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Nottingham Forest 0-3 Southampton (Women’s Super League 2) What a season it has been in the WSL2, Nottingham Forest in their first campaign at the second tier of women’s football for thirteen long years, going into the last day with a chance of a sixth placed finish, the Reds enjoyed a fair start to the 2025/26 campaign with three wins in their first four games, but a sticky middle scuppered any outside hopes of back-to-back promotions, a good end however has seen them unbeaten in four, winning three and drawing one, beating the Saints would see them leapfrog todays opponents into sixth, but failing that, a seventh place finish is most commendable. Elsewhere in the division, huge pre-game excitement with leaders Charlton Athletic hosting second place Birmingham City in a final day drama that doesn’t just boast the two teams own title efforts, should the Valley see a draw and third place Crystal Palace beat bottom of the table Portsmouth it would be the Eagles who land the league, a three way race for the championship could go the Blues way should they win, if Charlton do the business, the trophy will be theirs. With the expansion of the WSL to fourteen teams the top two will automatically go up into next season’s top flight with the third place team playing off against bottom side Leicester, should Southampton win today and results go their way, they could even finish best of the rest, which bodes well for next season, as both the Saints and Forest will fancy their chances of having a fair shot at promotion. Now in their fourth year at the level, Southampton have finished sixth, fourth and eighth in previous campaigns, a steady staple of the tier they are, meanwhile Forest in their first season have also fared well, well backed, they have a good Manager doing good things in Carly Davies and in recent weeks they have beaten Ipswich, Durham and Portsmouth and almost won at Newcastle, but for a ninetieth minute Jordan Nobbs leveller in a 1-1 draw. I’m out the door at just gone 1pm, a quick drive down the Melton Road and before you know it I’m pulling onto Radcliffe Road besides Trent Bridge Cricket Ground bathed in sunlight, I turn into Pavilion Road as I’m privileged to even have some parking today, here on behalf of the Nottingham Sport. The Venue Dressed in red. the City Ground is looking fabulous these days since the emperor that is Evangelos Marinakis took on this once struggling club and made it into a European giant again. The women have shared the men’s home for a couple of seasons now and although the press room is much quieter today than it would have been on Thursday for the men’s Europa League semi-final against Aston Villa, the place is in great condition, the Peter Taylor Main Stand built in the 1960’s the most aged of the four sides, but all look great, particularly on a sunny day like today. The Game I’m joined ahead of kick off from a lad I know from a stats company and we get chatting so much that we barely even notice kick off, the Saints in black shoot straight away which catches us off guard. “Was that a shot” the stat man to my right says to me. It’s a great start by the away side who are the aggressors in the opening 90 seconds, the ball suddenly falls to Michaela McAloine who shoots from just outside the area, a full throttle thrust. it’s a belter that bangs down off the crossbar and into the net, as Emily Batty in the Forest goal hopelessly looks on. That early opener silences the crowd, little over 1,500 sat in the Main Stand which we are in, the rest of the ground sparse, glowing red with the empty seats around the pitch perimeter. Forest have more possession but Southampton have more cutting edge, on 26 they shoot again and score, this time its Megan Collett who swings a right foot at a bouncing ball and off the outside of the boot it swerves just a few inches above ground like a half tapped six iron towards the putting green. The ball cannons into the side of the net for a second and Southampton have full control. The Score I’ve not stopped chatting to stat man on my right but it’s been a good old chinwag talking mostly non league soccer with the back drop of some easy flowing football to enjoy, we check the results of those games elsewhere after half time and it looks like Birmingham are going to win the league, 2-0 up at Charlton whilst Crystal Palace could snatch second spot, they are thumping Portsmouth with the Addicks dropping down to third place with a playoff match now likely to play. Forest make one change at half time as the very quiet and disappointing Joy Omewa makes way for Aimee Claypole, but it makes little difference, the Reds have more possession and do hit the bar as a Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah cross from the right flicks down from the woodwork, but Frances Stenson in the Saints goal is barely tested, at the other end Emily Batty is called into action, she saves from a breakaway but the ball falls to Mary Bashford who bundles home from close range, a third dent in Forest’s failing fire, it’s been a convincing away performance from Simon Parker’s team. The Stars Wearing number ten I was impressed with Michaela McAloine who’s a Scottish U23 international now aged 24, she signed from Hibernian at the start of the season and pulls strings, gets on the ball in advanced areas and has a real good shot for goal. Ellie Brazil is a forward player who worked hard, her father Gary formerly working for Nottingham Forest as youth team manager, a player with Preston, Newcastle and Fulham back in his heyday. Mary Bashford and Aimee Palmer teamed well together in midfield whilst Milly Mott and Tara Bourne were solid at centre half, it was a good all around team performance from the Saints who might consider themselves as amongst favourites for promotion next season? A disappointing afternoon for Forest who didn’t really trouble their opponents enough, despite having plenty of the ball, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah perhaps the best of a bad bunch, whilst Rachel Rowe put plenty of effort in from midfield. The Verdict I was hoping to see more attacking impetus by Forest who had improved in recent weeks, but Southampton’s early goal scuppered any Reds hopes of a top six finish, they in the end they lay seventh after what is a solid first WSL2 campaign, can they go again and improve? I think Mr Marinakis might need to delve into his deep pockets to do so. As for Southampton, a good team who may consider themselves with a chance next season? With Birmingham crowned champions and Crystal Palace finishing second above Charlton who I feel have a good chance in beating Leicester to gain promotion to the WSL, that leaves the likes of Newcastle United and Bristol City to worry about, I feel the Saints can certainly be pushing them hard, and perhaps if Forest are backed, they can maybe, be up in the mix too. The Teams Nottingham Forest: Emily Batty, Cerys Brown, Georgia Brougham, Chloe Mustaki, Ebba Hed, Alana Murphy (Amy Rodgers 60), Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Charlie Wellings 84), Freya Thomas (Tove Almqvist 60), Rachel Rowe, Leanne Kiernan (Deanne Rose 74), Joy Omewa (Aimee Claypole 46). Southampton: Frances Stenson, Tara Bourne, Milly Mott, Abigail Nicoll (Tegan McGowan 67), Jessica Simpson (Rachel Brown 82), Mary Bashford, Aimee Palmer (Esta Roberts 90), Megan Collett, Atlanta Primus, Michaela McAloine (Emma Harries 81), Ellie Brazil (Saffia Rae 90). 3pm Kick Off. Saturday 2nd May 2026, City Ground, Nottingham (att 1,638).

Spalding United 1-0 Halesowen Town (Southern League Central Division Playoff Semi Final) Last night I watched the most remarkable game I've seen in some years on the TV as Paris Saint-Germain beat Bayern Munich 5-4 in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg at the boyishly loud and crazily atmospheric Parc des Princes. Today, I've spent it mostly arguing on Twitter (X) with Arsenal and Premier League football fans who are saying the French and German champions only play like that because they aren't tired, having already walked to their domestic league titles. Angered by the lack of respect given to our European cousins I'm not going to bother watching Arsenal against Atletico Madrid tonight, instead, I'm heading to Spalding to see the Tulips take on Halesowen Town in the Southern League Central Premier Division playoff semi final, with the winner getting a step nearer to promotion and the lucrative lure of the National League North. It's been a while since I've been here, a good ten years or so I believe, I have been long meaning to pay the Sir Halley Stewart Field a visit for some time, since Spalding only reached level 3 of the Football pyramid this season (a league which luckily I cover a lot of), and finally after 42 games of the campaign, two days from May, I can happily make my way across to Southern Lincolnshire to see the Tulips play at home. For Halesowen it's a team I've not yet met before, although I've heard a lot about them, past players include Troy Deeney and Ricky Otto, Mark, the dad of both Jude and Jobe Bellingham, Darren Caskey had a spell here, so did Duane Darby, Lee Hughes and Graham Hyde, Andy Pearce and Tony Thorpe, a lot of 90s football league legends have donned the shirt of the Yeltz. Russell Penn has built up a decent side with plenty of experience from the league above, Halesowen won their last game of the season 5-0 against Sudbury to ensure of their playoff place fixed, finishing the season in sixth a good fifteen points behind their second placed hosts today. Jimmy Dean is Manager of Spalding and I have seen them play earlier this season in an entertaining draw with champions Harborough, back then in August I predicted that both teams will do well, and it's been a good season for Spalding who pushed their fellow big spending rivals closely until the final weeks of the campaign. I'm off after 5pm as I head through Grantham and take the A52 towards Boston, pulling off into the village of Donington, I'm peacefully driving through the flatlands of Surfleet and Pinchbeck arriving a good hour and a half ahead of kick off where the place is already packed. The Venue The teams haven't even arrived but there's plenty of people, marquees and music, the sun is out, fans queuing up to get through the entrance, I'm parked across the road in a pay car park shared with the towns bus station, Just £1.40 until the morning if needed, the ground ideally located in the centre of town within walking distance to the quaint shopping centre. It's leafy and rural but the place has sense of community, boxed in by retail parks and houses lined with trees, the Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field has had some work done to it since I was last here. A brand spanking new 4g pitch offers a flat surface on top of once what was known as a bit of a cabbage patch in the day. The old iconic Main Stand still sits half way, that's where I'm heading to get my seat nice and early, an elevated view on a bench, old boys around me have brought their cushions, wind in my hair, slightly obscured by posts and padding but with the dugouts and tunnel below, close to the action and well enclosed. The rest of the ground looks to have come on, two modern ends have low roofed covered terracing, on the far side there's a tin seated stand on half way offering probably no more than fifty blue plastic seats, behind that we used to warm up on a practice pitch where there's still some grass remaining, today it has Marquees on, cars parked, an ice cream truck, and lots of fans already here, plenty drinking beer. The atmosphere feels special, blue and yellow flags waving, all spaces around the perimeter taken, over 2,000 for a seventh tier football game, this is what the sport delivers deep into the culture of England and its people. The Game Tulips from Amsterdam is aired over the tannoy as the club plays musical homage to its nickname, the two teams applauded onto the field and the game is underway under bright dusking skies, a feel good factor ahead of what is set to be a tasty tenacious battle for promotion. Halesowen in white are the early enforcers, they play the ball around the pitch and try and get a foothold over their bigger, stronger, quicker and more powerful opponents wearing Boca Juniors blue and yellow. The Yeltz have technical talented footballers but lose their captain to injury early on, Josh Smile is forced off to be replaced by former Tamworth talisman Kyle Finn. That change loses a bit of grit in the away side midfield but the game is tight and tense, no team looking like breaking down the door as both defend as if their lives depend on it. Of the few chances in the first half, Cybulski has a shot blocked before Ceesay is put through on goal, the tall leggy striker fluffing his lines whilst one on one, not even able to hit the target, perhaps the pressure got to him? The Score At half time you feel it's a game that could go all the way. Spalding are breaking with threat whilst Halesowen have the pacey Jason Cowley in attack, with him, the league's top goalscorer, anything is possible. Cowley is aggressive and quick, working the defenders hard he curls one over on 49 before another routine long throw by Rob Evans ends up with Wollacot flicking a foot over his head, Dan Wilks diving to his right to keep the ball out. On the hour there's a red card as Spalding manager Jimmy Dean stops a quickly taken throw in, Dean sent even more quickly, marching up to take his pew in the elevated stand that I'm sat in. That doesn't hold Spalding back though, they look to have taken the lead when Abduramane Sane bundles the ball goalwards, there's celebrations but no signal from the Referee or his assistants, that the ball ever crossed the line. As we hit the 75 minute mark, one player I have been disappointed with is Tulips winger Jack Roberts, he picked up a first half booking for dissent but has been largely on the periphery, the speedster has netted 24 goals this season but has hardly beaten his man all game, until a moment of magic down the right has him in John Robertson fashion (Malmo 79) produce a low centre, which causes chaos, Yusifu Ceesay is sliding in, the ball bundling goal bound again, this time, it creeps over the line. There's celebration as Ceesay runs to the dugouts arms aloft, purple pyro appears in the stand behind the goal, the Halesowen fans who have been singing and bouncing all match, at the opposite end, suddenly, go quiet. It's a slender lead but it's enough of something to hang on to, Halesowen are pushing for a leveller but time is running out, Spalding are captained by Liam Moore who heads everything away, they have Connor Johnson beside him keeping discipline, their full backs Sembie-Ferris and Olopade have been brilliant. There's time in the dying seconds of six added as Yeltz keeper Daniel Platt goes up for a corner, he manages to get headed contact onto the ball but it's well over the bar, the home side hanging on, they'll play Real Bedford next at home, to define who gets to go up to play step 2 football next season. The Stars I said it in August and I'll say it very close to May, Jimmy Dean has a bloody good side and some really good players, if they don't go up, I think there's a few worth looking at, who can play in the league (at least) above. On the night, I was really impressed with left back Tosin Olopade, a 21-year-old athletic defender signed from Salford City, who epitomised what the night was all about, pace, power, aggression, positivity. Spalding defended well, lead by Liam Moore at centre half who has over 300 football league appearances, but they attacked with excitement, pacey and direct, leggy and strong, with both Abduramane Sane and Yusifu Ceesay often too hot to handle, whilst wearing number nine they possessed a powerful battering ram in Bartosz Cybulski who looks very good in doing what he does. Then there's Jack Roberts, a player I think is one of the best in the division, who had 'that moment' in a tough competitive game, to get some space, and deliver the cross that won the match. Another contender for the best footballer in the division would be Halesowen's Jason Cowley who ran his socks off up front, often with quality and plenty of pace, he did things at speed and was unlucky not to add to his 31 goals this season, well marshalled on the night, he offered Halesowen's best threat of scoring. Big performances from the likes of Mitchell Roberts, from captain Rob Evans at centre half, I thought Jack Hickman did really well down the right, as did Milan Butterfield who I have seen play more in central midfield, he did a job at full back and offered a big physical presence in the back line, whilst Ty Bennett brought on late on, offered more size and physique in attack. The Verdict Unlike the Premier League tarnished with its negativity in style this season, English football down the divisions is bloody brilliant, the Sir Halley Stewart Field is a football ground that has rose up in my charts of favourites, a real community club is Spalding United and the locals ran around to their teams needs and got behind them when needed, whilst credit to Halesowen must be given, I seen at least four coaches of fans making way West to East, a big club in the division, I hope to see them at their place, some time soon. Whilst Halesowen may go back to the drawing board, with promotion the aim for Russell Penn next season, Spalding have that in sight this Saturday with a home match against another big spending opponent. I hope they win, because it's a nice drive for me, and to see them in the National League North, for the first time in the clubs history, really would be something special. The Teams Spalding United: Daniel Wilks, Dion Sembie-Ferris, Tosin Olopade, Liam Moore, Connor Johnson, Curtis Thompson, Jack Roberts, Tom Pugh (Josh McCammon 72), Bartosz Cybulski, Abduramane Sane, Yusifu Ceesay (Lewis White 90). Halesowen Town: Daniel Platt, Jack Hickman (Fin Holmes 66), Josh Smile (Kyle Finn 21), Ryan Wollacott, Mitchell Roberts (Reece Mitchell 80), Todd Parker (AJ George 80), Jason Cowley, Milan Butterfield, Jim Kellerman, Jordan Ponticelli (Ty Bennett 75), Rob Evans. 7:45pm Kick Off. Wednesday 29th April 2026, Sir Halley Stewart Playing Field, Spalding (att 2,038).

Boston United 3-1 Hartlepool United (National League) The last day of the National League season and the biggest game in arguably the competition's history as leaders York City visit second place Rochdale with a winner takes all tie to secure promotion back to the Football League. York have 107 points and a draw will do for the Minstermen to return to the 92 after 10 years away. Rochdale on 105 points need nothing less than victory to themselves return to League Two after a three year absence. It's caused worthy argument for the 3up campaign and although I'm not against it, I kind of like the fact that it's quite hard to get promoted from non league, that we get these types of occurrences when two fabulous teams pushing for the championship go head to head with stakes so high and it's not all doom and gloom for second place who will still get a second chance in the playoffs. No chance of either Boston or Hartlepool getting promoted though, both sides end their seasons today in the middle of the National League pack, the Pools blowing slim chance of playoff pipedreams weeks ago, Boston around the same time mathematically avoiding relegation, the last few weeks in cruise control have seen the Pilgrims unbeaten in five whilst the Monkey Hangers have won their last two. It's a fabulous spring day, the sun is out and 18 degrees is predicted for later, I've got the meat ready for a BBQ and have told the wife I'll be home early due to this 12:30pm kick off on the East Lincolnshire coast, driving through the busy town of Grantham, it's much quieter on the A52 where I see yellow fields and hawks flying, I even spot a muntjac deer trying nervously to cross the road. The Venue I left home a bit later than usual today so arrive at destination around 50 minutes ahead of kick off. Cars already parked everywhere on Wallace Way, I'm lucky to find space in a construction site car park before noticing a pink dinosaur get out of a white Ford Focus and inflate himself up. There's plenty of pink around as I walk towards the Jakemans Stadium, the Hartlepool fans are raising cash for Breast Cancer Awareness and have made the collective efforts rather than wearing the traditional random fancy dress as is the norm for away supporters on the last day of the season, it's a great touch and there's a lot of them here from the North East, in fact the place is packed as I head for the ticket office, queues of children in Boston United colours outside the Main Stand. Tomorrow is the clubs community day but today all the Pilgrims junior teams will be paraded on the pitch at half time, it feels like there's thousands going to be in attendance, I'm not even sure where they are all going to sit. Inside as kick off nears it's already packed with over 500 Pools fans in Palermo pink on the far side. Construction update: the stand to my right is progressing nicely, and looks like it'll be ready for the start of next season, once complete this will be a fabulous place as it already is, soon to be enclosed by four modern stands and a beautiful flat wide green pitch as seemingly standard. The Game Former Pilgrim Peter Costello, sat behind me on radio coms has predicted that Jordan Richards will score today. He's not scored in three years but I tell him that's not a bad outside shout as my punt is a 3-3 goal fest with defences out the window, a scout I know from Holbeach has 4-4 whilst a mate of his who's been boozing in the corporate 85 club all morning has a more realistic outlook at 2-2. Unlike last week at Solihull you feel it's two teams playing out the last day with good intention to win, to go out on a high, the start is lively, front to back as Hartlepool knock on the door through the dangerous Alex Reid, before Jordan Richards lets fly from the edge of the box, a fizzer that is brilliantly turned around the posts by goalkeeper Adam Smith. I turn to Costello as he bounces up before planting hands on face like a punter who's horse has been beaten on the line. There's not much doing after a lively start, Pools defender Parks goes down with what looks like an ankle problem, he's replaced by Brad Walker, there's some neat play largely through Frankie Maguire for Boston, largely through Jamie Miley and Jay Smith-Sway for Hartlepool, but defences are on top, on loan Jake Rooney looking like an established centre half that will go back to league football an even better player next season, whilst Hartlepool's Jay Benn does well at left back, he has a good battle with Marcel Lavinier as the two try to out run each other, Benn looks to have advantage before Lavinier sliding tackles the ball out for a throw-in which erupts the biggest roar of the half from the home support. The Score At half time my 3-3 isn't looking great as we check the scores from elsewhere, Rochdale and York is nil nil whilst other games I have interest on include Alfreton Town's match with Curzon Ashton where both teams can get relegated from the National League North. No changes at the break and not much change in dynamic either, there's forward aggression and a couple of bookings but neither goalkeeper is troubled, before Hartlepool win a corner on the hour. Boston manager Paul Hurst deciding to bring on two substitutes ahead of Jamie Miley's inswinger, headed home by Max Kouogun unmarked. "That's why you don't make changes when defending corners" I say aloud, perhaps Jacob Hazel who was replaced by Lenell John-Lewis would have had the responsibility of marking Kouogun who powerfully rose above the rest. That goal opens the game up as Boston now become more hungry to net bulge themselves, Connor Teale racing down the right cuts in and lets fly, low, hard, an unlikely goal source but the makeshift full back delivers, a goal which lifts the mood inside the stadium. There's children singing 'BUFC' down below, the next generation of ultras are lifting the home team who by now have the bit between their teeth, the games best player Frankie Maguire takes aim, he shoots low, hard, from the edge of the area and like Teale into the Hartlepool net, to give Boston the lead. It's a late revival and there's still time for 'TC' as Tom Cursons comes on, his signing from Harrogate in January seemingly a huge reason why Boston have stayed up, a brilliant finisher who only needs one chance, he's sent through on goal and calmly slots home, a ninth in seventeen wearing amber and black. That goal enough to end season in celebratory fashion, as many of the young fans here run onto the pitch post match. I see this as opportunity to get quickly to my car and beat the traffic, whilst saying to those around me goodbye for now, and see you all again next season. The Stars Jake Rooney was announced man of the match and I have absolutely no problem with that. He's not the biggest centre half but reads the game exceptionally well, is composed on the ball and never flustered, he had a good battle with Alex Reid and at one stage shoved the much bigger opponent to the floor, a tackle he had earlier made on the striker earned some familiar terrace calls of 'Rooney, Rooney'. Next to Rooney who's on loan from Derby County and will probably play somewhere in the football league next season, Jamie Grimes who's on loan from Chesterfield offers voice and experience in the heart of defence, a real leader who has like Tom Cursons up front, made a difference to Boston's survival status this year. If Boston can keep Grimes who is probably surplus to requirements for the Spireites, it would be good business for all. Another player they might want to keep, but probably won't is Frankie Maguire, an incredible engine who puts a 150% shift in each week, his running and endeavour from high in midfield is matched now with his quality in the final third, it'll be interesting to see how his young career continues to evolve. For Hartlepool, they have plenty of good young players mixed in with a squad offering experience too. Jamie Miley formerly of Newcastle United where his brother still plays in the Premier League, neat, tidy, inventive. I liked Jay Sway who got the ball and drove from midfield, he's on loan from Huddersfield and is just eighteen years old, whilst Jay Benn at left back was quick and combative, very powerful, the likes of Nathan Sheron, Alex Reid, Adam Campbell and all, offering plenty of National League knowhow. The Verdict In the end the score hardly mattered, but continue this form into next season and Boston United may even be considered as playoff contenders, although to do so they'll need to keep some of their assets of this campaign. Similar to Hartlepool who may need to build with one of two additions, should Nicky Featherstone get some pocket change this summer, they could be a force to be reckoned with during 2026/27. As for the champions? Well upon leaving the Jakemans Stadium, Rochdale were suddenly 1-0 up with a late goal, by the time I got to my car that score was 1-1 with an even later goal scored by York, who would eventually be crowned deserving winners of the league. Drama until the end in the fifth tier of English football. What a fabulous season it's been. The Teams Boston United: Louis Chadwick, Connor Teale (Tom Cursons 81), Jake Rooney, Jamie Grimes, Matty Carson, Jordan Richards, Oisin Gallagher, Marcel Lavinier (Luca Barrington 65), Frankie Maguire, Dylan Hill, Jacob Hazel (Lenell John-Lewis 65). Hartlepool United: Adam Smith, Nathan Sheron, Maxim Kouogun, Tom Parkes (Brad Walker 17), Jay Sway, Jack Hunter, Jamie Miley, Matty Daly (Charlie Caton 61), Jay Benn, Alex Reid (Vadaine Oliver 61), Adam Campbell (Nathan Ferguson 80). 3:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 25th April 2026, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 2,969).

Alfreton Town 1-0 Chorley (National League North) It's the business end of the season and time is running out for Alfreton Town who are down in the relegation places and fighting for survival in a division they have been in since 2015. Cut adrift it all looks a big ask if they are to stay up with seven points needed to gain even a punchers chance of keeping at the weight they are currently at, against Chorley tonight, they take on a team with little to play for but pride and placings, having already hit the fifty point mark for the season. I'm out the door for the first of three games ahead of the Easter Holidays this week, at 5:30pm I leave my house and head up a busy Nottingham ring road, onto the M1 before coming off at J28. I've a bit of time and have not yet eaten so spot a naughty KFC nearby, where I sit in and finish off a chicken zinger meal before pulling up on North Street an hour ahead of kick off where I easily find a place to park. The Venue The Chorley bus is here, the lads by now are in the changing rooms as I head through the tiny door to reception and ask if I'm on the man at the desks guestlist. They always seem to add my name on at Alfreton so no troubles getting in here, as I walk past the programme selling hut which is floor to ceiling of dusty old magazines, the pitch on my left sloping down as I walk through the tight gangway to my seat in the press area, past the visitors changing rooms where there's some concerns about a kit clash. "We're in maroon, they're in red" says someone with a worried look, but I'm told the Chorley maroon is nearer chocolate brown, but on viewing it's probably darker to Bourneville black. I pop my head in the press room here which is one of the friendliest on the circuits. "Help yourself to tea and coffee" says Bill, before walking around offering a plate of cakes which has most likely been made by the clubs photographer (he's the master baker in these parts). The players warm up within spitting distance of our seats, the away team dugout just in front, it's up close and personal is Alfreton with everything said on the touchline heard in the press box, the run down seated stand on the far side doesn't look that busy tonight, neither does either end, as Liam the clubs tweeter tells me "it's last chance saloon" as the home team need a win tonight. The Game As the cloudy skies darken I'm met by a Brummie scout who's a usual in these parts, we talk football through the entirety of the game as we have a lot to catch up on. Mansfield Town Manager Nigel Clough walks by ahead of kick off, and what starts with Chorley dominating possession early on, turns into a scrap with Alfreton imposing their aggressive nature on their opponents, by now the away side are giving some back, it's a direct shootout of who can kick it longest, who can head it furthest, who can run and press the most as tackles and feet go in all sorts of directions, one visiting player getting a Gerry McDonagh boot to his head No card for Alfreton's striker, somehow. I'm impressed with Chorley who are more than up for the fight, young winger Jack Griffiths who they signed from Rochdale in November, has a bit of technique, he's gutsy and direct, positive in his play, working hard to win the ball back when out of possession, whilst Harry Ibbitson up top is a handful, on loan from Bradford he too is busy and talented, Clarke on the left a good footballer, Manager Andy Preece has plenty of good footballers in his team, but I sense a trap, set by Alfreton, as Chorley aren't playing enough good football. The away side have sniffs without really troubling Charlie Casper's goal but they start to go direct, as both teams pick up bookings it becomes bitty and bobby, exactly what Alfreton need, and from a free kick awarded after O'Kane is shown a yellow for a foul on half way, Jo Cummings is on hand to poke home from close range, he's on loan from Halifax and has been brilliant since signing, a defender who has four goals for the Reds since joining, apparently the clubs second top goalscorer this season, which tells you a lot, about where they are lacking. The Score It's a battle, not pretty, but compelling, as the first half ends with Alfreton very much in the driving seat, they have played well. "Really well" I tell Liam who's sitting next to me tweeting the half time score. "You don't look like a team resigned to relegation... Plenty of fight left" as he responds pleased by the performance but says "there's still 45 minutes to go". You get the feeling everyone here has been impressed with how Alfreton have played, it's the Alfreton we all know and love, as I'm told by others around when they have something to cling onto, they are a different beast to when chasing games, and that single goal gives them confidence throughout. Gerry McDonagh is a centre forward who I don't particularly usually rate, he's been brilliant tonight, leading the line with aggression and movement, troubling defenders who dare go near him. There are few chances, half sniffs, but young Charlie Casper is well protected, the likes of Lund and Hunt head everything away, whilst George Cantrill as usual runs his socks down to his ankles. There's a scare late on when Jo Cummings goes off injured, but Alfreton regroup and reshuffle, to see out the game. It's a huge win as the whistle blows, you can feel the tension relieved upon victory, helped by Hereford losing tonight, just four points adrift now Alfreton, with six still to play. The Stars It was one of those nights where every player in red was probably an eight out of ten, nothing pretty, nothing that the watching Nigel Clough would probably want to take with him to League One, but commitment and work rate levels were second to none, we all agreed that Gerry McDonagh was a worthy man of the match, the best I've seen him play, but I did really like Jo Cummings who I believe makes a difference (in both boxes) when he plays for Alfreton. For Chorley, they didn't start their veteran centre half Mark Ellis and whilst I get he probably can't play two or even three games a week at the ripe old age of 37, rested ahead of a busy Easter period no doubt, Alfreton away is the sort of game when a player with his size, his stature, aggression and experience is needed. He came on with his team already 1-0 down and improved the back line instantly, but by then the goal conceded was enough to give their opponents that bit to cling onto. Going forward I think Chorley have some really easy on the eye players in their makeup, tonight they battled, but fell to Alfreton levels, and really didn't trust the ball enough, or their technique, to get them out of the trouble they put themselves in. On loan from Fylde, Taelor O'Kane again impressed in midfield, he won some headers, stuck his foot in and put a full bodied effort in against one of the most committed teams on the circuit, perhaps Nigel Clough had an eye on him? O'Kane and Mike Calveley are lovely footballers, but today wasn't really a night for lovely football. Twenty-year-old Jack Griffiths who floated from wing to wing gave a real output of energy and was hot to handle but handled well by those gutsy Alfreton defenders, young Ibbitson likewise in central attack well looked after, against opposition who'll give you time and space, I think these lads will have much more productive days ahead. The Verdict Alfreton face local rivals Worksop Town on Good Friday before travelling to bottom of the table Leamington on Bank Holiday Monday, there's certainly no reason they can't win both games, and if they do, it'll be a huge week for the football club. It's a tough ask for Jake Buxton and his team but they are certainly still fighting for their right to stay in the division, a team written off a few weeks ago, who have clearly not given up the fight just yet. Personally, I wouldn't be stupid enough to write a team like Alfreton Town off, but if they don't bring home points this weekend, it could be good night on their eleven year long National League North era. The Teams Alfreton Town: Charlie Casper, Nathan Newall, Adam Lund, Kai Lissimore (Dylan Youmbe 77), Max Hunt, George Cantrill, Gerry McDonagh, Lewis Salmon, Jack Newall, Jo Cummings (Jacob Scott 72), Kieron Freeman. Chorley: Matt Urwin, Scott Wilson (Mark Ellis 40), Harvey Smith, Jack Griffiths (Milan Lalkovic 61), Mike Calveley (Joe Nolan 60), Warren Clarke (Tom Walker 71), Jack Moore (Adam Blakeman 86), Taelor O'Kane, Sam Bird, Owen German, Harry Ibbitson. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 31st March 2026, North Street, Alfreton (att 440).

Solihull Moors 0-3 Boston United  (National League) Just two rounds remain until the end of the National League season and both Solihull Moors and Boston United have very little to play for, the battle for thirteenth is about as exciting as it gets so I’m looking forward to a hassle free game of little incident ahead of getting back home and attending a friends swanky engagement party later this evening. Solihull have drawn their last two games nil nil but before that they thumped promotion candidates Boreham Wood 4-1, whilst Boston are also unbeaten in three, they secured survival with a 1-1 draw at Brackley and have beaten Truro and drew with Wealdstone in their most recent match ahead of today. It’s the Pilgrims last away day of the season so I’m expecting fancy dress, a short 50-minute drive down the M42 from Nottingham as I head down towards Birmingham Airport and onto the Damson Parkway which is literally at the end of the runway. It’s the home of Jaguar Land Rover in these parts and is full of massive industrial units nearby, a national home of motorcar manufacturing I do notice a nationalist touch on the A45 Coventry Road as several Union Jack and St George flags wave in the wind attached to lampposts. These often divide opinion but in England, in Britain, flying the English and British flag should I think be done so proudly, and I’m glad the theme of recent months has stuck, to provide a little bit of National good feeling. I’m feeling good myself, as I park my car in a little housing estate nearby, a short walk on a bright but cool day across the road to the ground has me nice and early, I’m even here ahead of the Boston United players and I’m straight to the ticket office to see if my name is written down. The Venue No surprise the bosses have forgotten to ask for my accreditation today but I’m in luck as a nice lady behind the window gives me a blue wristband and tells me to walk straight through. It’s a nice little ground is Damson Park, it feels like it is the middle of nowhere but it’s right on the edge of town, a large metal stand with boxes above the seated area runs the length of the pitch, two ends are these days both covered, the opposite flank is open aired with the sort of temporary looking seating that you would see at a Golf major event. I’m walking to my pew as Boston defender Jamie Grimes at the side of the pitch gets tips off his Manager Paul Hurst that he’ll be playing in a three today, the rest of the players arriving in numbers behind me as I walk to the toilet in the club bar, after asking a steward just where to go? I’m quietly having a pee and get a knock on the door. “You’re in the ladies’ says a barmaid who has been sent in by the steward to tell me off. “I’m so sorry” I awkwardly reply back. I explain to all offended “my eyesight’s not great” and it’s all taken in jest. Back in my seat and away from trouble I’ve got a good view of the pitch in front, if obscured slightly by the tunnel which gets wound back fully when play does start, a little tip if you are to the left of the tunnel and want to make a quick exit post match, I would suggest that you make a move early and leave well before the whistle. The Game Those fans of Boston have came in fancy dress as I spot Mario and Luigi, a few builders in hi vis, a Pikachu a cowboy and a few bananas, there’s a good 300 plus of them in attendance, they have been well backed all season long when away from home. The action starts after a couple of local drummers ramp up the atmosphere with a brilliant walk out tribute which has me thinking I might be at an Indian music festival, the pre match is much better than the game itself as it goes pretty much to plan, neither side committing, Boston happy to keep it between their back five before going long and giving it to Solihull, who do the same, passing between themselves and running out of ideas in the final third. The hosts are 4-2-3-1 with Alex Whitmore playing his last home game for the club at centre half, he announced he’ll be leaving in the summer after three successful seasons, in midfield the engine room is decent, Scott High and Jamey Osborne have quality and work rate, but up front whilst Ben Worman gets on the ball in the ten role, their isolated attacker Callum McFarlane is often on the periphery. Boston play a sort of 3-5-1-1 which allows full backs Matty Carson and Marcel Lavinier to get forward, Lavinier at one stage runs fifty yards forward with nobody near him as Lenell John-Lewis in attack gets very little support, the first half is about as boring as it gets, with very little happening, two shots wide by Luca Barrington, one attempt wide from McFarlane, a couple of corners each, everyone is relieved when the one extra minute is played out and the half time whistle is blown. The Score At last, the fun starts. There’s a penguin in the crowd and he’s been asked to go onto the field of play and participate in a bit of half time target practice, Solihull staff lay a target on the halfway line and players from the eighteen-yard line must kick the ball closest to the pin. The penguin wins, the Boston fans are singing his name as the PA announcer who’s also playing is fuming with himself, “I’ve been beaten by a penguin” he moans. I’m looking forward to a routine half of non-eventful football, I need to be back home for 6pm and I’ve chosen this game as one of the shortest distances from my home in commute, there’s three subs made by Solihull at the break, as they change formation slightly to match Boston’s five man midfield, as Emmanuel Sonupe parks himself in front of me, smelling fresh, showered after his forty-five minutes where I thought he did ok, perhaps his Manager Chris Millington just wanted to mix things up, and liven his attack a little, but as we plod to the hour mark and beyond, very little improves, as I count down the clock to home time and a few highly anticipated beers tonight. A foul on half way by substitute Conor Wilkinson on Connor Teale results in something being said. The referee on the far side issues Wilkinson with a red card, and suddenly the players start walking off, the Referee who is Asian seems to have heard a racist remark, but it’s like Chinese whispers here, the players come off down the tunnel besides me, “What’s happening” says Emmanuel Sonupe who’s sitting in front of me. “He called him a faggot” is the rumour that returns, “he didn’t say faggot, he said fat git” is what Wilkinson was supposed to have relayed. There’s murmurs that it might even be racist but both teams head down the tunnel and I’m thinking this delay isn’t good for my night out.. It’s all a bit of a mess as the players talk the Referee out of abandonment, and after twenty minutes or so of nobody knowing nothing, the players come out to warm up again, and resume the final 25 minutes a good half an hour behind the rest of the countries 3pm kick offs. A man down, suddenly this suits Boston who prior to the pandemonium brought on Frankie Maguire and Jacob Hazel to enhance their attacking threat. I’m still on the phone trying to sync my app with the stadium clock as Jacob Hazel strikes, a deflected effort, I think, for the opener. I didn’t see it, but rumour is it went in off Lewis Baines. The game bursts into life as Boston push on for more, a right wing cross by Lavinier is swung and swivelled home by Hazel for a second, the striker has been out for most of the season with injury, but scored in the last game at Wealdstone, and he adds to the tally, this one is certainly his. Suddenly Frankie Maguire is through, he nets brilliantly to make it three, but the offside flag is very late issued pretty much as the players have finished celebrating, as I’m trying to work out how to chalk the goal off, Frankie Maguire is through, he nets brilliantly to make it three, this time it counts, its all happening all of a sudden, football, when you least expect it, will always surprise you. As the time ticks and Boston run away with a game that probably for long parts looked like a meaningless stalemate, I’m planning my exit strategy ahead of the tunnel being pulled forward on the whistle, a quick march for the exit, I’ve seen enough, time for a Saturday night on the town. The Stars Frankie Maguire and Jacob Hazel came on and made the difference, I think in Maguire, Boston have a number ten, a number eight, a number six, a wide player who can boss the game centrally, he’s everything and everywhere, and has improved in every game I have watched him since signing from Chorley. I’ll be very surprised if they manage to keep Maguire at the club, he’s certainly destined now for bigger and better things and I hope he gets a shot at league football before long. Replacing him, might be Luca Barrington, who has been seen as Paul Hurst’s contingency plan, he played in the first half, given that free roaming role usually occupied by Maguire, and although he didn’t really get involved enough, did have moments of magical footwork. I like Barrington and I think with a good pre-season he can be even better, another player worth mentioning is Oisin Gallagher, a Lincoln City loanee, watch out for him, in the Championship? Perhaps? For Solihull, not a day to remember but I thought their midfield duo of Osborne and High did ok, in Ben Worman they have a talented footballer who links their midfield and attack, in Jacob Wakeling they have a similar technical forward thinking footballer who's neat, on their books, whilst Isaac Moore on loan from Coventry City is something special, he wasn’t on the pitch for long but provided power and persistence in his short cameo in midfield. The Verdict A game that trudged along in typical end of season fashion, until something said, right, or wrong, the players removed from the pitch, was it all a little too much? I suspect, only the Referee and his officials, really know the answer to that. Whilst there should certainly be no room for racism, or sexism, or foodism, or fatism, or any other ism, I worry that speech alone should not be concern for abandoning a game of football, we must toughen up society, take a stance yes, but walking off and taking my ball with me, stinks of spoilt brat, and I think football, should be better than that. It wasn't dirty, it wasn't nasty, it almost felt like it was about a point being made, and whilst protocol might protect officials to do the right thing, getting the game done, is usually best case scenario, for everyone involved. The Teams Solihull Moors: Laurie Walker, Tyler French, Alex Whitmore, Lewis Baines, Cameron Green, Scott High, Jamey Osborne (Isaac Moore 71), Emmanuel Sonupe (Josh Wakeling 46), Ben Worman (Daniel Cox 46), Joe Sbarra (Tobi Sho-Silva 71), Callum McFarlane (Conor Wilkinson 46). Boston United: Louis Chadwick, Connor Teale (Tom Cursons 86), Jake Rooney, Jamie Grimes, Matty Carson, Jordan Richards, Marcel Lavinier, Oisin Gallagher, Dylan Hill, Luca Barrington (Frankie Maguire 61), Lenell John-Lewis (Jacob Hazel 61). 3pm Kick Off. Saturday 18th April 2026, Damson Park, Solihull (att 1,431).

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Porto  (UEFA Europa League Quarter Final) Folklore will forever tell us that in 1979 and 1980 Nottingham Forest won back-to-back European Cups. I was too young to witness the early days of Brian Clough’s magnificent historical tenure, but I did get to watch his later years in charge, by which time English clubs were banned from Europe due to the Heysel Stadium disaster. During that time, FC Porto won the first of their two European Cups in 1987, beating Bayern Munich 2-1 with late goals from Madjer & Juary, the great Artur Jorge was manager and Paolo Futre was their talisman. And in 2004, the Special One, Jose Mourinho, led his Azuis e Brancos  team to a 3-0 final win over Monaco. You could argue it’s the most recent case of a non-elite tier establishment taking home the trophy? Ever-since, the biggest prize of all has been wrestled across Europe’s top five leagues often won by posh high street brands like Real Madrid, Chelsea & PSG. That power shift has long lessened the likes of Porto ever competing for the best continental prize again, but in the Europa League, a competition which they have also won twice, they certainly have a fighters chance, and are considered rightly as one of the best teams still in the competition. Porto however are yet to beat Nottingham Forest. Under Sean Dyche, earlier in the season, the Reds beat tonight’s opponents 2-0 in the group stages at the City Ground, and in the quarter final first leg at the Estadio do Dragao, the Reds now under former Porto boss Vitor Pereira nicked a 1-1 draw, thanks largely to a ridiculous Martim Fernandes own goal, following a William Gomes early opener. That leaves this tie on a knife edge, between two great old established brands of European pedigree. Forest who are in fact fighting relegation in the Premier League, along with Aston Villa are one of the tournament favourites due to the money and kudos that the Premier League clubs now have, it’s remarkable to think that the sixteenth best team in England is as highly regarded as the table topping team in Portugal, Porto sit five points above Sporting Lisbon and seven above Benfica in the race for their domestic title. The Venue The wife’s working in Dublin, so I’m getting the dog picked up at 6pm before heading down to the City Ground to cover this one on UEFA’s behalf, parking at the bottom of Melton Road for a quicker exit south, it’s a cloudy but cold evening so I’m walking down the Musters Road and through the foot traffic of fans queuing to get in the world renowned Trent Bridge Inn, passing those supping pints outside Bombay on Radcliffe Road, and eating Kebabs from Eva’s Grill, into the clubs car park via the Boot Room Bar where a DJ plays Spandau Ballet’s Just Can’t Get Enough as fans soak in the atmosphere whilst standing outside the boozer, I’m into the car park and at the doors of Main Reception, a knock on the UEFA office but nobody is there. Luckily, they have left my pass on the side so I’m able to grab it, and walk over to the press lounge where I grab a bottle of water, before heading up the stairs of the Main Stand to the desks at the very back, where another scout who covers data and stats on a regular basis for UEFA introduces himself to me. It’s packed with pundits, here are the likes of Lianne Sanderson and Dion Dublin on radio comms, Natalie Sawyer is sitting in front of me from TalkSport and Sky, Natalie Jackson of the local BBC News parks herself down, I’m not really taking any of it in as I’m too busy chatting to my new fellow scout friend, the time flying by as the teams finish their warm ups as we talk of matches past that we've covered, by now the stadium is full, but up where I’m sat, all I can see is a pitch down below, and a roof of the Peter Taylor Stand above. It does have a couple of TV’s however hanging up in front of me, which is a huge bonus for any highlights I may miss. The Game There’s a roar from both sets of supporters as the two teams enter the field and stand lined up in front our eyes whilst the competition anthem is played, the away following is loud but even their sound is drowned by Forest fans singing a magnificent rendition of Mull of Kintyre. The game kicks off into action with an electric atmosphere, you get the feeling of it being a really special night here tonight, but the possession-based style of both teams provides calm on the pitch, all be it, not for long. Forest have started with Chris Wood up front tonight, he’s been out injured for most of the season and his absence in goalscoring has been a major factor why Forest have struggled in the Premier League. He started the last game against Porto but was subbed at half time, hardly looking ready, he had ten minutes or so at the weekend but tonight starts again, five minutes in he’s took a boot off Jan Bednarek on half way, a challenge that looks innocuous has Wood down injured, on repeat from the TV in front the studs to the knee could land Bednarek in trouble, and when a VAR check is signalled, it looks like an inevitable outcome for the former Southampton defender. As the Referee runs to his monitor a large cheer from the Forest fans is heard, that gets even louder when a red card is issued, just eight minutes gone, Porto down to ten. That leaves Francesco Farioli little time to adjust his settings, he moves Pablo Rosario (who I was really impressed with last week) from midfield to centre back, and all of a sudden, Forest have an advantage, and take full control, Igor Jesus replacing the injured (again) Chris Wood, and as Forest come forward, Morgan Gibbs-White lets fly, via a deflection the ball nestles home and the Reds have the lead, the City Ground erupts. You feel if Forest go for the jugular now that Porto will simply cave in, it’s the home team flying with confidence and pushing for more, but that electric start dwindles into more possession based football, ‘keep the ball’ is key, Forest not to do anything silly. There’s chances to double advantage as Murillo goes close, Hutchinson drives wide, Jesus heads over, but at half time you would take 1-0 with everything very much still to play for in the second half. No complacency, with just one goal in the game. The Score Ahead of the second half, Porto make four changes to completely shuffle their team shape and they have a real go at Forest as I say to my fellow scout “have they actually brought an extra player on?”. At one stage Forest go forward and Porto counter, they hit the bar when William Gomes is left open alone and that urges Vitor Pereira to bring on an extra defender as Nikola Milenkovic is introduced for insurance. Forest wrestle back advantage with a shot well saved from Igor Jesus by Diogo Costa, but from that energetic beginning enthused by eleven v ten dominance, it all begins to feel a bit nervy, the away side growing in confidence as the hosts cling on to slender advantage, in aim to get to the finish line and settle on what they have already got. Alan Varela hits a pot shot from range that cannons off the crossbar, Seko Fofana who is brilliant, fizzes a couple over as he beats himself up for not hitting target, but despite their efforts Porto run out of steam, late on Igor Jesus clips a crossbar with a deflected effort from a counter-attacking move, and thereafter, Forest keep the ball in the corner for a good three minutes of injury time, it never comes out, as the Referee picks it up, and blows for full time. Relief, Forest through, but it might have been a much longer night, had Porto kept eleven players on the field of play tonight. The Stars Porto gave it a real go in the second half, I was impressed with their left back Zaidu who defended well and bombed forward with pace and power until being subbed at half time, their best player on the night perhaps Seko Fofana, a player I loved when playing at Lens during their French title push in 2022/23, a box to box midfielder who did his very best to make up for the early loss of the extra number, he’s a terrific leader and Porto are lucky to have a player like him. Another player who I highly rate is Pablo Rosario, who started the game in midfield, who played most of it at centre half, who ended it at right back, showing versatility and responsibility during testing times, whilst William Gomes, largely kept quiet by Neco Williams who was terrific at left back, but Gomes is a player, just twenty years old, who has huge potential to play at the very top of the global game. Another elite star to come is Victor Froholdt who came on off the bench at half time, he worked tirelessly but with real quality from an advanced midfield position, a twenty year old Norwegian playmaker with a market value of €30m, I think Premier League clubs should be looking at him and Gomes, if they want to benefit from two of the best young players playing in European football right now. As for Forest, whilst Neco Williams is becoming one of the best full backs around, they have the basis of a team that is organised and highly technical, Murillo and Jair Cunha are elegant defenders with class, Milenkovic and Morato more your usual head it and kick it kind of guys, in midfield I do think Sangare is the one who pulls the strings, take the Ivorian out of the heartbeat and the team looks much less stable, he controls the tempo and allows others to play. Usually those others would include Elliot Anderson, special mention to him as he missed the game due to his mother sadly passing away, Morgan Gibbs-White in his absence, leading the Forest charge forward, his goal the difference, before celebrating with teammates whilst holding up a number eight shirt with the words ‘family first, we are all with you’. The Verdict Forest will now face Aston Villa over two legs in an all-Midlands Europa League semi-final that whets the appetite in these parts of the country, but first they host Burnley in more pressing matters, needing three points towards Premier League survival on Sunday. They might have to do it without the likes of Chris Wood, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Murillo, who all picked up niggles, but they will be hoping regardless of which side they put out, it should be good enough to get the points they need, to keep them in the division. For Porto, focus now on domestic success, they are used to falling in the European later stages, what they really want is adding to their 30 Primeira Liga titles and topping the likes of Sporting and Benfica to be standout Portugal’s best, again. The Teams Nottingham Forest: Stefan Ortega, Ola Aina, Jair Cunha, Murillo (Morato 72), Neco Williams, Ibrahim Sangare, Nico Dominguez, Omari Hutchinson (Callum Hudson-Odoi 46 (Dilane Bakwa 72)), Morgan Gibbs-White, Dan Ndoye (Nikola Milenkovic 65), Chris Wood (Igor Jesus 16). Porto: Diogo Costa, Alberto Costa (Victor Froholdt 46), Thiago Silva, Jan Bednarek, Zaidu (Francisco Moura 46), Seko Fofana, Pablo Rosario, Gabriel Veiga (Jakub Kiwior 46), William Gomes, Terem Moffi (Deniz Gul 66), Borja Sainz (Alan Varela 46). 8:00pm Kick Off. Thursday 16th April 2026, City Ground, Nottingham (att 29,560).

Stourbridge 0-1 Needham Market  (Southern League Central Division) Stourbridge FC are 150 years old this year. Formed in 1876 they are nicknamed the Glassboys due to the areas long link to the cut glass industry, and they play at the brilliantly named War Memorial Athletic Ground in Amblecote, a village in Dudley Borough which is one mile directly north of the town centre of Stourbridge near Birmingham. I’ve never been here, until today, and I have never even seen Stourbridge play (at least live in the flesh), a Birmingham & District League team until the 1960’s they have played in the Southern League since 1971 but for a spell in the Midland Alliance (2000-2006) and Northern Premier League (2014-18). Since 2018 the Glassboys have been a Southern League Premier Central Division side, having a best finish of third in their first campaign, last year they finished ninth, but under more troubled times this time around, have only recently secured their status for a ninth successive season in the division. It’s a club with good pedigree, the hometown to Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham who played for the Juniors as a boy, his dad Mark also playing for the club set a record of 61 goals in a season, I remember watching him score four goals in an FA inter systems cup match for the Midland League in 2003. A good player, his two boys aren’t so bad either. In recent years Stourbidge have had a handful of great FA Cup runs, reaching the third round in 2017 having beaten Northampton Town along the way, before losing to Wycombe Wanderers in a tight game at the War Memorial Ground. They had previously twice lost in the second round to Stevenage and the year before losing to Wycombe were beaten in round two at home to Eastleigh who in 2020 also knocked them out after a first round replay. Needham Market is a place I have never been to either. I did watch them on the road last season when they played at Scunthorpe United in the National League North, their highest run on the ladder, they were however quickly relegated after one season at the level and returned to a league they won in 2023/24 with ambition to reach step two again, Tom Rothery’s Marketmen are currently hoping to consolidate their position in the playoffs after a decent run of form. The Venue It says anything between one hour and forty to two hours plus on my Sat Nav, I flew to Denmark quicker from Bristol than travelling from Nottingham to Birmingham (West) on a Wednesday night, traffic is terrible, and I’m well behind, as I take the congested A42, M6, M5 before navigating the urban streets of Dudley Borough. It’s 7pm and I’m up and down Brierley Hill before finally arriving on Vicarage Road, pulling up on Church Avenue a good five minute walk to the ground, you can hear the tannoy music in the background as I cross over the High Street to the stunning gated entrance of a sporting complex that also hosts the towns cricket club. You walk through a brick-built archway, into the car park, and at the turnstiles I’m asked to ‘pay for a ticket’ as the club has stopped taking cash on the gate. I think to myself ‘this is slightly annoying’ as I ask the lady behind the window for one adult, but in return I get a hard paper memento for my hard earned money, perhaps not such a bad idea after all? Could more clubs begin to follow suit? Inside it opens up into a big old place, but takes me back to grassroots, indeed proper grassroots, not step 1,2,3 but 4,5,6 even lower. A football club that shares its facilities with a cricket club, the players out warming up on a crap grassy ground of fluffy muddy green, one whole side of the pitch fenced off to protect a wicket nurturing ahead of the summer, the other has a quite classy old stand with seating in the middle, far end a beautiful huge pitch roofed terrace, this end open, in front of the clubhouse and changing facilities which are brick built and flat roofed. I love it, taking me back to lower league football in Wales or Scotland where things aren’t as looked after as they are in England’s more glamourous pyramid system, I remember being young and watching Northampton Town play on the TV at the old County Ground which they shared with Northants CCC, it must have been something like this, two sides football, the rest for cricket. Apparently, it has hosted Worcestershire County matches here, in 1979 Bermuda and Papa New Guinea played here in the ICC Trophy, whilst Argentina and East Africa appeared here in 1986. But as a football ground it feels like the sort to attract hoppers, locals largely back the team in numbers due to its proximity in urban Dudleyshire, but I bet it gets its extras from the hoppers who must love paying this place a visit. After walking around the back of it, I sit down in the stand that sides the pitch, dugouts directly roofed in front, the stand is wonderful, high roof, propped by posts, it has plastic seats in the middle, benches at either end, but not real benches, just planks of wood, painted, bowed in the middle from the bums that have sat on them, propped up by pine, the planks have painted numbers on their tops, it is spacious here as I’m joined by a fellow scout, and one that was with me last night at Alfreton. The Game It’s 7:47pm and we’ve just had a moments applause for a Stourbidge fan who sadly passed away last week, the Referee in no rush to get things away on time as the lights lowly glisten against an otherwise bright back drop, the cricket pavilion in the distance looks higher on its hill as players huddle together in front, to the back drop of tall trees, Needham Market in all navy, almost replicating what the officials are wearing, the hosts in red and white stripes, as their player-coach Richard Batchelor who’s sub today, parks himself in the technical area whilst saying hello to one or two regulars in the crowd behind. It’s a good busy stand this, but the rest of the ground is empty, hardly anyone behind either goal, covered to my left, uncovered on my right, as Needham Market stroke the ball on a tricky surface, pretty darn well. It’s not a great game, which has the tempo and feel of an end of season midweek encounter with not much riding on it, but there is something on it for Needham who need a win, to ensure they keep their playoff push alive. They have actually won their last three, and you can see why, organised defensively, they have some creative spark in midfield with fine footballing mentality, everything they do is that bit calmer and cooler than Stourbridge, who are direct, up for it, physical and with some feisty quality themselves. There are scares at each end as forwards try and beat the bobble of the uneven churning ground, but on 34 the away side win a corner, swung out to Kieran Morphew who has freedom to pick his spot, the centre half and skipper has been one of the better players, he dives in to give the visitors the lead. Stourbridge hit back, Charlie Pavey who’s a youngster on loan from Aston Villa drills a shot which is palmed inches wide, a few corners and free kicks into the box provide little joy, and at the break the Marketers have what you feel is probably a deserved lead. The Score By the second half it’s much darker as the soft lighting barely glows the pitch enough to ensure you make out the players on the far side, the Pavilion in the background at least has a couple of windows offering light to perhaps help out. It’s a second half which Stourbridge have more of the ball, suddenly Jai Verma has switched to an orthodox right winger and the little man is getting some joy in running at his opposing marker, but everything thrown at the away side centrally, Needham Market deal with, Dan Morphew and his twin brother Keiran are having good games in the heart of the back four. There’s a couple of tackles that fly in to the reward of yellow cards, it’s not been nasty though, but as time is running out and Needham keep the ball in the corner to slow down the clock, Stourbridge left back Brad Bood has bad blood and dives in recklessly to prove his point. That sparks pushing and shoving and leads to an instant red for the defender, any hopes of a late comeback quashed by his head loss, Needham Market survive without really having any scare, a much needed win to take them to fourth with a three point cushion on those outside the top five. The Stars With last seasons experience from the league above you can see the difference in team mentality and it felt like Needham Market just had a little too much for their opponents on the night. The Morphew brothers solid in defence, in particular Keiran who’s an assured defender who reads the game well, very good aerially in both boxes as he shown for the winning goal. I liked their right back Jake Dye who got forward well, in midfield Kyle Hammond and Ben Hunter got around in niggling fashion, Myles Cowling is a player I know and like, not a great night for him, but he’s a lovely footballer who can unlock a pass. I was also impressed with Max Appauh who came off the bench late on, plenty of running he is direct and raw and a good player either out wide or directly in central attack when opposing legs are tiring. For Stourbridge, plenty of guts and determination, if a little low on quality when the final ball needed some high standards. Tom Solanke in midfield is a player I like, one that perhaps can play at the level above, a physical holding midfielder that did well at Ilkeston Town previously, not so well at Boston United when I watched him play for them, he did well tonight before going off on 65 minutes to release more attacking intent. Charlie Pavey had moments on the left, perhaps still needs time to develop stronger, Nathan Hawyward in midfield wearing eight was combative, whilst Jai Verma was the tidy right sided ball player who teased his way into opposition territory. I really liked the look of him. The Verdict A must see venue visited and ticked off, Stourbridge is a lovely ground that smells of those past historical sporting arenas that flash you back to times which were simpler way back long ago, it’s a lovely place to watch football, struggles a bit with atmosphere due to its largely one sided vantage but makes up for it in nostalgic renaissance and tranquil cricketing back drop. As for the football, well it wasn’t the best that step three has to offer. Needham Market are a good side, savvy, perhaps with enough knowhow to be a shock contender to go up with already champions Harborough Town, whilst Stourbridge in sixteenth, can play their final two matches of the campaign, knowing safety, is already safely achieved. The Teams Stourbridge: Charlie Price, Jack Fletcher, Brad Bood, Tom Solanke (Richard Bathelor 65), Hayden Reeves, Jai Verma, Nathan Hayward (Oliver Shaw 87), Dom Lewis, Charlie Pavey, Ash Carter, Callum Knowles (Toumani Sidibe 46). Needham Market: James Bradbrook, Jake Dye, Tommy Smith, Kyle Hammond, Keiran Morphew, Dan Morphew, Ollie Sanders (Reggie Lambe 60), Seth Carroll-Chambers (Max Appauh 60), Joe Neal (Eddie Barker 79), Myles Cowling, Ben Hunter. 7:45pm Kick Off. Wednesday 15th April 2026, War Memorial Athletic Ground, Stourbridge (att 375).

Alfreton Town 2-2 Buxton  (National League North) Tonight’s Derbyshire Derby is massive. If Buxton win, they will probably be in the playoffs, if Alfreton lose, they will most likely be down, a winner takes all opportunity? Would it be wise to predict a draw? In actual fact, nothing can be decided tonight, the two teams have a game in hand on most around them, ahead of the final two weekends of the National League North season, but victory means bridging the gap on those above, and points are vital at this late stage. The Bucks are now in their fourth season at the level, following promotion from the Northern Premier League in 2022, whilst Alfreton haven’t been as low as this level since 2004, having spent four seasons in the league above, they have been a National North staple of eleven years. That looks like a run perhaps coming to an end, a five-point gap on survival with three to play, a tall ask in relying on others for their own safety. Buxton are also reliant on others losing to break into a promotion pushing place, they are in good form having won seven of their last eight, Alfreton themselves unbeaten in four. Another short road trip which is ideal for this time of the season, I only have a handful of games remaining before a bit of time off to watch some cricket and go abroad. I’ve had to attend a funeral today but I’m back home for 4pm, shirt and tie scrapped for an all-black tracky, I’m out the door an hour later to drop a present off at the mother-in-law’s before making the short commute up the A610 and M1 after a brew, J28 and the A38 for Alfreton, arriving close enough to North Street, a good hour ahead of kick off. The Ground It’s busy tonight, a local derby of course, so cars are parked around the tight roads that side the ground, annoying for neighbours, some have their ‘no parking’ cones out, I try and plonk my motor a bit out of the way, around the corner and a good five or ten-minute walk. There’s some drizzle in the air, a bit of a nip, a greying evening as I walk up North Street past some semi-detached houses and towards the club’s car park, the Main Reception and turnstiles now bearing the board Solana Stadium following their official rebranding from the former Impact Arena. I’m greeted by a bloke who hardly smiles, who hardly even acknowledges my name, “yep” he says, as I walk through the tight reception door. Inside, George Cantrill is going through the paces already out on the pitch, it doesn’t look like he’s playing tonight, doing his own fitness routine. I walk the tight trek down the side of the stand propped up by posts with its tight brick walks, towards the seated area for press, cushty, near half way, up close and lofted with a good but sometimes restricted view of the pitch. I say hello to the usual crowd who gather around in the clubs lovely snug press room, cameramen and tannoy announcers, tweeters and tubers in here these days, the club have started doing a ‘watch party’ where two kids scream on camera during the 90 minutes, about anything but the football, it seems. Bill has got cakes, as I make myself a brew. Fruit Cakes on a tray, “on the side there’s a pear sponge” he says. “I get fat coming here” I tell him. He’s handing around the cakes to everyone ahead of the game, as I park myself down to take some notes, everyone around me is enjoying the sweet delicacies offered out, as always, for free. The Game Liam sits down, he’s the club’s tweeter, “are you nervous today” I ask him? “A little bit” is the reply… But he’s resigned to Alfreton’s fate by now, “I’ve accepted it” he says. Still there’s a chance, and as we wait for the lights to be turned on ahead of kick off, I expect a good performance, and a good game, as both teams need a win, you feel they’ll both throw sinks into the kitchen. No sooner are we kicked off, the lights flickering slowly into brightness under darkening skies above, do Alfreton boot it against a Buxton forward, and Johnny Johnston runs through on goal, one on one, he should score, but opens his right foot and flicks it onto the outside of the post, let off, had that gone in, it would have been a long old night for Alfreton. The away side look up for it as their star wide man Luke Brennan often runs forward and directly attempts to take on right back Kieron Freeman, but the game settles into front and back ping pong as Alfreton warm into their usual routine, there’s throw-ins going into the box, free kicks lofted high and long, Buxton are direct themselves, but look to play quickly to their front three who all have pace and technique, but after a bit of a scrap, a couple of cards, and not much high quality on show, a set play goal, one that Buxton were anticipating, on 40 minutes when a free kick is pumped in, the ball headed by Adam Lund onto his own shoulder, bouncing nicely into the net, Joe Young in goal standing bewildered by what just happened. The Score That lead doesn’t last long, as Buxton possess their own long throw, not quite as long, as the ball again ping pongs around, Johnny Johnston is suddenly with time and space, edge of the area, to curl one into the corner. It’s all going off as this game suddenly comes into life, the fourth official has the extra minutes board in her hands as an Adam Lund missile is thrown into the area, Kieran Burton is the unlucky man who makes significant contact, the leather coming off his dreadlocked head to bounce net bound towards yet another set play goal, as half time hits us soon after, the stats are thrown around the press area, apparently Alfreton Town scored twelve set piece goals in succession earlier in the season, the Buxton official sitting closely said according to his records, the Reds had scored 60% of their goals this season, from set-plays. Well aware of those stats I think Buxton Manager John McGrath made some eloquent tweaks in the second half. “Don’t give away throw-ins” he most likely told his men, because the second 45 is much different, the Blues controlling the ball, keeping it more deck friendly, whilst trying to wrestle against the direct dishing that Alfreton would serve. It’s still a keen contest, feisty, threatening at times to boil over but that never materialises, just competitive football played with a real intent not just to win, but to also not lose. You feel Alfreton are nearing victory as they decide to take forward Dylan Youmbi off for a defender in Jo Cummings, but no sooner do they do that, a ball is played into the box, and a penalty awarded, was it the hands of Ligendza? Was he done for grappling? A lot was going off, but the Referee was clear, Luke Brennan stepping up, to do the rest. That goal sets up a lively half hour where Buxton create the better chances to win it, but in the dying moments Alfreton were denied, a ball bouncing around the area had Lewis Salmon leading into an open goal scenario, Max Bardell to the rescue with a terrific last ditched tackle, if Alfreton drop down by two points this season, that could be the block that makes the difference? If Buxton scrape into the playoffs by a point, it might be the block that makes a difference? Later still chances come as I myself ooh and ahh as Buxton go close, but in the end of a hypnotic game of football, the Referee calls time to instil disappointment in both sets of players, a draw doing nobody much harm, but not much good either, it was a win, and three points, that both teams today, so badly wanted. The Stars Alfreton have a lot of good players right now and you feel had they had this team during the middle part of the season then they might not be in the relegation zone. Not as tall and nasty and rugged as teams of previous, but they have some players with pace, some with style, some with the old fashioned thump it mentality, a good blend, but perhaps with some on loan from professional clubs, still some rebuilding ahead. Jacob Scott on loan from Boston United was very good at centre back, alongside Max Hunt with Nathan Newall a consistent warrior at left back, Kieron Freeman an experienced right back with a wand of a right foot. In midfield the team probably lacked the quality that Buxton had, but in Kai Lissimore they look to have a good young talent, whilst out wide Lewis Salmon and Dylan Youmbi huffed and puffed. Youmbi a fine specimen of a man with his oiled legs, certainly has pace and power, but wasn’t so productive tonight, having scored important goals for Alfreton in recent weeks. In Buxton’s armour they have a blend of good footballers who are competent in ball possession regardless of their whereabouts on the pitch. In particular, I thought Will Trueman was terrific in midfield, a 23-year-old ball playing sprayer with a good engine and tenacity, next to the superb Connor Kirby, they are a delicate duo who know how to dictate, who aren’t afraid of putting their foot in either? Not a night really for Cian Coleman, but he shown glimpses of technical upbeat in that number ten role, Johnny Johnston always a nuisance with pace, dangerous off the shoulder, jinking away, Luke Brennan carrying the ball forward was as always inventive, Connor Douglas from right full back got forward well, he’s a feisty footballer on loan from Leeds. The Verdict The point has neither here nor there, Buxton still two points outside the playoffs, with two to play it doesn’t really do many favours, nor does it do too much harm? Whilst a point for Alfreton bridges them to within four of King’s Lynn, two to play will mean anything but two victories and it’s relegation for Jake Buxton’s Reds, they do have Curzon Ashton for their last game, who should they fail to beat Buxton (ironically) next, and Alfreton could manage to beat mid table Marine away, it may all come to that, two wins for survival? I have not yet written the Reds off quite yet, but if they do somehow manage to get out of trouble, it might be a minor miracle? The Teams Alfreton Town: Charlie Casper, Nathan Newall, Adam Lund, Kai Lissimore, Max Hunt, Lewis Salmon, Siyabonga Ligendza (Gerry McDonagh 74), Jack Newall, Jacob Scott (Sam Newell 74), Dylan Youmbi (Jo Cummings 59), Kieron Freeman. Buxton: Joe Young, Will Trueman, Will Flint, George Ward, Kieran Burton, Johnny Johnston, Connor Kirby, Cian Coleman (Ashton Mee 85), Luke Brennan, Max Bardell, Connor Douglas. 7:45pm Kick Off. Tuesday 14th April 2026, North Street, Alfreton (att 725).

Tamworth 0-1 York City (National League) It’s that stage of the season where it either matters a lot, or it matters not. Whilst winning or losing today might not make much difference for Tamworth Football Club it means everything to York City who are heading their head-to-head battle with Rochdale in the promotion race to decide who gets to go back to the Football League. Top of the table York have 101 points and have scored 109 goals and they are two points above Rochdale who they play (away) on the last day of the season. With three games to go, two until they meet at Spotland, neither team will be wanting to slip up, to ensure it goes to the wire, where we will all get to witness potentially the best ever finish to the National League championship race. Not so interesting for Tamworth, they drew 2-2 with Halifax last time out to postpone any slim hopes of a playoff place for another season, they’ll be residing in the fifth tier for a third successive campaign next year, and as a part-time team they are flying the flag as the nations highest ranked semi-pro club, comfortably mid table which is incredible considering the last time I watched them in January, they were starting to look over their shoulders at those creeping up down below. A decent run of just one defeat in their last six means they go into todays game in good form, but York and their travelling army of supporters will be hopeful of another win, one more towards their title target. It’s on DAZN so an early kick off for me, which has scuppered the wife’s gym plans as I leave the house at 10am, I’m getting in town nice and early to soak up the atmosphere, and more importantly, make sure I get a parking place before the away team bus arrives. The Venue I’ve arrived through the car park gates as a steward points me towards the players staff and media parking, there’s young Tamworth lads pulling up in their VW’s & BMW’s as fans are already queuing to get in the away end, the York City bus isn’t even here yet as I sit listening into the radio for a bit of quiet time whilst parked up. The sun is out, but it’s bloody cold, as I struggle against the wind walking from my car to reception, I’m given a pink wristband, a young girl in a Brummie accent says to me “you know where you’re going don’t yah”. I walk behind the tin stand and past derelict looking portacabins to get to my seat next to the York media team nice and cushty all close-up to the action, I’m joined by a scout who spends most of his time watching Leamington who are bottom of the National League North, a Nuneaton fan largely, although he whispers that quietly to me. The stadium, if you can call it that, has real charm and character, is ugly, like a scrap metal yard, but serves a purpose, like a scrap metal yard does, I suppose. I love the low tin roofed stands covered in billboards, the houses behind that give the place a residential community focussed backdrop, I sit here wondering about the land surrounding the whole place, they could probably build a fine modern new facility in the car park and move in when it’s ready, without effecting the current ground, it feels like a lot could be done, but over the years the bare minimal, the basic essentials, the least they can do, they have done, it is practical, not pretty, serves a purpose, but doesn’t enthral. The Game By now the York end to my left is completely full, the two teams come out and on the toss, York kick up hill, the dry warn plastic pitch also makes this game a potential banana skin, I’m sure it’s not a match they have been looking forward to, Tamworth is never an easy place to come to, but with the wind behind their sails, if they can chalk it off and scrape a road win, York City’s title chase, is very much on. York do start well, passing, Tamworth are passive as the away side get a feel for the tempo, ponytailed midfielder Ollie Banks is flicking and tricking in a way that reminds me of the first forty minutes that James Maddison played during Tottenham’s extra time victory here last season in the FA Cup. It all looked so comfortable for him early doors too, let’s see if he’ll be doing that around 70 or 80 minutes in? James Maddison certainly wasn’t. For all their early domination, Tamworth look handy on the break as York take risks sometimes leaving one on one at the back, Oli Lynch on loan from Luton Town has had a decent return in recent weeks, he’s running the back three hard as the Lambs press on the counter, a cross to Creaney is blasted by his strike partner out of the ground and into the car park towards the nearby Snowdome. York too have had chances, the busy Ben Brookes has been linking well with the forwards, he’s had a chance scuffed wide before crossing to Newby on 27, the strikers shot rebounding to Ollie Pearce who slides in from close range and off the post, a scrappy one, his 33rd for the season, how important has his incredible contribution been to York? As Pearce walks back with high fives to the tune of Depeche Mode’s Just Can’t Get Enough sung by the 800 York fans behind the goal you can feel the relief, it’s not been easy, and it still won’t be easy, but something to cling on to, puts York City in the driving seat. The Score Tamworth are disappointing in the first half, they seem to have banished their old guard, the long throw in of Tom Tonks, the motocross like engine of midfielder Alfie Bates, the nastiness of big centre half Haydn Hollis, all these days asked to sit on the bench for more creative, younger, fancier models, so when Andy Peaks decides at the break to bring his trio of stalwarts on, I think to myself, “now we are going to get a game”. Within minutes, Tonks throws one into the box from half way, Bates snaps away at the legs of Alex Hunt who by now has bossed proceedings far too easily in the centre of the park, and Haydn Hollis has not once, but twice, tried to headbutt someone, picking up a yellow card for his troubles, York are suddenly having to scrap. And Tamworth should score, Kurtaran one on one appears in front of Harrison Male who is made to make a save, then Ben Acquaye races through from half way, rounds the keeper and can’t compose himself to finish, I say to the scout next to me “If I had money on York today, I would be cashing out now”. But City wrestle back some rhythm, they are largely in control without being convincing, Jeff King cuts in as I open my mouth “he can shoot” I say as someone in York colours nearby shouts “have a crack”. King curls left footed a beauty against the bar. By now the flicks and tricks of Ollie Banks are just a distant memory. He’s having an argument with Jeff King. “Get it in the fucking box” he tells him. But Banks despite his ego (found out at first hand in his younger even cheekier days whilst playing for FC United) is a player I really like, he digs in and grafts, has quality on the ball and epitomises York City’s free flowing football philosophy, hard work, good discipline, but with a sassy bit of style and fluidity in play. The last moments however are anything but Neal Ardley’s usual sophisticated plan A, as he resorts to plan B, Dan Batty, Callum Howe, Ryan Fallowfield, all come on, all instructed, to do one thing, see the game through, which is exactly, what they do. The Stars Tamworth were much changed since the last time I saw them play, some of the old guard subbed as mentioned, some still playing part from the off, Jas Singh in goal is still good, Jordan Cullinane-Liburd at centre back is one I’ve always admired, Dan Creaney up front perhaps didn’t get going to his usual standards, subbed at half time with what looked like an injury. Of the new batch, Oli Lynch stood out as one that made things happen, he was more physical industrious and looks to have come on since I last watched him during a drab 2-0 defeat by Halifax over New Year. Hard working with a bit of quality, however he did have a chance which he fluffed, which I expect a player on a football league clubs books, like he is, to score. York were professional and organised and one player standing out as he did in their Good Friday win at Boston was Alex Hunt who is a terrific number eight given complete license to play how he wants, under Neal Ardley. He pulls strings wherever he picks up the ball, often taking it off the keeper or full backs, sitting in for centre halves when they bomb forward and popping up in the number ten area to progress things along. Hunt I’m told always had promise as a youngster at Sheffield Wednesday and Grimsby, now 25 is in the peak of his years playing some of his best stuff. I could go through the whole lot, who might not have been as flowing as they were when I watched them last week, but they stuck to the task, were much the better team, and you always felt, they could shift a few gears if they needed to. That said, they were indebted to Harrison Male on occasion and I vouch for him as their man of the match on the day. Two big saves, he took crosses well and eased pressure off, he’s very good on the ball, it seems you have to be, to play for York. The Verdict York City host Yeovil next, whilst Rochdale are at relegated Braintree, should both teams do what they need to and take routine three points, all eyes will be on Spotland in a fortnights time, for arguably the biggest game of both teams recent histories, a title decider that will guarantee not only who gets called best in the division, but also guarantees a return to the Football League in 2026/27. The Teams Tamworth: Jas Singh, Jo Riley, Callum Cockerill-Mollett (Haydn Hollis 46), Jordan Cullinane-Liburd, Joe Rye (Tom Tonks 46), Matt Curley, Ben Acquaye (Tom McGlinchey 84), Stefan Mols (Daniel Isichei 84), Teo Kurtaran, Dan Creaney (Alfie Bates 46), Oliver Lynch. York City: Harrison Male, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Zak Johnson, Mark Kitching, Jeff King (Ryan Fallowfield 77), Ben Brookes (Callum Howe 84), Alex Hunt (Daniel Batty 84), Ollie Banks, Hiram Boateng, Ollie Pearce, Alex Newby (Joe Grey 67). 12:30pm Kick Off. Saturday 11th April 2026, The Lamb Ground, Tamworth (att 1,706).

Cleethorpes Town 2-1 Stockbridge Park Steels (Northern Premier League) It was former Grimsby Town midfielder Tommy Watson who formed Lincolnshire Soccer School in 1998, they would soon become LSS Lucarly before changing their name to Cleethorpes Town in 2008, Watson still to this day involved in mostly coaching the club's juniors. Since changing names a third time, the Owls have rapidly risen up the divisions from winning the Lincolnshire League and both Northern Counties East First and Premier Divisions to gaining promotion last season after winning the Northern Premier League East Division. And it's been a good first campaign at step 3 under their Manager Craig Rouse, eighth in the table ahead of tonight, just six points from the playoff places and hoping to bridge the gap on those above, who include the likes of Lincolnshire county rivals Gainsborough Trinity who are fifth. Stockbridge have been going a little while longer. Not much though, formed in 1986 as a merger of Stockbridge Works (of the local steel plant) and Oxley Park Sports, the Steels, as they are nicknamed for obvious reasons, have been in the Northern Premier League system since 1996, after ten years of previously playing in the Northern Counties East Leagues. Like Cleethorpes, last year was a good year as they gained promotion to this very division, finishing third behind their opponents tonight and second place Dunston, who they beat in the playoff finals on penalties. Unlike Cleethorpes, Stockbridge have found matters tough at the level and are bottom of the table but recent results, including a 1-1 draw with high flying Hednesford and a 2-0 win last time out against Ashton United provides optimism, things have been picking up for Jordan Lemon's side who since Christmas have at least returned 16 points from 13 games, in a competitive division, a win tonight would potentially take them out of the relegation places from twenty-first to seventeenth. The sun is out but I expect it to be nippy tonight on the south Humberside coast, I'm out the door at 4pm as it's a two hour drive and with it being Easter Holidays it could be a popular destination for weekend vacaters heading towards some of Lincolnshire's finest resorts. The traffic on the A46 is slow as I turn up relieved onto the quieter A15 and stop off at a Spa for some food, I'm heading towards Market Rasen and Caister, quiet, rural and surprisingly hilly is the route towards the sea side, I've never been to Cleethorpes before so I'm not sure what to expect? The Venue I'm back on the A46 and heading into town as I pass some sizable nice plots along the Laceby Road. Romance had me tricked into thinking Grimsby and the surrounding areas were all about terraced houses, but bungalows, semis and detached line the spacious streets around here. As green recreational space nicely opens up I spot some floodlights which I believe is my destination but I'm wrong, the King George Stadium is an athletics arena nearby, but backing onto that is the Linden Club, home of Cleethorpes Town and a cricket team called Clee Laportes CC. There's parking on the football pitches outside the stadium walls as I pull up for free, directed by a steward, a short walk to the turnstile in the corner, it's £11 entry, and inside I get a nice surprise. Ahead of my visit I googled the venue and the pictures didn't do it justice, a small modern facility on old ground it has real quirk with a lovely flat wide pitch which apparently was dug up and re-laid a few years ago. An old boy telling me "they used to play cup finals on here but underneath was full of slate, how anyone didn't get a serious injury I don't know" he said. As I walk around from the back of the goal which has nice fancy blue nets, there's a covered seated area to the left, split in three it has a Directors section with padded seats and perspex windows to keep the cold away for those in suits, there's a Church in the back ground as you look down the line to add some auld English nostalgia, the rest of the place quite sparse but open, the changing facilities, shop and clubhouse all behind the far goal tucked out of trouble, painted in black. The Game I take a seat and chat to the clubs cameramen as a few Stockbridge fans walk by. There must be eight or nine kids with cones on their heads? I didn't get the fancy dress memo but there was a rally for all to bring their children (and dogs) tonight as to open the holiday weekend, it's one of only three matches being played in the country. It's a tough one to call, Stockbridge have plenty of fight in them and the league table is remarkably tight, a win can take them up as high as five places but Cleethorpes have an outside eye on a playoff place themselves, quietly confident, hoping they go under the radar, unnoticed, with a late rally, it's a frantic start which lacks a little bit of quality as the ball appears to go out of play more times than it is on the park. At one point the steward is walking off with the ball as everybody looks on, waiting for him to return it. There's a few injury stoppages and not much flow, when Stockbridge in their away claret and blue kit do get it, they go long and direct to their big number nine Rawson, whilst Cleethorpes in all blue can play, which I remembered vaguely from seeing them earlier in the season at Ilkeston. It feels like a classic 442, two good full backs, an experienced centre half pairing of O'Grady and Hughes, two in midfield who can pass and move, two brilliant wingers, one Max Wright on loan from Halifax, another Callum Ainley is a player released in the summer by Grimsby due to a medical condition, he's one who has found his home at the Linden Club after spending almost a season out with thyroid cancer and since getting back to fitness he has slowly improved to the football league quality player he was whilst playing for Crewe and the Mariners prior to diagnosis, both wide men have natural ability to cause real havoc, number ten Braithwaite inventive off the big but wiry Josh Walker who can certainly hold is own as a number nine. The Score Stockbridge have cracked a bar and had a chance missed agonisingly wide, they have caused Cleethorpes trouble with that long ball over the top, the home defence play a slightly high line and you can get in behind, but I really like O'Grady who is organising and combative. Liam Hughes next to him is a 30 plus season striker who signed from Worksop, he's also brilliant at centre half and "he's played more at the back than he has for us upfront since signing" the cameraman tells me. There's not much in the game but the difference is the quality Cleethorpes have in going forward, a neat move down the left has Josh Walker cross low to Ackroyd and the late arriving midfielder strikes low to put the hosts one up. At half time you feel it's a deserved lead on the balance but Cleethorpes need to be wary. The visitors come out of the traps in the second half really well, with plenty of fight and spirit, they go racing down their left where James Morris is very impressive, he finds Alex O'Connor with time and space, the midfielder levelling up on 63. You feel it sets the game up nicely for a tense finale but Cleethorpes go up the other end and win a corner, the ball played to the edge of the area where Jack Vann is waiting, he strikes through a crowd hard to wrestle back advantage. That lifts the home team to hang and hold onto something again, it's not pretty but both teams give it their all, Stockbridge using their subs really well actually finish the game much stronger, they've been prodding and probing with direct play, but it's not enough, the final few seconds are mostly played by the away team corner flag as Josh Walker barriers the ball, it's a gutsy display from the bottom of the table Steels, but that little bit of class Cleethorpes have, was the difference in getting all three points. The Stars From front to back I really like the look of Cleethorpes who have a solid base, two no frills full backs in Gallimore and Boateng are solid competitors with good engines, who both put a good ball into the box. Connor O'Grady was perhaps my man of the match, never to be outdone by the awkward Rawson in attack, he's a true leader who's been around the divisions, starting his career at Sheffield Wednesday following moves to the likes of Buxton, Stalybridge Celtic and Matlock. Next to O'Grady, Liam Hughes proved what a good footballer he is, value in both boxes, he's equally as comfortable as centre half as he is in attack, he looked leaner than I had seen him previously too. Whilst in midfield the engine of Ackroyd and Vann was ticking along all game, the wide threat evident, Callum Ainley is too good for this level, so too is Max Wright. Whilst in attack, Aaron Braithwaite was technically good, complimenting Josh Walker who played the target role very well. Walker isn't afraid of those big defenders who will bustle into him, he has a good goals return and links play very well. Stocksbridge had moments in the game, but despite the effort, didn't have the quality Cleethorpes had in numbers, their best player for me former Doncaster Rovers forward James Morris on the left, whilst Luke Rawson a big tall number nine had a deceptive turn of pace, he was awkward to deal with, the interestingly named Romario Dunne disappointing, he played (and looked) more like a Kevin, or Jack. The Verdict Cleethorpes might surprise a few in the run in towards the end of this season, they are a club on the up, when asked on their ambition their cameraman told me (who is by no means the clubs spokesperson) "this season was all about survival, and staying in the division". They will certainly survive at least, but things could be even better, not to be ruled out of the promotion race, just yet. As a ground, Cleethorpes is a quiet little up and coming gem, modern and basic from the outset, but look beneath it has some real quirks, just a shame that it's always bloody cold here, because that chill off the sea, will certainly put a few off coming to pay a visit. Stocksbridge are still battling hard, the ghost should not yet be given up, they will now sit back and watch results this weekend, whilst hoping on Monday, they can pick up points against Leek, before taking on Warrington, Ilkeston and Lancaster, who at least may all have little to play for. The Teams Cleethorpes Town: Ollie Battersby, Dan Gallimore, Kwame Boateng, Jack Vann, Connor O'Grady, Liam Hughes, Max Wright (Joey Phuti 67), Joe Ackroyd (Callum Foster 90), Josh Walker, Aaron Braithwaite, Callum Ainley (Leon Gibson-Booth 81). Stocksbridge Park Steels: Ben Townsend, Jack Tinkler, Connor Smith, Luke Hogg (Thomas Poole 56), Kasper Williams, Paul Iggulden, Tommy Marshall (Deshuan Musgrave-Dore 77), Alex O'Connor, Luke Rawson, Romario Dunne (Jack Watson 73), James Morris (Luca Cancello 73). 7:45pm Kick Off. Thursday 2nd April 2026, The Linden Club, Cleethorpes (att 607).

Boston United 0-1 York City (National League) I'm off to a tulip festival on Saturday. Call it a compromise. The things you agree to do with the wife after working Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and having the rest of the Easter holiday weekend off. York City are gunning for the league and are bidding for promotion back to the 92 after ten years outside, but they are three points behind leaders Rochdale who they play on the last day of the season. Earlier in the week fans camped outside the York City stadium as tickets went on sale for the all important potential title decider. A winner takes all at Spotland, selling out within a couple of hours. Before then, however, both teams have four games to go. And whilst Rochdale are away at struggling Morecambe. York visit Boston, who they have failed to beat in Lincolnshire since 1970. A usual jaunt of mine it's an hour and a bit drive to the Jakemans Stadium, I'm dropping a couple of eggs off at my sister's before heading down the A52, arriving at a packed Wyberton full of parked cars in the surrounding streets ahead of what feels like a full bodied festival of football to kick off the weekend. The Venue I'm walking from my car as a fella who's just parked his has a moan about others parking on a roundabout, it seems no space has been left uncovered today with plenty of Yorkies in town. It's a five minute walk from where I've parked to the ground as I cross the busy A16 whilst contemplating a Starbucks, I don't bother as I can't find the entrance, so instead head for the ticket office, a construction site immediately in front, the main stand glass backed is lovely looking to my left as a ground hopper with a back pack on takes a picture of it. I'm quickly in and out and through the turnstile and up to my seat, no messing today, there's a good 90 minutes to go until kick off and the press area is already packed with media mainly from the away team. As modern stadiums go it's certainly one of my favourites, the quirky curved lights look down above, cloudy bright skies lighten the green carpet, the three stands in use slowly filling nicely, there's plenty of York City fans sitting in the home end today which adds to the atmosphere, as a rather attractive lady gets a round of applause off them, she's really milking the applause as she waves back to the crowd, at first I have no idea who she is, but am told it's the co-owner. Julie-Anne Uggla and her son Matthew have a 51% share in the club. The fans obviously very happy with her work. The Game It's packed inside today and there's a real feel good factor this Good Friday afternoon, Boston all but safe have put in some great performances in recent weeks since Paul Hurst took on the Pilgrims job in January, York confident that they can be the ones at the end of the campaign who take the championship away from Rochdale, and the away side in sky blue dominate early proceedings, Stuart Maynard has created a lovely football team, they all switch positions and flow freely with good technical ability. It's three at the back, five in midfield, two up top, old fashioned in formation, but free flowing in philosophy. At one stage right back Jeff King is on the left wing, moments later centre half Malachi Fagan-Walcott is on the right wing, midfielder Alex Hunt often the deepest defender, sitting in, covering, collecting the ball and starting moves ahead of later joining the attack. For all their fluidity York suck Boston in with a brilliant passing move which ends with them going long and direct from Keeper to Stones, the big forward is a powerhouse and one that league clubs have been looking at, he wrestles with defenders and gets away, but his tame shot under pressure is easily saved by Cameron. The Score It's nil nil at half time and I say to my fellow scouts sitting besides me "they'll take that" as Boston, happiest have been playing against the wind, they have a strong bench having rested a few ahead of Mondays match with Brackley which they probably see is more winnable, but are well in this game against by far the best footballing team I have seen in this division. But York come out the traps immediately in the second half, a shot by Pearce is saved by Cameron but the rebound is only flicked to the feet of Ben Brookes who doesn't miss from close range, firing into the roof of the net to send the away support crazy. Boston's reply however is instant, Slogett heads against the bar and it's carnage inside the area as bodies attack and defend, the ball looks to have gone over the line, the home fans cheer, but no goal awarded and York break away. It's a tense second half as Maguire fires a shot from long range that clips the top of the bar, but Boston whilst plucky and persistent aren't really equipped to breaking down the visitors now organised defensive barrier, there's cheers in the crowd as news from elsewhere has Rochdale losing at home to Morecambe, you start to feel it's very much going to be York's day. I love this stage of the season where results elsewhere matter as much as your own, no doubt the players aware of the happenings at Spotland, this gives them the extra incentive to get the job done in Boston, and they do, with a good solid display, an away win on the road for the first time against the Pilgrims in 55 years. At full time there are more celebrations as it turns out Morecambe have scored again, by now the players are dancing with the fans in the far corner following Rochdale's 4-2 defeat, as I leave Stuart Maynard is getting a rather intimate hug off his owner, if Carlsberg did Good Fridays for York fans, this would be it. The Stars Packed of talent there's probably no better technical team in the division than York, who have one of the best attacking defenders in Malachi Fagan-Walcott, a fast strong footballing footballer, probably better used as a traditional right back where he can bomb up and down the line, but in this Maynard system he excels as a right sided centre half with freedom. I really like the left sided centre back Mark Kitching who has the technical ability and confidence of a left winger. He's taking on attacker's inside his own half, cutting in with a speed of turn, whilst ticking everything along is Alex Hunt, a brilliant passing midfielder who understands completely his job for the team. The tall ponytailed Ollie Banks twisting and turning besides him, Hiram Boateng also adding some beef. In attack they arguably have the best pairing in the division. Top goalscorer Ollie Pearce didn't do much, but at one stage flicked a long ball over Jake Rooney's head and ran in on goal, a touch of class from a classy forward who's a threat even when he's quiet. I really like Josh Stones, so much so I told Mansfield Town about him as I think he's perfect for a club that would play to his physical strengths, he's big and robust, quick and likes the scrap, can compete in the air, beat players on the deck, even if York do go up, I think they'll have it all on trying to keep him. As for Boston, not forgetting them, as they certainly played a part in this match, on the day, Alex Lankshear had a really good game at left back, whilst Frankie Maguire, again, was their main source of energy and dynamism, we discussed his future and decided that he might also be heading upwards elsewhere this summer, football league clubs are starting to take note of his consistent efforts. I thought Greg Slogett had a really good match until tiring in the second half, he's been one that under the previous regime was un-droppable, that perhaps didn't win his new manager over quite as much initially, I'm hoping Paul Hurst is getting to understand how important he can still be in midfield going forward. Finally, a mention for Luca Barrington who recently signed for Boston after a period out of football, he still looks unfit but technically he's as good as anything they have, if Frankie Maguire does go in the summer, I see him as the natural replacement, a different kind of number ten, but one with invention who sees a picture like no other Boston player. The Verdict York City are top of the table on goal difference and having scored 24 more goals than Rochdale this season are now very much in the driving seat for promotion. Next for the Minstermen it's Altrincham at home on Monday before Tamworth away next weekend, then it's Yeovil at home and by then I wonder will they have wrapped up their promotion party for the final day, or will it come down to getting something from their biggest and best rivals from the 'other' rose county? I'm not sure if it'll be as straightforward as three straight wins? I'm personally hoping for a few twists along the way, as if it all comes down to that final day, what a day it's going to be. The Teams Boston United: Dan Cameron, Connor Teale (Marcel Lavinier 80), Jake Rooney, Jamie Grimes, Alex Lankshear, Jordan Richards, Greg Sloggett (Arjan Raikhy 80), Dylan Hill (Tom Cursons 78, Luca Barrington (Jordy Hiwula 68), Frankie Maguire, Lenell John-Lewis. York City: Harrison Male, Malachi Fagan-Walcott, Zach Johnson, Mark Kitching, Jeff King, Alex Hunt (Dan Batty 90), Hiram Boateng, Ollie Banks (Joe Grey 74), Ben Brookes (Ryan Fallowfield 90), Josh Stones, Ollie Pearce. 3:00pm Kick Off. Friday 3rd April 2026, Jakemans Stadium, Boston (att 3,198).

Albion Rovers 0-1 Clydebank (Lowlands League) I've got a bit of time on my hands today ahead of Scotland's match with Japan later this afternoon so I'm thinking why not check out some potential games I can attend? Amongst them, Albion Rovers are at home to Clydebank in a 1pm kick off and the town of Coatbridge where Albion play is just twenty minutes from Hampden, pretty much enroute from Dundee, so an easy decision made, I'm out of my hotel for 11am and back down the A9 past Gleneagles and Stirling to the North Lanarkshire town which I didn't even know existed twenty minutes ahead of setting off. 8 miles from Glasgow centre, Coatbridge neighbours Airdrie as part of the Monklands urban district. Since 1882 it's been home to Albion Rovers, when two teams from the area, Albion FC and Rovers FC merged for the better. Originally playing at Meadow Park, Albion moved to Cliftonhill in 1919 and have played their ever since, often bouncing around the lower divisions they were relegated from the Scottish Football League system in 2023 after 120 years as a member, and have since resided in the Lowlands League where they are currently fifteenth in the table and looking nervously at those below. Clydebank were a Scottish Premier League side when I was a boy in the eighties. They fell out of existence in 2002 to join forces with Airdrie to become Airdrie United but a phoenix club rose from the Ashes and it has since climbed the regional ladder to sit in the Lowlands League in its debut season this. The Bankies third in the table are pushing for promotion with the likes of Bonnyrigg Rose and Tranent above them. My sat nav has me on the busy Main Street opposite Angus Dundee Distillers where Albion's Cliftonhill Stadium sits proudly opposite on a hill, the old Main Stand which is said to be over 100 years old is backed in billboards over yellow and red paint, the prominent bright club colours of the Wee Rovers as they are locally known. The Venue I've pulled up outside where there's plenty of cars parked by the side of the road, as I walk up towards the turnstiles the Clydebank supporters bus appears, a semi jog gets me through the doors in front of the offloading day trippers, I pay £11 contactless through the turnstile and walk up the steep slope towards the pitch, which hits me as it did last night in Dundee, like a retro flashback to the 70's or 80's and reading my monthly copy of Roy of the Rovers or even watching Jossy's Giants on BBC. Football in Scotland seems much better, simpler, more stripped back and so much more pure than it feels in England, this place is falling apart but I'm instantly in love with it, some massive ugly pylon floodlights rust above, next to a memorial type garden that wouldn't look out of place at your grandma's ex-council house, there's a tired portacabin that advertises the 'club shop' on its side whilst the pitch is reminiscent of a 1990's Colliery Welfare ground in England, lines not painted all that straight, humps and curves hogging the wing, the roofed stand opposite condemned, out of action, the one we are in is however magnificently old with its wooden flip down chairs and still very much in use, as we are all greeted by a rather unique PA, addressing the tannoy system like Roy Chubby Brown. The fella on the mike is hilarious, I've never heard anything like it but I presume he's been doing it for years in these parts, well known to many who he says hello to. He's dressed in an orange puffer jacket with yellow and red scarf and red hat. He's playing club classics in between cracking jokes and giving shout outs to anyone who asks, at one stage he says "I've been told to give a shout out to a fella called Phil McCrackin but I think it's a wind up" he continues to make fun over the PA "We like to have a laugh here as the football is rank" he says. By now the Clydebank bus load has flooded the concourse, it seems quite busy inside as I take my seat high up in the old stand amongst a few of the away hierarchy, the Bankies are certainly a well backed side that are doing well right now, as their players warm up in black run out tops, the Albion PA when reading the two teams out notices former Rover Lance Pollard on their bench. "Thanks for the £50k transfer fee" he jokes. As the two teams warm up I notice a boy on the left bank picking balls up and throwing them back every time a shot is skied or goes wide. There's a handful of Clydebank Ultras behind the goal to my right, perhaps ten in total, all dressed in black, no older than fifteen or sixteen, they have a drum and a couple of flags, one reads their clubs postcode across it as the PA man says "shout out to the G81 Ultras". He's soon pushing the catering facilities, telling fans that due to the larger than normal crowd there's two kiosks open, "If you want a day off work, buy two pies, if you want a week off work, buy three". He calls Cliftonhill "the Coatbridge San Siro" and although there's not much similarity between this and the super stylish home of AC & Inter Milan, I do, like the San Siro, love this little place, run down, high on the hill, but backing on to rows of houses, it has the smell of community, with the sometime reek of establishment, as club officials come from nowhere to suddenly walk around in their blazers with yellow and red ties, there's hoppers and die-hards sat together, some sat alone just taking it all in. "The bar will be open after the match" says our matchday compere "If Albion win, it'll be open all week". The Game I've watched the subs gather balls and cones up for the kitman before the two teams run out a minute to kick off and what I really like about it is they don't mess about with hand shakes or official league parades, they simply get into position as their captains toss, then straight to battle, the game kicks off and within ten seconds there's a free kick as Albion scuff their start and play their right back a hospital pass who gets chopped down for his troubles. No card, no lecture, just a bit of treatment which delays proceedings slightly. Clydebank in black with red diagonal stripe across their chest are part-time like Albion but look physically stronger and more men like than their opponents who wear flappy yellow shirts which blow in the wind above their tight red undergarments, some of them have modern floppy haircuts, there's one or two with socks rolled down their ankles who look like they are better suited to playing Gaelic football, the hosts are much lighter in weight and more timid in youthful boyish facial looks perhaps, 4-4-2, they rely on their forwards who aren't up to much against Clydebank's three burley short back and sides centre halves, they play 3-5-2 and their three defenders are all proper men, big lads, thick set, they look like builders Mon-Fri, in midfield they some have experience with meat and veg, up front a proven goalscorer, or two, whilst our wide they have a very good player who I instantly take a shine to. Owen Wardell is a twenty year old winger on loan from a full time team in Lithuania and he's posing a threat down the right, cutting in and shooting sometimes left footed, he also goes on the outside and crosses well into danger with his right. I love this level when a hidden gem stands out like a saw thumb, he controls the ball better than anyone on this bouncy pitch and passes firm and crisp, nothing phases him, not even a Cliftonhill bobble, as he picks up the ball in his own half and jogs three quarter pace all of fifty yards beating two men on his travels to win a corner. The visitors are so much better, it's clear which are the ones aiming for promotion, and who might be going down, there's shots blocked as Albion defend bravely but on 21 they try and play out from the back, get caught, McLaughlin is into the box and as he rounds the goalkeeper is tripped by Gaffney, McLaughlin steps up himself, shoots low to the keepers right, has his spot kick saved, but somehow slides home the rebound from a tight angle and slides to his knees to celebrate the goal, Clydebank have the lead, they completely deserve. The Score It's not one way traffic but it's controlled and dominated and there's a real gulf of class in the two teams but Albion are plucky and pick themselves up, every now and again they counter as the home crowd get their hopes up, but the final ball is often letting them down, and at half time they hardly lay glove on Owen Stott's goal. Enter PA man for some more fun and jokes, as he announces "todays attendance seven thousand four hundred and eighty-nine, but the tax man is in, so let's call it 489". There's a fifty fifty draw which is also read out, the winning number is snapped up by Peter, a local schoolteacher, who gets a round of applause after giving £100 of his winnings back to the club. "That's the first round of applause a teacher from Coatbridge has had in these parts" says PA man, as Peter heads back up the steps to his mates, one of them says "any chance of lending me a tenner". That's my cue to go, I was thinking about staying and watching a good twenty minutes of the second half before heading to Hampden Park, but to beat the traffic the time is right now, I didn't get to enjoy any of the second half but word has it I didn't miss much, what I did miss however, would have been a few pints of Tenants in the bar afterwards, which I'm sure would have been a brilliant social affair. The Stars Clydebank looked a proper team with proper players across the pitch, they were hardly out of second gear in a dominant first half and front to back looked decent, stand out was my man down the right Owen Wardell who certainly looks like he has enough ability to do something in the lower leagues in England, reminding me a bit of former Notts County and Lincoln City winger Terry Hawkridge with his honest and direct approach. I did also like their left sided centre half Arran Preston who was no-nonsense and possessed a useful long throw-in, Preston is just nineteen, whilst Wardell is only 20, both have decent futures ahead. Clydebank's midfield general is Nicky Low, 34-years-old he took all the set plays and lists the likes of Aberdeen, Dundee, Derry City and Arbroath to his name, whilst up front in attack, Keir Samson looked a very tidy footballer and is one with a good goals return this season, whilst match-winner McLaughlin was very good down the left. Slim pickings for Arbroath who are now down in the bottom two, weighty captain Alan Reid was gutsy whilst leading at the back and young Theo McCormick had moments in attack, but it wasn't a game (or a half) where anyone stood out as bright at least, as the yellow shirts they were wearing. The Verdict This Scottish gem of a home is an absolutely brilliant place to watch football, a real spit and sawdust setting but the action is full bodied, committed, real and authentic, which is a pleasure to sit and see in full view. I highly recommend to anyone a must visit to Cliftonhill, the place is said to be potentially one day, having a facelift, which would be great, because it is needed, but whilst that lick of paint and 4g pitch might lead to more revenue which will help the clubs finances tenfold, it will however lose some of that magical dust that still sits in the stands ageing rafters, places like this should be worshipped and whilst we all want them to be kept as they are, I recommend getting here, before it goes through the change, so you have the memories that I now have forever. The Teams Albion Rovers: Daniel Gaffney, Euan Bowie, Alan Reid, Chris Neeson, Tylar Denholm (Nathan Brown 64), Tony Garth, Devan McColl, Barry Duncan, Adam McMillan, Ruari Ellis, Theo McCormick (Sonny Aluko 72). Clydebank: Owen Stott, Adam Hodge, Oisin McHugh, Arran Preston (James Grant 61), David Syme, Dom Docherty, Nicky Low, Dean Cairns, Owen Wardell (Nicky Little 90), Neil McLaughlin, Keir Samson (Lee Gallacher 77). 1:00pm Kick Off. Saturday 28th March 2026, Cliftonhill, Coatbridge (att 489).