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Notts County 3-0 Doncaster Rovers (EFL League Two) So I’ve a boxing day party to go to around the corner from our house and I’ve had a text off the host who says ‘whilst the women are left at home to prepare the buffet the men will be going to watch football’ so “Do you want a ticket” how can I refuse? I last seen Notts play in the summer and although I’m a red from across the river I’ve often watched the Magpies with friends as something to do when Forest are away and have no problem sitting in the Kop and seeing one or two familiar faces from the local footballing fraternity. Kev’s whatsapped my ticket and he’s picking me up at 2:30pm with his brother and old man, all three huge Pies fans and season ticket holders, I’ve been watching Forest annihilate Newcastle United on Amazon Prime before getting in the car… “I bet you’re depressed being a Forest fan” Kev’s Dad says to me on first meeting… “They’re actually winning 3-1” I reply, as he’s not yet aware of today’s score… “I’m buzzing”. Like Forest, Notts have had a recent sticky patch with a couple of poor results of late but I’ve been told performances are there, County play like a lower league Man City and pass out from the back, dominate possession and have goals in all departments, Doncaster are struggling and just the sort of team that Notts could do with facing today as I predict 4-0 in the car journey to the ground. The Venue Kev’s parked in the County Council car park and tells me “They charge £10 when Forest play but nothing for Notts games” it’s a short five minute walk over Trent Bridge as we cross the river and head for the back side of the stadium which has queues all down the Iremonger Road to get in. A big crowd today is hoping for some festive cheer. There’s a newly built paddle tennis centre in the car park behind the Kop. There’s also an outdoor bar which has been made out of a shipping container, it’s the Magpies owners ploy to bring more money through the doors, the Reedtz brothers are Danish and have stamped their own nuance on Notts County Football Club and boy the fans are pleased, watching good football, in good hands, it feels even despite recent results the club is finally in a great place following a few years outside the football league. We’re through the turnstiles after a quick scan of my mobile phone. Kev’s old man and brother go straight to the shipping container for a pint whilst we walk up the steps for a Bovril and hot chocolate. There’s only 14 minutes until kick off and I doubt I can down a pint in that time. Inside the arena it’s impressive in black, green lit surface below four large stands of similar height, Doncaster fans have the corner of an otherwise empty Jimmy Sirrel stand to our left. In front the Haydn Green Family Stand is half full whilst both the Kop and Derek Pavis Stand on the right are packed, we are in line with the corner flag and touchline, a wide view of everything below but about as high up as I’ve ever been at Notts, crammed in and comfortable with my hot beef drink as Kev’s brother and dad appear around the same time as the players come out to cheers. The Game Doncaster look more like QPR in blue and white hoops, Notts in thin black and white stripes are knocking it around as the away side stand off, they’ve retreated with a game plan and I’m already thinking it’s a dangerous tactic to allow County to have so much of the ball. It should be 2-0, Notts have missed a couple of chances already and have dominated play but a cross into the Magpies box has Jodi Jones tug a shirt and Joe Ironside has the chance from the penalty spot, as soft as they come I feel it’s the Referee’s attempt to jazz up a one sided game but Ironside’s penalty is wide as I scream ‘they aint scoring today’. It doesn’t take Notts long to take advantage, a few more missed before finally they have the ball in the net. Jodi Jones whipping in with velocity, swerve, dip, Dan Crowley running in to tap home without breaking stride. Macaulay Langstaff is next, he’s been sniffing all half with his constant off ball movement he has two chances missed but doesn’t fail the third time as he prods home from neatwork by David McGoldrick. Langstaff with fifteen for the season is a proper old-skool centre forward who ‘every young budding number nine should watch play’ His educated awareness and instinct is why he scores so many. The Score At half time Kev’s brother shows me the possession stats on his BBC sports app which have Notts County on the ball for 83% of the first 45. They are ridiculously good on the ball for a team at this level but leave themselves very open at the back. I can’t help feel a side with pace can catch them on the break, luckily for Notts, Doncaster don’t have any, with Ironside isolated often alone up top. He’s certainly not the quickest as he trots around frustrated with his lower arm in plaster. In fact it’s Notts who possess more attacking prowess and McGoldrick is dazzling again, he’s running forward with the ball before supplying Langstaff who’s shot on the spin is parried by the goalkeeper and Aaron Nemane taps home a third. With plenty of time left there’s a flurry of substitutions as Notts release their foot off the gas, a couple of half chances for both sides but the game is won, by now the home fans are singing ‘3-0 down on your big day out’ and ‘can we play you every week’. The Stars I really enjoyed watching the off ball running of Macaulay Langstaff, a natural born centre forward who is always sniffing and sensing where the ball might arrive, and his movement seems to nearly always lead to goalscoring opportunity. He’s the type of player I feel no matter what division, he’ll simply score goals because it’s what he does, it's what he's born to do. Dan Crowley was fantastic and is a lovely player to watch, cutting in off the right and looking to make things happen whilst David McGoldrick looks to have a responsibility which he’s enjoying. Showing those ‘youngsters’ what it means to play for his boyhood club and leading by example with every touch of the ball a positive manoeuvre with intention to make something happen. Not really a day for Doncaster or their fans to cheer much about. Young substitutes Tavonga Kuleya and Modou Faal on loan from West Brom did at least have a positive impact when they came on, but they were largely second best and perhaps indebted to their goalkeeper Ian Lawlor for keeping the score down. The Verdict Notts need to keep tracks on those above them and have a must win match at Meadow Lane on Friday verses Morecambe where much of the same type of performance will do nicely. Doncaster will be watching over their shoulders and will also be looking to (not deliberately) do Notts a favour in their next match by beating Mansfield at Field Mill. If they play like they did today however, then they won’t be taking any points against a team flying high in the promotion race. If there’s two worse teams in League Two than Donny this season, I’ve a feeling the Rovers fans will probably be satisfied with an outcome that leads to survival. They looked poor and resigned to defeat from minute one and if they stay up, I'll be mildly surprised that their season has achieved par. The Teams Notts County: Aidan Stone, Richard Brindley (Connell Rawlinson 68), Aidan Baldwin, Kyle Cameron (Oliver Tipton 68), Aaron Nemane (Tobi Adebayo-Rowling 77), Dan Crowley, Sam Austin, John Bostock, Jodi Jones (Jim O’Brien 69), David McGoldrick (James Sanderson 78), Macaulay Langstaff. Doncaster Rovers: Ian Lawlor, Jamie Sterry (Tavonga Kuleya 70), Joseph Olowu (Will Flint 46), Tom Anderson (Tommy Rowe 46), Jack Senior, Tom Nixon, Ben Close, Owen Bailey, Harrison Biggins (Modou Faal 60), Luke Molyneux (Kyle Hurst 82), Joe Ironside. 3:00pm Kick Off. Tuesday 26th December 2023, Meadow Lane, Nottingham (att 12,785).

Stevenage 1-3 Coventry City (Friendly) The Lamex Stadium on Broadhall Way in Stevenage has been on my radar for some time now. My earliest memories perhaps drawn to January 1998 and the fourth round of the FA Cup when Stevenage Borough (as they were known until 2010) drew with Newcastle United, before controversially losing in a tight replay at St James Park. The name Giuliano Grazioli etched into every fans memory who were there that day, the on loan striker levelling to cancel out Alan Shearer's early goal in front of the Sky cameras. Since, Stevenage have grown from non-league minnows to football league regulars (they even later beat Newcastle) and now play in League One, the third tier of English football, having gained promotion in 2023 they spent last season largely under the stewardship of the larger than life Steve Evans, before Alex Revell took over a side that punched above themselves towards the top half of the table. I recently watched Coventry City in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley. Mark Robin's side were gritty but outclassed, before I made an early exit to beat the traffic back north, Manchester United were 3-0 up and cruising but no sooner had I left the stadium were the Sky Blues fans cheering, the game eventually ended in a classic 3-3 draw before the Red Devils won through on penalties. Reminder never to leave early again. The Venue Easily located within a stones throw of the A1, the Hertfordshire town of Stevenage sits on junction 7 and the ground is placed on a roundabout opposite an industrial park that includes a Burger King, a Nandos and a rather large and modern looking M&S. I parked north of the stadium and walked down the carriageway and through the underpass to the ground, a modern looking venue which internally has some quirks. The East Terrace with its triangular commentary position on half way, each end is low roof, seated whilst the Main Stand, where i'm sat, offers a good view up close and personal, although I did have to move as a rather large bloke was sat next to me. The Game Both teams featured some young guns but Stevenage started brightest, capitalising on a sloppy mistake, new signing from St Johnstone Dan Phillips set his sights from the edge of the area and shot low and hard to open the scoring with just a couple of minutes played. The home side were good value, chasing everything down and not giving the opposition an inch, some misplaced passes and touches too many it looked like Coventry were a week or two behind the Boro in their pre-season preperation but an error by the home sides trialist goalkeeper gave Justin Obikwu a sniff of danger, the keeper dwelling on the ball for the speedy Obikwu to nip in, he went down inside the box, picked himself up, and placed the penalty home for a leveller. That gave Coventry some new found confidence and shortly after, Bobby Thomas headed home from a corner and as half time approached, Coventry broke as from a Stevenage corner, Obikwu set free down the left, he found Tavares who made no mistake. The Score Stevenage had chances in what was a really open game, they hit a post through Appere whilst Freeman whistled wide in the second half. Obikwu a constant menace at the other end, went close with a header before his replacement, Mason-Clarke produced a carbon copy and fine save from the hosts shot stopper. Coventry ending the game with eleven new changes and the dominant force of the two as Stevenage also thew on their youngsters, a good work out on an entertaining nights evening, both sides you feel will be happy with what they achieved. The Stars At just twenty-years-old, Trinidad & Tobago international Obikwu was a constant menace with desire, pace, and has a knack of being in the right place to get his shot off. He was electric at times up front and in 17-year-old Kai Andrews who shown one or two neat touches in midfield, the futures bright for the sky blues. Also impressing, left footed centre half Liam Kitching, beside left back Jay Dasilva who shown pace, aggression and passion whilst the exciting Tatsuhiro Sakamoto made a late cameo, he was trumped however by the silky smooth midfielder Jack Rudoni, a recent signing from Huddersfield, the tall blonde playmaker looked a talented footballer and very elegant in possession. For Stevenage, all hail new signing Dan Phillips in an attacking midfield role, quick to press and always forward thinking. Jordan Roberts was another who impressed with driving powerful runs from the left whilst the slight looking creative number ten Dan Kemp also looked like a real attacking threat. There was even time for a fifteen year old substitute to make an appearance as ginger haired midfielder Ryan Docherty got some experience on the pitch, an old boy who works for the clubs academy telling me "he's a chirpy Irish boy who plays number ten" one i'll certainly be keeping an eye on in future years. The Verdict Two good progressive football sides, Stevenage don't mince with it in their own half but in the attacking third play some attractive stuff and have threat out wide and from midfield. Coventry have an abundance of talent and are relatively strong in midfield themselves, with the likes of Ben Sheaf, Jamie Allen, Jack Rudoni all near on the ball, they also have some pace out wide and some big targets from set plays as their squad depth aims to cover all bases. I'll be expecting Mark Robins side to have a serious playoff push this season whilst the Boro, well they'll be just fine in League One with some good players at their disposal. The Teams Stevenage: Trialist, Luther James-Wildin (Owen Cochrane 84), Dan Sweeney (Nathan Thompson 68), Carl Piergiani, Nick Freeman (Trialist 68), Louis Appere, Dan Kemp (Elliot List 68), Jordan Roberts (Ben Thompson 68), Lewis Freestone (Kane Smith 46), Harvey White (David Hicks 84), Dan Phillips (Ryan Docherty 75). Coventry City: Bradley Collins (Ben Wilson 65), Jack Burroughs (Milan van Ewijk 65), Bobby Thomas (Joel Latibeaudiere 65), Liam Kitching (Luis Binks 65), Jay Dasilva (Jake Bidwell 65), Josh Eccles (Ben Sheaf 65 (Ryan Howley 83)), Jamie Allen (Jack Rudoni 65), Kai Andrews (Kasey Palmer 65), Fabio Tavares (Tatsuhiro Sakamoto 61), Justin Obikwu (Ellis Simms 65), Aidan Dausch (Ephron Mason-Clark 65). 7:00pm Kick Off. Tuesday 23rd August 2024, Broadhall Way, Stevenage (att 1,737).

Hull City 0-2 Newcastle United (Friendly) I was in Taunton on Friday, scoring at Somerset v Kent in the Metro Bank One Day Cup. Michael Vaughan’s son Archie making his debut in first class cricket but getting out, run out without even getting to face a ball. A memorable debut to forget for him, but he at least did ok with his bowling and Somerset more importantly won, dad will be proud at least. Today’s game is a switch to bigger balls between Hull City and Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly at the MKM Stadium. I was supposed to cover Ipswich Town and Fortuna Dusseldorf but a last minute change of plan from the bosses, it at least saves on the fuel as Hull is around an hour closer to me in Nottingham, although i'm expecting a rebate for the ticket to Portman Road I pre-brought. Newcastle United are managed by Eddie Howe, he’s been rumoured with the England job but looks more than happy to stay in Toon. Hull City Manager Tim Walter is new into a job, the Tigers sacking Liam Rosenior after a seventh placed finish last season. Ambition this season looks like playoffs or bust. It’s a 2pm kick off today, so I’m out the door for eleven, a couple of hours or under to Boothferry Road, where I’ll park on one of the side streets of terraced houses, £1.50 over the Humber Bridge but it’s worth the entrance fee alone. Then a walk of the last leg, a good ten or fifteen minutes which is good for the step count, then through the leafy West Park, idyllic and peaceful, before reaching the concourse of the Hull City stadium. The Venue Inside is bowl like, curved roof, black seats, pitch green and carpet like with green paint over the white lines drawn for the local rugby league team which also resides here. Newcastle have brought a good 5,000 crowd and are behind the goal to my right, I’m in the East Stand, near half way, right at the top on row FF. A cracking view as the congestion of fans build around me. The Game I’m chatting to a lad to my left who was lucky enough a couple of years ago to be one of the fans who got picked to go on an all-expenses flight to Turkey, mixing with the team on their training camp in Antalya. He said the owner laid on beer and food for them free of charge but "probably didn't expect us to drink so much" Club president Aycun Ilicali is a Turkish broadcaster and more recently took his side to play against Fernabache who thrashed the Tigers 5-1 in a friendly. A couple of Turkish players they have include Dogukan Sinik and Abdulkadir Omur, the latter of which starts in the Tigers midfield today. And the Tigers are tigerish… They start bright, press Newcastle hard and the away side are quick to react, in the know they are in a game, it's competitive and fast paced, they step up their slow start and soon begin to control proceedings. Often whipping balls into the box from out wide, Newcastle go close on a couple of occasions whilst Oscar Estupinian blazes a tidy volley inches over for Hull, but Jacob Murphy has been busy down the right for the away side, he’s tricking and teasing again, crossing low for Alexander Isak who’s long leggy toe beats Croatian goalkeeper Pandur to the ball. The Score Nick Pope makes one incredible save in the Newcastle goal to keep his side in the lead, the England goalkeeper diving left with a big powerful wrist to keep out an effort inside the area from Regan Slater, and that proves decisive as up the other end, Jacob Murphy again breaks, he enters the box before crossing low, a daisy cutter that evades everyone and bobbles into the far side corner of the net. It’s a little harsh on Hull who haven’t been bad. Newcastle clinical in attack, the second half, the home side has more pressure, but they can’t make it tell, even when the visitors bring on their substitutes, most of which directly from their Academy side, the only players of recognition by the time minute ninety hit, Dan Burn who's been playing centre half today, and new signing Odyseas Vlachomodis, who did have a hand in saving one long range attempt from Omur. The Stars Some flashes of quality down the left by the lively Jamal Lewis in the first half from the away side. The bleach blonde Brazilian Joelinton was brilliant in the Newcastle midfield whilst front trio Harvey Barnes, Alex Isak and Jacob Murphy caused real problems to Hull. A mention to the fair haired Lewis Hall who started in midfield and quickly moved to left back, a player always looking to get on the ball and spread the play with his range of left footed passes, a good talent who’ll be knocking on the England door soon I suspect. For Hull, centre half Alfie Jones was a solid competitor and decent in possession, little Omur on the right side of midfield certainly looked like he could play. Regan Slater was busy in the middle of the park, but the Tigers often lacked the creation to get it up to the awkward looking centre forward Estupinian, in reality their second half performance was much better against lesser opponents when Newcastle brought on their subs, Jean Seri their standout off the bench, diminutive but dynamic, a good midfielder who buzzes around trying to get things on the go. 33-years-old now but he'll be essential if Hull do well this coming campaign. The Verdict Tim Walter will sink or swim in the Humber, he’ll need to get off to a fast start to win the fans over, many of which still have fond memories of the job his predecessor Liam Rosenior done, but some frustrated by the old manager’s style will be hopeful it improves under Walter, the team passed well, they pressed well, but lacked a little invention in the final third, a void not helped by the departing exits of Jaden Philogene, Ozan Tufan and Jacob Greaves who were all brilliant last season. Newcastle at half strength looked a level above, which of course they are, in Eddie Howe they have a tactician who can tinker to effect during games, who can set up to stifle opponents and impose his own delicate intracules, and I would be doing what I possibly could, to keep him at the club, and keep England as far away as possible. I believe without the distraction of Europe, and with Howe at the helm, the Magpies can have a better season in the league, but they’ll want their own stability to continue, and a big part of improvement this year, would also depend on keeping their best players, as fit as they can, and on the pitch, instead of the treatment room, where many, spent the last campaign. The Teams Hull City: Ivor Pandor, Lewis Coyle (Brandon Fleming 65), Ryan Giles (Nathan Tinsdale 80), Alfie Jones (Stan Ashbee 89), Sean McLoughlin (Andy Smith 84), Ryan Longman (Sincere Hall 89), Xavier Simons (James Furlong 89), Oscar Estupinian (Jean Seri 62), Regan Slater, Matty Jacob (Cody Drameh 46), Abulkumar Omar (Harry Vaughan 84). Newcastle United: Nick Pope (Odyseas Vlachomidos 74), Tino Livramento (Trevan Sanusi 64), Dan Burns, Emil Krafth, Jamal Lewis (Johnny Emerson 74), Lewis Hall (Dylan Charlton 84), Joelinton (Alfie Harrison 64), Jamie Miley (Ellis Stanton 79), Harvey Barnes (Jay Turner-Cooke 64), Alexander Isak (Ben Parkinson 64), Jacob Murphy (Anthony Munda 74). 2:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 27th July 2024, Hull City Stadium, Kingston upon Hull (att 13,670).

Barnsley 0-0 Bristol Rovers (FA Cup Round Two) *3-4 pens aet Interesting fact: Bristol Rovers manager Matt Taylor actually started out as a goalkeeper where he played for several non-league clubs including a couple local to me in Matlock Town and Hucknall Town, but whilst studying at Sheffield University in 2006 he was spotted playing pretty well at centre half, so stepped into an outfield role at Team Bath, before joining Exeter City where he did pretty well as a player in over 160 games, before leading them to League Two promotion as Manager in 2022. Barnsley manager Darrell Clarke also made his name locally to me, a player at his hometown club Mansfield between 1995 & 2001, he managed Bristol Rovers for four years between 2014 & 2018. It’s the FA Cup, the world’s oldest and most famous KO comp. The one that gives David the chance to go toe to toe with Goliath, but not today, as a couple of League One clubs are disappointingly drawn together, I’m keen to give this a watch though for a number of reasons, I’ve never seen Bristol Rovers play, Barnsley is just an hour up the road, and with a crowd of under 5,000 I’m hoping I can pretty much park outside, and avoid any traffic, that a bigger and tastier tie may bring. So, with that in mind, I’m out the door for midday, dropping the dog off at the in-laws, a quick brew and I’m up the M1 before coming off at J36. I’m through the town of Bidwell and Worsbrough where I notice the most stunning Miners Welfare football ground on my left, I’m up and down the Yorkshire hills before coming into Barnsley, parking up on a terraced street a five-minute walk from Oakwell. The Venue I’m down the steep sloped Oakwell Lane and through the huge club car park where the stadium sits on the hill all alone, the Norman Rimmington Stand is straight in front and has a club shop, so with plenty of time I head inside to take a look, it feels like a 1980’s high street sports retailer, carpeted, the smell of nylon, thick Yorkshire accents behind the counter, no music or other ambience, there’s not much inside bar a bit of clubwear, I like the look of a Barnsley badged grandad hat at £18 whilst there’s a very attractive 1988 retro shirt with the sponsor Lyons Cakes across it. Nothing for me though, I’m down the slope and through the huge East Stand turnstile to get some food instead, the two-tiered stand is eery and spacious inside its carcass; to get to the upper tiers you head up some steps in the corner and through to a tight concourse which at little before 2pm has nobody around bar a steward or two. One of which points me to the kiosk, the only one open at the far side of the stand, I’m told “they’re not all serving as we’ve only sold three and half thousand tickets.” I order a meat & potato pukka pie, cup of tea and a bag of mini minted aeros for £11.50 and walk up towards my seat, at the top of the stand officially RR, but what you and I might know as row Z. It's a great view, the two stands left and right behind each goal identical, this one I’m in is a similar looking but a bigger version, separated by executive boxes across the only telling difference, but I’m really in love with the old West Stand opposite me, the apexed roof and racecourse like feel to it, it’s been in place since the early 1900’s and should be listed in my opinion, an Archibald Leith built stand it has been ruined slightly by a TV gantry in front of its piece du resistance which is a triangular centre piece which used to bare the logo ‘Barnsley Football Club’ across it. My one plea to the Barnsley bosses, please get this stand looking back to its best and let’s have it listed, too many great football stadiums and stands have been lost over the years, I think Oakwell is a great football venue, but if this stand is ever replaced, it will lose all of its unique identity for me. The Game As the two teams come out there’s little in attendance, a few scattered in each stand, the few Rovers fans high up behind the goal to my right, a couple of thousand in the stand I’m in, I’m intrigued to see how the game will go, who wants it more? For two League One teams playing each other is it seen as a burden or does either team really want to go out and win it? Of the two sides it’s Rovers who start better, Gatlin O’Donkor races through, he’s a player I was impressed with on loan at Barnet last season from Oxford United, the Barnsley back three can’t catch him, but the striker from a wide angle smashes the ball against the outside of the post. Barnsley grow into the game, they have more possession, controlled, Rovers sit back and allow it, look to get the Tykes on the break, but the home side have chances, the best from Humphrys who unleashes from distance and hits the woodwork, the big striker is a constant menace, blonde hair with 44 on his back he has quick feet and is always looking to shoot, no matter how far from goal out he is. The Score Barnsley were on top in the first half and that trend continues into the second 45. Adam Phillips heading onto the crossbar within a minute of the restart. Rovers keeper Griffiths is in sublime form, everything hit at him he holds, but he does have a couple of scary moments, one he rolls the ball out to his defender which Barnsley striker Humphrys intercepts, the strikers effort saved again, the best chance of the match missed, I’m thinking this game can go on all night, neither team have it in them to score. The home team dominate, once or twice caught on the break, but they have the chances and possession to win two matches, let alone one, but Rovers aren’t out of it and you start to fancy them more in extra time, the last half hour swings both ways but neither side can win it outright, so penalties are to decide the outcome. Barnsley miss their first, but just as I think even the shootout could end goalless, Rovers score through Chris Martin, from then on all spot kicks are perfect before Josh Earl steps up with Barnsley’s fifth, he has to score to keep them in it, his shot saved by man of the match Griffiths, the home side had fifteen corners and thirty shots in the game, but it was the Gas goalkeeper who stood tall all afternoon to send Matt Taylor’s side through into the hat for the third round draw. The Stars Josh Griffiths is on loan from West Bromwich Albion and is certainly a young goalkeeper that has shot stopping ability from what I saw. Impressing outfield was left back Clinton Mola an athletic defender whilst at centre half, moving to right back late on, Taylor Moore gave a solid account of himself (I’ve been told he’s been like that all season). Kamil Conteh in midfield also did well, Shaq Forde out right a threat, whilst O’Donkor, often isolated, certainly had pace, but was well handled by the Barnsley back three. Home team man of the match was French defender Mael De Gevigney and he’s a good player who reads things well, neat on the ball, not your natural League One defender but he has a calming assurance and can bring the ball out of defence. Besides De Gevigney, Marc Roberts is your more blood and guts typical English style centre half, he and Josh Earl making up a decent defence in front of Ben Killip who is a very capable goalkeeper. In midfield I liked young Kelechi Nwakili who sat in and did things simple, he has an interesting past playing in Holland, Spain and Portugal. Georgie Gent a 21-year-old left winger who signed in the summer from Blackburn, looked sharp with good quality, as did Corey O’Keefe down the right, a player I remember from a short spell at Mansfield a few years back. In fairness Barnsley had a lot of the ball, had a lot of chances and a lot of their players did well, Stephen Humphrys I really liked despite not having it his way on the day, whilst Fabio Jalo and Barry Cotter, both off the bench, injected a bit of pace and determination all be it all in hopeless vain. The Verdict Barnsley won’t lose too much sleep over losing an FA Cup match on penalties but depending on the draw Bristol Rovers get, they may or may not rue some missed opportunities on the day. The Tykes are certainly good enough to focus ambition towards a continued playoff push this season whilst the Gas will be hoping to avoid slipping into relegation fodder, they are only six points above the drop zone, they look to lack goals, but I’m sure they’ll have enough to survive, they'll also be hopeful of an exciting draw and some further progression in the cup, where I'm hopeful they'll get a better attendance than this sparse crowd, in the next round. The Teams Barnsley: Ben Killip, Marc Roberts, Mael De Gevigney, Corey O’Keeffe (Kyran Lofthouse 80), Adam Phillips, Georgie Gent (Barry Cotter 85), Josh Earl, Davis Keillor-Dunn (Fabio Jaló 67), Stephen Humphrys (Sam Cosgrove 90), Luca Connell, Kelechi Nwakali (Jonathan Russell 67). Bristol Rovers: Josh Griffiths, Joel Senior (James Wilson 46), Taylor Moore, Michael Forbes, Clinton Mola, Jamie Lindsay (Grant Ward 66), Kamil Conteh (Scott Sinclair 116), Luke McCormick, Shaqaui Forde, Isaac Hutchinson (Ruel Sotiriou 60), Gatlin O’Donkor (Chris Martin 60). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 30th November 2024, Oakwell, Barnsley (att 4,801).

Derby County U21 1-4 Brentford U21 (Premier League Cup Group Stages) A fourth game in as many nights has the Mrs so annoyed she's banned me from going to work tomorrow, I should be at Ilkeston v Worksop on Saturday afternoon but she's made alternative plans for me this weekend so I'm going to enjoy tonight as a last hoorah, a trip to Matlock to watch Derby and Brentford in the Premier League Cup. Young Derby have done ok since I last watched them lose against Bournemouth in the opening round of this competition, after a 3-2 loss against the Cherries at Alfreton in September they beat Brentford by a single goal in October and did Chelsea 4-3 last month to currently sit second in Group I. Brentford are actually unbeaten in seven since losing to Derby, it'll be my first viewing of the Bees B team as they are appropriately called. Matlock is under an hour's drive so after dropping the dog off at the in-laws, I'm battling the Friday evening traffic, across the A610 out of Nottingham and up the M1, past Alfreton at J28 and through the back roads into the Derbyshire Peak District where the skies are black and unpolluted, rain just starting to come down as the wind of Storm Darragh picks up. I'm at Matlock for 6pm and have time to walk around the town, half contemplating grabbing a pint or some fish and chips, the Christmas market is supposed to be on but it must be a daytime thing as all the stalls are shut, so I instead walk into the Proctor Cars Stadium to see what they have to eat and drink, as I walk through the turnstile I ask "is the pitch ok" knowing that it's prone to postponement in these parts at this time of year, to the reply "tonight should be ok, but they'll be no chance tomorrow" for Matlock's Northern Premier league game with Ashton United. The Venue I love Matlock. Growing up as a kid we frequented the town on bank holiday trips to the Derbyshire Dales, Matlock Bath is England's inland seaside resort with arcades and ice cream parlours, it just feels right for me here, homely, nostalgic, stone terraced houses up the hills with smoke pouring out their chimneys, it's real England with a historical past, stunning scenery on the doorstep, a beautiful part of the country, significant in the industrial revolution, the Causeway Lane stadium is actually in the heart of the town, walkable from the centre and the main shopping high street, not many football grounds are this close to the action, the only downside it's never that easy to park around here. Inside you feel it's a homely old football ground. It's a place in many groundhoppers top tens, the modern blue seated Twigg Stand sits tall on half way, but opposite is a lovely old terrace. Propped up by posts it runs at an angle down the side of the pitch, the back row has benches for seats, only two or three rows high, the goal to the left has a small roofed terrace, behind that, a new apartment block has been recently built, to the right, open ended, the ground shares it's borders with the local cricket club. I'm walking around to the tea bar for a bite to eat, a brew and a Cornish pasty for £3.50, I sit down on the front row of the Twigg Stand, Derby manager Jake Buxton chatting to his fellow coaches as both sets of players warm up, the rain starting to come down, the pitch holding firm, only just though, as rumours from some supporters suggest the game might not complete if the wet weather continues. There's a couple of groundsmen with a wheelbarrow and sand doing what they can to soak up the surface water with their pitch forks and spades tucked into the soggy grass. I take a walk to the opposite side of the ground and sit on the bench at the back row of the stand, the players warming up in front of me as a Derby Coach hears the music played from the PA system. "Wet Wet Wet" he calls out. "No the pitch is fine" replies a player, obviously oblivious (and too young) to acknowledge the 90s Scottish pop group singing through the speakers in the background. I'm joined by some scouts who sit next to me, it's like a mother's meeting, five middle aged men eating pies and slurping tea whilst talking about the matches they've been to this week, "how you doing" one says to another "I'm at Matlock on a Friday night, how do you think" is the reply. The Game By now Storm Darragh is kicking up a fuss, wind and rain making for an horrible night, on the plus side the tempo is high as nobody likes standing around in this. But Derby don't learn their lessons from the last time I saw them? Playing out from the back on a wet, windy, soddened surface, their goalkeeper Price decides to float a ball up across to his right back but kicks it out directly for a corner. "I thought I'd seen it all" i mumble as a scout looks at me shaking his head. "I don't get all this playing it out from the back" is his reply. Moments later, Brentford knock their corner short, then to the edge of the area, Ethan Brierley collects, takes a touch, curls home wonderfully right footed. "That's the result of playing out from the back" I respond. It's a brilliant goal from a top player, as Brentford look the better side, stronger and quicker across the park, I notice a fella hobbling past, a face I recognise, but I'll wait until half time to go and see him. Brentford are good value but it's hardly a pretty game, not helped by the awful weather, Derby have moments as the wonderfully gifted Cruz Allen smartly beats his marker to pull back a ball inside the area, the danger is snuffed out but Allen's quick feet open eyes of those around me. Word is the scouts are indifferent about him, 'not quick enough, not strong enough', is one response, but he's a player with talent, a touch of the Gascoigne's in the way he plays, which at 17 years old can't be a bad start. Another player eyed up is Keilen Robinson, Derby's left footed centre half, "that's his party trick" one scout says, as Robinson cross field passes left footed, but the defender doesn't have a great night against combative opposition. 'Not nasty enough' is one thing critiqued against him. Instead, star of the show is Brierley. He gets Brentford's second as he arrives late to finish from close range. He's a midfielder who started his career at Rochdale. Now 21, he's played a few games in League One and Two, but since moving to Brentford in 2023 hasn't featured under Thomas Frank, he looks like a player who does things simple, one and two touch, he passes and follows his pass for a return, he plays the way he's facing and he has a knack for scoring goals, a little bit like Frank Lampard "he needs to get a loan move" one scout says aloud. The Score At half time I take a walk over to the guy that hobbled past earlier. "Kwabana" I call out, as we hug it out after I remind him who I was. We used to play football together for a couple of seasons twenty years ago, his son Adisa is playing centre half for Derby tonight. "I had a feeling it was your lad" I tell him "you're the only Osayande I know". He's upbeat as he introduces me to his other son who's at Rushall Olympic, "what's with the injury" I ask him. "I did it playing football" he said, he must be fifty but still has the same hunger for the game, unfortunately the bones and body these days, a little more brittle. I wish him well after discussing his own sons chances in the game, 18 year old Adisa is bit of a Rolls Royce of a centre half, you probably won't notice him because he doesn't make mistakes, seems to tick through games at ease and keeps it simple, knowing his limitations, he'll find out his destiny in the new year, hoping to get a contract but his dad is realistic about the possibilities that may arise. "What will be will be" he says. The second half is much of the same again, Brentford buzzing around the Derby lads who give it their all to get back in the match, but the Londoners look too strong, one big physical presence is left sided wing back Tony Yogane, he's got the beating of Derby's right back and runs at him at will. Brierley has passed Yogane the ball on a couple of occasions and looks for a return. "Tony, Tony, set me" he shouts. "Tony's not listening" a Scout says, as Yogane instead cuts in to shoot over. Moments later it's same again, "Tony, Tony" Brierley is calling for the ball. "He's not listening again" the scout beside me says, this time Yogane goes on the outside and is hacked down. "Tony's won a penalty" is the Verdict. Brierley steps up and slots home low to grab his hat trick, before Eames late on grabs Derby a consolation, by now the Scouts have left to beat the traffic (what traffic?), an even later goal by Isaac Holland round things off nicely, the right sided player arriving at the back post unmarked to tap home a low centred cross, a good night's work for Brentford who leapfrog Derby in the Premier League Cup Group I table. The Stars Whilst Ethan Brierley was star of the show and a player who looks capable of playing at least in the football league right now, I liked the Brentford backline and defensively they were solid, Benjamin Arthur an England U19 international signed from Peterborough looked athletic and strong at centre back whilst right back Benjamin Franklin, a Nigerian U20 international, was very impressive, not putting a foot wrong, he shown good defensive reading with a couple of timely interventions, pace and power too. Derby weren't at it so much, their Welsh teen star Cruz Allen not having the best night in conditions not really suited to how he likes to play, Johnson Osong perhaps their most productive player out wide, he switched from left to right in the second half and improved the longer the game went on, running at his opponent and getting crosses into the box. The Verdict Brentford look good, they are certainly a club in a good place right now and they have decent reserves in waiting, I'm hoping Ethan Brierley gets his chance to show the first team what he's made of soon, if not for someone, somewhere on loan, Championship at least would be his level, whilst Frederick and Yogane excite me in the defensive department, I would love to see them play first team football somewhere too. Derby are not as far off as that scoreline suggested, the conditions perhaps playing their part, weak in the full back areas, I don't rate their goalkeeper but they have creative players in attacking positions and a good spine through their side. I do believe they have one or two hidden gems in their young squad, a couple have been loaned out recently, so I'll keep keeping my eye on how they progress, as they continue their football education. The Teams Derby County: Harley Price, Isaac Gordon (Morten Spencer 54), Tristan Gill, Marsel Tola, Adisa Osayande, Keilen Robinson, Jack Perry, Cruz Allen (Owen Eames 65), Emmanuel Ilesanmi (Justin Oguntolu 54), Niall McAndrew (Darren Robinson 54), Johnson Osong. Brentford: Reggie Rose, Isaac Holland, Tony Yogane, Kim Ji-Soo, Benjamin Frederick, Benjamin Arthur, Ben Krauhaus (Ethan Laidlaw 76), Ethan Brierley, Ashley Hay, Riley Owen, Iwan Morgan (Max Dickov 84). 7:00pm Kick Off. Friday 6th December 2024, Causeway Lane, Matlock (att 300).

Grimsby Town 5-1 Lincoln City (Friendly) With 38 wins apiece, the two most successful sides in Lincolnshire, have won the counties senior cup at least fifteen times more than anyone else. That’s how you measure success in this county, whilst Scunthorpe and Boston United may have long battled for bronze (ahead of non league regulars Stamford, Gainsborough Trinity and Grantham Town who make up the rear), first and second in Lincs has often been between the Imps and the Mariners, and right now, on the verge of a long awaited Championship season ahead, it’s Lincoln who have bragging rights as the East Coast areas number one. Last season Lincoln gained promotion to the second tier of English football for the first time since 1960. Michael Skubala their League Two winning boss has however moved on to Bristol City, and a new pair, Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw have been trusted to take the reins. New players include Callum Elder of Derby and Andrei Coubis from Cluj in Romania whilst the club have otherwise trusted those that got them promoted last season, in hopefully doing a decent job again. Grimsby finished seventh last season in League Two before crashing out in the playoffs to Salford City. The Mariners Manager is David Artell who has been at Blundell Park since 2023. With free signings including Josh Andrews from Gillingham, Andy Cook from Bradford City (after a decent loan spell last term) and Joe Foulkes, a young right back who I really like from Kidderminster Harriers, Town will be hoping to again be pushing for promotion this year ahead. It was 2003 the last time the club were higher than the fourth tier, that having spent the best part of the nineties and early noughties at the second level of English football. Both teams have had their troubles and collected testing campaigns in the National League in recent years, but it seems these days those fifth tier football exploits are long behind, both clubs with higher ambition of making much more positive memories within their current crop. Going into this game Lincoln beat Boston (1-0) and lost against Leyton Orient (2-0) in their short pre-season campaign so far, Grimsby are unbeaten having drew with Cleethorpes and Zoryra of Ukraine before beating Hartlepool at the weekend 3-0. The Venue I’ve arrived in Grimsby via Westgate where traffic is at a standstill due to roadworks in the town centre. It’s 5pm, 2 hours from a 7pm kick off and luckily there’s plenty of places to park nearby to Blundell Park, rows of terraced housing has on street parking everywhere you look and I find a nice quiet place a five-minute walk away opposite Sidney Park to plonk my motor. I walk up Combe Street which has rows of houses crammed either side, before crossing the Grimsby Road (A180) towards the ground, floodlights appearing above roof tops as I near, this place is about as residential as a football ground can get, I love that it’s in the heart of the community, as folk walk towards the large looking grey backed Main Stand in their black and white replica shirts. It’s still early. Almost 6pm as I take a look inside the club shop to see the impressive new away kit, a quirky blue number inspired by Italian designers Lotto with memories casting back to Clive Mendonca and Ivano Bonetti. As I walk outside I see a friendly face, a scout from Scunthorpe who I know, I ask him about his own teams transfer business recently and his reply is “we're going to miss Cal Roberts & Oli Ewing” who have both left the club, both big stars in last season’s team. I ‘quietly’ wish Scunny well before walking through the turnstiles of the Ramsden’s Home Interiors Stand, I have a quick steak and ale pie washed down with an orange Fanta and Snickers before walking up to the upper tier, the internals crumbling and rusting away but as I walk out to the open I’m greeted by a great view. Pitch puffy and green in front, slightly humped in the middle and dropping down to the wing beneath. It’s a brilliant stadium, this stand I’m in the oldest, two tiered, well covered, central with curved roof propped up by posts. To the centre and right there’s a low roofed wrap around stand which has red seats, big pylons for lights above, with the Humber adding spectacular back drop, boats and ferries even crossing out towards the North Sea as a train goes by, if the football’s crap, there’s plenty to look at elsewhere along the horizon. I like the quirkiness of the ground, it feels really English, a modern stand to my left has black and white seats, the place surrounded by chimneys and roof tops, slowly filling as I’m greeted by an old boy who says ‘you’re sat in my usual seat’. The Game He’s not really bothered about me being in his preferred pew at the back of the stand, but I do offer to swap, which he declines. He’s a Grimsby fan through and through, one who’s been coming for years, “I tell you what” he says to me. “That Andy Cook lad made a difference for us last year”. A 35-year-old striker who initially played for Town back in 2012-14 is one that has been around the houses, but has always impressed me at the level, mainly for Bradford where he left this summer, he was on loan here last season and scored 8 goals in 22 games which has seen him sign on a permanent basis. Cook starts well as a big battering ram against a Lincoln side who hardly look up for it. I’m really disappointed with their start which has no quality, forwards caught offside too often, defenders lumping long balls to nowhere, the odd throw-in directly to the box is easily dealt with, as Grimsby gain confidence, their team balance and work ethic looks so much more on point, despite the two divisions of supposed gulf? Jamie Walker is another former Bradford player I have always liked the look of and he takes aim from outside the box, a low driven shot on 21 finds the corner of George Wickens goal, it’s little more than the hosts have deserved. Within a few minutes the busy looking Charles Vernam makes it two, he’s crossed one in right footed from the left and it seems to have curled all the way as the keeper just stands there unmoved, then ahead of half time Justin Amaluzor makes it three with a thumping shot from inside the box. Lincoln have been awful. I say to the Grimsby fan next to me “I bet you wished your season started today”. I’m impressed, but it’s against really bleak opposition. David Artell has got a good team which he’s slowly built into a steadily smooth working unit, all parts aligned, they are so much better than Lincoln it’s scary. Two centre half's splitting for goal kicks, their left back Sweeney is sharp, everything one touch or is positive in running forward, their right back Rodgers cheating, inverted, when Grimsby have possession he sods off in field which allows Maldini Kacurri to get on the ball in the right hand channel, it frees space up for Justin Amaluzor who is technical out wide and now one v one, but the real engine room is in midfield. Captain Kieran Green is all over the place, barking out the orders, Charles Vernam is the man with that bit of guile who makes them tick, whilst sitting deeper, picking the ball off defenders and providing the option is Geza David Turi, for the level they are brilliant at what they do, not always to a point, but the mechanics are machine like and I really like what Artell has so far achieved. The Score As for Lincoln, I’m far from impressed. The half time whistle blows without them landing a blow on Grimsby. “They didn’t look up for it” I tell the Mariners fan sitting next to me. “I don’t think they know what they're doing?”. The Imps are late coming out for the second half which suggests a few choice words in the changing room and all eleven players are replaced by Cohen & Shaw as it feels for a bit at least, that this second string lot are hungrier, certainly harder working than those that went before. Dom Jefferies pulls one back after a neat move on 69 but at the other end it's all still shambolic, a short back pass catches City’s substitute keeper Gauci in a mess, Andy Cook bulldozing through him before running the ball into the empty net with arms already aloft. “Championship, you’re having a laugh” sing the home fans. By now the terraces are calling the ‘ole’s’ as Grimsby start to enjoy the final few moments in the know that the game is won, and a smart team goal crowns off a near perfect nights work when Sweeney links with Kabia before standing one up for Cook, the veteran striker bashing his way through the centre halves both caught under the ball, Cook is hungrier and more committed to nod home like all good old fashioned forwards would, from close range, “cheerio” is next sung by the Town fans as Lincoln supporters make their ways for the exits. The Stars I really like the workmanlike midfield of Grimsby who don’t have many particular stand out stars or attractive looking players, just work horses who can get about the pitch and put a shift in, full of running is skipper Kieran Green who you can hear bark out instruction at the top of the stand. Charles Vernam has a nice all-around midfield game and I’m told “when he’s on it he’s very good”. But from the sounds he’s not always 8 out of 10 like he is tonight. Faeroe Island International Geza David Turi was another who impressed me in his deep lying midfield position. Didn’t always get his passing right but always shown for the ball and created space by moving into space, a very intelligent player who is as important off the ball, equally when Grimsby are in and out of possession. Big mention to the full backs, Harvey Rodgers was intriguing to watch as he often left defensive responsibility on the right to appear in field somewhere, whilst a more traditional left back role was played brilliantly by the attack-minded Jayden Sweeney who is a young athletic defender I really like the look of. As for Lincoln, not much stood out at all. Connor McGrandles in the centre of the park looked their best player in the first half, Ivan Varfolomeev shown a bit of quality and at least worked hard in the second, whilst I really expected more from the likes of Reeco Hackett, Freddie Draper and Ross Street who all had very disappointing evenings at work. The Verdict The pride of Lincolnshire? Well although Lincoln City are the team in the Championship, I really doubt on that performance, their stay at English football’s second tier will be for more than a season long? My biggest concerns are that their management duo won’t even last the year? Inexperienced, a team that has not really strengthened enough for the next season ahead, my guess is that Cohen and Shaw, may sadly be out their depth? That said, this is only a friendly and you don’t get anything other than positives and minutes from these matches? Grimsby found plenty of those and although next season will be difficult with the front runners for promotion having plenty of pockets full of change to splash out on players, I think Grimsby may improve on their seventh place finish last, and could even pose a real charge for the automatic slots. You never know, this time next year, these two clubs could be in the same division? The Teams Grimsby Town: Christy Pym (Seb Auton 64), Harvey Rodgers (Joe Foulkes 76), Maldini Kacurri, Cameron McJannet (Charlie Elliott 86), Jayden Sweeney, Geza David Turi (Kristian Catchpole 69), Justin Amaluzor, Kieran Green, Jamie Walker, Charles Vernam (Jaze Kabia 75), Andy Cook. Lincoln City: George Wickens (Joe Gauci 46), Tendayi Darikwa (Jack Moylan 46), Adam Reach (Oscar Thorn 46), Adam Jackson (Sonny Bradley 46), Ryley Towler (Dom Jefferies 46), Reeco Hackett (Callum Elder 46), Conor McGrandles (Josh Honohan 46), Rob Street (Ivan Varfolomeev 46), Tom Hamer (Deji Elewere 46), Freddie Draper (Charlie Parks 46), Donald Inyama (Matt Smith 46). 7:00pm Kick Off. Tuesday 29th July 2026, Blundell Park, Grimsby (att 3,262).

Salford City 3-2 Dundee United (Friendly) It’s a bit of an unusual one today, seven years ago Salford City had never even played in the football league, these days (thanks to the Class of 92) they are probably better known globally than even their Scottish opponents Dundee United, who I remember watching for the first time play way back in 1987 against IFK Gothenburg in the UEFA Cup Final on my dad’s grainy portable colour TV. The Terrors lost that final over two legs but it still to this day stands out (for me at least) in a golden era where under Jim McLean they won the Scottish league, a couple of league cups, and even reached the semi-finals of the European Cup with a team that included such greats as Derek Stark, Ralph Milne, Richard Gough, Maurice Malpas, Dave Narey, Paul Sturrock, Eamon Bannon and David Dodds to name a few. I’m not sure what the link is to this friendly? But Salford City have recently reverted back to wearing tangerine after a fan vote was in favour of the club returning to the colours it proudly wore during their first 40 years in existence. Established in 1940, the Ammies were originally known as Salford Central and after a couple of name changes and mergers became City in 1990 during an era where they were long established in the North West Counties League. Under the radar for many years since, I remember their first days in the Northern Premier League First Division North which at the time were the height of Salford City’s existence, they first secured promotion in 2008/09 to step 4 of the pyramid, staying at the level for seven straight years. Since 2014 however, it has been a rapid rise, pushed along by (some of) the Class of 92, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary and Phillip Neville all having a huge financial say on the future of the club, rapidly pushing through the divisions with widespread media and fly on the wall appeal, Salford won the NPL North in 2015, the NPL Premier in 2016, after three seasons in the National League North they secured promotion in 2018, went straight up the following year after beating Fylde in the National League Playoff Final at Wembley, and have since had seven straight seasons in the bottom tier of the Football League, missing out on promotion last season after suffering a 3-0 playoff final defeat against Notts County. Since that Wembley loss under Karl Robinson, a relatively unknown Manager in Peter Cklamovski (apparently a friend of Ange Postecoglu) has taken charge, some big arrivals too. Macaulay Langstaff joins from Millwall, Will Aimson from Wigan, Joe Powell in from Rotherham, Abraham Odoh from Peterborough, Elliot Bonds from Fleetwood, you get the feeling the club wounded by not going up last season, will be giving it a bloody good go this time around. As for United, they start their Scottish league season next Saturday at home to Rangers, Jim Goodwin has been in charge at Tannadice since 2023 and United finished seventh last year, new players include Jesse Randall from Auckland FC in New Zealand, Lachlan Rose from Newcastle Jets in Australia, and Dylan Tait from a little closer, his last club was Falkirk. The Venue The summer holidays are here, traffic is unusually bad on the M62 and the Woodhead Pass is closed due to wildfire, I’m eventually down the Bury New Road through Prestwich before turning right on to Moor Lane, pulling up past the ground on Kersal Road, it looks a nice leafy area but I return to my car which has a punched wing mirror post match, so perhaps looks can be deceiving? I always thought Old Trafford was in Salford, but if I walked the distance between the two grounds it would take 1 hour and 45 minutes, such is the size of this Greater Manchester District with a population in itself of over 290,000. The AIG Stadium was formerly the Peninsula Stadium, the ground appearing along a quaint tree lined road of large semi-detached houses. It’s small, smart and modern from the outside, newly decored, the clubs recent rebrand and new sponsor is in full flow. (Almost) everything painted in orange and black, as I head in the small club shop to take a look at the new strip, the away shirts, sleek in white, orange adidas striped with AIG logo, it reminds me a bit of Manchester United’s away kit of the Berbatov or Rio Ferdinand years. Through the turnstiles I’m in at the side of the North Stand where I’m sat but head straight down towards the back of the goal of the East Stand where a number of containers offer up drinking and eating facilities. I’m impressed with what’s on offer, chicken tenders with chips sprayed in spring onion and sweet chillies and a brew for £11 paid contactless. I sit on some benches and fuel up with the odd spice kick making me cough, before taking a pew inside the arena, which is homely, modern, four roofs wrapping around the low bowl of standing and seating offers, terraces behind the goal, red seats either wing, not yet changed to the new club colours of orange. I’m sat on row five of a six row stand, elevated to the pitch which slopes down, behind me is the 92 Bar which allows access to all fans, hidden at the back of the stand with windows onto the playing surface, but blinds are down, as people enter through a secret looking unbranded door to get their pre-match drinks. It’s full in this stand, the South Stand opposite has a scatter of media folk and club personnel, closed to business for punters, the stand on my right is half full of Salford fans standing, to my left is the Dundee United end, a good 300 or so travelling down from Scotland. The Game It feels like a bit of a cult club as trendy middle-aged men, dressed well, walk confidently to their seats to the backdrop of Stone Roses, the Smiths and Oasis playing on the PA, some sing along ahead of parking up their bums as the two teams come out after a sing-song of the Pogues Dirty Old Town, everyone stands up for a moments applause for Kevin Keegan, who sadly passed away earlier this week. Salford are in their new white kit, Dundee United in more familiar tangerine, as the early pace is set by the League Two hosts, which slowly proves the gulf of English and Scottish football, is surprisingly one-sided. Within ten minutes Hayden Carson crosses from the left, unmarked Macaulay Langstaff gets a home debut goal with a cleanly taken header, it all looks a little too easy as he ghosts in unmarked. It’s fast paced as Salford look to threaten down their wings, ‘Go on Kelly’ is the shout every time club favourite Kelly N’Mai gets the ball, whilst on the other flank Abraham Odoh looks equally as teasing, small, stocky, tricky and technical. I like the leggy looking Kallum Cesay in the centre of midfield, he picks up a booking after a bit of a brawl with United’s Dylan Tait who also see’s yellow, it’s handbags but shows a bit of needed tension as the season nears, a bit of grit and grind, some passion and desire, something which has been lacking in recent matches I’ve watched, I’m all for it, proof that both teams have a couple of players who are keen to scrap and win. Salford are good, as they force Walton into a couple of smart stops, Dundee United offer little bar moments in return, there’s an injury for the lively N’Mai who’s taken off as a precaution on the half hour, and as the remainder of the half heads towards a slender margin, a corner by City is crossed in by Joe Powell, headed home by Adebola Owulu and as the ball nestles home, the Referee blows immediately for the break. The Score That two-goal advantage is probably deserved, a clear gulf in class shows the sorry state of Scottish football, but United make eleven changes at half time and in their youngsters, they are much improved, now pressing and running much harder as they give their opponents much less time on the ball. Despite United’s efforts, the Salford starting eleven (minus two subs already made) hold their own with resilience, but on 60 minutes several more changes are made and that also changes the dynamic of the game. A flowing move back to front ends with the lively Idjessi Metsoko hitting a rocket from the edge of the area to reduce the deficit, but Salford bounce back as United’s sub keeper Amissah is on a couple of occasions called into action, he can’t however do anything about Josh Austerfield’s effort, the midfielder getting a lucky bounce into his path from a blocked shot to volley home from inside the area right footed and restore Salford’s two goal lead. There’s still time for United to come again, late on seventeen year old midfielder Jamie Forrest strikes a belter in off the bar from the edge of the area, but although they pushed hard with a rally in vain, the best team deservedly won out in the end. The Stars Salford looked strong in particularly during the first half, and their depth was also something Dundee United lacked, after a bit of a scare, even their second string team dictated towards the latter stages, fitter, stronger, better coached, but generally of better stock. New big money signing Macaulay Langstaff for example, getting off to a flyer and I have no doubt that Salford will provide him with the ammunition to score a lot of goals this season. Daniel Udoh is also a handful in that centre forward role and with Ryan Graydon also able to play as a nine, there are no shortage of goals, which will most certainly be supplied by my favourite player, Kelly N’Mai on the left, and recent signing from Peterborough, Abraham Odoh, on the right, but in teenager Kyrell Malcolm they also have an exciting option with as much pace and direct positivity as the other two wide men mentioned. Salford under Cklamovski seem to like the 4-2-3-1 system that also worked for them well last season. Joe Powell adding quality in midfield, Kallum Cesay looks a really good young player in the holding role whilst I was also impressed with Matt Butcher and Josh Austerfield, their was also a run out for the son of Nicky Butt, Ruben is just eighteen years old and looks a composed attacking midfielder offering plenty of running. Defensively Salford also had plenty of sizeable options, Will Aimson looks a savvy signing from Wigan whilst Adebola Owulo is a powerful defender with good height. For Dundee United, it was a poor performance in the first half and not much impressed, new signing Lachlan Rose with his blonde hair and man bun ran around a bit, he got ridiculed by the home supporters who sung “you're just a shit Erling Haaland”. Iurie Iovu at centre half looked tall and tasty whilst Vicko Sevelj was diminutive and destructive in midfield, perhaps lacking a bit of quality in possession, Dylan Tait the best of a bad bunch in a first half where I was far from impressed by the Scots. United did look a little more game in the second 45 and in Panutche Camara they have a wiry athletic midfielder who can get about, in Idjessi Metsoko they have a decent new striker with an eye for goal, but a couple of hidden gems they have in youth. I was really impressed with fifteen year old forward Lorenzo Sassetti with the number sixty on his back, electric pace, he was willing to take on opponents and he had the speed to do so successfully on the outside. Whilst Jamie Forrest himself only seventeen, shown some nice touches in midfield, before scoring a belting goal which will be one to remember for him and his family, one of many to come for United perhaps? The Verdict Scottish football is sadly weaker than English tier two stuff and that is down to the funding, the investment and infrastructure that go into the game is greater, south of the border, the level of competition in England is ridiculous, and mostly, that is down to money. Dundee United just don’t have the funds that Salford City do, their best acquisitions are all on frees this summer, but their best hope might be in those who are coming through? Jamie Forrest and Lorenzo Sassetti especially, are exciting footballers that might just earn the club a small fortune? Despite my wing mirror being defaced, Salford is a good day out. It’s a club on the up and I think the Class of 92 are still in it, to achieve big things? I was concerned by their lack of fan base during the Playoff final at Wembley recently, but at home it feels like a lot of youngsters are following the trends of their trendy dads and getting on board, growing the support base will be helped by performances on the pitch, and this year in particular, they look to have built a very exciting team indeed. The Teams Salford City: Will Norris (Sam Long 61), Hayden Carson (Jorge Grant 61), Will Aimson (Brandon Cooper 61), Adebola Oluwo (Zach Awe 61), Ollie Turton (Rosaire Longelo 61), Kallum Cesay (Ruben Butt 61), Matt Butcher (Josh Austerfield 61), Joe Powell (Ryan Graydon 61), Kelly N’Mai (Kyrell Malcolm 33), Abraham Odoh (Marshall Heys 61), Macauley Langstaff (Daniel Udoh 46). Dundee United: Jack Walton (Jordan Amissah 46), Joshua Rawlins (Bert Esselink 46), Iurie Iovu (Ross Graham 46), Michael Forbes (Julius Eskesen 46), Will Ferry (Cohen Leiper 46), Vicko Sevelj (Panutchi Camara 46), Emmanuel Agyei (Keir Gillian 46), Dylan Tait (Jamie Forrest 46), Jesse Randall (Mehdi Merghem 46), Zachary Sapsford (Lorenzo Sassetti 46), Lachlan Rose (Idjessi Matsoko 46). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 25th July 2026, Moor Lane, Salford (att 2,000).

Alfreton Town 0-1 Rotherham United (Friendly) Spain are world champions, Argentina got what they deserved, and England made bronze, after arguably the game of the tournament v France on Saturday night. I was scratching around for some sport to watch on Monday after the World Cup ended the night before, I eventually I flicked my TV over from the World Matchplay Darts to watch the Premier League Years, the iconic “I would love it” 1995/96 season highlighted on the sad day of a football great, Kevin Keegan, passing aged 75. Tonight I’m back at Alfreton, who have had some high-profile friendlies against league opposition already this season. The Solana Stadium which I prefer to call North Street has hosted Notts County, Burton Albion, Derby County so far, the Millers in town tonight after relegation from League One, they’ll be much change at the New York Stadium this year with Alex Bruce now at the helm, beside him, Steve McClaren is Head of Football in a new modern management role created by the club. Rotherham drew with ‘Ofton’s’ Derbyshire rivals Matlock Town on Saturday, some players involved, including Jamie Jellis, signed from Walsall, Ossama Ashley new in from Salford City and Fabio Tavares from Burton, formerly of Rochdale and Coventry City. Aaron Nemane is another new player and will provide width, after signing from MK Dons whilst Saturday’s scorer from the spot in a 1-1 draw was down as Trialist C, who appeared to be Kyle Vassell, the much travelled 33-year-old striker who is currently looking for a home. Alfreton were beaten 2-0 by Derby County on Friday night, Manager Jake Buxton said “we came out with a lot of credit” from the game but the Reds squad is threadbare with signings still needed, the club are after reinforcements to bolster their options. “We are two or three short” says Buxton. Town’s Northern Premier League season starting on August 8 at Curzon Ashton. I’m out the door for gone five, crawling through the Nottingham ring road traffic, the M1 not much better, it’s an hour or so to travel twenty miles but I’m not the only one late, as Rotherham’s team bus offloads its players with just over an hour to go until kick off. The Venue It’s a 7:30pm start tonight and I’m in through the turnstiles of this quaint home in the centre of town, a lady asks me if I want a go on the fifty fifty as two old boys sit at decorators tables full of pin badges. I make my way down to the press box where Jeff is in a hot sweat, the Rotherham lads congregated along the pitch perimeter and in the stands, there looks to be loads of them here tonight. Steve McClaren is here too, he parks himself down a couple of seats from me as I’m joined by Liam, the Alfreton Town tweeter and a friendly scout, our chat about the World Cup interrupted by the tannoy announcer asking “whoever’s parked on Alma Street, can you move your cars, as you are blocking a bus from getting by, and the Police have been called”. I ask Steve McClaren “It’s not you who’s parked there is it” his reply “I was just thinking that” but thankfully, there’s no potential arrest for the ex-England Manager. As the players continue to warm up on the hardened dry surface, scorched by the recent sunny weather, the ground is sparse in attendance, as it was last week for the visit of Burton, apparently against Notts County and Derby this place was full, with near 3,000 here to watch the Rams on Friday night, there’s little over 300 today. The Game Rotherham in their changed blue strip include three new signings in Jamie Jellis, Osama Ashley and Fabio Tavares, and it’s the latter of those who looks to make things happen as he attacks the Alfreton defenders with speed and technique. Tavares has an early attempt blocked before a trialist, Jez Davies, a player who I have liked the look of from Peterborough Sports in the past, he tries his luck and has an effort saved, before the moment of the half, the moment of the game, Tavares tricking and teasing his marker with quick feet to get away, before sliding low into the net, an opener for the Millers. That’s as good as it gets in a first half which Alfreton work hard in, they have a few trialists themselves, Ewan Robson at centre half previously of Sherwood Colliery and Carlton Town, looks like he has a bit to offer, as does Ash Hunter who’s an experienced forward who boasts Fleetwood Town, Salford City, MK Dons and most recently, Marine FC on his CV. There’s chances for Jellis who blazes over, and Joe Rafferty who impresses, he has an effort cleared off the line, whilst I’m impressed with Lenny Agbaire, a player I watched play for Celtic B (Youth) a couple of seasons back, he’s next to Emmanuel Adegboyega and both look solid, against a game but contained Siya Ligendza. The Score At half time a Rotherham fan comes up to Steve McClaren and asks him for a photo. He then also asks him, “What did you think of England during the World Cup?” ‘They did well’ was McClaren’s reply… “It’s tough at the top” says the fan… “It’s tough at the bottom too” says McLaren. I ask him how many subs his side are likely to make, “they won’t change the whole team” he tells me, but Rotherham do change seven players at the break, I think. Staying on is Lenny Agbaire at centre half and Brandon Cover at right back, whilst Jez Davies gets more minutes, as does Arjany Martha down the left. Trialist replacements include former Gillingham goalkeeper Jake Turner who did well last week when I watched him represent a PFA side at Barnet, whilst former Manchester United left back Brandon Williams also gets a run, Sonny Aljofree is another former Red Devil who comes on in hope to make impression. The second half however is not great, Alfreton themselves add in some new faces and it all becomes a bit of a scrap. There’s uproar in the away team dugout as Alex Bruce doesn’t like the Referee not blowing up for a foul, but it’s the only bit of drama on the field, Rotherham dictate, but don’t really penetrate, Agbaire runs the length of the field to tee up Gardner who’s beaten to the ball, the best stand out moment until late on, a chance for Alfreton is squirmed, as their trialist forward stabs wide. The Stars Rotherham look a good side in the making but are building a little desperately with more playing power needed ahead of the campaign start. New signings Jellis and Ashley looking decent in midfield. The former a thick set industrious ball carrying number eight who will get goals, the latter, a defensive minded sitter that strokes the ball around simply. In attack, Fabio Tavares has been hit and miss when I’ve seen him play previously, tonight he was hit, technically good with pace and trickery, who scored from nothing, but might have had at least one more had he made a couple of better decisions. I really like the centre half duo of Adegboyega and Agbaire, physically strong, powerful no nonsense defenders, whilst Joe Rafferty at left back had a good positive style and tempo to his game. Will Rotherham even need Brandon Williams? One player I do hope they get to keep is Jez Davies, who I know impressed an ex-England manager in the stand, he’s a player still aged just 22 who has had to rebuild his career the hard way, following exits from Spurs and Burnley as a youngster. For Alfreton, they too had good impressive trialist performances and they do have some loanees that are said to be coming in for the season start, their centre halves played well against tough league opposition, in particular, in Ewan Robson, and in midfield, Tom Solanke and Connor Dixon worked hard together, in attack Siya Ligendza ran his socks off, but they need reinforcements as the season is slowly creeping up, any help to bolster their thin squad will be appreciated. The Verdict Alfreton open up their Northern Premier League campaign in just over a couple of weeks time. I doubt they’ll be ready, but once failed trialists from National League and Nat North/South teams fear not good enough, we may get a drip of talent down to the third level of the non league pyramid, and that is when Jake Buxton might get to do some of his best shopping. I asked Jeff, a club stalwart, what they hope to achieve next season, and he told me “it depends if we get a new owner or not”. Optimism may point to promotion, with a potential new man at the helm with finances to hopefully throw around, but realism may all be about targeting survival, which Jeff is certainly not ruling out as first and foremost of importance. Rotherham also have a thin squad but after asking Steve McClaren how their recruitment is going, he doesn’t think they are too far off, they’ll probably get some money in for Sam Nombe, but I think they have one or two tricks up their sleeves to come, and if they can get their signings right, I have no doubt Rotherham will be in a good position to go bounce back up to League One. The Teams Alfreton Town: Trialist (Jack Price 74), Trialist (Billy Gough 61), Trialist, George Grumley (Trialist 74), Ewan Robson, Tom Solanke, Jakub Kruzysnki (Trialist 61), Connor Dixon, Ashley Hunter, Charlie Finney, Siya Ligendza (Trialist 61). Rotherham United: Ted Cann (Jake Turner 46), Joe Rafferty (Brandon Williams 46), Emmanuel Adegboyega (Cohen Lee 46), Brandon Cover (Lewis Clarke 60), Osama Ashley (Sonny Aljofree 46), Jamie Jellis (James Clarke 46), Jez Davies, Marvin Kaleta (Aaron Nemane 46), Fabio Tavares (Dean Gardner 46), Ar’Jany Matha (Reece Wilson 74). 7:30pm Kick Off. Tuesday 21st July 2026, North Street, Alfreton (att 399).

Barnet 2-2 Luton Town (Friendly) Regardless of what the majority of England fans will tell you, the World Cup is still not yet over, we are already three weeks into pre-season and whilst memories (bad) will slowly hopefully fade of England’s semi-final exit to Argentina on Wednesday night, one way of getting over them is turning attention to club football, and the new campaign ahead. I’m off to Barnet today. It’s a bit of a road trip south again and I’ve took this match as I need to get back to dog sit as the wife is out on the piss tonight, a 1pm kick off at the Hive, I’ll be back in blighty for teatime. Luton Town are the visitors, the Hatters finishing seventh last season in League One, agonisingly close to the playoffs under Jack Wilshere who at least won the EFL trophy (in his first season as top dog) to bring home some silverware to Kenilworth Road. They won their first friendly at Hitchin Town 5-0 last weekend, whilst Barnet also faced similar opposition to open up their summer, winning 1-0 at Top Field, a further tedious link is that I also saw Hitchin midweek in a 2-0 defeat by Dagenham. The Bees drew 2-2 with the Hornets of Watford last time out having beaten Hemel Hempstead Town on Saturday gone, Dean Brennan’s side finished a commendable eighth in their first season back in League Two after the year previous taking the National League championship with over 100 points after seven seasons outside the football league. Barnet have signed goalkeeper Taye Ashby-Hammond from Stevenage, Charlie Lakin and Brandon Comley from Walsall, Will Wright from Swindon, Zac Williams comes in from Crewe, as does Tom Knowles from Forest Green, a busy summers window also includes the arrivals of Jack Maskell from Darlington, Isiah Noel Williams from Hemel, and Craig Farquhar who’s a young defender released by Crystal Palace. As for Luton, they have been busy too, Kasey Palmer looks a cracking acquisition from Hull City on a permanent after a successful loan last season whilst Gideon Kodua moves north from West Ham, George Johnston is a free signing from Bolton Wanderers and Harrison Ashby heads in on loan from Newcastle. The Venue I set off as early as 9am to ensure I got somewhere close to the ground to park, arriving at 11 a good two hours before kick-off, but I needn’t have bothered to rush, the car park at the Hive has plenty of room and you can pay on the day, as I walk through the complex barriers sandwiched in between the semi-detached houses of Edgware on Camrose Avenue, I’ve been here before (in the dark) but under blue skies it looks so much better, fantastic facilities, a proper community centre of football with plenty of 4g pitches and a couple of grass pitches that despite the dry weather are in fabulous condition, pleasantly green and well mowed. At the middle of it all, as a London Underground train goes by in the background, is the Hive Stadium, modern, sleek, floodlights tall, two big newly built metal stands with orange and black seating, one end is open and there’s black netting to stop people peering through the car park to get a free view of the pitch, but you can see through the netting, so it’s not doing a very good job. There’s scar music playing over the tannoy and there’s folk sat in their new replica shirts outside the club bar, a friendly atmosphere as I nip to what I think is the gents, a toilet on the outside walls of the ground are in actual fact mixed sex, to my surprise when a lady appears outside my urinal. I’ve forgotten my pen, so nip inside the club shop and get two brightly coloured orange Barnet FC labelled biros for £7.50, before walking around to what is known as the Legends Stand. The West Stand of the stadium is the biggest of all three, the North Terrace next to my left looks similar and has a small section of Luton fans seated within two blocks, opposite is a quirky but small sitting area which houses the players dugouts and press benches in front of the pitch long clubhouse, as well as some family space, although there’s not much cover, then to the right of that, no cover at all, as you can see through the netting behind the goal right into the car park where spaces are still available. The Game I’ve had a sip of tea and ate a mint aero, sat at the top row where there’s a bit of a chilly breeze under pleasant skies, as the game begins with Barnet in orange, Luton in all white, two new kits on show I’m told, as the home side start well against stuttering opponents, who are a little behind in their pre-season scheduling so far. Barnet have played three games to Luton’s one and they look hungrier from the start as unforced errors are made by the visitors. It’s been mostly one way traffic as Nnamdi Ofoborh runs forward powerfully, he unleashes a shot from the edge of the box which trickles goalwards, but it’s right in the corner as Josh Keeley is caught by surprise, full stretch, after six minutes, he can’t keep it out, 1-0 to the home side. Luton do improve and look a menace through the speedy Gideon Kodua on the left, whilst Nakhi Wells has an audacious attempt from range, trying to chip the keeper, his effort flicks the top of the crossbar from a good 35 yards out. It’s entertaining as Danny Collinge heads from a corner agonisingly wide at the other end, but it’s open, and Luton have one chance too many gifted to them, Isiah Jones who looks brilliant at right back pushing forward, forcing a good stop from Ashby-Hammond, before Nakhi Wells does what he does best, as he’s played in to slot low and level up on the stroke of half time. The Score All but one of Luton’s players are changed at the break as young teen centre half Christian Chigoze re-appears with ten new team-mates. Barnet in contrast make just one change as Tshimanga comes on for Maskell, and it’s Luton for the early periods who dictate, Jayden Luker who did well on loan at Notts County last season, is a lovely looking footballer to watch, whilst Shayden Morris on the right wing has the beating of his marker every time he gets it. There’s more subs on the hour as Barnet this time call for reinforcements, at least eight new names appear and that causes unsettlement in the match again, but a string of Luton corners leads to Luker netting at the back post, after a header down finds him in space, he blasts home from close range to give his side the lead on 72. Defensive frailties however are the order of the day for Luton who never really convince in their back line, Barnet don’t have to wait too long for a cross into the box to cause havoc, eventually the ball bouncing down to Tshimonga who levels from close range, the Hatters having their lead lasting for just five minutes. There’s a couple of sniffs late on as Luker stands up a brilliant chip to the back post where Jordan Clark is free, he gets his header all wrong and misses the best chance to win the game, in the end it’s a worthy workout draw as both teams shake and I head off to get back for the dog. The Stars Barnet had a lot offer and in the first half especially, impressed from back to front, Collinge and Tavares comfortable playing out from defence at centre half, out wide the leggy Romoney Crichlow had moments down the left whilst Tom Knowles grafted hard floating behind Jack Maskell in attack. Their second half team was more combative and powerful than their intricate looking first half cousins, Tshimanga a nuisance up front whilst Noel-Williams and Siaw provided threat on the break. It was Luton’s individuals however who impressed me most. Young Gideon Kodua exploded with pace out left and he looks a really exciting capture from West Ham’s youth academy, whilst Isiah Jones from right back provided an athletic and speedy alternative attacking option with brilliant quick feet. I actually really like a number of Jack Wilshere’s midfielders, in Jordan Clark, George Saville and Liam Walsh they have combative ball winners who are willing to put a shift in for their shirt, in Sverre Sandal they have a huge Norwegian presence who comes looking for the ball and doesn’t mind getting stuck in, sitting in front of the back four. Kasey Palmer was one in the first half who looked better, fitter, more polished and stronger than the rest, he could be key to Luton having a really good campaign this season having stepped down a level from the Championship after a successful loan spell at Kenilworth Road last season, but so to could Jayden Luker who after a good year on loan in League Two, is as elegant as they come when in possession, the 21-year-old had number ten on his back and carried the ball with confidence, always seemed to make the right choice and did it all with a bit of guile which made him very easy on the eye. Special mention for Shayden Morris who’s been at the likes of Fleetwood and Aberdeen previously and never really pulled up trees. He’s a throwback right winger who likes to take on his man, his pace electric, he did the simple stuff well, getting to the by-line and crossing low, what’s not to love about an old fashioned winger doing his thing? Finally, Luton played a few teenagers including left back Harry Fox, a left footed right winger in Jake Richards, midfielder Zacharias Ioannides and the best of all, centre back Christian Chigoze, great to see their Manager giving youth a chance, let's hope one or two break into the side next season. The Verdict If you've not been to Barnet yet you might get a nice surprise. It maybe a modern facility but it has its quirks and there's plenty to look at around the ground (trains going by and five a side matches on the adjacent astro), if your eyes get distracted from the football. On the pitch wasn't bad either, plenty of opportunity, plenty of goals, an open game as Luton looked to attack out wide, whilst Barnet hoped to counter quickly, I think both will do ok this season in their respective divisions, and who knows, if they can go one step better than last year and both reach the playoffs, I think that would be a satisfactory campaign all around. The Teams Barnet: Taye Ashby-Hammond, Danny Collinge (Craig Farquahar 62), Nikola Tavares (Zac Williams 62), Myles Kenlock (Adam Senior 62), Kane Smith (Trialist 63), Nnambi Ofoborh (Bright Siaw 62), Will Wright (Trialist 63), Romoney Crichlow (Isiah Noel-Williams 63), Tom Knowles (Charlie Lakin 62), Trialist (Trialist 63), Jack Maskell (Kabongo Tshimanga 46). Luton Town: Josh Keeley (James Shea 46), Isiah Jones (Zacharias Ioannides 46), Christian Chigoze, George Johnston (Hakeem Odoffin 46), Harry Fox (Finley Evans 46), Liam Walsh (Jordan Clark 46), Sverre Sandal (George Saville 46), Kasey Palmer (Joe Johnson 46), Gideon Kodua (Jayden Luker 46), Jake Richards (Shayden Morris 46), Nakhi Wells (Devante Cole 46). 1:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 18th July 2026, The Hive, London (1,500).

Hitchin Town 0-2 Dagenham & Redbridge (Friendly) I enjoyed my first visit to Top Field so much last summer, I’m back again tonight, as I head down the M1 to watch Southern League Hitchin face National League South Dagenham & Redbridge in a friendly. On Saturday, the Canaries played out a testimonial for Mr Town himself, Mark Burke, who not only played and managed the club, is now their secretary. He’s been involved for over 40 years in one way or another, having made over 700 appearances during a 20-year playing career for Hitchin. Visitors at the weekend were Luton Town who Mark also played for (and supports), the Hatters Manager Jack Wilshere (who grew up in the town) even dusting off his boots during a veterans game after a 5-0 win. Dagenham & Redbridge are celebrity status these days, the new Hashtag or Wrexham perhaps? YouTube millionaire and Saturday night TV star KSI has a minority stake in the club, Andy Carroll heads their attack (he also holds a minority stake), Lee Allinson their new Manager, made a name for himself at nearby Hemel Hempstead, perhaps less showbiz? The Daggers will be looking to get out of a tough division this season coming, they beat Newmarket 4-1 at the weekend after opening up their summer search for sharpness with a scoreless draw in Hornchurch. Hitchin will be back playing in the Southern League Premier Central Division after promotion from Division One, beating Biggleswade in the Playoff final after a second-place seasonal finish, they return to their regular stable step 3 of the non-league ladder after just a year at step 4. The Venue The drive in from the M1 J12 on a bright sunny evening turns spectacular when you get through the idyllic village of Harlington and pass the Sharpenhoe Clappers with stunning views of scorched greenery as far as the eyes can see. It's rural and peaceful as you get to the quintessential Royal Oak pub in Barton-le-Clay with its St George's flags outside before heading once again through the fields of Hexton down winding roads, ahead of reaching Hitchin. A much busier town, as traffic slows me down through the crawling centre. The ground itself is right in the heart, opposite Butts Close park and the local lido, I park my car around the corner on Lancaster Avenue and walk the remaining 500 yards to the turnstile. Once in, I’m greeted by a fifty/fifty seller who I sadly decline and walk through the back end behind the goal, the breeze block walls of one stand painted yellow and green. It’s a lovely home of football, big wide and spread pitch in spanking condition with plenty of grass around the perimeter, tree lined there’s two small stands either side, a terraced area opposite (the Lancaster Road End) and behind the near goal I’m at, a curved roofed terrace that already has the odd person sitting or stood. It’s a really lovely ground, so many quirks, a small club shop in a shipping container offers team sheets at 20p and as I walk around to the press block, there’s red seats fixed on to wooden benches painted in green, behind me on the wall is a chalk board which tells you the winning numbers of the fifty/fifty ticket. The Game The star attraction is no doubt ex-England international Andy Carroll who indeed leads the line for Dagenham & Redbridge tonight. He’s looking buff and bronzed with a beard, I’m told after injury last year, he’s in really good shape, but he’s sometimes made harder for me to recognise as Daggers manager Lee Allinson also has a similar looking man bun. The National South team are the ones knocking it around on the front foot early doors, they win a corner and knowing the threat of ‘AC’ a Hitchin defender gets up with the big man and pokes him in the eye, Carroll is down on the canvas as play continues. Bruised but not beaten, a second corner is won and on eight minutes, Carroll rises highest to head home, bread and butter for a footballer who was once known as one of the best in the air in the global game, “he gets bad press” says one of the Daggers media team “but he’s one of the nicest men in football” he says. It’s not just Carroll who impresses during the first half where the away side are much the better team, Kane Crichlow is a threat in the number ten role, George Marsh is controlling midfield, getting forward well are full backs Liam Vincent and Josh Addae, who in particular has a huge throw. McGregor in the Hitchin goal making at least three desperate saves when Daggers players look destined to score. Despite the pressure, Hitchin are very game, they look lots smaller than their National League South opponents and in Callum Nicolson they probably have the smallest player on the pitch, but he’s a tidy footballer who’s hard to pin down, “he’s probably our most technical player” says the clubs PA announcer, “he joined from Real Bedford after starting his career in Luton Town’s academy” I’m told. The Score At half time it’s just the one goal separating the teams as Dagenham change all but one of their players, Josh Addae the only surviving member of the first 45 minutes. Hitchin used just one sub in the first half after an injury to their forward Kye Tearle, Temi Akinbusoye is their ‘unnamed’ trialist but everyone seems to know who he is, “our biggest kept secret” I hear, he’s done well since coming on and offers some pace and power in the final third, but he’s well marshalled as he’s flattened by the Daggers own trialist centre half inside the box, Referee waving play on. At the other end there’s a shot which flicks the bar, from outside the box as Kayden Harrack lets fly, the visitors boss the second half, as they did the first, but with new personnel, this time its largely through Tim Dieng and Archie Tamplin, whilst a couple of trialists impress. In all they win fifteen corners, so it’s little surprise late on, when size matters again, this time a delivery is whipped in for Jet Dyer to head home, perhaps an Achilles heel for Hitchin this year, will be their size in defending set plays? The Stars Like last year verses Barnet, the home side had plenty of promise on the pitch and although notably physically weaker, they had as much technical talent as their opponents. Impressing most was Callum Nicolson in midfield but the similar statured Luke Stokoe out right had moments, Archie Briars coming on in midfield during the second half was also neat, nimble and energetic in his play. For Dagenham they have a team who will look to be at the forefront of the promotion race this coming season, Andy Carroll is a real leader, but doesn’t have legs like he used to, then, he never did, he will start as a number nine, before moving deeper due to his concern in being able to occupy the centre halves for a full ninety minutes. I quite like this move, as it allows Kane Crichlow or Harry Beautyman to move into that space, both creative in and around the penalty area. Whilst both Josh Addae and Liam Vincent got forward from right and left back respectively, they were held together defensively by Sam Graham and Henry Hawkins, in midfield I’m told Archie Tamplin is probably the best of the lot, he looked tanned and oiled, straight out of Love Island villa, he’s certainly been away somewhere exotic this summer and isn’t one for factor 30, like my wife he's out with the Germans getting the sunbeds, he plays on the front foot, happy to battle, but with quality on the ball, he maybe key and cog to how the Daggers perform this season. The Verdict Hitchin are in the Southern League Premier Central Division and that means they’ll be heading more North, than not, which is a slight issue with player pull when playing at the level following promotion from a predominantly southern division. I think, personally, they’ll be ok, but might fall short against the best teams in the division like Kettering, Real Bedford, Worcester City, Peterborough Sports and Halesowen Town, but then a year of consolidation is not to be frowned upon, following the brilliant season they have just had. As for Dagenham, I think they are all in with ambition on one prize, promotion is key, nothing else will do, and I certainly think they have the players, and a Manager who knows the level, to be able to do it. Hitchin is a great club, Top Field is a venue I would highly recommend, just a small number in attendance tonight due to a World Cup semi-final between France and Spain being more glamorous to watch no doubt, but if you like your football real, authentic, quintessentially 'southern' English with a bit of a nod to the past, then you must visit this place, a gorgeous old football home. The Teams Hitchin Town: Tyler McGregor, Cole Butler (Rio Deall 58), Elliott Phillips, Blue Joy (George Morrall 63), Trialist, Ciaran Jones, Dan Stokoe, Trialist (Trialist 63), Kye Tearle (Trialist 36), Luke Stokoe (Archie Briars 63), Callum Nicolson. Dagenham & Redbridge: Nathan Ashmore (Trialist 46), Josh Addae (Stan Leach 68), Sam Graham (Trialist 46), Henry Hawkins (Jet Dyer 46), Liam Vincent (Trialist 46), George Marsh (Tim Dieng 46), Trialist (Archie Tamplin 46), Noah Coppin (Kayden Harrick 46), Harry Beautyman (Kymani Thomas 46), Kane Crichlow (Trialist 46), Andy Carroll (Davide Rodari 46). 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 14th July 2026, Top Field, Hitchin (att 215).

Alfreton Town 0-0 Burton Albion (Friendly) The World Cup is in full flow; I’ve only just got back off my holidays in Italy and Croatia but already the 2026/27 pre-season has started. I missed the first week of games so the second Saturday of July I’m finally back to business, a long old season ahead, again, and I’m itching, ready, I can’t bloody wait for it. Today I’m back at Alfreton Town, a team now close to my heart, but then I’ve always had a soft spot since my mate ‘Robbo’ played for them way back when. These days it’s all about the club staff, those who potter about in the press room, offering cups of tea, biscuits and cakes, you won’t go thirsty here, or hungry, they look after you at ‘Ofton’ as the locals call the team. Despite a good bloody effort which took it to the last day, Alfreton were relegated from the National League North in the spring and will play this season in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. Manager Jake Buxton kept his job, after all it wasn’t his fault, far from it, he came in with his side already bottom of the league and managed to pick up so many points from November onwards, had he been there from the start, they would probably have had enough PPG (points per game) for the playoffs. There’s been changes at North Street this summer, out goes my favourite player in George Cantrill to Spennymoor, other established grafters have left like Lewis Salmon, Max Hunt (both Chorley) and the huge throwing Adam Lund (Guiseley) but some have come in, Sam Parker, Connor Dixon and Tom Solanke all previously of Derbyshire rivals Ilkeston Town, whilst Reco Fyfe looks a good acquisition from Quorn. As for Burton, Gary Bowyer (son of Ian) is gaffer of the Brewers. Albion finished seventeenth in League One last season and they have recently added to their roster in acquiring Matthew Dennis of Notts County and Curtis Tilt from Bradford, I’m especially looking forward to watching Charlie Webster today who I’m told has been a cracking signing from Chelsea, whilst both Tyrese Shade and Kain Adom are exciting attackers having come through the non-league system. The Venue I’ve pulled up on a side street and walked up North Street where some old boy sat outside his house is chatting to his wife about COVID vaccines. A bus coming up the road is stuck, some fella has to knock on someone’s door to ask them to move their car so the bus can get through, I feel like I’m in a time trap when things were simpler, Alfreton is that sort of place, council houses and cars parked everywhere, but the ground is quiet today, it looks like even the Burton players have made their own ways in, no team bus outside, as I nip to Co Op for a meal deal before walking back down in the sun and through the turnstiles. Inside I take pictures of the playing surface, a little sun burnt but the pitch looking good with its right to left slope, the old stadium glowing red in the bright hazy blue light, I’m into the press box where it’s mightily warm inside. “Happy new Year” I say to Liam, the clubs tweeter, whilst asking him, “haven’t you got any air con in here yet?” 'We keep having to open the fridge door' is his reply. I sit myself down at the back of the press seating area as Bill comes around with cakes, Gary Bowyer is chatting to his Burton Albion media team, he’s narked that one of his club staff have put a picture of him on their LinkedIn, he’s asking for image rights and complaining in jest (I think) about workplace violation and his right to privacy. He's all very straight faced is Bowyer. I spot Fletch, the BBC Radio commentator for Burton games who’s here as a spectator today, he also commentates on Derbyshire cricket games which I regularly attend in my (other) summer scouting role. “How’s the cricket been going?” I ask. “Shit” is his reply. I’m joined by another familiar face, a Brummie lad called Rob who often scouts with me at Alfreton, he like me loves the friendly nature of this place and walks around making cups of tea like he owns it. The buzz is one of happiness, those of you who have not been here before, do it. The club is currently up for sale after a new American tech-savvy owner thought he would come in and turn it into Hashtag United or Wrexham, he wanted to sell some Bitcoin type memes to get fans to have their say with team selection. I actually sent an email to the clubs Director, saying “It’s not that sort of club” and to "think again" a week later he put it up for sale. I joked with Rob but we both long agreed it would never work “they’ve only just stopped using cheques around here, let alone know anything about Bitcoin” he says. It’s a proper working class town is 'Ofton', with proper working class people, the ground in the middle of a council housing estate, if anywhere couldn't be further from the glitz and glamour of modern football and what modern football wants, this is the place, and this is why I love it, this is why it's best kept away from all that showbiz. The Game Burton have two teams set up for today, one, a relatively strong side for the first 45 minutes whilst their second half team is made up pretty much entirely of kids, Alfreton look a little thin on the ground, they have eight players actually signed on in their starting XI with three trialists, captained by young Siya Ligendza who joined last season, he’s the longest surviving player (aged just 22) in the squad. Alfreton also have Dylan Youmbi who impressed after joining from Ilkeston last year, he’s already racing directly down the right with pace and power at the Brewers defence, the front three all of Youmbi, Ligendza and Daniel Odunaya causing a bit of havoc for Burton’s defensive trio of Sibbick, Vancooten and Tilt, the latter, recently signed is playing the game like it's a cup final, diving in desperately and leaving a bit in on opponents after his tackles, he has a go at an official and all hell breaks loose, steam coming out of his ears, Tilt earns himself a needless yellow card. The first half is enjoyable, Burton in 3-5-2 play through the elegant Charlie Webster, flowing hair, he just oozes class as he gets on the ball in those number eight positions and waves forward with a wand of a right foot, often looking for the overlapping wing back Jack Armer who gets forward down the left on his blindside. Another player I like is Kegs Chauke who sits in midfield and protects, nothing silly, keeps within his limits, but plays the game like any good modern day CDM should. He’s only 23 but has near 100 league games for Burton following a move from Southampton in 2023. There’s not much in the way of action, Youmbi perhaps with Alfreton’s best chance as he forces a good stop from Dudek at the near post, whilst Zac Scutt has a couple of sniffs for the visitors, it’s a game played at a good tempo with lots of pass and move from both sides, before the half time changes take place with the game goalless. The Score It’s a new look Brewers for the second half as young hungry whipper snappers from the U18’s come on against an Alfreton team who are the same bar two subs, the hosts are tiring in the heat as the match becomes a battle without much quality in the final third, some good moments from Jack Willow who spreads the play well from deep midfield, whilst Miles Henry out right is full of running, but there’s not much the way of action, a late free kick by Tomas Kalinauskas (known as ‘TK’ for obvious reasons) finds Finn Delap (son of Rory, brother of Liam) who blazes over, perhaps summing the standard of finishing up. All four goalkeepers used today, have had very little to do. Good minutes for all involved, the score at this stage of the season hardly an issue, the lack of attempts, ditto, whilst Alfreton will take great positivity out of having a scratch side full of trialists go toe-to-toe with League One opposition, the important stuff for Gary Bowyer and his men, was about getting minutes into their young legs. The Stars I said before that I was looking forward to seeing Charlie Webster play and I wasn’t disappointed, everything good, the Brewers did, went through him, a silky midfielder who looks talented enough, still only 23, to have a good football league career. I liked the back three of Sibbick, Vancooten and Tilt, the latter adding experience and aggression, which I think will be needed badly this coming season, whilst Kegs Chauke in midfield stood out, Matthew Dennis had a quiet debut in attack, eighteen year old Zak Scutt shown much promise beside him. For Alfreton, I was impressed in parts with their new midfield duo of Connor Dixon and Tom Solanke, both shown some neat touches and are players most competent at the level the club are now at. I like the promising signs of their front three, Youmbi, Ligendza and Odunaya, all have pace and power and will all cause issues for defences in the division this year no doubt. The Verdict I do think Alfreton will have it tough in the Northern Premier League but there are plenty worse teams than them in the division, they still have a lot to do, with more signings to come, but are building a steady ship that should see them sail in and around the top half of the table, with the likes of big spending Bury and Cleethorpes, FC United and both Warrington outfits, Guiseley, Ashton, Stockton, who all could be up there, it will be tough at the top, but they certainly have the ability to compete, with a couple more savvy acquisitions to boost. As for Burton, well they have been punching well above their weight for years now. Just 408 watched this friendly game in total, which tells you of the kind of limited support, the Brewers have, a small team once playing at the very level Alfreton are now at, but doing great things now in the third tier of the English game. I think they’ll have it tough, and will be fighting for survival, but in Gary Bowyer, they have a good guy running things, in Charlie Webster, they have a brilliant playmaker, if they keep the basis of what they already have, and add to that well, then there’s every chance they can improve on last season’s seventeenth place finish. The Teams Alfreton Town: Trialist (Trialist 46), Daniel Benson (Trialist 46), Sam Parker (Trialist 65), Trialist, Trialist, Tom Solanke (Trialist 65), Dylan Youmbi (Trialist 58), Connor Dixon (Trialist 65), Daniel Odunaya (Trialist 65), Siya Ligendza (Trialist 65), Jakub Krusznski (Trialist 65). Burton Albion: Kamil Dudek (Lucas Joubert 46), Toby Sibbick (William Earley 46), Terence Vancooten (Finn Delap 46), Curtis Tilt (Cameron Gilbert 46), Kyran Lofthouse (Miles Henry 46), Charlie Webster (Jack Willow 46), Dylan Williams (Sulyman Krubaly 46), Kegs Chauke (Tomas Kalinauskas 46), Jack Armer (Samuel Oyemade 46), Zak Scott (Myles Matthew-Lewis 46), Matthew Dennis (Robbie Meakin 46). 2:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 11th July 2026, North Street, Alfreton (att 408).

Leicester City 1-3 Chelsea (Women's Super League) Like my hair the games are thinning out, May is the last month of the English football season and most league competitions have already finished, but for the odd playoff to decide upcoming promotions. The WSL is in its penultimate week, Manchester City have just ended six years of Chelsea dominance to take the title, but the Blues are second and still aim to end the season strong. They face Leicester ahead of an FA Cup semi-final ironically against Manchester City, before hosting Manchester United on the last day of the WSL season in a fortnights time. It's not gone well for the men or women of Leicester City this season, whilst the men's side have been relegated from the Championship into League One, the women are bottom of the table in the WSL, thumped by Arsenal 7-0 last time out, they'll have a playoff against Charlton Athletic in a couple of weeks’ time to decide if they survive the drop or not. It's probably going to be my last game of the regular season, so I'm out the door in sombre mood on this bank holiday Sunday, no work tomorrow, I'm heading down the A46 through Leicester where I eventually pull up on Burnmoor Street next to Filbert Street and the old now derelict home of the Foxes which is mostly student flats in a terraced housing part of town, the men moved over the road in 2002 whilst the ladies have resided at the King Power for the last three or four seasons. The Venue It's a short walk from the old ground site to the new stadium, as I trot on to the Raw Dykes Road the white bowl like arena appears stood alone beside a couple of vehicle retailers and a Holiday Express. There's always something going off outside the ground as kids play with loose footballs that are bouncing around on the brick floor surface being kicked back by passers-by. Inside at the gates I’m offered a large foam hand but pleasantly decline, I walk through the turnstiles with a scan of my phone and head straight up to my seat, around forty minutes to kick off. It looks busier today from the back row where I’m sat, as the clubs U21's parade their championship title, it seems all the girls teams are here, plenty in attendance to cheer on the last home game of the WSL (potentially for some time). As usual it's three sides of empty blue seats but the side I'm in is well spread out of largely young female people, I still feel there's unlocked potential for more but in the clubs current predicament I'm not too optimistic about the outlook, relegation may certainly stunt potential growth. The Game The last time I watched these two teams play each other I think Chelsea won 8-0. I've seen plenty of improvement from Leicester since then, in a few years they have learned how to become competitive against the nation's elite, but there's still a gap, and in recent months Leicester have slipped some, they aren't nearly as strong as the Foxes side I have seen in the previous couple of campaigns. One reason for their demise is a lack of fire power. Goals have been hard to come by this season, just 10 scored in 20 games and although Rick Passmoor has them well drilled defensively, they play too deep to ever get out of danger, as the game starts it's relentless attack after attack, Chelsea playing all their football in just one half of the pitch, every time Leicester clears, it just comes back. I'm impressed with the Blues right back Ellie Carpenter, venturing forward and linking with the Maverick that is Lauren James, she offers little movement, but when she gets it, girl, she can play. James reminds me of a 70's throw back like Frank Worthington or Stan Bowles, she hardly looks like she's interested, I'm not sure if she even enjoys playing football, she's just bloody good at it. Another blast from the past in the way she plays is their hard grafting striker Sam Kerr, an Australian international she’s a really busy athlete and although not the biggest, great in the air, like Peter Osgood once was, a 64th WSL goal scored by Kerr on 13 as she heads home a Niamh Charles cross from the left, perfectly stood up, Kerr doing what she does best heading down into the corner of the net. There’s a similar chance for Kaptein who heads over from close range, it looked easier to score with the goal gaping, before Lauren James takes aim, she’s cut inside from the right on 27, now drifting in off the left, playing where she likes, flicking the ball through her legs before getting it onto her right foot, smashing home a curling shot from outside the area, I’m wowed by the technique, it’s all so effortless, exceptional as she trots away like she's done it a thousand times in training. James has done little but when she does something it oozes class, it just looks better when she does it, her left foot easily as good as her right as she pings yet another cross field pass. The Score You feel despite her quality, James is probably less important for Chelsea than the likes of Sam Kerr and Erin Cuthbert, Johanna Rytting who I really like down the right, Lauren’s lack of effort off the ball doesn’t go unnoticed, but a when a free kick is controversially awarded on the edge of the Leicester box, you feel that they’ll be only one outcome, as James stands over the ball, before walking two paces and curling one in off the crossbar. Again it’s effortless, again it’s exceptional, 3-0 to Chelsea. That third goal might even have given Chelsea false premise? Lucy Bronze who’s had an age to do what she wants with the ball at centre half, she’s passed back blind under no pressure at all, Shannon O’Brien is sent through on goal, and one-on-one with Peng she slips home beneath the keeper, to give the hosts but a glimmer of hope. That goal brings the noise from the home crowd as Hannah Cain tries a speculative effort which goes wide and after half time Leicester have a real go, as Thibaud heads inches wide, but it’s pressure that peters out, Chelsea who by now have taken the likes of James, Kerr and Cuthbert off, regain their foothold and break forward with the tricky looking Sandy Baltimore and speedy silky Alyssa Thompson, there should be more goals added as Baltimore is guilty of blasting wide after dancing around several players, in the end there’s no more but it’s a routine afternoon in the Midlands for the away side, who never really have to get out of third gear to impose themselves on their struggling opponents. The Stars Lauren James is a super talent but you tend to see where England boss Sarina Wiegman is coming from when she opts not to play her, the team ethic is not quite top of James’ agenda, but give her the ball, and she can certainly play. Don’t get me wrong, raw technique and ability, James is a million miles above anyone else in the WSL (from what I have seen), but I was just as impressed with Chelsea's Australian right back Ellie Carpenter who got the ball and drove forward, in nineteen year old midfielder Alexia Potter who got better and better the later the game went, in the likes of Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd who grafts hard with grace when on the ball, in Erin Cuthbert who keeps things ticking along from midfield. Sam Kerr is a real star striker, one you just feel confident in backing when she’s inside the penalty area, but this Chelsea side is packed with talent, Lucy Bronze an old school defender and leader, Kadeisha Buchanan a powerful defender with pace, Niamh Charles a good quality left back with 30 plus England caps, I could go on. That’s the difference, with this elite Chelsea squad, and a plucky, but limited Leicester City opponent. I do actually feel, better coached, with more attacking intent, they might have a chance to not isolate their forwards so much, which could see more positivity in their play, whilst the likes of Shannon O’Brien, Hannah Cain, Alisha Lehmann, are not bad players, they get little support with others joining them in attack. One forward I did like when she came on was their big powerful number nine Noemie Mouchon, whilst Sam Tierney their skipper never lets me down, she ran her socks off and for me, could play in any WSL team and do a perfectly good job. The Verdict Leicester may very well go down, should they lose their playoff to Charlton it could be the end of an era, if they do manage to stay up, it could be the second chance they need to survive? I’m not optimistic because I don’t see enough goals, unfortunately under the current ownership I don’t see enough vision either, I wonder, should they fall down a division this summer, will that leave them even playing away from the King Power Stadium? No such homelessness for Chelsea, they have agreed a deal to play at Stamford Bridge from next season onwards, a team that might finally have relinquished their long line of WSL titles, can still end the campaign with a positive, should they win the FA Cup, that might be the silverware they need, to kick start 2026/27 with more confidence to take back their urn from the new noisy neighbour in league champions Manchester City. The Teams Leicester City: Katie Keane, Sarah Mayling, Chantelle Swaby, Sari Kees (Rachel Williams 78), Julie Thibaud, Asmita Ale (Ashleigh Neville 55), Emily van-Egmond (Jutta Rantala 78), Sam Tierney, Emma Jansson, Hannah Cain (Noemie Mouchon 56), Shannon O'Brien (Alisha Lehmann 55). Chelsea: Livia Peng, Ellie Carpenter, Lucy Bronze, Kadeisha Buchanan, Niamh Charles (Veerle Buurman 62), Erin Cuthbert (Sjoeke Nusken 46), Alexia Potter, Wieke Kaptein, Johanna Rytting-Kaneryd (Alyssa Thompson 62), Sam Kerr (Agnes Beever-Jones 62), Lauren James (Sandy Baltimore 46). 2:30pm Kick Off. Sunday 3rd May 2026, Leicester City Stadium, Leicester (att 2,000)