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Boreham Wood 2-1 Carlisle United (National League) I’ve been looking to chalk off Meadow Park for a while now, not just because I’m yet to visit the home of Boreham Wood, but because their team under Luke Garrard has over the last couple of years became one of the most attractive football teams in the National League to watch. Abdul Abdulmalik was recently sold by the club to Swedish top tier team Djugardens for a non-league record £1.5m which surpasses the £1m Leicester City once paid to then non-league Fleetwood Town for Jamie Vardy. After all, the fifth tier of English football has some serious talents and in last season’s top scorer Matty Rush (33 in all competitions) and in their talisman number eight Zak Brunt (previously of Man City, Man Utd and who once trialled as a teen at Atletico Madrid) Boreham Wood have two stars (remaining) who are hoping to help their club to promotion this season. Last year it was missed by a whisker as they conceded late in the playoff final at Wembley against Rochdale who would reach the football league on penalties, this season they already top the division with four wins and a draw so far. Another promotion candidate Carlisle United haven’t quite had it their own way since sacking Mark Hughes and going again under a new Manager in Rob Elliot who they took from Gateshead, tenth ahead of kick off they sit on eight points from five played but beat Scunthorpe United impressively on bank holiday Monday to go into this game live on DAZN with plenty of confidence. I’m out the door for 1pm as it’s a good couple of hours to the south Hertfordshire town from my manor, down the M1 and off at junction 8 through the pretty looking Frogmore and Radlett which is busy with al fresco diners and coffee drinkers sat outside independent chains on its high street. I’ve more than enough time to park up a walkable distance from the ground on Winstre Road. It’s a bit of a housing estate but it’s a nice day so I decide to take a walk around the pretty looking Aberford Park where there’s a couple of girls having a picnic, some guy sat on a bench taking it all in, two lovers cuddling and laughing on the bank as I walk past a dad and his lad feeding the ducks. It’s lovely out, warm, sunny, I’m in t-shirt and jeans and I’ve probably over done it, not realising how warm September could be, as I walk the last few hundred yards down the Hartforde Road still a good hour and half until kick off. The Venue I’m past the houses down the Brodewater Road and I can see that I have arrived thanks to the huge sign on a brick wall that simply says ‘Boreham Wood Football Club’. It’s a modern home from the outside, sleek looking and impressive, you feel some money has been spent here in recent seasons. There’s a ticket office in a portacabin as I walk through the car park so I ask if my name is on their list, whilst I wait for confirmation I speak to one of the Carlisle media team who’s collecting his pass, they arrived yesterday and trained before stopping in a hotel last night, but will be going back straight after full time, a 300 mile 5 hour drive that will see them back in Cumbria for well past 1am on Sunday morning. My names not down, new season, same old, but the nice lady in the ticket office gives me a pass anyway, this after hugging a fella who comes over to her from nowhere and says, ‘I nearly forgot’. It turns out to be a pre-game ritual. “Does it work?” I ask her… “It seems to” is her reply. I’m pointed through a black gate in the corner of the ground and walk into the stadium by the North Bank Terrace, a new looking bar with Sky Sports screens is packed inside, called the Glass House it has fans congregated watching the 3pm results come in. No time for beer, I’m heading around the back of the goal, pitch is looking absolutely superb under the blue skies, the venue is smart, fresh, I’m heading for the West Stand where I’m seated, a quirky grey roof over black and white seats, the press area is magnificent, right on half way you are sat just on top of the dugouts, practically in them, you feel part of the back room staff, well positioned with a great up close but perched view of the pristine playing surface in front, the North Bank now to my left, an open end with Carlisle fans making their way around to my right, opposite is a smaller seated stand with the players changing facilities to the right of that. The Game I’ve had a word with the Carlisle media man on their formation and ask him, “are you playing five at the back today?” his reply is “it’s a fluid formation” a 5-3-2 on paper but it’s a bit offset and disjointed as I’m about to find out. The Wood Manager Luke Garrard is out early; he parks himself down on the ice bucket inside the technical area but not before he has a laugh and a joke with his players and does some dancing to a bit of tanoy music. He’s trim looking with groomed beard, finely pressed shirt and chinos, as opposite number Rob Elliot walks across looking relatively scruffy, bit of a belly in a casual Fred Perry polo. Despite his ruggedness he looks like a calm likeable fella, the sort you would go for a pint of mild with in the local working mans club, Garrard is the type who does shots before forcing you to follow him to a nightclub until 5am. The action starts, and it’s bloody frantic, the tempo is frightening as the home side, top of the division, play intricate stuff in the opposition third, whilst defending the basics well under pressure. Carlisle are game, they look up for this as they look to release David Ajiboye out right, he’s often left alone with space and the visitors have a couple of sniffs which cause no trouble for Luca Gunter who’s a smart looking keeper on loan from Tottenham in the Boreham Wood goal. Sat where I am I can’t help but hear every word from inside the dugout. Garrard is irate, he’s intense, he’s the sort of fella who might take it out on his Mrs when he gets home on a Saturday night if his side haven’t won. Elliot is calmer, less aggravated, he sits down and gets the odd order shouted out by his second in command, the two boxes are polar opposite, Carlisle's is relatively quiet, if Garrard is kicking every ball to the left, I’m wondering if Elliot is instead thinking “what’s for dinner later” sat down on his comfy padded seat? He’s the sort who’ll probably get home and win or lose, simply take out a beer from the fridge, order a curry, then give the wife a cuddle whilst watching a bit of Strictly together. On the pitch its frantic but not much happens in a first half where two teams are cancelled out by some gutsy defending. Boreham Wood are brilliant in all areas, their Achilles heel perhaps their most experienced player at centre half in Chris Bush (who is by no means bad at all just a little shaky on the ball), they play a 4-2-3-1 and have some silky smooth operators in Danny Cashman, Tarryn Allarakhia and Brunt who are all looking for the movement of the ever-running Matty Rush. Carlisle I’ve worked out are lopsided, three centre halves, a left wing back who’s not quite sure whether to stay or go, when Galvin goes his centre half Nicholson covers, a three man midfield is gelled together by the gorgeous looking Miguel Azeez, socks down his ankles he’s deep lying and does the doggy work but with some style, I seen him last season at Morecambe and really liked him, he looks like he’s up another level since moving to Brunton Park and I think there's even more to come. Up top is George Kelly who I like as a number nine, a battling barrier he perhaps doesn’t get the goals his work rate should deliver but he always puts the effort in, the right side has Ajiboye teaming up with Josh Williams who’s often marauding down the wing. The Score Nil nil at half time as the whistle is blown and a spare ball quietly minding it’s own business on the dugout floor is thumped into my direction in anger by Luke Garrard. He’s again out early from his pep talk as he sits on the ice bucket and takes a swag of water after patting the fourth official on his shoulder, before play starts as it did in the previous 45, frantic, full throttle, both teams going for the jugular. It’s chaotic as Carlisle are trying to make three subs but only two can be made to the anger of the dugout below, Teddy Jenks a new signing from Worthing is made to wait, and in that time the player he was supposed to replace, scores the opening goal, Stephen Wearne inside the box after Carlisle capitalise on a poor goalkeeping clearance, the midfielder taking a touch and curling home low to send the 522 away fans into raptures. The atmosphere is brilliant as the Cumbrians ramp up the noise to my right, they have deserved their lead for more than matching the best in the league, but there’s more chaos, Regan Linney has been told to go on, he’s on the sideline and is waiting a good ten minutes before any stoppages give Elliot time to make his change, Linney is chomping at the bit "I just want to go on" he says, you just know a goal will come and it’s another sub, on debut, Jay King who’s on the end of a curled cross by Zak Brunt. Linney is still waiting, now with the score 1-1 he and Cameron Harper finally get to go on. It feels odd, a pre-planned substitute which Elliott probably didn’t have the balls to reconsider following the equaliser, by now the shape and the focus is lost on Carlisle, for much of the game causing problems going forward, defending dogged, not always at ease, but now it’s the home team on top, Tarryn Allarakhia rummaging down the right, cutting in to curl a shot from range which is brilliantly saved by Desbois. The smartest player on the pitch though? Zak Brunt is quick to run over and take the following corner, he crosses an inswinger to the front post and it looks to have gone straight in, James Clarke is running away arms a loft, but the final touch is off defender Jack Ellis, the home support are buzzing, loud, Boreham Wood have turned things around, and it’s they who stretch their unbeaten start to six games this season. The Stars I really don’t think there’s a weak position in this Boreham Wood side, all comfortable on the ball, they understand the game plan and clearly know their roles set out by Luke Garrard, to play an attractive progressive way and in knowing that if they don’t do things right on the pitch, they’ll get a bloody big kick up the backside. The highlight? Zak Brunt is a really lovely player to watch and I’ve seen him come on over the years to be arguably now the National League’s best player, an eight, or ten, who finds pockets, who is on a top level wavelength and who makes things happen in and around the box with passes that even Paul Scholes would be proud of. It wasn’t a day for Matty Rush who ran his socks off, but Boreham Wood brought on something different late on, a bigger target man in Jay Bird looks a savvy signing from Salford, but the heartbeat of the club, the midfield, where Regan Booty and Tom White work hard, in front of a back four which not only offers protection, but is also useful at the other end from set plays, Chris Bush and Charlie O’Connell are reliable stalwarts who offer height from goalscoring opportunities, James Clarke is a forward running full back I’ve liked since his days at Mansfield, signed from Solihull in the summer he can also pop up with headed goals, Ollie Bainbridge is a left back released by Sunderland, he broke his non-league virginity at South Shields on loan last year and has stepped up this season with what I thought was a brilliant performance up against a really quick winger in Ajiboye (before another speedster in Junior Luamba came on). As for Carlisle, not quite sure on their formation and I was surprised to hear that Elliot had took Brad Nicholson with him from Gateshead in the summer, a player who I feel is a very good step 2 footballer, is one I think is riding his luck at Carlisle, but next to him in defence, Morgan Feeney is the sort of centre half I would build my back four (not three) around, he and Jack Ellis (despite his own goal) are pretty solid and reliable for the level. Players I like, Harvey Bunker is a good signing from Forest Green, he’s versatile and a goal threat from midfield, Stephen Wearne is that solid pro just getting on with stuff in the middle of the park, Miguel Azeez is one who didn’t have everything go his way, but who looks in a better side, to still be one of the better players, and indeed he wouldn’t look out of place playing for league leaders Boreham Wood. The Verdict Not a result Carlisle deserved as they played brilliantly for most of the match, but those incidents around not being switched on, not making subs when they should have, it all felt a little blasé and that might be the only reason they lost, their Manager Rob Elliot is a lovely bloke you can tell, but does he have that cutting edge? When compared to Luke Garrard, I know instantly who would get the most out of his players on matchday. That intense mood of the Manager in never settling for second best is why Boreham Wood are going so strong, they play at a hundred miles an hour but they do it with quality and are brilliant to watch. I said last season they were the best team in the National League that I watched, and I certainly stick by that despite falling short to Rochdale and York, this season they are still the best, and I hope to see them promoted into the football league. As for Carlisle, another club I actually really like, the friendly fellas from up north deserve to be back in the 92, my concern, with Elliot, I’m not sure they are good enough to do it? To get where they need to be, perhaps we might see a change in the hot seat sometime soon? The Teams Boreham Wood: Luca Gunter, James Clarke, Oli Bainbridge (Ty Golden 81), Tom White, Chris Bush, Charlie O’Connell, Zak Brunt (Lewis Richardson 90), Danny Cashman (Jay Bird 67), Tarryn Allarakhia, Regan Booty (Marley Marshall-Miranda 90), Matty Rush. Carlisle United: Adam Desbois, Harvey Bunker, Morgan Feeney, Miguel Azeez, David Ajiboye (Junior Luamba 58), George Kelly (Regan Linney 81), Ryan Galvin (Cameron Harper 81), Bradley Nicholson, Jack Ellis, Stephen Wearne (Teddy Jenks 65), Joshua Williams (Leonard Duru 58). 5:30pm Kick Off. Saturday 5th September 2026, Meadow Park, Borehamwood (att 1,743).

Quorn 2-1 Shepshed Dynamo (FA Cup First Qualifying Round) It’s a Leicestershire derby in the FA Cup first qualifying round on a Friday night for some reason? I’ve checked both SKY & TNT but I don’t think this one’s been moved to be screened on live TV? Martin O’Neill once managed Shepshed Charterhouse who became Dynamo in 1994 thanks to some much needed financial help from another local club, Loughborough Dynamo who’s ground sits between Shepshed’s Dovecote Stadium (located on the mildly amusing Butthole Lane) and this one, just 6.6 miles East on Farley Way in Quorn. These days of the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands (a division below that of their hosts tonight), Shepshed have had a little bit of cup history, their best run (as Dynamo) in 1995/96 when they lost to Carlisle United 6-0 in the first round proper, in 1983 they also reached the first round (as Charterhouse) before losing 5-1 at Preston North End. As for Quorn, they were a Leicestershire Senior League side until the Millennium so their first entry into the FA Cup wasn’t until 2002. Their best efforts coming in 06/07 when they reached the third qualifying round before losing 2-1 in a replay at Brackley, they repeated that achievement last season after beating Sherwood Colliery 8-0 and Kettering Town 2-1 before succumbing to Enfield Town in a 5-1 defeat. A first outing in the famous old cup this season for Quorn who beat Ilkeston Town to ease their struggling league concerns on bank holiday Monday, a heart-warming post of their Manager Ryan Beswick uploaded after a 6-3 home defeat by Whitby Town on Saturday grabbed some attention, it shows the pressures he’s under not just as a Manager, but as a human being, a person who clearly cares about his club and it was good to see his side bounce back and deliver a winning performance for the first time this season. A little better in form is Dynamo third in their division and chasing promotion to a level they were last at in 1992. They are off the back of a 4-0 bank holiday win over Carlton Town thanks to goals from Jack Butterfill, Taylor Wyse (2) and Jiah Medrano. Just a 30-minute commute for me as I head south towards Loughborough and turn off through Hoton then Barrow-upon-Soar, pulling up on a side street by Farley Way for 6:30pm ahead of walking those final few yards and up towards the car park of the idyllic little village club home. The Venue It’s filling nicely as the gentle rays of the sun beam down on the evening earth as I walk through the turnstile and pay just £10 on my card contactless. I’m heading towards my seats in the press area as I notice @GamingBomp sat down with a tray of fish and chips. “I’ve just watched one of your videos” I tell him. Jon Warren is a non league YouTuber (check out his videos) originally from Hereford but living near me in Nottingham, he covers a lot of local games and puts spotlight on non-league football through his socials with regular ground hopping journeys. His latest video was on Facebook founders owned Real Bedford who he tells me “their ambition is to reach the Premier League”. He’s a Hereford United fan and I have a quick chat with him about last seasons relegation escape and this campaigns rise in form, before heading off to sit down at the back of the covered stand on half way, a couple of commentators setting up and some kids swapping stickers sat at the press tables, an old lady comes and sits next to me leaning her walking stick up against the wall. “Don’t forget that after” I tell her. “I won’t, I need it to walk” she replies. It’s a lovely little ground and the atmosphere is building as the players warm up in front, the stand I’m in is no more than four rows of seats high but runs the length of the pitch and is well covered, there’s a few Shepshed ultras standing to my left, they have always had a fair following, even bringing their drum kit with them tonight. To the left the stand behind the goal is covered terracing running the length which gives the place a proper football ground feel, opposite end is empty backed by trees and opposite me is the iconic clubhouse with its triangular centre which reads white lettered on red backing ‘Quorn Football Club’. The Game It’s as crowded as it can be and a local fan who would like to sit near the old lady next to me has found no room at the inn, remarkably the press seats aren’t busy so I budge up one and allow him to sit with me, he only lives around the back of the ground and comes to all the home games, a posh fella well to do, I don’t think he knows much about who’s who or tactics, but I think he just likes getting out in the fresh air and listening in to some expletives. The game kicks off, Quorn in red, Shepshed in changed yellow, the ball is pumped forward and a player I’ve been asked to take a look at tonight is on his way. Jayden-Samuel Lawrence-Lowther (a mouthful I agree) scored two goals against Ilkeston on Monday, he’s still in his teens (I think) and has ran through on goal, leaving defenders in his wake, he has size, pace and power and finishes well, the home side one up, there’s a fan running past me with a tin foil cut out of the FA Cup, the celebrations have already started. Quorn are neat, they have some good players, 3-5-2 but in attacking sense as both wing backs Madou Cisse and Luke Shaw are much better going the other way. They cause Shepshed trouble especially down the left but Dynamo are game, it’s the FA Cup, of course they are, less technical and talented they mix it and battle and it all becomes a bit of a scrap, from front to back, midfielders hooking it forwards, defenders clearing their lines, the early chants from the crowd starting to quiet down as half time approaches without much happening but suddenly the ball falls to young Taylor Wyse, he’s on loan from Tamworth and has a scout watching him sat in front of me, the eighteen year old takes aim from the edge of the Quorn box and curls a beauty right footed into the top corner of Jake Laban’s goal, nobody really saw that coming, but Shepshed are back level. The Score It’s a good first half, not a great one, plenty of passion and work ethic but not much by the way of chances created, you feel there’s certainly more to come in the second half and although Shepshed look the better side, the best opportunity comes when Tim Berridge can’t fully get on the end of a low cross, Berridge out stretching his left foot and the ball bobbles safely to the keeper when the goal was gaping in front of him. By now young Taylor Wyse has been substituted which is queue for the scout watching him to leave, but his replacement Jamal Adams looks hungry for goals, he’s had two touches since coming on and has two shots, a big looking unit, I tell the man sitting besides me “he looks more like a rugby player” but he’s not amused. Adams then shoots wide from an acute angle as the old boy tells me “we're lucky he’s blind” As the tannoy man announces the crowd as a venue record 1,004 in attendance and suggests to all that “if level after ninety minutes the game will go to a replay” out of nothing, Kelly Formad who’s really impressed me as Shepshed’s left back, passes back to the keeper who doesn’t seem to be in goal. The ball is slowly bobbling over the chalk line barely touching the net as Formad puts his hands to his face, the crowd roar like a train passing before the giggles start, an own goal out of completely nothing, the only real difference in the two teams on the night. Shepshed give it one last push and send their goalkeeper up for a late corner but Leicestershire tonight, and the Borough of Charnwood belongs to Quorn, ‘Please stay off the pitch’ is the request ahead of full time, fortunately, nobody was crazy enough to dare. The Stars It was a great gutsy performance from Shepshed Dynamo but you can’t help feel Quorn have a more talented team of footballers and a few of which took the eye. I liked all three defenders, Luke Cox is a steady servant of the club, Elias Reaney is one I didn’t recognise, he has plenty of fire in his belly although not huge in size, Freddie Cook who I really liked at Barwell, given a debut after a short unsuccessful spell at Stratford with a solid performance. I still think he has potential to move upwards. In midfield the star of my show was Tim Abimbola who was exceptional first half, slightly fading second 45 but he’s an athletic footballer strong as an ox, as fit as a gazelle. I liked him at Banbury a couple of seasons ago and I think Quorn have got a good one there. Next to Abimbola was Lindon Meikle, 38 years old, I remember him scoring a memorable FA Cup goal 18 years ago as Eastwood Town knocked out Wycombe Wanderers at Coronation Park, still playing, these days more mature in his holding performance, he managed to last 68 minutes. Out left Madou Cisse had his moments, I first watched Madou as a 14-year-old midfielder at Notts County and he’s still not grown, but fitness and technique are in abundance now 21, he’s playing out wide and gives you non-league Shaun Wright-Phillips vibes. Opposite flank Luke Shaw is a stalwart of the level and a local non-league hero who once scored a goal for Coalville Town which helped knock Notts County out of the cup. He drives forward with the ball well and has a touch of quality that perhaps others don’t. Finally for Quorn, their star striker. My lad went to watch Jayden-Samuel (let's call him that) play against Ilkeston and told me “he didn’t do much apart from his two goals” and tonight, I have exactly that feeling. He has the pace, he has the power, he has the shooting ability, perhaps a bit of a gentle giant but still young, fresh out of Notts County academy he has time to grow and learn, to get nasty and to request and keep the ball that little bit more, but raw talent, he certainly has that at his feet. As for Shepshed, their star teen striker Taylor Wyse produced the goods with a glorious goal, that’s six now for the season so no wonder the scouts are looking. I did actually enjoy the cameo from his replacement Jamal Adams who was a real powerful boy always looking to get a shot away. Jack Butterfill was another who came recommended, the right sided forward got a couple of early crosses in which I liked, but was relatively quiet, more impressive was those who did the ugly battling in midfield and at the back, centre half Declan Peart was game and had a huge long throw, left back Kelly Fombad is another young footballer who has serious talent, unbeatable to outrun and get past all night, in the end, he ended up beating himself. The Verdict I keep harping on about ending the 3pm Saturday blackout and to prove a point Quorn v Shepshed went up against Ipswich v Liverpool on a Friday night and a record best ever crowd at Farley Way, other a thousand fans still turned up. People come to watch non-league because they love it, and whilst we’ll always get nights like this thanks largely to having the best cup competition in the world, football at this level will continue to produce miracles in England because we English will always get behind our local teams. Quorn is a village club, playing local parks football until the early millennium, pulling in ridiculous gates on a Friday night when Liverpool and Real Madrid are also playing, it's something that makes you proud to be involved at the level. Under Ryan Beswick they are well run and hungry, they have a good club, a good guy in charge, a good following of locals who are willing to support their team. As for Shepshed, well they have always had want Quorn probably want, which is a fanbase that goes (and sings) everywhere with them. I hope to see them promoted to the Northern Premier League because the Dovecote is a lovely little venue and I’ve not been there for a while myself, but tonight was all about Quorn, who’ll be now looking closely at the draw for the next round and hoping for another night like this. The Teams Quorn: Jake Laban, Freddie Cook, Elias Reaney, Luke Cox, Luke Shaw (Ethan Bojang 86), Peter Abimbola, Jayden-Samuel Lawrence-Lowther (Jaiden Campbell-Ryce 90), Tim Berridge, Jesse Friend (Theo Robinson 83), Lindon Meikle (Finlay Tunstall 67), Madou Cisse. Shepshed Dynamo: Jake Williams, Harry Harrison (Ethan Baynham 57), Kelly Fombad, Chad Timson, Declan Peart, Josh Burniston, Jack Butterfill, Kyle Dixon (Reece Massey 46), Taylor Wyse (Jamal Adams 69), Josh Halliday (Jack Samples 71), Jiah Medrano (John McHugh 84). 7:45pm Kick Off. Friday 4th September 2026, Farley Way, Quorn (att 1,004).

Leek Town 1-2 Warrington Town (Northern Premier League) It’s been a while as I’ve been busy with county cricket recently but I’ve a few football games this week to get my teeth into and one of them is a long-awaited trip to Harrison Park in Leek, Staffordshire. A market town on the southern edge of the Peak District I’m not entirely sure a lot goes off in Leek? My last visit here was December 2015 when I was a coach at Loughborough Dynamo, we lost 3-1 to a team containing local legendary striker Tim Grice who might even have scored a couple that day? Then managed by Lee Casswell, they had previously finished second to Mickleover Sports in the NPL Division One South, losing to Sutton Coldfield Town in the playoff final, they actually spent sixteen years at the level (bouncing between South, East and West of the NPL second tier) but gained promotion to step 3 in 2024 and have had two relatively solid, but unflattering seasons since, finishing eighth in the division under Josh Brehaut a decent return last season. Warrington Town spent a couple of recent campaigns in the National League North before relegation in 2025 and last year finished fourteenth, but they have had a good start to proceedings sitting fifth in the table ahead of kick off, their Manager Paul Carden has been at the helm for two years, but between 2016 and 2021 he led the yellows to three successive third place finishes, all be it one of those campaigns curtailed by COVID. His second spell has seen relegation but there’s trust in the process and after wins over Guiseley, Hyde, Ilkeston and Whitby as well as a smart draw with Cleethorpes, they now look to pick up after a 4-0 thumping by Curzon Ashton was followed by a 2-2 share of the spoils with Emley on Saturday. Eighteenth placed Leek’s only win so far has been a 4-1 second half rampage over Bamber Bridge, goalscoring hasn’t been a problem as they drew 4-4 with Avro a week ago before a 3-2 loss at Workington on Saturday, it seems to be at the other end causing the issues, in seven games so far they are yet to keep a clean sheet. Just a 90-minute drive it’s local(ish) for me as I set off at 5pm and head through Derby town centre and past Ashbourne on the A52 and A523 where there are signs for Alton Towers. Rural middle England is peaceful and hilly down winding roads as my commute west is pleasant (whilst watching out for multiple speed cameras) through the fields of the north Staffordshire Moorlands. The Venue I’m straight into Leek centre which looks surprisingly nice, before turning onto the busy Macclesfield Road where luckily there’s a parking space opposite the ground outside an old cotton mill which is these days used as a chemical plant. The F. Ball Community Stadium (which it is known as for sponsorship reasons) backs on to the road and the stand wall behind the goal is plastered with placards of local businesses. I take a walk through the club car park and towards the turnstiles which are in the furthest corner of the stadium, entering with a scan of my pre-paid ticket a good 45 minutes ahead of kick off, it’s a real hemmed in football ground, both ends have low tinned roofs running the length, they might have seen better days but look gloriously nostalgic, to my right backed by trees high up on the hill, to my left the beautiful but industrial looking ex-cotton mill takes the skyline above the players warming up below. I’m up in the seated stand which is a decent height for this level, standing room down at the bottom, it has a top tier that goes back a decent ten or more rows, and a press box which takes the eye, above it a board saying ‘WEMBLEY’ LEEK TOWN F.C 1989 – 90 in homage to the club reaching the FA Trophy final where they were beaten 3-0 by Barrow. From up here perched up it’s a great view, the pitch these days of synthetic surface looks flat and wide, a couple of posts obstruct what’s in front but high up you can see the hills in the distance, the opposite side has the rooftops of semi-detached houses over a low roofed standing area where the dugouts are now in front of, last time I was here I think the seating for subs were a little closer, sat this near side next to the tunnel. The Game I’ve done some swatting and there’s a change each from the teams starting line-ups at the weekend, I’m keen to see young Leek goalkeeper Kornel Misciur who’s on loan from Liverpool whilst Josh Vela lines up for Warrington, he’s had numerous football league games for the likes of Bolton, Shrewsbury and Fleetwood Town. Warrington are in yellow and their start is full of confidence as they box in purple wearing Leek to defensive duty, all of the early pressure is of the away side and they get their break on ten when Evan Gumbs punches a ball over the top from the right back berth for Jack Goodwin to run on to, he drives hard and low from a tight angle to squeeze home a deserved lead. That lead lasts barely a minute though, with their first attack of the game Leek’s Hayden Campbell finds himself in the opposition box, he finds Jack Griffiths in space and the winger smashes home to break even again, back where we started, you can see how Leek manage to score so many goals as they open up Warrington all too easily. I like their shape, as the hosts grow into the game, a 4-2-3-1 with big Alex Panter up front, Hayden Campbell in the number ten role has a nice touch, whilst out wide two buzzing quick wingers in Griffiths and Hurst. Defensively though they look like they can be got at, not convinced by their full backs, their centre halves are both nice, perhaps too nice, Edwards and Hockenhull look like they could do with someone big and ugly beside them. Which is something Warrington have in abundance. They have Gumbs and Scott Butler at the back, both are big and nasty looking, Butler in particular attacking the ball with a grunt every time he heads it. Bobby Bjork offers a further defensive cushion in midfield, Josh Vela provides experience, Ewan Bange up front is a big tall unit who likes the scrap, he’s hard to get the ball off and his hold up play is very good. The Score From a frantic start, there’s not much action in the first half other than a Leek goal ruled out correctly for offside, the second half however immediately brings the game back to life again as an early free kick pumped into the box somehow leads to Scott Goodwin being unmarked and he places home to put Warrington in front a second time. Moments later the away side self-combust again, Reece Daly picked up a soft yellow in the first half and he’s left his foot in on the half way line, Referee having no option but to brandish another yellow, an early bath, 40 minutes or more now Warrington must hang on whilst a man light. The advantage in numbers provides Leek hope, suddenly their tails are up and they play keep ball on the edge of their opponents penalty area, chances are created too, first Griffiths brilliantly stands up for Campbell who’s header from inside the six yard box is straight at the keeper, then the same player bobbles one wide from fifteen yards out, before blazing over on 78, ‘rubbish’ shouts a fella sat alone next to me, Campbell looks a good number ten, but tonight is certainly not his night. Leek are picked off on the break as Misciur makes one brilliant save when one-on-one but it’s the home side largely in control, pumping balls into the box, headed away and blocked by the bodies of Gumbs and Butler on numerous occasions, Warrington do ride their luck though, Leek have the ball in the back of the net again but Campbell is adjudged to be offside when he heads back across goal for Buckley to bundle in, then Emmerson has a low shot cannon off the bottom of the post to safety, you feel the longer they go on, the more you fancy 'lucky' Warrington, which is also testament to the way they dig in and defend, it’s the sort of performance and victory that brings together a team, providing belief, at one point a late hopeless long ball goes straight through to the keeper and Evan Gumbs guides it back, “relaaaaax” is the confident shout. The Stars From minute 51 it was all about digging in and defending for Warrington and you know what, I think they have at least a couple of players in their team who really enjoy it, Gumbs and Butler will take centre stage for some heroic work but I liked what Bobby Bjork offered in midfield, I loved what big Ewan Bange provided up top, and out wide on the right, Jack Goodwin was a positive player with pace, a couple of goals for him too. As for Leek, Liverpool loanee Kornel Misciur shown a couple of reasons why he’s so highly thought of, a couple of things to work on still, kicking always big, clean and crisp, not always staying on the pitch though. Liam Edwards did well at the back but I feel Leek can be got at, defence is after all their Achilles heel, but going forward they offer various levels of threat, Jack Griffiths was my favourite player (of both sides) on the night, hard working and a real nuisance on the left wing, he’s inventive and persistent in the way he plays, similarly effective was Alex Hurst down the right, who put plenty of balls into the box especially during the latter stages of the second half. Whilst Hayden Campbell didn’t have his best night, I did see plenty that I liked from him, a little which I didn’t so much, neat on the ball he takes up good spaces in and around the box, if he was a little more aggressive and took his chances more often, he perhaps wouldn’t have had as many clubs as he’s already had? The Verdict Leek is lovely, a nice looking town centre and a great football club with history, Harrison Park has been home since 1948 and I love it, a little like Buxton up the road but bigger and better, this feels like how non-league football in England should be played, in old warn tin roofed stadiums in the centre of rural market towns, grounds backed by memoirs of the nations industrial 19th century past with views out to farther pastures, a stadium which I hadn’t been to in ten or eleven years, which other than the playing surface, hasn’t changed a bit in that time. This season, I think Leek will be ok, middle to lower end of the division, if they can sort out their defence, they’ll stop shipping goals, but they have more than enough in attack to cause opposition threat regardless. As for Warrington, highly impressed, they have the sort of tools you need to get out of a division, big defenders who like defending, experienced midfielders who like midfielding, and a classic centre forward that oozes non league cult status in Ewan Bange. Get yourself to Leek, and also go watch Warrington play, if you love this level of football, you won’t be disappointed. The Teams Leek Town: Kornel Misciur, Liam Buckley (Zak Emmerson 73), Josh Bickerton (Jack Stafford 52), Ben Hockenhull, Liam Edwards, Billy Reeves (Oliver Shenton 68), Jack Griffifths, Lucas Weir, Alex Panter, Hayden Campbell, Alex Hurst. Warrington Town: Mateusz Hewelt, Luke Burke, Josh Doherty, Bobby Bjork, Evan Gumbs, Scott Butler, Jack Goodwin (Callum Edwards 88), Josh Vela, Ewan Bange (Ben Elliott 88), Reece Daly, Zayn Saddiq (Olatunde Bayode 86). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 1st September 2026, Harrison Park, Leek (att 481).

Chesterfield 1-1 Wealdstone (National League) For the majority of my working life, driving through Nottingham during rush hour on a Tuesday afternoon/evening, has been a scourge that disgustingly repeats on me like a scotch egg, on every single occasion I make the sodded journey through the centre. I bloody hate it, lessons learned, next Tuesday night, I’m staying south of the river. Living midst Rushcliffe borough, to go north or north-west, there’s two routes out for me, the ring road on to the A52 (which is currently closed for ten weeks) or through the middle of the town itself, which is chockablock, because Derby Road, the main throughfare to the M1, is currently closed for ten bloody weeks. I’ve left at ten to five, it’s near 6pm and I’ve only just hit the M1, thankfully from junction 26 up to Chesterfield at 29, everything is a doddle and I’m there shortly after 6:15pm pulling into the Technique Stadium car park off the Sheffield Road as the steward tells me there’s some free parking opposite at a derelict furniture shop, he says in a local accent “you won’t get done, I promise”. Parking up usefully opposite the stadium, I walk across to the main reception, approaching a stunning spacious modern arena with curved roof, centre piece lit up in the dark skies as the same steward tells me to "walk through the main glass doors in the middle" to ask where to get my press pass. It’s Chesterfield v Wealdstone tonight, I last watched the Spireites in a 1-1 draw at York earlier this season and despite going well in the division, they’ve stumbled recently and are without a win in six. Wealdstone themselves are doing alright, they beat York last time out and are middle of the pack, too far perhaps from the playoffs, they’re safe from any danger below them, it’s a club bar the name I know little about, other than 'the Wealdstone Raider' who became a viral celebrity known to millions of tiktokers and tweeters and my boyhood hero, Stuart Pearce who started his career at the Ruislip based Royals as a part time footballer held with his once day job as an electrician back during the early eighties. The Venue I’m told by a nice lady on the corporate doors to head to Turnstile T where they’ll dish out my ticket, I’m walking past the players entrance, Wealdstone team bus outside as staff unpack their kit and balls, a media team from the away side are given their tickets before I’m up next, a piece of cardboard provided with my seat number written on it, I walk through the concrete concourse and up the steps, taking a pitch side look at the playing surface in great condition for this time of year. As I make my way up to the press area, there’s an old boy and his wife sat behind me, the tables are cramped but I say to him “It’s better than the old place” as he replies “there’s nowt wrong wi Saltergate”. He continues “We had some great days down there, and a few rucks, that place woz bouncing when we beat Glasgow Rangers (in the Anglo-Scottish Cup) 3-0” Chesterfield were the last ever winners of the Anglo-Scottish Cup in 1981, they beat Rangers over two legs in the quarter finals before seeing off Bury in the semi’s and Notts County in the final, winning 1-0 thanks to an Ernie Moss strike in the first leg, and drawing 1-1 at Meadow Lane in the second leg, Alan Crawford scoring a last minute extra time leveller in that match to make the all-important difference after Don Masson had opened the scoring for the Magpies in normal time. These days Notts County are very much top of the same division that Chesterfield are trying to get out of, them and Wrexham head the way, a place where Chesterfield head next Tuesday, the old boy saying “it used to kick off in Wrexham’s kop” continuing “we’ve got Oldham before them, last time they were here it kicked off, it always does with them, although they never fill the stand” as for Notts County “We had our firm here last match, too much police for trouble”. I don’t know who this fella and his wife is? But they seem to have a fondness for the old fashioned fisty fan frolics and know everybody at the club? From Directors to radio presenters, fans to coppers, he chats with absolutely everyone who walks past, not sure if he’s even here on media duty, he’s just that powerful he can sit where he likes. The view is after all, great, a four sided blue arena which is slowly filling with spectators, 10,800 I’m told is official capacity, they’ll be half of that in today, but it was full to the rim recently for an FA Cup game with West Bromwich Albion. The Game Wealdstone walk out in Brazil yellow with Chesterfield in blue, not quite sky or royal but somewhere in between. There’s fans standing in front of me in designer jackets and I can’t see a thing, the smell of brut circles, a sudden whiff of lavender and jasmine as one of the radio commentators has over done it with the aftershave balm today, not a patch on the stunning Bovril I could smell on Saturday at Buxton. The games off and from minute one you sense the Chesterfield fans are irate with something. I get a feeling this place could turn. Moans of frustration already too frequent when a player doesn’t do what's expected of him, the crowd can get a little hostile on their own. Is it something to do with recent form? Is there some fading love for Paul Cook's philosophy? "Bloody Gerrit in" they shout when the ball is out wide, as the Spireites attack prefers to instead knock it back and start again. In opposition, Wealdstone look most comfortable in possession. They play out from the back, easy on the eye. Centre half Jack Cook switches play with cross field passes to the lively Brooklyn Ilunga on a couple of occasions, young defender Miguel Freckleton on loan from Sheffield United also very assured, neat, with time on the ball, even the keeper Sam Howes can play, a very competent array of passing for a fifth tier net minder. With the growing frustration from the home fans and gaining confidence from the away team a neat move has the elegant looking midfielder Tarryn Allarakhia get to the by-line where he stands up a cross for Ashley Charles. His header is saved but the ball is prodded over the line at the second attempt by Micah Obiero. It’s the least Wealdstone deserve as their fans sing “it’s like watching Brazil”. The Score At half time I stand up to stretch my legs before readying myself for round two, it’s a better start to the second half for Chesterfield who seem to control proceedings as the Stones sit back, Darren Oldaker is getting on the ball in midfield and is starting to dictate play, right sider Liam Mandeville looks like the man to make things happen, he’s teasing on the edge of the box and always seems to pick the right pass. Wealdstone have already made two subs before Paul Cook finally decides to change things for the home side on the hour, getting some ironic cheers from the fans who mostly have a particular dislike to big striker Joe Quigley who’s not won a header all game. He’s subbed off as Albanian playmaker Armando Dobra comes on, immediately he’s in the action with a tackle that gets the crowd up, before unleashing a leveller, to really get the home support into raptures. Neat play from Mandeville see’s Dobra take the ball and on the edge of the area curl a low beauty into the corner, that sets up a frantic finish and both sides have a go, the home team with more intent late on, running out of time as the away side end happiest with the point. The Stars The defensive pairing of Wealdstone’s Cook and Freckleton look like chalk and cheese, a big physical centre half, decent in the air next to a lean looking fella who’s neat and tidy on the ball, but play starts from them, and there goalkeeper Sam Howes who’s passing is better than some outfield players. From defence, they like to get it wide into midfield where Ashley Charles keeps balance, Tarryn Allarakhia is the talisman who’s guile glides the team forward to supply the wingers who aim to cross low into the strikers feet. The patterns of play drilled in the pre-match warm up, often start at the back, the view to get it out wide, to cross low and finish, it’s simple football, but when done right, can look very neat, and effective. Whilst Chesterfield were more direct, playing quicker into midfield, to their wingers, they frustratingly got the ball wide and seemingly didn’t know what to do next? Their change in personnel upfront recently, perhaps making their forward play slightly overcomplicated? But when playing through Liam Mandeville, the opportunities started to arise through his intelligence. Likewise Armando Dobra who was brilliant when he came on, tiny and tricky, a real nuisance and a player that should be starting for Chesterfield. Many of the voices around me had Ryan Colclough as man of the match but I wasn’t so impressed, instead eyes drawn to Darren Oldaker, who on the occasion over emphasised his instep when curling passes sideways to team-mates. Socks rolled down he was progressive, neat, and did it with some style. Less style but with certain substance, Jamie Grimes was solid at centre half, Tim Akinola working his ass off in midfield, right sider Ryheem Sheckleford raw and hard working himself, but his crossing too often let him down, substitute Jes Uchegbulam is a player I liked on last viewing, the former Matlock attacker has only been a bit part since I saw him play impressively against York, very technical, very quick, his decision making can sometimes frustrate, should he improve on that, I certainly think he could be one to watch in the future. The Verdict I’ve seen Chesterfield draw 1-1 twice in the same season, it’s their third successive point of the trot, and not converting winnable matches is what will be their sticking point, they are way off Notts County and Wrexham, but let’s face it, everyone in the division is, but Paul Cook's side should be next best above Woking in third, and in that race, they shouldn’t be as far off as the 20 plus points which they are from the top two. I like the way, to a point, they play, just lacking a real decent centre forward, the sale of Kabongo Tshimanga recently has no doubt hindered their goal threat, but they have quality, and should either Notts County and Wrexham falter, they’ll be waiting in the playoffs, ready to pounce. If not, the next season might be a more realistic target for promotion, for Wealdstone, I doubt they’ll even look as far up the table for those lofty ambitions, the part-timers just happy to be strutting their stuff in the fifth tier, and with some top teams they can certainly mix it too, I’ve walked away being mightily impressed with the way they play, little than a few hours after pretty much knowing nothing about them, bar Stuart Pearce, the funny looking fella on the internet who once shouted ‘you want some’ and the fact they play their home games pretty close to Wembley Stadium, which is where I’m headed next, for the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday. The Teams Chesterfield: Ross Fitzsimons, Branden Horton, Tim Akinola, Jamie Grimes, Liam Mandeville, Ryan Colclough (Jes Uchegbulam 82), Ryheem Sheckleford, Ashley Palmer, Darren Oldaker, Joe Quigley (Paul McCallum 61), Mike Jones (Armando Dobra 61). Wealdstone: Samuel Howes, Jack Cook, Ashley Charles, Miguel Freckleton, Tarryn Allarakhia, Nathan Ferguson (Max Kretzschmar 75), Micah Obiero (Olufela Olomola 59), Alex Dyer, Brooklyn Ilunga, Charlie Barker, Tarrelle Whittaker (Samuel Habergham 50). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 21st February 2023, Technique Stadium, Chesterfield (att 5,472).

Spalding United 0-0 Macclesfield (National League North) I’m back in the South Lincolnshire town of Spalding, after watching the Tulips in a promotion chasing playoff match here in May, I return to the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field for a National League North game. It’s my first watch of sixth tier competitive football this season. Two games into the new campaign and Spalding have won one and lost one so far, they started their step two era by beating Radcliffe 2-0 but lost on Saturday against Oxford City 1-0 in their first home match ‘ever’ at this level. Tonight’s opponents Macclesfield are one of the favourites to go up. John Rooney’s side are two from two so far after opening their campaign with a 1-0 win at Marine before also beating Radcliffe, on Saturday they won 2-1 thanks to a couple of late Luke Duffy goals. Jimmy Dean’s side will be looking to cause an early upset against the inform Silkmen, Spalding have bolstered their squad in the summer with some savvy acquisitions who know the level, in come Peterborough Sports goalkeeper Peter Crook as well as Ashton Fox and Dan Jarvis, whilst Michael Kelly has joined from Boston and Shane Byrne heads in from Brackley, Sam Straughan-Brown who also played at Peterborough Sports previously is on loan from Doncaster, whilst Tom Pugh joining from Halifax will add some quality in midfield. Unforgettable (especially for Crystal Palace fans), Macclesfield had that epic cup run last year which in some cases hindered league progress, they have made a few additions themselves with Christian Dibble their designated goalkeeper signed from Kidderminster. Three players join from AFC Fylde, left back Lincoln McFayden, midfielder George Wilson and forward Jon Ustabasi, whilst Adan George and Ammar Dyer are two exciting prospects from Telford. Also, midfielder Finley Shrimpton joins from Chester, he scored the winner in the clubs opening day victory at Marine. Only a ninety-minute drive from my home in Nottingham (which is a short ride for me), I can leave late, around 5pm, so grab my things and head East towards Lincolnshire across the A52 and down the A1 coming off at Colsterworth services signposted towards the market town of Bourne. It’s a bumpy drive on the A151 through the lovely village of Corby Glen and past Grimsthorpe Castle, into and out of the sleepy centre of Bourne and past the Pinchbeck Slipe, the flat fields of tulip growing towards the quiet town of Spalding, where I arrive pulled up in the Winfrey Avenue car park (which is free after 6pm) opposite the ground with more than an hour to spare. The Venue I’m sat outside in the car as the Macclesfield bus pulls up, players getting off in tracksuits as Cameron Borthwick-Jackson helps the kitman by pushing the luggage boxes in through the gates. I have a good ten or fifteen-minutes listening to the radio before making my own entrance, it’s nearly 7pm and there’s quite a crowd inside already, as I scan my pass on the door I’m into the complex, wooden benches are sat on by folk having food and beer, it’s a good atmosphere inside with more than 45 minutes to go until kick off. Just my second visit here in over ten years (my second since late April) but it’s a ground that I can see myself coming to quite a bit from now on (especially as Spalding are now in the National League North), one with real character and charm which I like, a town centre venue that people can walk to from the pubs, the train station isn’t far, the bus station opposite, B&Q and Sainsbury’s are walkable. Inside the place it’s leafy lined with trees and houses tucked behind, two low tin roof stands either end, far side a small seated section under cover, modern looking, whilst near side has the old classic grandstand, changing facilities at floor level are underneath, upstairs for seating, offering a brilliant view sat on long wooden benches slightly restricted by pillars. I’ve sat myself down in the media area where the Radio Macclesfield team are in, so to is a stats lad from Opta who I have a good chat with, a pleasant view high up and close to the action, central, although you can’t see the near touchline, you get a real sense of being on top of the pitch which is great considering I’ve been sat on row Z and up in the gods for most of the friendlies I’ve watched this summer. The Game Tonight’s match is sponsored by the local fire service which is perhaps why the water sprinklers are so powerful, I’ve never seen jets like the ones they have here, considering the pitch isn’t even grass, I wonder are we wasting some serious water during the recent drought we are in, but that extra zest sprayed onto the 4g surface will hopefully make for a good game? And it is a good game, despite a lack of goalmouth action these are two solid sides for the level, Macclesfield you feel have a bit more about them, but Spalding are dangerous on the break with speed and skill out wide, you feel the away side control proceedings, they set the slow the tempo, but as soon as the Silkmen dare go for the jugular, and open themselves up, Spalding look to pick them off. It’s like a chess match; Mac have made one change from the weekend bringing in a winger Lacey for Osborne to go for width with 442 rather than 433 but an early injury to Lacey has him replaced by Osborne and it’s back to basics from the previous game they go. That change makes them more solid, more structured, but more predictable, Spalding are also 433 and there midfield trio of Byrne, Pugh and Straughan-Brown cancels out that of Osborne, Wilson and Shrimpton, the two sides are having to find another way. The Score The danger is certainly out wide as the impressive Jack Roberts looks to cause mayhem on the counter for Spalding, he’s a winger who scored a lot of goals last season and is one that I think the Tulips will pin their hopes on this, cutting in and looking to create with a good right foot, he’s quick and direct, technically neat, a player who Macclesfield are most wary of. Another player they are concerned about is Yusifu Ceesay on the right wing, he’s leggy and direct but clumsy in his play, and well contained by left back McFayden who has his work cut out. As for the Silkmen’s stylish own players going forward, Ustabasi is cutting in with guile on their left, Duffy a threat with shooting ability from around the box, whilst right back Ammar Dyer looks to bomb on at every opportunity, a lot of their best play is through him. Chances are limited in a first half which has defences on top, but the second half opens up as players tire, the game gets stretched, and chances at either end go begging. The best of them, substitute Bart Cybulski heading inches wide from a brilliant cross by Kelly down the left, before a goal mouth scramble is eventually cleared inside the Macclesfield box, panic over, Roberts fires wide when racing through then fizzes a ball across the goal, it just won’t go in during a lively late spell. Even later on, Macclesfield have their chances with some pressure into added time, sub striker Danny Elliott snatches at a couple, one almost hits my car in the car park across the road, the best move is then over played inside the box, in the end a point a piece is deserved, and in truth from about three minutes in, it always looked like it was going to be nil nil. The Stars Despite the score line there is so much to admire after a tough night’s work where both teams played their part, defensively both superb, in midfield they all worked their socks off, whilst in attack, perhaps the strikers on the night, didn’t get the rub of the green their persistence craved? The best of Spalding, enter Liam Moore, captain, centre half, former Premier League and Championship footballer with notable experience having played for the likes of Leicester City and Reading, heading everything away, clearing his lines, nothing pretty, just leading by example. Moore looked very solid alongside Connor Johnson but a Tulips defender I really like the look of is their right back Tosin Olopade who is leggy and quick and very tough to get the better of. A signing from Salford City in January, still only 21, I think he’s one that can get back up the divisions very soon. In front of Olopade, Yusifu Ceesay is a real handful, which makes their right wing a proper pacey and powerful place, but on the left side Jack Roberts is the best attacking player they have, he has a bit about him, confidence in his own ability, the pace he has and the quality on the ball he possesses equating to the end product he more often than not provides, means Spalding will do very well to keep the hawks at bay. Bart Cybulski is their forward talisman and he looked to be rested for tactical reasons tonight, when he came on he gave Spalding a real focal point, willing to work hard and work back, at apparently 6ft6in he’s tall and lean with some seriously good link up work, he should have scored the winner after his header headed agonisingly wide of the posts. Players of note, Tom Pugh in midfield, lovely, Shane Byrne next to him, what a brilliant signing offering experience and graft, he's going to be great, even Sam Straughan-Brown has came on, physically for the level, I’ve been less impressed by him in the past, whilst at Peterborough Sports he shown glimpses, at 19 he looks now to be coming of age, on loan from Doncaster Rovers, a good year from him and his future may look very positive. Finally, Peter Crook in goal was superb, he is another brilliant signing for the level, he knows his box, holds everything, is tall and commanding, a bit crazy, the whole bloody lot to be honest, were all great. Which leads me to Macclesfield, equally as good in all departments, their goalkeeper Christian Dibble did everything which was asked of him, full backs Dyer and McFayden were solid, Dyer pushing forward and joining attacks reminding me of a young Danny Rose, he played on the right but can also do the same out left as he often did whilst playing for Telford at his previous club, similar in size but perhaps less dynamic than Dyer, McFayden stuck to his task well of keeping the awkward Yusifu Ceesay quiet. Defensively McFayden operates well, Dyer on the front foot excites. Special mention at centre half to Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, a hugely talented footballer who started his career of course with Manchester United. I watched him last season and he looked to be going through the motions, but I think he’s just a laid-back lad who likes the game, and wants to do the bare minimums with Macclesfield. He’s brilliant on the ball from the back, he hardly moved all night, just caressed the sphere around like it was a training match. He makes everything look easy, but put pressure on him, he perhaps doesn’t like it so much when ruffled, I think he can be got at, but give him time and space, he’ll control proceedings like an NFL quarter back. Some good performances in midfield, Finley Shrimpton has a decent bit of quality for the level, George Wilson had some lovely moments driving forward, whilst Ustabasi in attack I think will become a crowd favourite in time, a smart footballer who has a bit about him, intelligent, not yet have Macclesfield seen the best of the former Fylde winger, but I think that is certainly still to come. The Verdict National League North football is back and is brilliant. I parked outside the gate, walked into the ground, sat in a super spot and watched two teams go at each other, giving a real good account of themselves, just under a thousand fans in house with no segregation, no trouble, all appreciating the players efforts on show. I have heard many (who don’t know anything about Spalding) predict the Tulips will struggle, but having watched them last season, and having seen who they have added this, along with now watching them against a really good Macclesfield side tipped for promotion, I have no doubt that they will do ok. As for the Silkmen? Well, they certainly have a fair chance of going up. Perhaps they need their star striker Danny Elliott on fire having missed a proportion of last season with injury? Maybe they need another cheeky addition or two? But they have plenty of other ingredients already in place, to make them tough to beat, organised, solid, just needing some goals to lift them up a gear. The Teams Spalding United: Peter Crook, Tosin Olopade, Michael Kelly, Liam Moore, Connor Johnson, Jack Roberts, Tom Pugh, Yusifu Ceesay, Ben Fowkes (Bartosz Cybulski 54), Shane Byrne, Sam Straughan-Brown. Macclesfield: Christian Dibble, Lincoln McFayden, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, George Wilson, Adan George (Danny Elliott 68), Luke Duffy, Sam Heathcote, Finley Shrimpton, Luis Lacey (Elliott Osborne 26), Jon Ustabasi (Veron Parney 79), Ammar Dyer. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 18th August 2026, Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, Spalding (att 922).

Sunderland 2-1 Rennes (Friendly) I’m up early on a Saturday morning to travel north, and to a ground and city, which has long been on my bucket list, one that has far too long been avoided, so I’m keen to get this done. Sunderland is a good three and a bit hours’ drive from my house in the Midlands, and it’s always a place I’ve wanted to visit, and even though I’ve been to its noisy neighbour on many occasions (whose name shall for the good of this content, remain nameless), I’ve not quite stepped foot in this wonderful city itself, so as one does, let’s get this place chalked off. Not many people (outside of the North-East) know that Sunderland are six times English champions, they have a couple of FA Cups and a pair of League Cup wins, as well as three Football World Championships, the last of which they won in 1895. Apparently to become ‘World Champion’ they only had to beat Scottish opponents back then? Doing so in 1892 when they beat Celtic over two legs, before repeating the feat a year later, after seeing off Queens Park 4-2, and having final success at the hands and home of Heart of Midlothian, who they beat 5-3 at Tyncastle. An early powerhouse of the English modern game, Sunderland won all six of their First Division titles ahead of the second world war, almost folklore names like John Campbell, David Halliday, Raich Carter and Bobby Gurney, are struggling to be remembered for their efforts these days. More recent past had seen Sunderland start the Millennium in the Premier League. They suffered relegation in 2003 but returned two seasons later, only to fall again, before winning their second Championship title in three years during the 2006/07 campaign. The Black Cats then spent ten years in the Premier League before relegation in 2017, they immediately fell into the third tier after Championship relegation and spent four years struggling to get back up, but after returning to the second tier in 2022, they earned promotion via the playoffs in 2025, and last season enjoyed a strong first year home in the top flight, finishing seventh, and more importantly above that team I probably shouldn’t mention, who they also beat twice during a memorable campaign which saw them achieve European qualification. So with Europe in mind, it’s little wonder that their French Manager and former player of Rennes, Regis Le Bris, will want to test his side against a European opponent, and in using his former club Rennes, he has the perfect opponent to practice on. Stade Rennais FC were formed a little after Sunderland’s third World Championship success, in 1901, by a group of former students living in the delightful medieval town East of Brittany peninsula in the North-West of France. On the pitch, Rennes have never won the top division with a best placed third finish in 2020, they have thrice won the Coupe de France and in Europe, have featured regularly in recent years, but have failed to live up to their potential, a couple of round of 16 appearances in the Europa League and Europa Conference League, their best efforts to date. Star players of recent past include Jeremy Doku, Raphinha, Eduardo Camavinga, Desire Doue and his brother Guela, the clubs current star asset is Swiss striker Breel Embolo whilst a former Black Cat, Eliezer Mayenda has recently joined in a £20m plus deal. I’m out the door early today, left my house for 10am and up the M1, M18, A1 heading north where I’m stuck in traffic at Doncaster, sat nav eventually taking me onto the (A168) A19 past Thirsk and through Middlesbrough which is supposedly 3 minutes quicker and a mile shorter than directly up the Great North Road, more idyllic too as I pass the North Yorkshire Moors in the background as well as the sea front at Peterlee and Seaham before following the A108 into the town centre. The Venue I’m impressed on first viewings of this magnificent city, a town centre under plenty of regeneration as I park up at the recently built Riverside Multi-Storey Car Park (£6.50 for 4 hours) and walk the remaining ten or fifteen minutes to the stadium. It’s a nice walk on the Livingstone Way as I get to City Hall and turn left, over the Keel Crossing, all new apartments and offices, eateries hogging the riverbank, Pixel Plaza is a high tech walkthrough that uses AI, ultrasonic sensors and calming surround sound to apparently create an immersive experience for both visitors and residents. Over the river where it’s equally as calming and tranquil as I spot the stunning Wearside Bridge for the first time, the walk from the town to the stadium is absolutely wonderful and you get a real sense of pride and community with what's going off here, it feels like it is really becoming the Sunderland heartbeat. There’s Sheepfolds Stables to the left, which I’ve heard a lot about, built in 1884 it was the horse stables for carting to and from the North East Railway, these days converted into a number of swanky bars and restaurants all of which look amazing. Opposite an old industrial estate is currently being knocked down to make space along the area for more posh residential accommodation by the river, the stadium cantilevered in white with the words ‘Welcome To Sunderland’ across its top, the recent strategic planning of this whole place has really opened everything up, a wonderful walk to a football ground now 30 years old, which feels like it has been in this same spot forever. People have had their names engraved on bricks along the floor, there’s a statue of Bobby Stokoe that has apparently been turned around 180 degrees, not everything outside is yet finished but you feel it’s certainly getting done, as I walk through the turnstiles and I’m in the doors, like Coventry last night, a modern arena with large space under the stands for food and drink at floor level. I have a quick wee and I’m impressed by the size and smell of the men’s urinals. The nicest smelling toilets I’ve been in at a football ground I think. Then up the steps towards my seat, the vast red and white venue opening up, below the pitch set back green under blue skies, I’m up level with the eighteen yard box and sat at the back of the stand, a panoramic view of the Jimmy Montgomery Stand opposite, the North & South stands either side. It’s brilliant, ageing a little now but in a nice way, it feels like a proper football ground, extended into the rafters at the back for some extra seating, 49,000 when full, the red retro lettering everywhere to be seen, it’s a place with meaning, with thought, the stand to my right, behind the goal has Ha’Way The Lads inscribed into its fading red and white seats. The Game By now the place has slowly filled up, always annoying in friendlies of this nature, the stand I’m in is full, everywhere else feels empty, nothing bar staff opposite, a few behind the goal to my left, a good friendly atmosphere of locals all in club colours, as Stade Rennais in pink, come at Sunderland in usual red & white (which from afar looks slightly pink) who are at least made identifiable by their black shorts. The French team assembled by Manager Franck Haisse, a man with a good reputation in his country, look well drilled, organised, decent in defence and on the break, they have nice footballers, in particular Musa Al-Tamari on the left who has strut, he also has matching boots to in line perfectly pink with his kit. And its Rennes who take the lead, Thomasson is tripped inside the box, and Le Paul steps up and does the rest, confidently, I’m impressed with how they look, not so much Sunderland who are equally organised, with better players you might think, but it feels their play is a little too slow and predictable. The Score Cheeky Rennes goalkeeper Brice Samba is only once called upon in the first half as he sticks out a leg to deflect a Reinildo effort wide, the impressive overlapping left full back almost scored early in the second half too, when he races into the box unmarked to get on the end of a cross, blasting inches from the inside of the post whilst on the full run. Samba is then called into action as a short headed back pass lets Brian Brobbey run in on goal, his effort is initially blocked by the France international goalkeeper but in trying to clear the ball, Quentin Merlin gives Brobbey it back, the bulging Dutch striker not needing two sniffs, rolls into an empty net, the video scoreboard showing back the goal has one or two in the crowd chuckle at the calamitous way in which the French conceded. It's a good spell for the home side and Sunderland soon make it two when a free kick pumped into the box causes mayhem, eventually turned in by Trai Hume, the cries in the crowd of Huuuume echo around the arena as fans celebrate the goal for a regular scorer who's up from the back. Suddenly Sunderland have newfound attacking threat with Wilson Isidor and Romaine Mundle causing problems off the bench. Isidor heading down which is brilliantly saved by Samba, before Mundle crashes the crossbar with an effort from a free kick, he was brilliant when he came on, causing panic in the Rennes defence each time he got the ball they stood off, running at scared defenders who he would leave in his wake. The Stars 23-year-old Romaine Mundle only played 14 times in the Premier League last season, but he looked to be a brilliant dynamic winger with pace and technique aiming to cut in from the left onto his right foot. A former Spurs academy youngster, he had a good season in the Championship promotion campaign but suffered with hamstring issues last year, hopefully he can come good again and get regular minutes under Regis Le Bris. Sunderland’s best player for me was the silky smooth Enzo Le Fee in central midfield, given a bit of license and well protected by Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki, Le Fee is one that will do a few things in a game that will get the crowd gasping, whether it be a fifty yard pass or a subtle little touch. In attack Sunderland have strength and pace, Brobbey is a big powerful handful whilst Isidor and Angulo are tricky and teasing, in defence they look relatively strong, no frills, just good solid defenders with the likes of Hume and Ballard at the heart beat. As for Rennes, they have some good technical footballers and are probably the best of the French teams that I have seen this summer? Valentin Rongier and Adrien Thomasson are decent on the ball from midfield, as is Sebastian Szymanski who sits deep and breaks down play, Al-Tamari has some swagger when on the ball, Soumare a bit of pace on the left side of attack, whilst Lepaul led the line well up top. One of the biggest cheers of the day was for a former Sunderland player, you can tell Eliezer Mayenda is much loved still by the home faithful, he came on late to some rapturous applause, a really exciting young winger who I enjoyed watching play for the Black Cats, he’ll add an extra dimension to the Rennes wing. The Verdict Unlike the city and venue which I instantly fell in love with, for large parts I was disappointed with the way Sunderland played and questioned to myself, do they have what it takes to survive second season syndrome in the Premier League? I’m still not so sure, but they do have players who can get them out of trouble, in Brobbey and Isidor (even Ballard and Hume) they have goals, in Mundle, Angulo, Talbi, they have supply, in Xhaka and Sadiki (even Ballard and Hume) they have steel, in Le Fee and Reinildo they have footballers exciting, who are very good within their own roles. Not always easy on the eye, when they did set the tempo late on, they were very good, and maybe that’s what they need to do, to make them a very tough team to beat, but if they are passive at any time this season coming, there could be trouble ahead? As for Rennes, I said the night before that Monaco might be fighting for European places? I think Les Rouges et Noirs will also be in and around that mix. A decent team with decent neat footballers, I think they’ll be a tough nut in France to crack. The Teams Sunderland: Robin Roefs, Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Luke O'Nien, Reinildo, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki (Habib Diarra 62), Enzo Le Fee, Chemsdine Talbi (Romain Mundle 62), Brian Bobbey (Wilson Isidor 72), Nilson Angulo (Chris Rigg 62). Rennes: Brice Samba, Przemysław Frankowski (Bryan Reynolds 81), Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal, Anthony Rouault (Charlie Cresswell 72), Quentin Merlin (Mahamadou Nagida 89), Valentin Rongier, Sebastian Szymanski, Adrien Thomasson (Eliezer Mayenda 81), Issa Soumaré (Arnaud Nordin 89), Mousa Al-Tamari (Ludovic Blas 72), Esteban Lepaul. 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 15th August 2026, Stadium of Light, Sunderland (att 24,000).

Coventry City 2-0 Monaco (Friendly) I’m back in the big time. After Tuesday night’s non-league spectacular, I’ve been sent to Coventry, which AI tells me is to deliberately ostracize, ignore, or refuse to speak to someone. So, no chatting in the stands tonight. Originally a Roman founded fort, Coventry has seen Saxon nunnery’s and Tudor hospitals built upon its land, the town came through the English Civil War and Industrial Age to be bombed by the Germans in both world wars, now it’s never quite had the reputation since, as a town of memorable marvels, but TripAdvisor tells me the Cathedral is worth a visit, as is the Coventry Music Museum and Coventry Transport Museum, which has an open top bus from Coventry City’s 1987 FA Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur, Dave Bennett, Keith Houchen’s diving header, Granada Bingo sponsored shirts, and all that jazz. That was probably Coventry’s crowning football moment, until last season at least, when under Frank Lampard the club won the Championship to return to the Premier League after a 25 year long wait, which also saw the Sky Blues fall as low as the fourth tier in English football during some dark times of playing home matches as far as Birmingham and Northampton due to rental disputes with their previous stadium owners. Not hugely comparable with Coventry, the idyllic coastal Principality of Monaco dates down to the Ancient Greeks, with first mentions of the Rock of Monaco going back as far as 30,000 years ago. Slightly younger are AS Monaco who formed in 1924, they are 8 times winners of Ligue 1 and have long forged a reputation as one of the most attractive clubs in French football, previous players include Emmanuel Petit, Thierry Henry, Fabian Barthez, Youri Djorkaeff, David Trezeguet, Kylian Mbappe and recently Paul Pogba, some serious footballers who have all won the World Cup. Despite the catwalk years, these days, Monaco are long behind the likes of Paris Saint-Germain when it comes to the champagne stakes of football in France, they finished seventh last season but have a new coach in Felipe Luis highly regarded as one of the best from Brazil, he has seen the likes of Maghnes Akliouche (PSG) and Aladji Bamba (Newcastle) leave for big bucks, but the club have brought in Matthis Abline (from Nantes) and Ansu Fati (from Barcelona) to provide some alternative attacking output. Coventry have crushed their transfer record four times this summer, that’s the sort of funding promotion to the Premier League gets you. I’m excited by the arrival of Caleb Yirenkyi from Danish side Nordsjaelland, less so about Carl Rushworth who was already here on loan last season, Loum Tchaouna arrives from Burnley and Aurele Amenda joins from Frankfurt both for big money, whilst at £6m a piece it feels that Gustavo Hamer and Frank Onyeka are good bits of business, although it’s quite a shake up from the team that topped the Championship last term. The Venue A soulless bowl on the outskirts of town? I’ve been here before and previously to the old Highfield Road, neither get in my top 100 but I wanted to get a proper feel for the place today whilst sat in with the home support. Rather close to the M6 motorway it has easy access by car at least, I’ve pulled up in Longford and walk a good ten or fifteen minutes down Rowleys Green Lane towards the stadium, past an ugly looking industrial estate where one or two fans are heading in my opposite direction, apparently Dhillon’s Brewery is in one of the units and looks a cracking 'unsung' pre-match meeting spot. At the top of the hill across the Judds Lane someone pushes a broken-down car towards a breakers yard, there’s a scruffy burger truck and two men in hi vis trying to make a few quid off parking, a bloke with a beard selling scarves stands on the corner, opposite side of the road is the Coventry Building Society Arena, originally the Ricoh Arena, or City of Coventry Stadium as it was known during the Summer Olympics of 2012. It does look like most other ‘modern’ football grounds from across the dual carriageway with a couple of significant differences, first of all, an extension glued on to the back of the venue houses an indoor facility with 6,000 seats, used for basketball, netball, tennis and live entertainment I’m told. Then there’s a bar called the Anecdote, the Grosvenor Casino and Hilton Hotel all within the stadium complex. There can’t be many other football grounds around the world that have the facility of a public casino to boast about. It’s a 7:30pm kick off tonight so after walking past a statue of Jimmy Hill, I’m through the doors with an hour to go, inside the concourse is all at street level, no steps until you walk up towards your seats, plenty of eateries offering choice from your traditional burgers and hot dogs to fish and chips, it has a grill kiosk which is closed tonight, so I opt for pie and chips with a bottle of coke, the lady taking my bottle top off so I don’t feel obliged to throw it at someone. With my food, I’m up my seat at the top of the East Stand, neither stand behind the goal is in use today, the one opposite is part full, mainly with corporates and club officials, this one is packed, so I wander further around behind the goal to free up a little space for myself. Internally bowl like with a roof high up above, I can’t help feeling it looks just like a big Rotherham, the New York Stadium has a similar but smaller look and layout, I’m sitting on the top row (XX) of the East/North Stand corner and everything feels so much lower down, the spectators crowded into the stand to my left are distant, below, as is the pitch, the place holds 30,000 but from the back you feel really high up and far away. The atmosphere however is on point, as the two teams come out and the volume cranks up, the Enemy ‘We’ll live and die in these towns” is sung by all. For me, it’s one of the best pre-match songs in football. The Game The fans are still singing as Monaco in Coventry brown kick off, the sky blue and white stripes of the home side give me retro vibes of 87, the long-haired Caleb Yirenkyi even looks like Dave Bennett from afar, and it’s he who has the first opportunity as he races into the box and shoots at the keeper, he should have scored a debut goal. The Ghanaian international midfielder is a player I’m hugely fond of, a player I’ve kept an eye on since watching him in the Nordsjaelland youth team a couple of seasons ago, a player who I’m surprised that nobody ‘bigger’ in the Premier League had come in for. Yirenkyi starts really well and slides a pass into Ellis Simms who’s run off the ball is far too easily made unattended, Simms slots home hard and low and Coventry are one up within twelve minutes. Another player I’m impressed with is Loum Thcaouna who looks strong, quick, busy and technically very good, he sniffs danger on 32 when another slide rule ball is played forward to break the flaky flat Monaco lines, Tchaona races in to score his first Coventry goal, before celebrating with a back flip. The Score It’s relatively one sided in a first half where Coventry look more physically stronger and quicker than their opponents, hungrier, they play what at times feels like a 5-2-3 formation, defensively 5-4-1 or when moving forward 3-4-3 as Bobby Thomas sits between Matt Grimes and a decent looking Aurele Amenda at the back. Full backs van Ewick and Dasilva bomb on forward, Yirenkyi and Onyeka dictate centrally whilst Thomas-Asante and Tchaouna are out wide busy, supporting Simms who’s a lone striker occupying opposition centre halves with his size and strength. Monaco have ex-England international Eric Dier in their defence, I’m disappointed in their highly rated midfield engine Lamine Camara who often gives the ball away, Denis Zakaria stands out with the armband on mixing it in the middle of the park, whilst in attack, the big and blonde Mika Biereth battles hard without much luck. It’s a bit of a procession, Monaco do have a good chance early in the second half as the lively Belgian winger Stanis Idumbo races through to blaze over, before Yirenkyi gets a standing ovation as he’s substituted for an old fans favourite, Gustavo Hamer played 123 league games for Coventry before joining Sheffield United three years ago, he returns to the biggest cheer of the night, the fans sing to the Oasis tune of She’s Electric “He’s Brazilian, He Only Cost Six Million, We Think He’s F*cking Brilliant, Gustaaaaaavo”. The Stars One fan said “If he shifts a bit of timber, he’ll be brilliant for us again” on Gustavo Hamer who has been one of the best players in the Championship over the last couple of seasons. Stocky and creative he’ll get bums off seats. Coventry Manager Frank Lampard said on a similarly exciting midfield signing in Caleb Yirenkyi “He’s going to be a star” whilst I hear fans likening him to Edgar Davids, a resemblance which I was thinking of myself during the game. A solid goalkeeper (fans chanting England’s number one is usually a sign of trust) and a defence that looks to be bolstered by Swiss international Aurele Amanda who’s a big lad, left side of a three and looks to be very accomplished. In midfield the athletic Frank Onyeka went quietly about his business, nothing quiet about Loum Tchaouna who is fast, powerful, energetic, enthusiastic, a player who has a bit of ‘X factor’ and without the likes of Sakamoto, Haji Wright, Jack Rudoni, on show, I feel Mr Lampard is building a very good squad with quality in depth. As for Monaco, this was perhaps proof that their better days are still someway behind them, inferior to Premier League newcomers in all areas, I did enjoy glimpses of Stanis Idumbo, was disappointed largely in Lamine Camara, but they did bring on a number of usual starters in the second half and improved late on, Vanderson at right back pushing forward is powerful and quick, the Brazilian international certainly has Premier League credentials, whilst young Paris Brunner, a 20-year-old German forward, looked combative in attack, he worked hard and shown a bit of quality and zest on the ball, which for the large part was missing in Monaco’s play. The Verdict It feels more like a gig when you go to Coventry Stadium which isn’t a bad thing, once inside the ground sat or stood on those steep terraces looking down below under the high bowl-like roof the acoustics are great and the noise the home fans make is brilliant when they all sing together. On the pitch, Coventry really impressed me and I like what Frank Lampard has built in his short time here, moving on some genuine progress under previous Manager Mark Robins to take the club to that next level. I think his signings have been savvy, and the football they play is effective, pace and power will always prove menace, and I think this will be a tough place to come for many existing Premier League sides not knowing what to expect. Survival? Like Sunderland did last year, I think Coventry might surprise one or two this season. As for Monaco, tricky to say from a game where they rested a few, and looked so much ‘weaker’ than their big spending Premier League opponents, they are a technical team who won’t often come up against this level of power and brut force in Ligue 1, and because of that, I give them hope. A young Manager with a smart plan, I think they’ll be better than last season and could push for a top five slot, a Champions League surge perhaps? They do have pace out wide, experience in defence, athleticism in midfield and with Ansu Fati and Folarin Balogun (who were both absent from this game) to come, they should have the firepower needed to be a force? The Teams Coventry City: Carl Rushworth, Milan van Elwijk, Aurele Amenda, Bobby Thomas, Matt Grimes, Jay Dasilva, Frank Onyeka (Victor Torp 88), Caleb Yirenkyi (Gustavo Hamer 64), Brandon Thomas-Asante, Loum Tchaouna, Ellis Simms. Monaco: Lukas Hradecky, Eric Dier, Jordan Teze (Vanderson 59), Denis Zakaria (Pape Cabral 59), Christian Mawisa (Flavio Nazinho 68), Mika Biereth (Mamadou Coulibaly 68), Lamine Camara (Safouane Benzahra 78), Stanis Idumbo (Aleksandr Golovin 59), Matthis Abline (Paris Brunner 68), Anis Soubeir (Oumar Konate 68), Sadibou Sane (Thilo Kehrer 78). 7:30pm Kick Off. Friday 14th August 2026, Coventry Stadium, Coventry (att 14,875).

Alfreton Town 2-1 Gainsborough Trinity (Northern Premier League) Two teams I have seen a lot of in recent years are facing up against each other in the league for the first time since the 2017/18 season tonight. Gainsborough Trinity were relegated from the National League North finishing three points below Alfreton Town during that struggling sixth-tier campaign all of eight years ago. The Holy Blues winning 2-1 at the Northolme following an earlier season 4-1 thumping at North Street. Since then, the two teams have met in the FA Trophy (last year) when two Mark Beck goals either side of a Frank Mulhern penalty saw Alfreton through to the last 32, and they are now back together, on an even playing field, in the Northern Premier League, after Alfreton’s relegation last season. The Reds lost their opening game against Curzon Ashton on Saturday, losing 1-0 to the side that they played on the last day of last season, who also fell down from the National League North division with them, whilst Gainsborough beat Workington to kick start their campaign, a 2-0 victory with second half goals from Ashton Offler and former Alfreton winger Frazer Preston, doing the damage. This is my first ‘competitive’ match of the new season and having done a few friendlies of meaningless nature recently, I’m more than ready to rumble with some good old fashioned non-league football. I’ve cut it fine though, a cricket stream I’m working on is running late, but Middlesex finally bowl Sussex out for 6:30pm and I’m straight out the door, heading through Nottingham and onto the M1 for a 40 minute drive across the Derbyshire border to Alfreton, arriving with a good half an hour to spare ahead of kick off, and more importantly, just as Bill brings out the cakes. The Venue Along with Boston United, Alfreton is one of my favourite places to watch football, due to the clubs’ friendly personnel, and up close viewing of the action, in what is a cracking little football ground. I’ve rushed through the turnstiles tonight as I usually like to get set a good hour before kick off, I like a brew and a bite, a bit of time to cool off, to write the teams down, but I’ve plenty of time tonight even if I’ve half as long as usual. Tight and compact is this place as the teams warm up in the dusking sun, pitch dry from the recent warm weather but not as bad as I thought it might be, with a few patches of green. “Jake's been out spitting on it” says one of the clubs personnel. I’m in the media lounge, the press room, it’s basically a stuffy old long room with glass windows where you can see out on to the pitch, Bill has chocolate cake on arrival, “Come inside” he says. “Have some of this”. I make myself a brew and ask where the kitty man is. I like to put a quid or so into the pot when I come to Alfreton as they always dish me up some delights and Brian tells me “that will see you right for a couple of weeks” after handing over to him £1.10 of loose change. We chat about Alfreton’s narrow loss at the weekend where Liam tells me they didn’t play badly, before I walk outside to confront the Gainsborough Trinity tweeter. For the second match in a row, he’s put on Twitter (or X) the starting eleven pictures but without names. “It’s a bit cryptic” he says. “I can tell who Fraser Preston is, he’s the tubby one” I tell him "But I haven't a clue who the rest are"… He ensures me they’ll be names to accompany the pictures from next week. Finally sat down, sun beaming in my face, the players warming up on the pitch, kick off approaching, cake eaten, tea drank, teams written in my notepad, I can enjoy the last few moments of calm before the storm, at this lovely little home, two open(ish) standing ends either side behind each goal, a low tin roofed stand of seating across, and this pokey elevated brick walled mish mash which I’m sat, half full as the players go in, then come back out, to a warm ripple of applause. The Game Gainsborough are in a rather bright yellow number tonight as Alfreton in red immediately go on the forage. Siya Ligendza is inside the opposition box inside 56 seconds, he shoots low, he scores, Alfreton one up within a minute. That’ll settle some nerves of those seated around me. It’s a great start by the side who narrowly lost at the weekend, the opponents who won their match, might have been expecting an easier night than this? I’m really impressed with Alfreton who pass it about slowly, yes, pass it about I say. As they keep the ball, Brian shouts out “Billy Heath would be having kittens”. Their staff seated alongside me squirm every time they play it out from the back. “You’re not used to it” I tell them. “If they did that under Billy (the previous manager), they would be transfer listed”. But Alfreton can afford to knock it about a bit, a) because they have good players, and b) because the intensity levels are no way near that they were last season, when in the National North, they would come across fitter, faster, stronger teams, some of which would even be full time. I’m impressed in everything I see in red, two good centre halves, full backs doing their jobs, three in midfield who work and play, two wide lads with quality and a striker who’s already scored a goal. Meanwhile Gainsborough aren’t great, I don’t think they were expecting Alfreton to be this good? I know this is a better team than they are showing, but without Frank Mulhern (who’s back from Australia next month), without Johnny Margetts who retired this summer, without Sisa Tuntulwana who joined Buxton in the close season, Trinity are toothless, as skipper Lewis Butroid puts a couple of lovely left footed balls into the box, towards no-one. The Score At half time it’s hardly by now a classic, the Often supporters are appy, the Trinity folk perhaps not. I speak to a guy doing radio comms who’s a Stocksbridge fan, he says “things can only get better” for Boro, before reliving the Jamie Vardy years with me. Mark Ward, Brett Lovell, Chris Bettney, all previous Steels players that get a mention. “They were unlucky to go down last season” he tells me. “they drew 14 games, never got battered, just didn’t win enough”. I’m expecting more from Gainsborough in the second half and it seems that the side have had a rocket up their arse from Manager Russ Wilcox and his sidekick Kevin Pressman who these days is looking much bigger (and older) than he did when representing Sheffield Wednesday in the Premier League, their dugout is quiet compared to other away dugouts at Alfreton, usually there’s plenty of action in front of us as the media seats are right behind hearing every word from the technical area, plenty of F bombs from the likes of Paul Caddis and Phil Brown have been heard in the past, but not by these two. It’s a good spell however as the sky darkens and the lights come on with Gainsborough pushing, but although it’s wholehearted, gutsy, full blooded, there’s not much end product with quality, from the away side at least. Star player is a toss-up between Alfreton wingers, Jakub Kruszynski who has one of his best games under my watch on the left, looks to take on his man with trickery, whilst on the right, Dylan Youmbi aims to push past his opponent with power. Youmbi has impressed without really firing into life tonight, then suddenly, he’s on the ball and running into the area, past one, past two, past three, he’s still bloody going, before unleashing a hard low drive into the rippling net beyond a sprawling hopeless dive by Robson, “what a goal” I say aloud, it’s certainly un-Alfreton like over the last few years of seeing them play, when a classic is usually considered as an Adam Lund throw in that’s launched into the box before a melee and an outstretched toe from somebody somewhere scuffles scrappily it home. Nothing more than Alfreton have deserved, they have looked up for it tonight, and have worked hard, played the conditions, and man for man have really impressed, enough to suggest I think they have a very good chance of doing better than what many people might think they might? Still time to go as Wilcox throws on reinforcements, Gainsborough win a corner and an inswinger is brilliantly headed home by Ashton Offler for his second of the season, game on, Offler is a centre back by trade, he’s playing centre forward tonight, and has looked a real handful since moving across from Mickleover. By now its backs against the walls, funny how things can quickly change, from control to carnage, Javelle Clarke is chopped down on the edge of the box, young centre half Kasper Williams has already been booked, he sees red, the final few minutes are going to be played as ten verses eleven. But spirited scenes from the hosts, Alfreton do everything they can to protect and as a ball into the box bobbles agonisingly wide, Gainsborough’s last chance saloon exits. Alfreton rescued by the referees whistle after four minutes injury time, this will be a win they’ll hugely enjoy. The Stars Dylan Youmbi has pace and power and technical take on ability and it’s his goal that in the end provides the difference. He’s a player I’ve been impressed with since he joined from Ilkeston, like many of the Alfreton players, following a pre-season that included games verses Notts County, Burton Albion, Rotherham United, Derby County, they look fitter, they might not have won those pre-season matches, but they’ll be better for playing against that calibre of opposition. Out right Kruszynski put in a decent performance and shown some lovely feet, linking up with Siyabonga Ligendza who as always a handful, whilst Daniel Odunaiya gave some physical and powerful threat from the bench. I like the midfield who got it down and played more than previous Alfreton midfields I’ve seen, Frank Tattum is a lovely looking player, he’s recently been released by Birmingham City but spent some time on loan at Leamington last season. Connor Dixon is a shrewd signing who I really like, a work horse with quality, Reco Fyfe had a really good game, working hard off the ball, keeping calm and composed on it. Defensively, Alfreton also looked strong, Ewan Robson is a centre half signed from Carlton Town who I really like the look of, Kasper Williams, tall, neat, on loan from Doncaster Rovers, his naïve mistake late on fortunately not proving costly, whilst in Sam Parker, they have a solid left back who I think will become a firm favourite with the fans. For Gainsborough, they didn’t play as well as I know they can, in Ashton Offler up front they have a player who can play in a variety of positions, they didn’t get as many around him as they might have on the night, Fraser Preston is talented, but was subbed, lacking fitness? Theo Williams flattered to deceive despite showing early promise, Javelle Clarke off the bench, looked lively when he came on, but my concern is that he’s on the bench in the first place. A talented footballer who's end product doesn't reach the ability he has. You can’t fault Trinity’s grit and grind, they never gave up and in Ashley Jackson they have a true leader from left back, in Lewis Butroid they have a ball playing midfielder with a lovely left foot, but they needed to do more to break down the Alfreton door, and they didn’t knock nearly enough. The Verdict Pre-game I would have predicted that Gainsborough would outperform Alfreton this season, but having watched the two play, I’m now not so sure? Jake Buxton has cobbled together a really balanced team and I’m liking what he’s done so far. Playoffs isn’t out of the question, but it is a tough competition with a lot of clubs having huge spending power, a long old season, if Alfreton are in and around the top half come Christmas, it might be a sign that they can continue to push on? I still think Gainsborough will do well, they are more than adequate in depth and have the ability to understand the job in hand, they know the division they are in and have come close before, they’ll be top half for sure, and when Frank Mulhern returns, will have a goal threat which they badly missed tonight. In summary, two good teams at the level, playing a good gutsy game of football that I have been begging for since it feels forever now. It’s great to be back with some real non-league football on show. For the next nine or ten months, it’s going to be quite the ride. The Teams Alfreton Town: James Wright, Louis Francis (George Grumley 56), Sam Parker, Kasper Williams, Ewan Robson, Connor Dixon, Dylan Youmbi (Billy Gough 89), Reece Fyfe, Siyabonga Ligendza, Jakub Kruszynski, Frank Tattum (Daniel Odunaiya 69). Gainsborough Trinity: David Robson, Harvey Sutcliffe (Jacob McLoughlin 76), Ashley Jackson, George Hornshaw (Bobby Johnson 60), Jack Leckie, Harrison Beeden, Lewis Butroid (Ben Blythe 75), Jordan Helliwell (Elliott Whitehouse 73), Theo Williams, Ashton Offler, Fraser Preston (Javelle Clarke 59). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 11th August 2026, North Street, Alfreton (att 533).

Leeds United 2-0 RB Leipzig (Friendly) In 2024, soft drinks company Red Bull (who have their hands in one or two other things) purchased a minority stake in Leeds United to grow their ever-flapping sporting franchise wiiings. As well as having majority stakes in Red Bull Salzburg, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Bragantino in Brazil, RB Omiya Ardija in Japan, FC Liefering in Austria, and minority stakes now in Leeds and Paris FC, one of the most successful franchises of the well-known energy brand is RB Leipzig, a German team founded as recently as 2009 after they purchased Oberliga (fifth tier) minnows SSV Markranstädt and changed their future history forever. Ever-since, RB (short for RasenBallsport as both Red Bull and the Red Bull logo were forbidden to appear in the name of a German league football club) have climbed the divisions, earning the tag of Germans ‘most’ hated team in the process. Not one for the purists who prefer community ran 50+1 schemes over corporate enterprises fast tracking their way to success. Within eight years RB Leipzig went from regional football to the Bundesliga, finishing second to Bayern Munich in their first ever year in the top division (2016/17) and getting in the Champions League, where they have been a regular ever-since. Still to win the top tier they have twice finished runners up, four times third, never as low as seventh and have twice won the DFB Pokal (the equivalent to the FA Cup in England). Leeds United go back a little further, but not as far as you might think, formed in 1919 after their predecessor Leeds City disbanded due to allegations of illegal payments to players during the first world war. The Peacocks golden era came under the great Don Revie, who in 1964 led the side to promotion after winning Division Two, they had back to back second placed finishes in the First Division and won the Football League Cup and Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1968 before taking the top flight title the season after for the very first time, they were beaten by Chelsea in the final of the FA Cup after a replay in 1970 and finished second three years in a row before taking the title again in 1974, winning the FA Cup along the way, after beating Arsenal in 72, they did famously lose to Sunderland in 73, and reached the final of the European Cup in 75. Post Revie, Leeds have had ‘some’ good moments, but mostly average, in 1982 they suffered relegation to the second tier but bounced back in 1990, and took the Football League title again in 1992 this time under Howard Wilkinson, later under David O’Leary I remember them having some great years playing in the Champions League but for three seasons they were in the third tier during 2007-10 and after ten years that followed in the Championship, they enjoyed three seasons back in the Premier League before relegation in 2023, but after winning the title with 100 points in 2025, under Daniel Farke, they enjoyed a steady season back in the Premier League last year, and will be tipped this time to do ok again. So, a new-found link between the two is a sponsor that is notorious for backing teams to buy low and sell high, RB Leipzig have recently benefitted from this in the sale of Yan Diomande to Real Madrid, originally signed from Leganes for €20m they are rumoured to have accepted over €125m for last seasons star player who went to the World Cup with Ivory Coast. Meanwhile Leeds United have just signed goalkeeper James Trafford for £40m, this after the England international joined Manchester City only last year for £31m and mainly sat on their bench. Perhaps some further advice on buying and selling, can still be passed on by Red Bull's bosses? The Venue I’ve been asked to watch over this game today and I’ve head out the door early, a sunny Saturday mid-morning for a 2pm kick off, I want to get parked up in nearby Beeston, up the hill from Elland Road, I’m off the M1 and M621 where traffic is still light, before pulling up on a street of terraced houses full of caged doors, I would rather not park my car here, but it’s as close as I’ll get without paying, and needs must. It’s a short walk down the hill of the Holbeck Park and it’s pretty cool, as you see the Leeds city centre skyline in the background, and the huge imposing East Stand ever-nearing. It’s a lovely walk down in the sun, much tougher back up, but once at the foot of the hill the calmness changes to that festival feel that football often provides, white and yellow shirts everywhere under the scorching blue skies, it’s a busy old crowd, I’m these days used to non-league football and the lower echelons of the English game, but there’s nothing like a big club matchday, and Leeds United is certainly a big bloody football club. There’s Red Bull BMX bikers doing tricks outside the Centenary Club as a DJ plays dance music out of a Red Bull sponsored Land Rover, those Mini’s you sometimes see with a huge can of Red Bull on their backs, two of them provide photo opportunities for kids who think they look cool, Red Bull parasols keep some folk shaded under the sun, you feel if any brand in the world does sponsorship to its absolute maximum potential, Red Bull is that brand! After all, anyone who’s tasted the drink, will know it’s pretty crap. There’s a queue to get in through the turnstiles, outside is jam packed a good 90 minutes from kick off, but eventually the doors open and there’s a scurry upstairs, I’m in the top tier of the Jack Charlton stand today, and it’s bloody high up as I pass an old woman having a breather on the steps “You should try going to Newcastle away” says a steward “that’s much worse”. Once up, the view is magnificent, pitch green, chequered, set back and centred around a swirling bowl which when full is around 37,000 but plans are in place to increase that to 53,000 by 2030. Not needed today, although three sides are in play, the stand opposite which houses the player dugouts, empty. The Game Marching on Together is sung by all bar me, sat in the corner high up where there’s space around with a decent panoramic view of the play, RB Leipzig in a rather bright red and yellow number, Leeds in all white as usual, as play starts and the home side on the front foot go at their opponents from the off. It’s a good start too, they have a goal chalked off for a foul in the box following an early corner before a decent move down the right has centre half Joe Rodon of all players, cantering down the wing before centering to an unmarked Dominic Calvert-Lewin who does the rest. The former England striker (can we call him former?) scored 14 Premier League goals last season and has become a firm favourite since moving to Elland Road, looking in good shape, hungry, fit, you feel this has been a brilliant move since joining from Everton where he long suffered with injuries and I’ll back him to reach similar scoring figures (fitness pending) again. That early goal settles the game which eases into some slow possession-based football, by now RB Leipzig have got to grips with the playing conditions and are stroking it about whilst looking to patiently probe openings. Ezechiel Banzuzi picking it up deep, he and Arthur Vermeeren doing the proportion of simple ball keeping whilst slightly in front of them, Max Finkgrafe has a bit of sophisticated suave in his touches as he tries to make things happen with his tidy left foot. Tidiam Gomis out left and Johan Bakayoko out right are the pacey wide men they look to play in behind, but both are well kept quiet by left back James Justin and right back Jayden Bogle respectively, the game is trudging along then suddenly, after 30 minutes, the Referee blows his whistle. The Score It seems like today’s match is four quarters of half an hour each, which nobody told me about? It’s not the most enthralling contest and I’ve given up a better pay day in the National League to be at this match, so I’m already thinking about sodding off after 90 minutes, I don’t get paid overtime for friendlies. The second period is much of a muchness, Leeds impress on the break through the lively Dan James who’s end product often frustratingly lets him down, good home debuts for Harry Wilson who signed from Fulham, and Tarik Muharemovic, a defensive capture from Sassuolo, are about as positive as it gets, but the football on this hot day is low tempo, nothing more than a keep-ball practice session between two newly acquainted friends. There’s a half time break on the hour which lasts fifteen minutes, after which, Daniel Farke changes the majority of his team. Of the new crop I’m impressed with the pace and work rate of Max Aaronson whilst young teen midfielder Callum Mills comes on, he instantly tries a Zidane spin and falls over, the Referee giving him no sympathy as he’s on the deck arms out wide appealing, I’m impressed by some of his subtle touches, a lively young boy with confidence. Martin Demichelis is Leipzig manager, he shuffles his pack too, by now I haven’t a clue who’s playing where as I’m sat so far away the numbers aren’t all that clear, not that I’ve been given any numbers for the away side anyway? But it matters little, as there’s not a lot to see? Not much happens, and as the whistle blows for 90, I join a whole host of Leeds fans who think the same, a huge proportion of people heading for the exits, I’ll be surprised if there’s anyone in to watch the last half hour? On my way up through the Holbeck Park I hear a cheer so take out my phone and stick-on YouTube’s live feed as I walk to the car, but the score is still 1-0, a crowning goal is eventually netted by Lukas Nmecha after good work from Willy Gnonto, but by the time that goes in, I’m already on the M621. The Stars I’m impressed with the fluidity of Leeds and in that system players like Joe Rodon at centre half, are allowed to get forward because Ethan Ampadu cleverly sits in from midfield. Full backs Jayden Bogle and James Justin are both forward thinking too, fast and fit, of good quality, out wide they have pace and flair, in Daniel James who’s not everyone's cup of tea, but he’s certainly an outlet with speed, in Harry Wilson, who is your different type of wide player, cutting in, bolstering the midfield centrally, but with high end quality in the final third. Leeds stand out player goes by the initials of DCL. If they can keep Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit this season, they have a forward who can net fifteen plus goals in the Premier League, without him they might suffer as across the team, goals look harder to come by. As for Leipzig, I probably had my eyes on them a little more than Leeds having not watched much of them recently. New signing from Burnley, Maxime Esteve looked very good at centre half alongside Castello Lukeba who is very highly rated indeed, he's combative and strong. In midfield I quite liked the athletic attributes of Ezechiel Banzuzi who kept things relatively simple in the ‘enforcer’ role, whilst Max Finkgrafe who by trade is a left back, he caught my eye in a higher central midfield position where he could get on the ball and create in the final third almost as a no10. Up front, a quiet afternoon for star Brazilian striker Romulo, whilst out wide a player I liked whilst at PSV was Johan Bakayoko, he didn’t disappoint again, always looking to take on his man, opposite him on the left, 20 year old Frenchman Tidian Gomis had something about him, tall and quick, an exciting prospect signed in February this year, from Caen. The Verdict Leeds finished fourteenth last season and I firmly believe, if they can keep their star striker fit, they’ll do better than that this season. Defensive reinforcements have improved their back line (Trafford and Muharemovic both excellent signings) and Harry Wilson is a savvy capture from Fulham too. They may lack fire power without Calvert-Lewin, but the likes of Wilson, Nmecha, James, Aaronson, all should chip in. As for Leipzig, they have a huge squad of quality, mixed with youth and experience, a new young Coach who’s learning his trade, they have a good chance for repeating their third place finish of last season, whether they can go one better and pip Borussia Dortmund to second is one thing, I doubt that they (or anybody) has the tools to topple Bayern? The Red Bull franchise is all about finding great players and flipping them on for profit, whilst the success of this concept will never lead to prolonged dominance, it will potentially mean that Leeds United, like RB Leipzig, becomes a good breeding ground for future stars to come, and if history is anything to go by, it always has been, so that shouldn't be an issue. The Teams Leeds United: Alex Cairns (Rory Mahady 75), Jayden Bogle (Rhys Chadwick 80), James Justin (Willy Gnonto 80), Joe Rodon (Jayden Lienou 60), Tarik Muharemovic (Alfie Creswell 80), Sebastian Bornauw (Jaka Bijol 60), Ethan Ampadu (Brenden Aaronson 60), Sean Longstaff (Ao Tanaka 60), Daniel James (Anton Stach 60), Harry Wilson (Callum Mills 75), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Lukas Nmecha 60). RB Leipzig: Maarten Vandervoordt, Maxime Esteve (Willi Orban 60), Ezechiel Banzuzi (Eljif Elmas 60), Castello Lukeba (El Chadaille Bitshiabu 60), Tidiam Gomis (Sani Suleiman 60 (Lutsharel Geertruida 90)), Andrija Maksimovic (Samba Konate 60 (Ayodele Thomas 90)), Max Finkgrafe (David Raum 80), Benjamin Henrichs (Ridle Baku 60), Romulo (Conrad Harder 60), Arthur Vermeeren (Nicolas Seiwald 60), Johan Bakayoko (Brajan Gruda 60). 2:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 8th August 2026, Elland Road, Leeds (att 24,630).

Ipswich Town 1-0 Le Havre (Friendly) So what do we know about Le Havre? A port city in Normandy on the north coast of northern France, it’s probably as close to Portsmouth as it is to Paris? One of the oldest French football clubs around, Les Ciel et Marine (The Sky & Navy) have been in Ligue 1 since 2023 and were three times national champions during their amateur years at the turn of the twentieth century. Current Head Coach is a former PSG and Middlesbrough midfielder in Didier Digard and star players include Josh Maja (who they have just signed from West Bromwich Albion), Moroccan international Amir Richardson, who heads in on loan from Fiorentina and Mbwana Samatta, once of Aston Villa. It seems like a strange friendly match up but with Ipswich Town progressing to the Premier League this summer, hosting a topflight club from over the water isn’t all that drastic as first thought? Is it? Ipswich were promoted after just a season in the Championship following relegation from just one season in the Premier League after back-to-back promotions before that, but their popular Manager Kieran McKenna has since opted to take a break from the game, allowing former Bournemouth, Wolves and Strasbourg boss Gary O’Neill another pop at trying to keep a club in the top tier of English football. O’Neill has been given some reinforcements for his project with Brazilian forward Emersonn joining from Toulouse, Daizen Maeda joins from Celtic as Abdul Fatawa heads over from Leicester. Savvy acquisitions include Issa Diop from Fulham and Kjell Scherpen, a Dutch goalkeeper playing previously in Belgium for Union Saint-Gilloise. I’ve not been to Portman Road for a while so it’s a trip I have long wanted to chalk off, I did attempt to come here a couple of seasons ago for a friendly verses Luton Town but upon arrival found out the game was being played at Colchester so had to quickly re-route. I’ve double checked the venue for tonight, I’m on the road mid afternoon for a three-hour drive down the A1 & A14 and I arrive with plenty of time (post quick stop at a KFC), sun kissed in warm and muggy Suffolk. The Venue As always I did a bit of due-diligence with parking and knowing only two stands were in use tonight, I thought I could get quite close to the ground so parked on Crescent Road, which is directly off Portman Road and only a five minute walk to the stadium, it’s for parking permits Mon-Sat or 2 hours no return but free for anyone after 6pm weekdays, you have to read the signs you see, no good for Saturday matches but perfect for tonight. It’s a nice leafy road of large detached houses just off the scruffy looking high street at the top of the hill, I walk down the quaint Portman Road and over the traffic lights of Handford Road, the floodlights nearing of the stadium, a huge blue mural of Bobby Robson is the first thing that greets you which is on the side of the Sir Bobby Robson Stand. I love the Cobbold Stand, the back of the black pitched roof is propped up by white beams, it reminds me of the 80’s and those glory days of Ipswich in Europe, Ipswich Town Football Club written in large writing on the roof, it takes me back to Match & Shoot magazines where John Wark would be standing outside in a Fisons sponsored tracksuit with an oversized bottle of Bells Scotch Whiskey for yet another man of the match performance. I have a quick browse in the club shop to pass some time before walking around to the back of the Sir Alf Ramsey Stand where I’ll be seated tonight. Usually, I’m side on to the action, sometimes I’m even accredited in the press seating area, not tonight, tickets are sparse with only two sides of the stadium open and I’m in behind the goal. The stand itself is two tiered, I’m at the back of the bottom tier but on row ZZ. To my right is disabled seating on a platform which obscures my view of the goal. I’ve chosen the block in the corner thinking I’ll be out of sight with plenty of space but the players tunnel is directly to my left and there’s plenty of people squeezed in here, many getting their first selfie or autograph of recently appointed gaffer O'Neill who's happy to stand for pics below, the large two tiered West Stand is empty but for a few club personnel and media, likewise the Bobby Robson Stand opposite, the Cobbold Stand to the right sits in sunshine with a large scattering of home fans in both tiers. The ground is homely, traditional, enclosed, it feels a bit like a smaller styled Goodison Park with the stands all connected together, blue seating, two tiered, one of the true old English stadiums still around, a place that has real character and charm. The Game By now the stand I’m in (bottom tier at least) and the Cobbold across the way is full, the rest of the place is empty as the two teams come out, Ipswich in blue, Le Havre in all black, the French team look comfortable in possession to a point, without really having anything threatening enough to penetrate the Ipswich back line. Town have size and physique in Cedric Kipre at the back, the Tractor Boys are 4-3-3 and are more direct than Le Havre and look to counter forward down the wings, Maeda is busy cutting in on the left whilst young Tudor Mendel has some tricks out right, neither team however can prize opportunity in a dull first half which is slow tempo, Maeda blazing one shot over the nearest we come to even calling an attempt. I don’t dislike what I see from Le Havre though, they play possession based football out of their defence, have no rush in getting the ball forward, I can’t quite tell whether it’s a five they play at the back, or if their holding midfielder Junior Mwanga is just dropping so deep to collect the ball? It could be four with him often sitting in? Their full backs don't really get forward enough to inspire me as wing backs? I like the tall Amir Richardson who they have on loan from Fiorentina, a leggy central midfielder with technique, he stands out as a top player (having just been to the World Cup with Morocco), whilst in advanced positions, out left is Yanis Zouaoui, busy, with plenty of ability, but they can’t really get a player I liked having watched play for Monaco’s youth team before joining Le Havre, Joan Tincres up front is an isolated young figure. The Score At half time Ipswich make nine changes but Le Havre remain the same, the home team now have the bit between their teeth, front foot football played a little quicker through the lines, they pose more threat in forward areas, midfielder Sindre Walle Egeli is getting on the ball and making things happen, he’s combining with Jack Clarke who’s a player I’ve heard plenty about, but not watched a lot of, he reminds me of a Grealish or Maddison type and just looks to have that bit of extra special swagger about him. It’s no secret here, before the game when asking any young Ipswich fan who’s interviewed on the PA “what will the score be?” before the obvious “who’s your favourite player?” most will say "2-0" & "Jack Clarke". He’s a good-looking show pony who knows he’s a good player, but he also puts the effort in and tries to make things happen in a positive way. Busy and effective. And because of this faster front foot football now being played opportunities arise, new signing from Leicester City, Abdul Fatawa has looked electric down the right wing since entering the field, he’s into the box and stands up for Chuba Akpom who heads a looping ball into the back of the net. First (and only) blood Ipswich. That goal leads to a few changes in the away sides rank, all players they have available are pretty much used in the later stages, the second half spectacle dies somewhat, there are moments of things that nearly happen, Greaves has a header straight at the keeper and there’s another one by someone, somewhere along the line that almost does the same, it’s all played at the far side of the pitch so often and with the light dimming is tricky to see, but other than the goal? The biggest cheer is when the huge Issa Diop runs thirty yards to intercept a counter-attacking Le Havre break away, he simply muscles his opponent out of sight and comes away with the ball to rapturous home applause. The Stars Plenty on show from Ipswich who I must admit, look better prepared for Premier League football, perhaps, than they did the last time they were promoted? Squad depth is key and I feel they have a couple of decent options in every position? Leif Davis was very good bombing forward from left back in the first half, Ben Johnson offered a more composed defensive orientated option in the second, the huge Cedric Kipre played with a cigar on at centre half next to the solid skipper Dara O’Shea in the first 45, whilst in the second period, the equally huge Issa Diop paired with the left footed Jacob Greaves who is a defender I really like the look of. In midfield Cameron Humphreys did well, picking the ball up in deep pockets, busy, crowd favourite Marcelino Nunez can certainly play a bit, he used to wear the Canary colours of Norwich City before switching rivalries at the start of last season, whilst I was really impressed with young Norwegian international Sindre Walle Egeli who was combative, forward-thinking, energetic, and could also spray a pass. Do Ipswich have enough in attack to survive in the world’s best league this season coming? My only question, Daizen Maeda is a player I really like the look of, but those who have watched him more than me, have questioned his finesse in the final third, can he deliver double digit goals and assists? I don’t know? I like Maeda, I like the direct pace of Abdul Fatawu, and I really like the difference Jack Clarke brings the team, but although Chuba Akpom and George Hirst are very gritty good footballers, do they have the goal threat to net regularly in the Premier League? Between them all I’m not so sure? That’s not to say all aren’t brilliant individual footballers who can each do their bit. As for Le Havre, they impressed as individuals who collectively didn’t set Portman Road alight, Amir Richardson was a tall stand out footballer who looked strong and technical in midfield, in fact ideal for Premier League football, whilst the athletic looking Yanis Zouaoui was one I knew little about, but is now one I have new found respect for. At 28 he’s probably a little late to kick on to anything better than Ligue 1 football (this will only be his third year at the level) but as a left sided footballer who can contribute in defence or attack, he certainly offers good quality and work rate which are two staples of my own football dietary requirements. Others to do ok include midfielder Junior Mwanga who dropped deep to keep everything ticking but didn’t always pick the right pass, skipper Rassoul Ndiaye ahead of him was powerful and tidy in possession, Joan Tincres unfortunately quiet, I still think there’s a player in there somewhere with him. The Verdict A weird friendly to arrange perhaps? Le Havre didn’t bring any fans, Ipswich only sold 6,000 tickets and I don’t think the test was enough for Town to get much benefit from? Perhaps a better work out for the away side as they tested themselves against the pace and power of a Premier League opponent, but this was not a match up that I had on my initial pre-season bingo card, and it’s probably not a match up that will be replicated (certainly not by myself) in the future. That said, minutes gained ahead of the season, Le Havre are an ‘ok’ French side that might, most-likely, probably struggle (they finished fourteenth in an eighteen team league last season). Ipswich are a better than 'ok' English team, that might also struggle in the Premier League, but after watching them play, after seeing what they have in depth, they might do better than first anticipated? They certainly have enough quality to survive, but they will need clean sheets and goals, if they are to do so, If they get that right, they might even surprise a few? The Teams Ipswich Town: Alex Palmer (Kayne van Oevelen 66), James McAtee (Darnell Furlong 46), Dara O'Shea (Jacob Greaves 46), Cedric Kipre (Issa Diop 46), Leif Davis (Ben Johnson 46), Marcelino Nunez (Fin Barbrook 46), Cameron Humphreys (George Hirst 66), Anis Mehmeti (Sindre Walle Egeli 46), Tudor Mendel (Abdul Fatawu 46), Emersonn (Chuba Akpom 46), Daizen Maeda (Jack Clarke 46). Le Havre: Lionel Mpasi (Mori Diaw 46), Junior Mwanga (Kaito Mizuta 68), Amir Richardson (Mokrane Bentoumi 81), Rassoul Ndiaye (Ebroni Gnoan 81), Ayumu Seko (Daren Mosengo 58), Yanis Zouaoui (Enzo Koffi 68), Joan Tincres (Hakim Dongopandji 58), Vincent Sasso (Matheo Bodmer 81), Simon Ebonog (Ismail Bouneb 81), Timothee Pembele (Djibril Ouziad 68), Georges Gomis. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 4th August 2026, Portman Road, Ipswich (att 6,669).

Huddersfield Town 1-1 Blackburn Rovers (Friendly) 21st April 1928 was the last time Blackburn Rovers won the FA Cup. It was the sixth time in the club’s history that they had won it too. In fact, nobody had ever won it more (Aston Villa also won six by then), and Rovers opponents that day? Huddersfield Town, who ended their season as runners up in both cup and the league, after three years previously winning a hat-trick of back to back to back titles (two under the great Herbert Chapman and one under Jack Chaplin). Quite frankly, we were talking about two of the biggest sides in the country. Two goals from Jack Roscamp and one from Tommy McLean helping Bob Crompton's Rovers beat Chaplin's Terriers 3-1. It seems quite a way from that spring day in front of 92,000 supporters at Wembley all of 98 years on, but I'm heading to Huddy to try and relive the ages, as the two take on each other in a pre-season friendly. Huddersfield are nowadays in the third tier of the Football League, Blackburn in their ninth year in the Championship, Rovers Manager Tony Mowbray has brought in Moussa Baradji (permanently) and Jayden Fevrier (from Blackpool) this summer. Huddersfield have been much busier under Martin Drury. Derensili Sanches Fernandes and Ilias Brockhorst head in from Excelsior of Rotterdam in Holland, whilst Ashley Fletcher is a free signing from Blackpool, Goalkeeper Matty Young comes on loan from Sunderland and one I really like, young Ethan Brierley joins from Brentford. It's a decent drive off the M1 through West Bretton and past the Yorkshire Sculpture park on the A637, I'm through Flockton and Lepton with the huge Emley Moor Mast imposing on the hills in the distance ever nearing, the traffic picking up as I drive down into the built up valley of Huddersfield town centre before parking up on a side street a short walk from the ground. The Venue I cross the busy Leeds Road and walk down the Bradley Mills Lane past the retail park of numerous well-known outlets. I'm cutting through a car park as I see the floodlights nearing above the trees. Curved blue roofing makes this place most noticeable to anyone that knows a thing or two about British football. As stadiums go, it's probably one of the most iconic looking in England, and built in 1994, over 32 years ago, it still looks as modern and as unique as anything in the game. I've time on my side so have a little look around the club shop, before heading into the turnstiles and up for a Balti pie and bottle of Pepsi, I had a late one last night, so I also grab a bag of munchies for a bit of extra sugar. Built by the McAlpine construction company it will probably always be the McAlpine Stadium to me. Known at the moment as the Accu Stadium for sponsorship reasons, previously as the John Smith’s Stadium before that, its official unbranded name is the Kirklees Stadium, it has four separate stands, each with magnificent curved roofs above, blue and white seating of just under 25,000 when full, today just two stands in use and neither are even near capacity. I love the place, it's a stadium to be proud of in a humble West Yorkshire town. A hidden showstopper tucked between the River Colne and a huge bank of trees which line the eye above the stunning curved arches that the great Wembley stadium some years later would model their very own on. The Game I'm sat in the Riverside Stand with a good view at the back of the lower tier but in the corner near the South Stand goal as the two teams come out onto the field. ‘Cmon Town’ shouts a fan in front. Both stands either side are empty, the one across has a scattering of Blackburn fans, Rovers are in red and Huddersfield in their traditional stripes. The Championship team start the more comfortable attempting to enforce in possession, but opportunity is limited. Todd Cantwell these days a Rover, stroking it about with the armband on. Playmaker Cantwell has a low shot well saved by young Huddersfield loanee Matty Young whilst the best moments come over on the far side, I really like Blackburn’s right back Ryan Alebiosu who’s powerful and gets forward, he whips a brilliant cross in but a last ditched defensive tackle by Bronkhorst stops Dapo Afolayan having an easy tap in at the back post. Huddersfield are game, their advanced players in what looks like a 4-2-3-1 formation in possession (switching at times defensively to 5-4-1) all link up well with nice one and two touch football all be it sometimes not always pulling off. When it does, those flicks from Fernandes, Fletcher and Kasumu are too fast for Blackburn to deal with and Lynden Gooch is set away down the left wing, he runs through too quick to catch but his shot is saved by Toth in the Blackburn goal. Of the playmakers in the Town team, Marcus Harness is most busy and has a couple of chances before finally putting the hosts in the lead. A Rovers player is down with a head injury as the ball is played forward, before the Referee can stop the game Harness strikes low and hard into the corner of the net, cheers in the home end as the goalscorer walks nonchalantly off, Blackburn players surround the Referee as they bemoan his decision to play on. The Score The second half has Rovers on top but it's stop and start as injured stallions hobble off for treatment between a flurry of away team corners, pressure seems to be averted as Tony Mowbray then makes five changes ahead of the hour, but it’s one of those changes who produces the moment of the game from nothing, as a ball falls kindly to Jake Garrett, he swings his left foot around 25 yards out and unleashes a bullet into the roof of the net. “That’s the quality Championship sides have” says one fella who’s sat in front of me. Late on there are chances for Huddersfield as the busy Joe Taylor has a shot deflected off the crossbar, Sean Roughan then heads onto the post from a set play but in the end a worthy work out, just one week until the season starts properly, both teams will be happy with their performances against tough and testing opposition. The Stars I liked some of Huddersfield’s one touch intricate movement and new signing Derensili Sanches Fernandes shown that he had some pace to burn and neat interchange although not yet quite on the wavelength of others, that may take time? Ashley Fletcher led the line well up front whilst Marcus Harness got forward brilliantly and made things happen, outside him on the left, Lynden Gooch to the home cries of ‘Gooooch’ every time he got the ball, shown explosive pace, a real crowd favourite, whilst I liked the work of David Kasumu in midfield, defensively new signing Bronckhorst having a very solid game at right back. Blackburn had nineteen year old centre back Tom Atcheson who is one to watch, he played with composure and is of decent size and stature but lacking a bit of pace perhaps, beside Sean McLoughlin at the heart of defence who also did well, whilst Yuri Ribeiro shown his usual grit at left back, I was mightily impressed with right sider Alebiosu, a former Arsenal youngster (now 24) who is quick, powerful, direct, and after beating his man for pace, put a couple of lovely teasing crosses into the box. In midfield the pivot Adam Forshaw was well backed by the neat and inventive Todd Cantwell and Kristi Montgomery who’s an academy product with neat and sensible choice making skills. The two Japanese players Ohashi and Morishita largely disappointed, as did Oladapo Afolayan in attack, but the big and bulky Jayden Fevrier came on to prove a handful, less mobile than most, he’s a thick set solid looking fella who will look to power his way through, reminding me of a much younger, Mikel Antonio. The Verdict If I were to have a punt on either for promotion in their respective divisions that punt note would be placed on Huddersfield who have a good squad for the league they are in, some savvy acquisitions this summer will see them slowly improve as they gel, they need goals, and in Joe Taylor who they loaned out to Wigan last season, they might get more of them through him, than they would in Ashley Fletcher, perhaps. I fancy Huddersfield to be kicking around the playoffs and I still think in Ethan Brierley and Tom Iorpenda they have two young players untapped that could play a huge part over the coming months. As for Blackburn, I wonder if they lack a bit of depth? They’ll be resilient under Tony Mowbray and could if not spectacularly, grind out a few ugly results, but I would be more concerned about those below, than I would be by those above, as I’m not entirely sure they have the tools just yet, for a challenge fit to return to the Premier League. The Teams Huddersfield Town: Matty Young, Ilias Bronkhorst (Lasse Sorensen 85), Radino Balker, Jack Whatmough, Sean Roughan, Ryan Ledson, David Kasumu (Bali Mumba 82), Derensili Sanches Fernandes (Marcus McGuane 71), Marcus Harness (Jay Smith-Sway 82), Lynden Gooch, Ashley Fletcher (Joe Taylor 71). Blackburn Rovers: Balazs Toth, Ryan Alebiosu, Tom Atchison (Hayden Carter 58), Sean McLoughlin, Yuri Ribeiro (Harry Pickering 58), Adam Forshaw (Jake Garrett 58), Kristi Montgomery (Axel Henriksson 80), Ryota Morishita, Todd Cantwell, Oladapo Afolayan (Jayden Fevrier 58), Yuki Ohashi (Andri Gudjohnsen 58). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 1st August 2026, Kirklees Stadium, Huddersfield (att 3,821).

Ipswich Town 1-1 Luton Town (Friendly) Saturday 24th April 2004 was the last time I was in Ipswich. A couple of goals from David Johnson helping my team Nottingham Forest beat his old team at Portman Road, Johnno's very welcome neat finishes coming either side of a Dean Bowditch strike for the Tractor Boys. That action came in English football's second tier, a level which Town have recently been promoted back to after a few rough years in the doldrums, people my age, or older, will remember the good old days for Ipswich. The Bobby Robson era brought FA Cup and European success; they were twice runners up in the old top flight before Robson got the England job. His star-studded side of John Wark, Mick Mills, Arnold Murhen, Paul Mariner and more, helping the Blues to a UEFA Cup final win over AZ Alkmaar in 1981, those two legs which ended 5-4 still very much remembered today. Funny enough, around the time Bobby Robson was replacing Ron Greenwood at FA HQ in 1982, David Pleat was dancing his way into English football's top division with little old Luton Town. The Hatters lasted ten years before relegation ahead of the Premier League era, they haven't been back since, until now. It's a good three-hour drive from my house in Nottingham, down the A1 I go, onto the A14 where I miss a turn and end up in Cambridge heading up the Histon Road which adds ten more minutes on my journey, back on the dual carriageway with signs for Felixstowe and Ipswich it's a quiet and calm drive South East to the sleepy old Suffolk town itself. I'm early so pull up at a Morrisons for a pee but as I check twitter to see if the game is all ok and on time without hiccup, it’s only then I notice it's not actually being played at Portman Road, but at the Colchester Community Stadium which is luckily, only fifteen minutes down the A12... My long awaited return to Portman Road, I suppose will have to wait. The Venue There’s nowhere to park in Colchester, the club’s website says ‘get here early’ expecting congestion with all car parks already sold out, ‘use the park and ride’ they say, not feasible when you’ve got a three-hour journey back home and don’t know the area particularly well. I'm scurrying around the industrial part of town off Axial Way near a Volkswagen dealership where I notice a few cars parked on a roundabout, I stick it there for safe keeping, others have done it, a couple of fans get out their cars to check signs which there are none, “you’re good to park here” I tell someone in a blue shirt, but as I later notice, parking two wheels on a curb will cost you thirty five bastard quid! Unknowing I’m about to get a ticket off the aggrivating wankers that are North Essex Council who’ve clearly deliberately sent a little Hitler out during the match to claw in as much tax as they can from the lost day trippers of Ipswich and Luton who all (like me) struggle to find somewhere suitable to stick their motors, I walk over a stupidly named roman road to United Way where it’s a building site, nothing bar a fenced in David Lloyd Gym before finally the ground appears beneath the dust, modern, cantilevered, like every other four stand small newly built venue in the country, think Burton, think Chesterfield, think unimaginative boring and bland, I’m still disappointed it's not Portman Road, I had my camera fully loaded in particular for the Bobby Robson statue. Inside however you get a great close-up view of the playing surface and three like-minded sides of your blue seated panorama. After waiting around for the turnstiles to finally open an hour before kick-off, I walked in to immediately order a Steak & Ale pie, Pukka as standard, fully wrapped, with a cup of PG Tips tea, that cost little more than a fiver and hit the spot, as I made my row up to seat 90, row G, elevated half way but close to the pitch and also that of the home team technical area. The Game The crowd has filled nicely, I’m sitting beside an Ipswich fan to my left, a Watford fan from Colchester on my right, we’re all tightly packed in as the players walk out “there’s over 6,000 in tonight” the fella to my left says, “they usually only get four here when Colchester play” Kieran McKenna’s side in blue immediately impress, they play out from the back, thread balls down the sides, look to break fast but dominate possession, Egyptian midfielder Sam Morsy is captain, he’s short, stumpy, runs funny but dictates the midfield centrally, spreading balls out wide and following his pass to receive again. Rob Edwards Luton see much less of the ball, they’re organised, ugly, 3-5-2, they wait to counter and are far more direct, they use Doughty and Ogbene as wing-backs a lot, and when that doesn’t work, just lump it forward to Adebayo and Morris up top. But Ipswich are dealing with Luton’s physical front duo, Woolfenden and Burgess head everything away, they are snapping at the sizeable centre forwards and don’t give them an inch, it doesn’t take long for the recently promoted Championship side to score, a cross from the right by Wes Burns seemingly misses everyone, although Nathan Broadhead in true striker like fashion claims the goal. The Score Broadhead is soon subbed with an injury, I tell the fella to my left “I hope it’s nothing serious” as Harness is brought on in his place, perhaps just as an early season precaution? The game is of good standard, but chances are few and far between, Ipswich hit the top of the crossbar with a header by Burgess whilst Luton rarely threat. I’m talking to the chap on my right, a teacher who lives in Colchester, he’s a Watford fan so has an obvious dislike for Luton, he’s talking about their number of Managers and that he just wants to see more young players come through, I ask him who’s the last ‘real’ Watford Academy talent and he tries to claim Jadon Sancho… We end up agreeing at Ashley Young who he tells me was one of the best Watford players he ever saw live… I’m thinking no prizes for guessing the best as he counts down his top three… “Gerard Delofeu sneaks in for that wonderful goal at Wembley but Ashley is second, the best I’ve ever seen is John Barnes though” He did give me an honourable nod to Nigel Callaghan, saying “Because Barnes was so good, he never gets a mention” going on to say “his delivery was brilliant” before telling me “he went on to become a DJ in Corfu you know, he didn’t keep his slim figure though” I reply “I hope he kept his mullet”. Second half changes are made by Ipswich but not by Luton who stick with the same eleven until the hour, the blues bring on a quartet of attacking pace with new loan signing from Chelsea, Omari Hutchinson exciting the fella to my left “he’s smaller than I thought he would be” he says before telling me “he’s supposed to be bloody quick this lad”. To be fair to Ipswich, they’re all quick, Freddie Lapado is a real handful coming in off the left, down the right Kayden Jackson is linking up well with Kyle Edwards who has a bundle of tricks, but Luton make changes themselves and that soon brings them back into play, Ogbene breaking after being set away bundled over inside the box and Carlton Morris, with the away sides first real effort on target, dispatches his penalty with ease. The last few minutes surprisingly swing both ways, an entertaining end with an attacking edge, Luton go close on a couple of occasions before Lapado fires wide from the angle, the two teams huffing and puffing ahead of the whistle being blown, a good workout for both, who’ll both have some positives and negatives on their own performances. The Stars I was really impressed with Ipswich and think they’ll do ok in the Championship, Manager McKenna has started to put the clubs ‘identity’ back in Town and they play good football, with neat and quick players, they’re a young but small side and have a lot to be optimistic about after a few pretty crap years before the season last and their thirteen out of fourteen match winning streak which helped secure promotion. Christian Walton in goal is tall and handles well, Woolfenden and Burgess are almost old-skool defensively, organised and strong physically, verbally communicative with the rest of their team, Morsy was high quality in midfield always offering himself up whilst Wes Burns attacked at every opportunity down the right, in George Hirst and Nathan Broadhead they have two uncomplicated strikers who will get goals, what I liked about their style is they get crosses in from wide positions and don’t mess about, the wingers frequently getting to the bye-line to cut it back quickly into the danger area. In depth they have Lapado, Jackson, Hutchinson and Edwards who probably wouldn’t look out of place in an Olympic 100m semi-final sprint field. For Luton, well despite their unflattering style they still have a lot to be optimistic about, in the Premier League for the first ever time and in the top tier of English football for the first time since 1992 I think they’ll be a handful, especially at Kenilworth Road. They have a real good old fashioned front two in the leggy Elijah Adebayo and the handful Carlton Morris who I predict will comfortably be a Premier League player, even if Luton are not, in two and three years time, whilst the wingback Ogbene shown pace, his opposite flanker Doughty shown skill, in midfield it was good to see former Manchester United Academy star Tahith Chong eloquently spraying passes, he burst past a defender with lightening speed in the second half before crossing the ball completely out of play, one that's previously flattered to deceive, I feel in a central position in the Hatters heart he can perhaps be a pivotal player next season, speaking of pivotal, it was also great to see Tom Lockyer back after feinting in the playoff final, he epitomises the Luton ethic, captain and leader, underrated, he’s a good footballer and a solid competitor, they’ll need plenty of others to show his heart, desire and work ethic in the season to come. The Verdict Ipswich will be ok.. I’ve gone on record to say that in the Championship, anything can happen, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this team don’t shock a lot of people by challenging for the playoffs, but in reality, like the fella to my left said “it’ll be too soon to go up again” and I predict a mid to lower table position clear of relegation worries. For Luton, anything above 18th and the relegation drop will be a bonus. The consensus is that they’ll get battered every week, the fella on my right saying “they might trouble Derby for the lowest ever Premier League points tally” but I’m not so sure… Teams won’t like coming to Kenilworth Road and with their awkward set up and organisation, their strength and fire power up top, they might just handle themselves better than some might say, all things considered, they’ll do very well to survive in the cut throat Premier League and will probably snap my hand off at seventeenth right now. The Teams Ipswich Town: Christian Walton, Janoi Donacien (Dominic Ball 46), Luke Woolfenden (George Edmundson 46), Cameron Burgess (Elkan Baggott 62), Leif Davis (Greg Leigh 46), Sam Morsy (Lee Evans 46), Jack Taylor (Kyle Edwards 46), Wes Burns (Kayden Jackson 46), Conor Chaplin (Omari Hutchinson 46), Nathan Broadhead (Marcus Harness 34), George Hirst (Freddie Lapado 46). Luton Town: James Shea (Matt Macey 75), Chiedozie Ogbene (Joe Taylor 86), Mads Andersen, Tom Lockyer (Allan Campbell 61), Alfie Doughty, Luke Berry (Louie Watson 61), Jordan Clark (John McAtee 86), Dan Potts, Tahith Chong (Aidan Francis-Clark 61), Carlton Morris (Cauley Woodrow 75), Elijah Adebayo (Joe Johnson 61). 7:30pm Kick Off. Tuesday 25th July 2023, Colchester Community Stadium (att 6,000).