standing below, the stand opposite has a clock face in the middle, halfway, slightly sloping to the right corner as the green spanking looking pitch drains to the right. In that right hand corner and behind the goal, a curved stand called the Meadow End, white terrace barriers under a black roof propped up by white posts, to my left another curved area, sadly not in use, the Blackfriars Stand has flags littering the terrace, there’s goals and football equipment shoved in there with a single tractor parked up. I’m walking up to find my seat as a Radio guy points me to the Press Box, it’s a glass fronted box at the top of the stand, I open a flimsy wooden door and get an immediate smell of fust, it’s cold, paper thin windows with a long MDF desk with BT phone ports dotted every metre. There’s a retro patterned carpet, worn down and filthy, a heater on the floor with wires hanging from the ceiling, it’s a fantastic view onto the pitch beneath, the wind slams the door shut as I look up at a sign that says ‘Please turn the heater off on exit’. I set myself up and write down the line ups in my little black book before heading out for a cup of tea. I’m back down the steps asking a steward for the toilets who points me to the left corner of the stand. I’m walking past a wooden door which says Hospitality, it smells of food, lovely, as I walk along the front of the stand and down some more steps behind the dis-used Blackfriars stand to a hidden corner where I spot a girl flipping burgers. “You’re a bit hidden away here” I say… “I bloody hate it” she says… “I can’t see anything here”… I ask her for a tea and not usually a burger fan, I can’t resist as I’m in the home of beef. Perched up against a ‘please do not enter’ sign by the stand on my left, I’m eating a cracking cheeseburger and sipping on a decent brew at a price of £6 cash looking at the corner flag with a panoramic view of Edgar Steet as the players come out to warm up. Fuelled and filled I’m back up to the Press Box and in the comfort of my spot, by now I’m joined by a Data Scout from Statpack who I’ve met on my travels before, he’s from Leicester but regularly attends Brackley games, we’re joined by the Hereford media guy, he states “we’ve not played bad this season, most games have been tight where a silly mistake has cost us”. The Game The stand slowly begins to fill but behind the glass it’s quiet and serene as the two teams come out, Hereford in that famous black and white with Banbury in hi vis top to toe. The away side are immediately on the front foot, spurred on by their player manager Dean who’s decided not to pick himself today, he’s given the captaincy to left back Glenn Walker who at 35 is pushing up the wing with real good quality, he’s delivered a ball into the box which is missed by everyone bar Callum Stead who drills home at the back post left footed. You wouldn’t know it but Brackley are playing into the wind, it’s blowing a gale as I ask “Is it usually this bad” to the reply “not normally”… Hereford however get some luck as a ball rolling out of play down slope, is kept in by Miles Storey who cheekily nicks it off the shepherding defender to provide Ryan Lloyd an empty net to place into. Within a couple of minutes Lloyd thinks he’s made it two as Amadi-Holloway crosses into him to nod home but the official’s flag is immediately raised. Cheering supporters soon sit down. The Score Brackley’s keeper Danny Lewis is struggling to kick it out of his half, the wind a real nemesis for the away side as Hereford attack again with Storey finding Evans on the overlap who crosses low to Lloyd who finds the net again, this time his goal stands as the Bulls take a half time lead. It could have been more, Hereford hitting a post before the break as the clubs photographer joins us at half time, he can’t believe his eyes “two goals in one half” he screams as he provides the media man with images of Lloyd celebrating to put his side ahead. I’m intrigued to see how Hereford play the conditions in the second half as it's their turn against the wind and it’s soon apparent not that well, they immediately encourage Brackley to attack and after a barrage of corners it’s 2-2 within ten minutes of the restart, Adam Rooney nodding down to substitute Sam Smart who poaches from close range, a lovely set up by Irish journeyman Rooney who’s otherwise quiet on the afternoon. That at least encourages Hereford to play with more attacking threat again, they believe they have the chance to win it late on when Pearson raises his arm inside the box to leave the Referee one option, he calls penalty and books two Brackley players for protesting but after a word with the linesman, retracts his decision, Hereford fans aggrieved with the officials as the remaining ten minutes threaten to boil over, but the two teams end gridlocked after an entertaining match – both continue their winless stretch, but a point keeps Brackley in the playoff race and eases relegation woes for Hereford slightly, with three matches of their season to play. The Stars There wasn’t a huge amount of quality on show but one player who impressed was Brackley midfielder Shepherd Murombedzi who kept things ticking neatly, hardly giving a pass away, often needing no more than a touch it was very rare he played the ball forward, but on a day where too many players lacked providing the simple option, he did it better than anyone, off the ball very astute, strong physically he broke up play and gave it simple, my man of the match by head and shoulders, which incidentally would be a perfect sponsor for his long dreadlocked hair. Other Brackley players catching the eye was left back Glenn Walker who linked up well with his winger, number ten Wes York, who didn’t have the best of games, often falling over his feet taking a touch or three too much, but you feel he’s a player on his day, a go to who can make things happen in the final third, likewise Callum Stead in attack, who took his goal really well. For Hereford, whilst two goal hero Lloyd was stand out, I liked the initial openings from their young midfielder Kane Thompson-Sommers who unfortunately drifted slightly out of the game, Harry Pinchard was a player who picked up the ball in little pockets, pivotal in the Bulls attacking play, whilst Aaron Amadi-Holloway looked a decent focal point in attack, Miles Storey to his right an intelligent footballer, the Hereford media guy telling me “he’s a good player who can’t score”. The Verdict Hereford is one of those places where if you’re a non-league/lower league football fan, you need to go visit, in fact, if you are a lower league fan and haven’t yet visited Edgar Street, then I question you are what you say you are... Real non leaguers will have been here at least once. Thankfully, I’m finally in the cult, making the cut, it feels that this place, a Mecca of soughts, not even a proper football town on the grand scheme, but one that stinks of nostalgia, one that when you see the stadium for the first time, you can only say “fuck me, I’ve made it”. Some people want to climb Everest, some want to bungee jump off the Golden Gate Bridge, others prefer the Maldives or New Zealand for bucket list travels… Whilst I just wanted to go to Hereford. Ticked off it felt every bit as good as it should have done, from the beef burger that’s still repeating on me as I write this, to the fust I can still smell from the press box lingering on the back of my note pad, the old ground is a must for any football fan to visit, the place should be listed to the same levels of Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, the only way perhaps, we can step in to stop it one day falling apart. The Teams Hereford: Dale Eve, Jared Hodgkiss, Jack Evans, Luke Haines (Jethro Hanson 69), Zak Lilly, Kane Thompson-Sommers, Ryan Lloyd, Harry Pinchard (Dan Jarvis 78), Miles Storey, Aaron Amadi-Holloway, Orrin Pendley. Brackley Town: Danny Lewis, George Carline, Glenn Walker (Ricardo Calder 80), Shepherd Murombedzi, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Matthew Preston, Cosmas Matwasa (Sam Smart 40), Alfie Bates, Adam Rooney (Adi Yussuff 86), Wes York, Callum Stead. 3:00pm Kick Off. Monday 10th April 2023, Edgar Street, Hereford (att 1,374)

Chesterfield 5-1 Torquay United (National League) I’ve been working on gaining my level 2 talent identification certificate all day, watching an old match on my laptop between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, I’ve been asked to pick out a player to ‘scout’ for my coursework and for some strange reason I’ve chosen Frenkie de Jong… He’s had an absolute shitter and Barcelona are beaten 4-1… The scouting’s the easy bit, ‘passes a lot, runs a lot, crap defensively’, now I’ve got to come up with a fancy template for my résumé so the PFSA can mark me up!!! It’s 3pm and I’m still in my pyjamas, I need to get ready for tonight’s game, Chesterfield v Torquay United in the National League. The Gulls are the form team of the division right now and have won their last five but are still in the relegation zone 21st in the table, Chesterfield are third and are looking to secure their spot to ensure home playoff semi-final advantage with just three games to go, Woking up their arse, both teams need a win for very different reasons. I’m quickly showered and out the house for 5pm battling through the Nottingham traffic which thankfully isn’t too bad tonight as I head down the cities ring road up to junction 26 of the M1. It’s a bright spring day without a cloud in the sky as I pass the stunning Hardwick Hall on my right and head up to J29 where I pull off for the A617 heading into Chesterfield centre. Driving north up the A61 I’m off before Tesco and onto the Sheffield Road by the Donkey Derby pub as I aim to park where I did last time, when a steward told me to stick my Merc outside a derelict building most recently used as a gym. I’m indicating to turn left opposite the stadium, but it’s all fenced off… Looks like the gyms being knocked down and I won’t be parking here tonight… I’m driving around the houses to find a nice spot before pulling up outside ‘King Carpets’ where I notice it’s free to park after 6pm. The Venue A few fans plod past as I get out of the car to walk back down the Sheffield Road, literally a two-minute walk past Tool Station and Greggs to my right, Aurora Beauty to my left where I spot through the window an old bird getting her nails done. I’m cutting through the car park as I’m asked for some change by a fan who wants to buy a programme, I’ve only got cards in my wallet so can’t help but continue my journey towards the West Stand entrance where I get my pass off a steward to walk straight in. From the outside, the venue is modern, spacious, pleasant looking, built in 2009 it’s red bricked, grey panelled, blue painted, tall thin floodlights in each corner and curved roofing for two of the four separate simple looking but plush new stands. I’m in early to grab a bite to eat as haven’t had anything since my Crunchy Nut Cornflakes at 9am, first through the turnstiles I’m straight to the kiosk under the concourse for a cup of Yorkshire Tea and super ‘hot’ steak and ale pie at a price of £7. After a quick pit stop, I’m up through the ground level entrance and to my seat thirteen rows high in the press area, pitch looking fab backed by the blue seated stands and blue skies above as I say ‘hello’ to an old friend I met last time I was here. The old boy and his wife who I got chatting to during Chesterfield v Wealdstone are sat directly behind me again, still no clues to what they do but they provide a real friendly energy amongst the radio presenters and newspaper writers that otherwise sit silently amongst themselves. The Twitter guy from Chesterfield has appeared all ‘excited’ as he says his club are about to send out a tweet of a mascot getting ‘high fives’ from his players in response to Arsenal’s recent controversial tweet where their ‘superstars’ ignored a young supporter when signing her shirt! I’m chatting to the old boy as I ask about recent form, he says ‘the roof nearly came off on Saturday’ when his side overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 with a last-minute winner v Eastleigh. He says ‘we’ve been threatening to give someone a good hiding all season’ will tonight be the night? The Game As the sun sets and chill creeps in, I’m joined by a scout from Hull City besides me, the game kicks off and Chesterfield are immediately on the front foot, they create chances and play with purpose, a real energy and zest about their style, I say to the old boy “It’s a great start” who replies “we started like this on Saturday and found ourselves two down”. I feel they’ll regret missing some chances as they pepper the goal with early efforts but there’s something about them tonight, they know they must win, they know Torquay aren’t a pushover after recent winning form, they have to be on their ‘A’ game and player for player they’re impeccable. It takes 25 minutes and a slice of luck, for that first goal to come, Ollie Banks letting fly a shot from outside the area which takes a huge deflection over the goalkeeper to send the home crowd wild. Within a couple of minutes, it’s two. Colclough who’s brilliant down the left crosses in to McCallam who heads against the bar but Andrew Dallas follows up to nod home, it’s the least Chesterfield deserve as Torquay don’t know what’s hit them, already Manager Gary Johnson is making a substitution for the Gulls. That sub makes no difference as Dallas then picks the ball up from outside the area to strike the goal of the game, a stunning effort from twenty plus yards into the top corner of the net, it really is beginning to look like Chesterfield’s night. The Score It’s a standing ovation from the spectators at half time as one guy in front of me lumps on his mobile betting app for plus six home team goals. I’m intrigued to see how Chesterfield come out again as the match is already but won, Torquay have been completely outplayed and although had a couple of sniffs themselves, have hardly put two or more passes together, Chesterfield dominant themselves pass crisp, firm, with intent, play high tempo and with confidence to ‘get the job done’. They start where they left off and any concerns of a miracle comeback are quashed soon into the second half, Liam Mandeville who I’m told by the old boy should be the clubs ‘player of the season without a doubt’ when announced next month, smashes home from close range, before Andy Dallas get’s his hat-trick, prodding home from inside the area a left wing centred Jeff King free-kick. Torquay do get one back, it’s all a bit sloppy as Maguire loses possession (sound familiar) and Fitzsimons can’t reach the ball ahead of Collins who plays it wide and the cross in is slid home by McGavin, off the bench, the 150 away fans in attendance start to sing “we’re gonna win 6-5” and “were just to good for you”. The sounds of the Torquay support however are drowned out by the constant noise the home crowd make, the fans behind the goal to my right are ‘bouncing’ as they drum up a real racket, I tell the old boy "player for player your lot have been on point tonight" mightily impressed with a dominant victory, I fear for Notts County who might end up playing them in the Playoff final if all goes to plan. As the whistle goes the fans are singing to Rod Stewart’s ‘We are Sailing’ Paul Cook, captain Jamie Grimes and the boys in blue steering their ship towards their best performance of the season so far, peaking at the right time? I tell the old boy who clenches my hand on exit, “I might see you next at Wembley”. The Stars On a night where one to eleven Chesterfield were devastating player for player, one of those rare occasions when it just felt right and everything went to plan, Andrew Dallas, a loan signing from Solihull Moors at 23 looks to be a proper striker who knows where the net is, playing with confidence he now has four in two and looks very much a footballer that fits the ‘system’ which Manager Paul Cook is trying to instil. Journeyman strike partner Paul McCallum was exceptional against one of his old clubs too, the former Leyton Orient, Barnet and Dagenham forward a perfect foil for Dallas, winning aerial duels and used largely as a battering ram whilst the likes of Mandeville and Colclough strutted their stuff out wide. Ollie Banks brilliant in midfield alongside Darren Oldaker who’s a personal favourite, socks rolled down he’s spraying balls still with swagger and more importantly to huge attacking effect. In defence, Chesterfield played a high line which might be undone against better opposition, but Fitzsimons swept relatively well and Jamie Grimes is a true leader and good old fashioned centre half, he kept Aaron Jarvis and Frank Nouble quiet who themselves have forged a decent recent attack for Torquay. I was keen to see 19-year-old Nico Lawrence do well for the Gulls but sadly tonight wasn’t his night, not many of the away side can take much credit, watching Brett McGavin in the warm-up I certainly liked his finishing qualities and his confidence, on the scoresheet following a late cameo, he’ll be one I’ll be keeping an eye on, but tonight was all about Chesterfield, who proved they have plenty of talent, many good enough for the Football League. The Verdict That loss for Torquay might knock the sails out of Gary Johnson’s survival chances, three points below safety with two games to go they still have an opportunity to stay up, but sadly it is no longer in the clubs own hands. Chesterfield still have some work to do themselves to guarantee third and a home playoff semi-final draw, four points from their two remaining games should be enough, and you wouldn’t put it past them, on this form, to go all the way and return to blighty, after four years absence from the football league. The Teams Chesterfield: Ross Fitzsimons, Jamie Grimes, Laurence Maguire, Liam Mandeville, Ryan Colclough, Paul McCallum (Tim Akinola 67), Jeff King, Ashley Palmer, Darren Oldaker (Joe Quigley 67), Ollie Banks, Andrew Dallas (Jes Uchegbulam 80). Torquay United: Mark Halstead, Tom Lapslie (Ali Omar 28), Aaron Jarvis, Kieron Evans, Shaun Donnellan, Nico Lawrence, Dean Moxey, Jack Stobbs, Kevin Dawson (Brett McGavin 67), Lewis Collins, Frank Nouble (Ben Wyatt 67). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 18th April 2023, Technique Stadium, Chesterfield (att 6,005).

Aston Villa 0-1 Chelsea (Women’s FA Cup Semi Final) I didn’t win anything on the Grand National. The highlight of my weekend was a lovely meal at the Griffin in Plumtree on Friday night where our taxi pulling into the car park annoyed Nottingham Forest Manager Steve Cooper, sat frustrated in his lightly coloured Range Rover waiting for us to move. I’m up early on Sunday morning as It’s double dog weekend. Accompanying Bruce for a sleep-over we’ve got Molly, a five-month laparazo and absolute headcase, she’s the mother-in-law’s who’s not been feeling well with pneumonia but is much better and coming out of hospital today, the wife has been rightly worried all week, but a bit of positive mood ensures she’s promised me Five Guys tonight, so I’m hoping this game doesn’t go to extra time. Aston Villa are going well in the WSL, sat fifth they’re the next best below the super four that is both Manchester clubs, Arsenal and today’s visitors Chelsea, who are also going well in Europe having recently beat holders Lyon in the Champions League, they’ve got Barcelona next. Saturday saw Manchester United beat Brighton in the ‘other’ semi-final so today’s winner will face the Red Devils at Wembley in May, a tasty encounter which will no doubt sell out underneath the Arch. Women’s football has taken upwards trajectory since the summer, but only 5,000 crammed into Walsall’s Bescot Stadium today… I’m surprised that they couldn’t make Villa Park a fortress for such prestigious event. I’ve been to Beagle meet, I’ve made bacon sandwiches for the family, I’m waving bye to Bruce & Molly whilst Kyle takes the reigns before mum gets back from shopping and I’m out the door shortly before midday, pulling up at Clifton Petrol Station for a quick fill up before heading down the A453, briefly onto the M1 and M42 before joining the M6. It’s grey and miserable as the sky rise city centre buildings of Birmingham appear in the distance, slightly hazed over you can spot the huge BT tower from the motorway before passing Villa Park and Spaghetti Junction where a couple of kestrels are lurking above the canals. I’ve never been to Walsall, spotted a thousand times from the motorway it’s probably the one venue I’ve seen most but never set foot inside, I’m off at junction 7 onto the Birmingham Road past Handsworth Rugby Club before driving past a number of adjacent parks pitches on Walstead Road, cars parked everywhere as kids are packing up fully kitted, it’s the home of Silverdale FC. I’m past the last of the houses heading into an industrial area as the M6 elevated appears on my left. There’s cars queuing to go right as the stadium appears beneath a huge advertising boarding, I’m spinning it around as I spotted a few spaces on the road less than three minutes’ walk away, I’m up for a quick get away later so can’t be doing with the queues. The Venue I pull up outside a block of flats opposite Tyres 4U and walk the short journey back where I came from as cars wait patiently to get into the car park. I’m turning right after the Park Inn Hotel which has room views of the motorway bridge and ugly big billboard, I spot a sign which says ‘Walsall Sunday Market’ as Stewards rip off tickets to give drivers for their dashboards, one guy shouts programmes as the red and grey cladded steel back end appears of the University of Wolverhampton Stand. The Bescot Stadium is octagonal bowl like, another one of those from my 1995 Aerofilms Guide that stood out as a boy, back then it was a new modern arena built five years earlier to replace the old Fellows Park, it’s looking a bit dated nowadays, not quite as bad as Scunthorpe (built at a similar time), but not nearly as decrepitly attractive either. Very bland. There’s a good few fans outside as queues for burgers and Aston Villa Merchandise are lengthy behind the back of the St Francis Group Community Stand which I’m sat in today. The signposts aren’t the clearest as I enter a turnstile to scan my ticket, I’m through the concrete underpass to the pitch in seconds, no frills, no food, but plenty of flags I spot in seats. The pitch looks in good nick, flat and firm, the internals of the arena propped up by posts are otherwise decorated in red seating. A huge double decker stand to my right has the words ‘Poundland’ written on its roof, the rest of the stadium low ceilings, enclosed, it certainly has more character inside, than out, I’m heading up for my seat on Row M where I’m about to get hit on the head by a flag. There’s a family behind me with excited and slightly boisterous kids, they’re waving flags and singing songs, I’m cramped into my seat well ahead of the game as they’re flapping claret & blue cloth onto the back of my head… I’m getting up to walk down the steps where I ask a steward ‘nicely’ if there’s any chance of moving.. “Not today” he responds uninterested, “It’s a sell out” he says. In fairness the error was on me as I booked the one ticket I could get with limited availability so without complaint I grin and bear it as I mumble to myself ‘this is the last woman’s match I do’… The Game There’s a little girl sat next to me with her dad, a family of three has just turned up to my left, a big Villa fan, he’s driven from Cheshire and has a moan to me about the traffic on the M6, in front another family, two parents, two kids, and plenty of packed lunches to go around, I’m about as toasty as you can get without being in a group hug, before the teams come out, the flag waving restarts, and we finally get to sit down and watch some action. Villa don’t start too bad, the striking long blonde-haired Alisha Lehmann is set through on a couple of occasions and shows pace, but not much on ball finesse. The home side are plucky, they work hard and show grit, you feel they really want it, but Chelsea are organised, solid, better, all be it without yet, breaking sweat. Laura James comes closest to giving the away side the lead, striking from distance inches wide before Lucy Staniforth tries her luck for Villa on the volley, Zecira Musovic in the Chelsea goal diving acrobatically to her left to hold on to the ball. The Score Nil Nil at the break is good for Aston Villa who look an even match despite Chelsea being one of Europe’s best. The girls in gold however crack a post just seconds into the second half and take the lead after a lovely left footed cross by Guro Reiten is headed home beautifully by Sam Kerr, downwards into the back of the net, a good old fashioned strikers goal. That encourages Villa to push more as Chelsea defend on to their lead, Lehmann flashes wide and low before Mayling cracks a post herself, the little girl to my right has her head in her hands before joining the rest of the crowd in singing “Villa Villa” as she looks to pick her team up from those near misses. In fairness, the crowd are great, the away end in numbers even make some noise, Aston Villa are good value for taking the game to extra time but for me, I’m ready to go home and eat burgers whilst catching the back end of Forest v Man Utd on telly… Late on Chelsea should have wrapped things up, Sam Kerr denied by Hannah Hampton who impresses in net aged just 22, she hears chants of ‘England’s number one’ having played twice for the National team already last year. The Stars Villa were brilliant and had a lot of the ball, pivotal to their approach play were midfielders Lucy Staniforth and in particular Kenza Dali who sprays forward passes from wing to wing. I was excited to see Alisha Lehmann (yep, you got me) and she was direct and fast down the right, but down the left Kirsty Hanson was even better, really pacey over short distances and running at her full back she caused Eve Perisset a lot of problems. Causing problems for Villa was Sam Kerr, who’s all round centre forward play was very good, capped with a goal she was the difference on the day, whilst Laura James in spells looked so much bigger and more powerful than those she was up against, left back Jess Carter having a decent game too. The Verdict To walk away from a match more impressed with the losers than the winners, you have to feel for the Aston Villa girls who put everything into the game, whilst you can’t help feeling, if Chelsea wanted to, they could have stepped up a few more gears if needed, to send them through. The Blues are one point behind Manchester United with a game in hand in the title race, they face Barcelona in the semi finals of the Champions League next, and have booked their slot in the final of the FA Cup, a good season for them so far, it could be a great season for Emma Hayes and co should they remain unbeaten over the next five or six weeks. The Teams Aston Villa: Hannah Hampton, Sarah Mayling, Danielle Turner, Anna Patten, Mayumi Pacheco, Kenza Dali, Lucy Staniforth, Jordan Nobbs, Alisha Lehmann, Rachael Daly, Kirsty Hanson. Chelsea: Zecira Musovic, Eve Perisset, Maren Mjede, Magdalena Eriksson, Jessica Carter, Jelena Cankovic, Melanie Leupolz (Sophie Ingle 64), Lauren James (Niamh Charles 64), Erin Cuthbert (Jess Fleming 70), Guro Reiten (Johanna Rytting Kaneryd 88), Sam Kerr. 2:15pm Kick Off. Sunday 16th April 2023, Bescot Stadium, Walsall (att 5,292)

Leicester City 2-1 Reading (Women’s Super League) A touch of déjà vu? It went to the wire in late January as I watched Reading beat Leicester City on penalties in the FA Cup at the Pirelli Stadium… It goes to the wire in early April too… As the Foxes ease their relegation worries with a massive victory that keeps the battle at the foot of the WSL table well and truly alive. I’m back having watched these two go at it in what was a thrilling game over 120 minutes and more, decided after Grace Maloney saved Carrie Jones spot kick to send the Royals through in a shootout, this time it’s points on offer, not prizes, but even more so important as Leicester, bottom with seven points play catch up on Reading in tenth with eleven, Brighton in eleventh with nine. I’ve done the Sunday dog meet, had a bit of breakfast and glazed over a few emails whilst sipping tea, out the door for 1pm I’m heading down the A46 in sunshine onto the A6 and through Leicester city centre, quiet roads passing the back end of High Cross Shopping Centre before spotting a 600 year old Roman Gate on Oxford Street, I’ve driven past several times and never even previously noticed it was there. Past the home of Leicester Tigers Rugby Club I’m down the Welford Road cutting behind Morrisons and the Odeon Cinema onto Raw Dykes Road parking up opposite the King Power Stadium little before 2pm. The Venue My third visit of the season the sun is out, bright skies but quiet outside, families with children, mostly young girls, I’m contemplating having a look around the club shop but opt for the turnstile where my bag is searched by a steward ahead of scanning my mobile phone at an unattended doorway. Luckily the buzzer lights green and I’m pushing through the barriers without problem. Inside the concourse I head straight for the toilets where I notice Leicester City logoed soap dispensers, washing my hands (of course) before I approach the kiosk where I’m given the eye by a keen attendee… He’s already looked me up as his next potential customer, I’m not hungry after my breakfast, and I’m all tea’d up from earlier… But I can’t back out now… I can’t let him down.. He asks me what I want, to my reply ‘A Bovril will do’. £3.05 it costs as I stare at a mural of Claudio Ranieri whilst paying contactless on the worldpay card machine, take my paper cup and head up the stairs where a steward points me to my seat (I know where I’m going thanks mate). From the top row ‘MM’ I get a panoramic view of the girls on the pitch, bright green surface emblazoned by the spring sunshine, nobody really near me as I fill out my notes, blue seats opposite bear the name ‘Leicester City’ as I get a WhatsApp message to be told Brendan Rodgers has been sacked. Hardly a surprise as I sip my Bovril, I’m disgusted to find it’s luke-warm, not very hot at all… A pathetic attempt at warming the cockles on a chilly day beneath the blue partially cloudy skies. I won’t be having that here again! The Game The stand I’m in is half full, the rest of the stadium completely empty, but the atmosphere is good as fans wave flags ahead of kick off. Leicester, as they did despite defeat in the cup match, start bright and look the better team, they play with a little more direction, a bit more of a game plan, I’m surprised they’re still bottom of the league as Willie Kirk’s girls have clear identity in what they do, getting it wide, quickly, but playing some neat interchanging stuff at times. I don’t see that from Reading as much, although they do win a number of corners early doors, which suggest they might have a bit more physique and power than their hosts. Their best effort from a free kick crossed to the back post which is headed goalwards by Charlie Wellings but Janina Leitzig is alert, diving to her left to push the ball behind. Leicester for their quality in possession, get reward on twenty as Courtney Nevin crosses from the left, Sam Tierney late arriving, she places the ball on the full volley, side footed into the corner to put her side ‘deservedly’ one up. The Score Five minutes extra has gone up on the board, the first half has been littered with players going down injured, it’s not been great viewing, often slightly obstructed by a little girl waving a flag in front of me, but Reading are coming forward, Rachel Rowe was lying on the floor in pain ten seconds ago… Now she’s up, crossing low from the left and the ball falls to Wellings, inside the area, she’s smashed it as hard as she can to level things up at the break. That cues an exodus to the khazi’s as I’m sat flicking between the scores elsewhere at half time, the second half starting again in sunshine, it’s a lovely day, some players have their hands over their eyes to see properly against the glaring light, the second half starts and it’s as stop start as the first, frustrating as more players drop to their knees to seek medical attention. Finally the play livens up as Leicester break at pace, Cain racing down the left crosses to the back post where Tierney arrives late (again), she’s struck low and the feet of Maloney saves the Royals. Carrie Jones then has two sniffs as she shoots straight at the keeper and fires the rebound goalward before a desperate defender clears, the resulting corner see’s carnage before the goalkeeper goes down injured, I’m then asked by a steward ‘why am I taking notes’ as he takes my name and calls for back up, I’m sweating with the thought of ejection as play is halted, I’m sitting on the back row on my own with the binoculars out, I hope they don’t think I’m a sex pest, I presume I get the all clear as thankfully, the steward never returns. More chances go begging for Leicester as Siemsen hits a post, it all looks to be heading to another draw at ninety minutes, but due to the number of injuries the board is up and twelve extras are added to everyone’s gasp, that suits Leicester however as Tierney gets into the box, she finds Cain who lays up Jones to smash hard and low, a winner that provides a massive three points, there’s players on the floor hugging with some girls running off in all directions hands in the air, the fans waving flags are singing ‘we are staying up’ there’s a good ten minutes left but Leicester see it out, the game lasting a good 115 minutes, only five short of the cup match which went all the way in Jan. The Stars Credit Carrie Jones who’s costly penalty miss was the deciding factor as Leicester exited the FA Cup, I’m certain she’ll happily concede that for waking up knowing her last minute winning goal gave the Foxes three much needed points in the relegation fight. Sam Tierney like a female Frank Lampard, every time I see her I can’t fail to be impressed by her timely runs from deep to inside the box, she had a hand in both goals and might have even contributed to more, other players impressing included Courtney Nevin from left back and goalkeeper Janina Leitzig who’s handling was exceptional, Reading had a good eleven or twelve corners and she claimed a large proportion of those to take the pressure off. For the Royals, their own goalkeeper Grace Maloney, not for the first time beneath my eyes, was their best player on the day, Charlie Wellings made some good runs and Amalie Eikelaand found some pockets, but largely from them, it was very disappointing. The Verdict The win for Leicester lifts them off the bottom of the WSL table, a point above Brighton who do have two games in hand (they play Leicester on the last game of the season), but more importantly they are now only a point behind Reading, and on that evidence they are far from out of the proverbial themselves. With Tottenham Hotspur also down there on twelve points, it could be a four-way tussle with only one facing the drop, the last five matches now pivotal to seeing who survives. The Teams Leicester City: Janina Leitzig, Courtney Nevin, Sam Tierney, CJ Bott, Aileen Whelan, Sophie Howard, Carrie Jones (Missy Goodwin 90), Remy Siemsen (Jessica Sigsworth 82), Hannah Cain (Jo Green 90), Ash Plumptre, Ruby Mace. Reading: Grace Maloney, Faye Bryson, Emma Mukandi, Charlie Wellings (Lauren Wade 90), Amalie Eikeland, Emma Harries (Justine Vanhaevermaet 70), Brooke Hendrix (Gemma Evans 77), Jade Moore, Rachel Rowe, Lily Woodham, Sanne Troelsgaard. 3pm Kick Off. Sunday 2nd April 2023, Leicester City Stadium, Leicester (att 1,500)

Buxton 2-0 Farsley Celtic (National League North) A week ago, I was camel riding and quad biking in the Emirates desert. This Saturday I'm in the beautiful British spa town of Buxton to watch a National League North game between Craig Elliott's Bucks and Russ Wilcox's Farsley Celtic. Back on more familiar territory. After heading off into the sun leaving the snow behind It's not stopped raining since I got back on Sunday. I was supposed to be at Rushden & Diamonds midweek to watch the Southern League Central table proppers host Rushall Olympic but Tuesdays match at Hayden Road was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. A long wait for a game since my last (11 days ago) so I'm buzzing, up early on a Saturday morning whilst my wife snoozes in bed nursing her Paddy's Day hangover. Buxton are the form team of late. They're on an eleven-game unbeaten run since last losing ironically to Farsley in January. The Celt Army themselves in a spot of bother. Twentieth in the table and in the bottom four, they’ve shown resilience of late. Three draws and a win including victory over high flying King's Lynn Town and no shame penalty shootout defeat against Gateshead in the FA Trophy quarter finals. They drew with fellow strugglers Leamington last time out whilst the Bucks beat Banbury 3-1 in Oxfordshire. I've actually never seen Farsley play, and presumed until yesterday they were from Bradford. Google telling me the town is otherwise in the City of Leeds Metropolitan borough. It’s pretty-much located halfway between the two. They've had an interesting past though Farsley, with a couple of recent foldings and foundings, originally formed in 1908 they played Yorkshire League football before joining the Northern Counties East League in 1982 ahead of promotion to the Northern Premier League five years later. In 2007/08 they had a single season in the Blue Square Premier League (formerly the Conference now the National League) before relegation and administration in 2010 led to disbandment. The club immediately reformed as Farsley AFC before rekindling their 'Celtic' surname in 2015, gaining promotion back from the NPL to the National League North in 2019, where they have been ever since. Formed in 1877, after a long stint in the Cheshire County league, Buxton (of Derbyshire) joined the Northern Premier League in 1973 and but for eight years in the Northern Counties East League during the turn of this century, have been prominent in the NPL top flight, having fifteen straight years in the division before promotion as champions last season saw them reach the National League North for the first time. The club have also had a couple of decent cup runs in recent seasons, losing 4-0 against Ipswich at Portman Road in the second round of the FA Cup back in November. They're safe from danger and twelfth in the table, seven points below the playoff places, ten points above the drop zone, going into today's game. It’s chucking it down but the sun is out as I head down the A610 towards Codnor and Ripley from Nottingham, hitting the Matlock Road at Ambergate where I tailgate a Mazda Mx5 with its top bravely down. Trudging along at 50mph I’m now behind a trailer carrying sheep along the A6 and follow it towards Cromford where I turn onto Water Lane a winding woodland road that follows a stream which starts with a huge pond in front of a few antique shops. Very last of the summer wine. I’m heading to Newhaven over the hills and onto the A515 which provides stunning scenery east and west, a real spring showers day, it’s too hot for a coat but you certainly need to keep the waterproofs on standby. The Venue As I enter Buxton I’ve hit some temporary lights on the London Road and cars are spinning around but I stick with it. A good ten-minute stalemate before they change colour, eventually I turn right onto Dale Road and up Grange Road parking at the top of South Avenue annoyingly outside somebody’s house. The ground a short walk away up Silverlands which is a road that leads you straight back into the town centre. I’m getting zapped on entry. I’m asking a steward which turnstile to use and am pointed to gate four but before I go in there’s a woman in hi vis giving me a good going over. I’ve got keys, phones, binoculars and a couple of hand warmers in my laptop bag but she waves me in, I’m not sure her wand even works but at least she looks busy. I haven’t a clue what she was hoping to find? On entrance in the corner of the ground I reminisce on similar surroundings from my last visit here a couple of weeks ago. A neat venue with picturesque back drop of terraced housing and hillsides. The players are out on the pitch warming up as I head straight for the kiosk. A meat and potato pie and a cup of tea for £4.50. I’m standing behind the goal under the cover, food and drink perched on a terrace barrier as I take a couple of snaps and walk around to the main stand which hogs halfway, where the press box stinks of tomato sauce. There’s a couple of blokes already sat at the back of the stand, they ask me what I do and I get the impression they don’t know much about the level. Both with pints, one looks pissed already, they look like contractors working locally and perhaps staying in digs nearby, they’ve a free afternoon so thought let’s watch some football and get shitfaced in doing so. I explain to them the division today’s teams are in. As I look down towards the plastic pitch, pillar in view obstructing the goal to my left, a view out to Harpur Hill in the distance sun shining (for now), a young lad with a deep West Yorkshire voice says “Is this the press box” He’s from Farsley and is on duty today. A student at Derby Uni doing the sports journalism course which I’m quite familiar with, he’s a good young lad and tells me about his sides decent run of form of late, he’s still getting over their FA Trophy exit on penalties last week. “A trip to Wembley would have been nice” he says. The Game The weather's taken a turn again as the two teams come out. Farsley in green and white hoops apparently without their regular captain but otherwise full strength. Buxton in royal blue have the diminutive Tom Elliott in the side but Diego De Girolamo is on the bench. Shaun Brisley and Sam Osbourne also subs, they have some serious talent in depth. It's chucking down on one side of the ground whilst the other is drenched in sun, the two teams take a cautious approach to begin with. I overhear the Farsley staff chatting 'why they can’t beat the bottom teams but do better against those around the top' I state "they look well organised, proper drilled off the ball" which is down to some top defensive coaching. I get the feeling they're hard to break down, but on the front foot lack a bit of panache. Set plays seem to be their best way of getting a goal, but two banks of four tight and compact, I'm impressed with the space they fail to offer their possession dominant hosts. One of the guys tells me "we very rarely concede more than one a game". There's a lad up top for the away side playing with a white head bandage wrapped around his skull so is quite noticeable from high up in the stand. He's unconventional but works hard and every now and again does something impressive like chests the ball down or plays it into space. I learn his name is Frank Mulhern and think to myself "you can't get a more non-league name than that". He's scrapping around with the home team centre halves, it's not always pretty but you feel he's appreciated at the club for the work he puts in and for having a tiny bit of quality with it. For all their endeavour and intricate touches in the final third, Buxton are struggling to break down their opponents. Elliott finds pockets whilst Connor Kirby is neat on the ball. For the second time in as many games I'm mightily impressed with their left back Max Conway. He's 19 years old, on loan from Bolton and is going to have a very good career in the game. There's already half an hour gone and not much has happened but Bucks winger Warren Clarke is down after a challenge, falling sharply onto the hard synthetic surface. He's replaced for Sam Osbourne who immediately shows a bit of neat footwork, the boards up for added time and as Farsley switch off for pretty much the first occasion all half, Jak McCourt who's been brilliant in front of the back four for Buxton spraying passes left to right, has unleashed a deflected effort past Max Dearnley from range to give his side a half time lead. The Score That goal changes the gameplan for Farsley who would have been content with nil nil at half time. They bring on an extra attacker in Theo Williams after the break, as the skies darken grey the floodlights warming up, the rain flickers on and off like a public toilet flush chain, there’s a rainbow or two now in the distance. The game is slow paced, Buxton have more possession and aren’t in a hurry to get it forward but the longer it plays the more prominent Farsley become. They go close as Mulhern rounds the keeper only to find the side netting. A couple of sniffs from set plays have the Celts media team frustrated. They’re Leeds United fans who are keeping updated via their score apps, the Peacocks winning at Wolves. I say to them “would you rather take a point here or three points for Leeds?” Their answer is all about Premier League survival. Buxton’s turn to miss a guilt edged opportunity as the Farsley back four get away with trying to play out from the back, at the other end Theo Richardson saves from point blank range a huge stop from a Danny Devine header with less than ten minutes remaining. That save even more pivotal as moments later, substitute Diego De Girolamo is sent through, he’s rounded the keeper as I blurt “he won’t miss this” before a cool finish from a cool player puts the game to bed. The Stars Buxton have an array of footballers who I think can hack it a level or even two above. The experienced Jak McCourt has a great game in centre midfield picking up the ball off his defenders to unleash curling passes to either wing. Connor Kirby, Tom Elliott, Joe Ackroyd all decent on the ball, quick footed in the final third interchanging like fleas, flies or mosquitos without a real set position waiting to bite and sting. I like Brad Jackson who’s direct and puts early crosses into the box from the right, whilst Max Conway at left back is stand out, making good decisions for one so young, he’s always looking to get forward and take on opponents, a willingness to make things happen with a good positive ethos on how to play his position. Centre halves Josh Granite and Jake Hull do well, I particularly like Hull at a good six foot five plus he’s just 21 and on loan from Rotherham United. For Farsley I’m less impressed with the quality but more the endeavour of Carlton Ubeazuono who puts a shift in from a left sided midfield position. Frank Mulhern starts off up front, ends up right wing, I get the feeling you ask him to do a job anywhere on the field he’ll do it. A real warrior who’s been around a bit, but shows his worth to teams at this level through sheer grit and determination. The Verdict Buxton are safe. They can’t seriously trouble the playoff places? Can they? More realistically, if they keep doing what they’re doing and hold on to the majority of their squad (and manager) over the summer, they’ll be a real force in the division next season. Farsley are worrying and more ominous is what division they’ll be in next season. Form hasn’t been too bad and when I asked, their Media guy stated “I think we’ll be alright” but the league position doesn’t lie and I wonder if they can score enough to stay up. Telford aside there’s not a bad team in the National North. Bradford and Blyth may succumb but that last place to drop could be one of five or six and looking from Southport below, I wouldn’t be surprised if any of the sides in the mix, would be the ones to fall? The Teams Buxton: Theo Richardson, Connor Brown, Max Conway, Josh Granite, Jake Hull, Conor Kirby, Tom Elliott, Jak McCourt, Warren Clarke (Sam Osbourne 26), Brad Jackson (Shaun Brisley 81), Joe Ackroyd (Diego De Girolamo 60). Farsley Celtic: Max Dearnley, Lewis Turner, Lewis Butroid, Bobby Johnson, Andy Butler, Andy Clayton, Tom Allan (Theo Williams 46), Chris Atkinson (Danny Devine 64), Carlton Ubaezuono (Luke Parkin 72), Frank Mulhern, KIan Scales. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 18th March 2023, Silverlands, Buxton (att 663).

Manchester United 2-0 Newcastle United (EFL Cup Final) It was 1987 when I remember watching ‘Champagne’ Charlie Nicholas score two goals for Arsenal to overturn an Ian Rush opener in the final of the Littlewoods League Cup at a sun-kissed Wembley Stadium against Liverpool. It’s about the first final I remember watching on TV. I wasn’t too bothered about football during my initial eight years on the planet, then it exploded! Stickers, replica kit, Subbuteo, scarves, tracksuits, VHS cassettes of 101 great goals, I even had Nottingham Forest bedsheets and curtains. So fast forward thirty something years when I could finally call myself financially stable enough, to go to Wembley and watch regular cup finals… I pinch myself every day I'm at a big event like this… I’ve seen four ‘Carabao Cup’ finals in the last five years (the one I missed was played behind closed doors due to covid) and I’m back, with the wife, heading down on the train, and we’ll make a weekend of it! She only comes for the food… A corporate affair all singing and dancing with Club Wembley, first class tickets on EMR but no snacks or drinks trolly on a Sunday, we’ve overpaid £50 each for basically, a seat with a plug. By lunch we’ve arrived at the stunning St Pancras and you can spot the Geordies a mile off… There’s loads of them, everyone on the train from Nottingham seemed to be a Manchester United fan but now in London, I see no red, it’s all black and white scarves, young lads in tight jeans and white trainers, dark hair, trimmed beards, it’s like Geordie Shore meets Corrie as I browse through the window of Fortnum & Mason whilst I wait for the wife who’s having a wee in the train station toilets. We’ve booked in at the Citizen M opposite the Tower of London, it’s cheap (for London) and modern, great views, outside a tube stop and has a rooftop bar with bloody good cocktails. She loves it, and it saves me a fortune from staying in Mayfair. We can’t check in til’ two but drop the bags off as she does hair and makeup in the hotel toilets whilst I’m given a free pint of Brew Dog Punk IPA by a friendly Chinese waiter. Swiftly drank, it’s 1:30pm, we take a walk to Tower Hill Station where we hop on the Circle Line for one stop to Aldgate, then the Metropolitan Line straight to Wembley, we’re on nice and early before the carnage at St Pancras and Baker Street so get a seat, before the Toon Army hop on with all their booze filled songs. It’s a good twenty minutes or so on the train, the fans are singing nasty songs about Mason Greenwood and ‘we’ve got Bruno Guimaraes’ before annoying me with a usual Liverpool number which starts ‘we hate Nottingham Forest’ I keep schtum as they substitute the words Everton & Man Utd for Sunderland and weirdly, Leicester City? No idea why they hate the Midlands so much? The train arrives finally at Wembley Parkway as the herd of cattle that is a few thousand football fans scurry up the steps with more sing songs. It’s 90% Geordie with a small minority of Mancs.. The banter now reverts to belting towards them “Alan Shearer, he turned you down” as the quirky response from the North Westerners is swift and amusing “Alan Shearer, he won fuck all” The Venue No matter how busy it is, every fan does it, that first glimpse at the top of the steps at Wembley Parkway, photo time, stop, get the phone out, capture that first glance of the iconic stadium Arch. It’s always manic as people walking forward crash into those who stop off for a selfie. Jolting back you try and avoid the congestion as you head under the bridge and walk down what I would call, Wembley Way. There’s always a man preaching god to a microphone on the left, tack stands selling hats and scarves, the Boxpark on the right, media and TV crew posing, waiting to get an interview with a fan for their thoughts on the day. I’m running through the crowd like Lionel Messi, darting in and out, left and right, holding hands with the wife so I don’t lose her, before walking ‘under’ the new Wembley steps towards the swanky VIP entrance. We don’t even set sight of the pitch until fifteen minutes before kick-off, these days spoilt by the number of times we come here, instead, straight up the escalators, to the top floor Venue, a restaurant that serves steak and chips, but before then, the wife has a chance to sip a couple of complimentary free prosecco’s. The Game We walk out to our seats a good fifteen minutes before kick off to soak up the atmosphere, behind the goal which the Newcastle fans are congregated, the black and white flags are waving as the two teams come out, a magnificent sight, anticipation and excitement for both sets of supporters, the crowd has a real energy, a real buzz, cup finals are a celebration of the game, a showpiece that allows you to be true to your local identity, passionate and loud about the team you love. God save the King is sang, I’m still getting used to it, before the game is underway to a roar of noise where Newcastle impress, they keep the ball well, are organised, solid, hardworking, but I’ve noticed in recent weeks, lacking that bit of panache, they struggle to create real opportunities, look slightly predictable in the final third. Allan Saint-Maximin is perhaps the only one who’s unorthodox style has him confusing defenders, along with himself and his own team-mates, at times, it’s he, on half an hour, who shows hips to confuse Diogo Dalot before shooting at De Gea, the rebound is fired over. A soft free kick however is conceded by Newcastle which gives Luke Shaw the chance to put the ball in the box. He curls left footed onto the head of Casemiro who evades his marker to open the scoring. Easy. That goal is quickly followed as United, Manchester, that is, attack again. Another unorthodox footballer Wout Weghorst, sends Marcus Rashford through who’s shot deflects over Loris Karius and into the net, the better side has been Newcastle, but they find themselves two down. Fans silenced where I’m sitting as Manchester United supporters wave their scarves. The Score The boards gone up for five minutes of added time in the first half which is our cue for heading upstairs where our pre-ordered drink is already waiting. I drink a bottle of Budweiser as the wife makes herself a coffee, it’s toasty in the warmth of the restaurant and we don’t rush back, down the steps just a couple of minutes into the second half, we walk through the Lionesses Bar towards the concourse and to our seats, the Geordies less enthused themselves for rushing out to kick off, now sipping on beer dejected, not really believing that their side can turn this one around. Bruno Guimaraes huffs and puffs with intent, Miggy Almiron looks to make things happen without luck, Saint-Maximin is by now falling over his own feet, he’s subbed for Jacob Murphy who does well when he comes on, but at the other end, Manchester United look more likely to add a third, than concede, as Marcus Rashford tests the palms of Karius with a low drive from range. There’s a further chance in the final minute as Newcastle throw players forward, Bruno Fernandes races through on goal but is denied by Karius to save what would have been an embarrassing heavy defeat, in the end, the Red Devils too strong, too ruthless, too savvy, Newcastle’s long wait for a major trophy continues. The Stars Not many players in world football are in better form that Marcus Rashford right now. He controversially had his goal taken off him, then given back to him again, I feel the right verdict was called by the dubious goals panel, as Sven Botman certainly has no interest in claiming it. Casemiro was man of the match and for me, the best player on show. Raphael Varane a close second, also superb, it seems when it comes to finals, players like Varane and Casemiro, who are used to winning, start to come alive. For Newcastle, Guimaraes is no question their star asset, whilst the hard working labourers like Joelinton, Kieran Trippier and Dan Burns, should also get special mention for going about their jobs in unspectacular, but efficient manor, the talisman tag so nearly belonging to Saint-Maximin, if only he wouldn’t trick himself into sometimes having two left feet, he does have something about him, he just doesn’t provide enough of those ‘wow’ moments which he's more than capable of. The Verdict A first piece of silverware for six years could be a defining moment for Erik ten Hag’s improving side, they still have three more trophies to play for, and I wouldn’t write them off a surprise league title, the Premier League form team and the most solid of all looking right now, in my eyes. Even better than City, of recent weeks, more substantial in all areas than Arsenal too. For Newcastle, the search goes on for silverware, and whilst it’s widely predicted it won’t be long for the toon fans suffering since 1969 to finally have something 'major' to celebrate, I do worry that their team has became a little predictable, a little stagnant, a little flat of late, they don’t score enough goals at the minute, and that may pose a problem as they now look towards regaining their spot in the top four. The Teams Manchester United: David de Gea, Diogo Dalot (Aaron Wan-Bissaka 46), Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Fred (Marcel Sabitzer 69), Casemiro, Antony (Jadon Sancho 83), Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford (Harry Maguire 88), Wout Weghorst (Scott McTominay 70). Newcastle United: Loris Karius, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Sean Longstaff (Alexander Isak 46), Bruno Guimaraes (Joe Willock 79), Joelinton, Miguel Almiron (Elliot Anderson 90), Callum Wilson (Matt Ritchie 90), Allan Saint-Maximin (Jacob Murphy 78). 4:30pm Kick Off. Sunday 26th February 2023, Wembley Stadium, London (att 87,306).

Peterborough Sports 1-2 Gloucester City (National League North) I love chocolate, so I paid £35 for a box on Monday morning at St Pancras Station, only to find out, inside I got twelve bloody pieces… And worse still… I have to share half of them with the wife. The come down from the day out that was Manchester United against Newcastle United is sombre after staying out late to watch the ridiculously over-hyped Tommy Fury v Jake Paul fight, there’s two guys chatting on the train on the way back, ones been to watch Forest get thrashed at West Ham, another is a Sheffield United season ticket holder who’s been to Heston Blumenthal’s restaurant with his Mrs. By Tuesday, thankfully I’m fully recovered but catching up on emails, before a trip south to Peterborough Sports, it’s a game I booked in as it’s easy enough to get to, although last time I parked up behind the goal at Lincoln Road my new Merc got thumped by a ball. It’s getting on for 5pm so I start to make tracks on an hour and twenty journey from Nottingham, bored of the A1 in recent weeks and with time to kill I’m heading down the A606 towards Melton, an underrated drive up and down the stunning North Leicestershire Wolds, passing the Tap and Run pub which is owned by cricketers Stuart Broad and Harry Gurney, recently in the news for setting on fire, it’s being done up and is starting to look like a pub again. The road is winding, rain overhead is threatening but not yet falling, I’m directed by Sat Nav off piste through the beautiful sandstone village of Waltham on the Wolds and then Buckminster, before coming to Colsterworth where I’m asked to turn ‘right’ across the A1 where two lanes of cars going 100mph are heading towards my back end. With a sweat on I manage to avoid any nasty incident, just, before setting the speed to sixty in the slow lane whilst listening to TalkSport as I head past Stamford and Wittering before joining the A47 to Peterborough by now, darkness and rain, windscreen wipers set to level two. Gloucester City are the opponents today. It’s the National League North and for the life of me I can’t fathom how Gloucester is in the north, but here we are, a twice re-arranged game I’m told, but Posh are playing at home tonight, there’s not much attendance expected, although Gloucester to Peterborough is ‘only’ a two and a half hour drive, at least it’s not Blyth, Scarborough, Spennymoor or Darlington, some of their journeys are frankly ridiculous to comprehend. The Venue I’ve missed the turning three times, I know it’s near the NHS centre but can’t find the entrance to the car park, I pull up in a hand car wash and spin it around, finally through the gates of the Bee Arena I’m pointed by a steward to park in the same spot as last time… I’m nervous as I don’t particularly want another ball print on my windscreen, but I take the risk and play the odds. The palm trees offer a Mediterranean splash to the back of the stand behind the goal as I’m out the car heading towards the side of the clubhouse and through the turnstile where my name is very quickly found by the gateman. On walking in I’m asked if I want a go on the ‘fifty fifty’ not usually a participant I tell the old boy “let me grab a coffee and a wee and I’ll go get some change”. The clubhouse is spacious, with nice smelling toilets, I’m at the bar ordering a brew where a lovely southern accented lady asks me if I want to have a go on the card. I’ve got a warm sausage roll in my mouth as I write down my name on Blackburn, before asking a young girl “where do I collect my winnings?” Out the door I’m back at the old boy with another quid for fifty fifty, I stand with him and have a chat, he tells me about the club set to announce new owners tomorrow, he says they need to get up to speed with improving facilities with a deadline next month, a new stand is needed, new turnstiles, the walkways widened, it won’t be cheap, the existing Chairman Grant Biddle had recently came out in the press and stated he’d taken the club as far as he could. The new owners will get to work straight away, it’s an exciting future, and one which will hopefully secure National League North status, as long as they don’t find themselves in the relegation places, of course. The old boy tells me of the founders, he worked for the company Brotherhoods Engineering which employed over 2,000 people locally, they had twelve football teams, eight cricket teams, hockey teams, the clubhouse was packed to the rafters on Friday nights with pool and darts, the land owned over the years sold off for housing, now only two pitches survive, there used to be a good few acres of sporting facility here. These days it’s a pitch in bobbly nick, slight slope top to bottom there’s a small stand which has seats going back four or five rows to my left, behind one goal is a roofed terrace, nothing much behind the opposite goal, I’m told that’s where they’ll add another covered area soon, opposite wing is a low roofed seating area which I’m avoiding today, last time I sat there I had a bus load of day trippers to hear heckling all afternoon. The Game I’m sat down on the back row, not very high up, there’s a Radio Cambridgeshire reporter beside me, 74 years old he’s covered non-league for many years and reminds me a bit of the late great Colin Slater. He’s telling me he won a bet at the weekend thanks to Spurs beating Chelsea, before consoling with me his addiction to online National Lottery scratch cards, he plays to his daily limit and is a few quid up from it I reckon. There’s a good ten minutes to kick off as the fine rain swarms down sideways, the players warmed up, towelled off, are back in the changing rooms, there’s not many inside the arena, no more than fifty or so, I’m looking around as I say to the reporter ‘what’s the lowest attendance ever for this level?’ Thankfully, a few stragglers head in for game start, the away side haven’t brought many with them, the home sides gate effected largely by the weather, and more so by Peterborough United playing at home tonight. Finally kicked off and underway, the game starts at frantic pace, as predictable as anything at this level, on this pitch, no one takes more than two touches, but for the speedy wingers on each team, who both kick it as far in front of them as possible and run after it full pelt. It’s scrappy, centre halves are on top, but Peterborough look decent, they get it wide where they have pace, and look to attack down the flanks. They’ve had a couple of sniffs already before neat midfielder Josh McCammon slides on loan forward Johnson Gyamfi racing through. Gyamfi I remember playing well earlier in the season at Boston is owned by Peterborough United, just 21-years-old he’s electric, Gloucester City centre half Ben Nugent has stepped up to play offside, lazy, Gyamfi runs through clear with just the keeper to beat, calmly slotting home the opener. The home side are good value, nothing really much coming from Gloucester who look similar in style to Peterborough but not as pacey down the sides, big lads in the middle, a big lad up top, you get why these teams are kicking around in the centre of the division, typical outfits that tend to have a ‘bit’ of everything needed to survive. The Score There’s been a few bookings and the game is starting to boil over, the rain is coming down at a more frantic ferocity but the pitch is holding well, a minute before the break you start to think it’s a comfortable evening for Peterborough, who concede after what has largely been against the run of play. A cross pumped into the box is fired at goal with Pete Crook saving well but Kieran Phillips is on the end to tap home from close range as the Sports players call for offside. At half time I’m told of ticket number 00319 as the winner of fifty fifty, I know I’m close as I take out my wallet and have a look, I tell the reporter ‘I’ve won it’ before saying “I should probably give it back to the club” in knowing how much financial strain they’ll be in over the coming weeks… I doubt my £35 prize will make too much difference… Trust me to win on a game where the attendance is an all time low. In the second half I’m joined by a lad from South Yorkshire who won’t stop talking. He teased me earlier in the game asking me “why's there feathers on the pitch” to which I ignored, but later in the game we get chatting, turns out he could drop more non-league names than Tony Incenzo… He’d been to see Peterborough v Sheff United’s youngsters earlier in the day and insisted on telling me every detail of the 4-3 Blades win. He knows Gloucester Manager Steve Kerr and we got talking about Chesterfield left back Brandon Horton before he spilled me the beans of team-mate Liam Manderville’s party going characteristics. He talked about Will Jarvis at Hull City and said a boy at Barnsley, Charlie Heckingbottom, is highly rated with a few clubs looking at him, but he won’t track back, he asked me how ‘Ozzy’ played for Buxton last week, before getting on to a player I know in Lindon Meikle, where it turned out the lad had worked for Mansfield Town in the past with him, going on to drop the names of Paul Cox, Billy Heath, John Ramshaw and more. Meanwhile there’s a game going off and Gloucester have somehow taken the lead, just five minutes into the second half it’s Phillips again from close range, he certainly has predatory instincts, sniffs danger, a fox in the box. I don’t remember much of the second half with all the talking in my ear, Peterborough are flat and rarely test the opposition goalkeeper, Gloucester grow with confidence, they’ve only three on the bench tonight, but feel no need to use any of their subs. A few more bookings, it’s been a tough night for the referee who’s had to stamp his authority, eight in total see yellow, that’s probably more than chances created in the game, only three minutes added time goes up on the board, Peterborough aren’t happy, but they could play for three more hours and wouldn’t score, taking off a lively threat in Maniche Sani early doors, hindered, rather than helped their chance of a comeback. The Stars Despite stepping up when instead he should have defended the opening goal, Gloucester centre half Ben Nugent is a big solid defender, the sort on the night, in the conditions was well suited to ‘having a scrap’ and getting stuck in. Right back Jack James also impressed me whilst in front of him, Junior Tiensia looked like he had some ability, Victor Nirennold in midfield a real big lad, looked a handful, the star though the two goal hero up top, Kieran Phillips, busy in attack, tidy in his finishing. For Peterborough it was in spells during the first half impressive, but mostly in the second, dismal, Richard Jones at centre half like Ben Nugent his opposite number, a good old fashioned head it and kick it kind of guy, doing well and playing the conditions, whilst Johnson Gyamfi and Maniche Sani shown glimpses in attack, the inventory in passing from Josh McCammon not going un-noticed. The Verdict Worryingly, that defeat leaves Peterborough seventeenth in the table and just seven points clear of the drop zone, whilst they should have enough, they have been falling of late, under the new management duo of Luke Steele and Michael Gash. They’ll hope to have enough so they can start works in the know, that by improving their stadium, they’ll be staying in the Division, whilst for Gloucester no such concerns in looking below them, that win taking them to eighth, two points and a place outside the playoff places, they’ll have a chance to push for promotion, hovering in the mix with only eight weeks to play. As for me? I'm off £35 up as I thank the lady behind the bar, she tells me "I told you it was worth playing" as I head to the car even happier, knowing that no ball marks are to be washed off my windows tonight, as I set for a journey home listening into Jason Cundy and Jamie O'Hara, looking up to the skies above up the A1, trying to get a glimpse midst the clouds, of the stunning aurora borealis. The Teams Peterborough Sports: Peter Crook, Isaiah Bazeley, Richard Jones, Connor Jonson, Nathan Fox, Hugh Alban Jones (Dan Lawlor 63), Connor Kennedy, Jordan Crawford, Josh McCammon (Ryan Fryatt 90), Maniche Sani (Jordan Nicholson 63), Johnson Gyamfi. Gloucester City: Brandon Hall, Jack James, Ben Nugent, Ben Morgan, Junior Tiensia, Tope Obadeyi, Jacob Berkeley-Agyepong, Owen Evans, Tommy O'Sullivan, Kieran Phillips, Victor Nirennold. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 28th February 2023, Lincoln Road, Peterborough (att 120).