All About the Charity Blog

Over the seasons Aroundthegrounds has raised £1000's for different charities, this season 2018-19 is no different as we raised for FORGET-ME-NOT, a small self funding charity that supports people with dementia and their partners/carers. Each goal I see scored we will donated 25p, I know a lot of people and clubs like to donate, doesnt matter how small, it is always very gratefully received, your name or club will go on to the donators list.

Tuesday 18 June 2019

JUST CANT THANK FOLKS ENOUGH

At the Nottinghamshire Senior League Committee Meeting last week, the committee voted on donating and rounding up the Charity Blogs total by adding £103.20p to make the final total for the 2018-19 season a whooping £1,700 for Forget Me Not, a small charity that helps support people with dementia and helps supports their carers and partners through hard times.

I just cant thank people/clubs enough for their support year in and year out towards the small charities I aim to bring a little comfort to, £1700 is the biggest total that we have ever reached and just couldnt be done by the kindness of ordinary people throughout the Non League world.

Having rung up Forget Me Not, their meeting up in July sees them on a day trip, so I am doing the Cheque presentation now in the 3rd week in August.

The New Charity Blog for this coming season 2019-20 is already in flow and is for The Nottingham Stroke Club, based in the heart of Nottingham City Centre, when me, my wife Hazel and son Shawn visited we was made most welcome and joined in the morning quiz whilst drinking coffee, we was also invited for a cooked dinner but we had to turn this offer down as we needed to pop round the shops, already we have a running total nearly the £300 mark.

The Nottinghamshire Senior League has always been supportive of the Charity Blog and has always offered my wife Hazel the opportunity of doing the Cup Finals Raffle in aid of our chosen charity plus at the end of the season throwing a cheque of support in.

The Blog has grown and grown, infact 2 Clubs last season also did sponsor a goal on how many goals they scored throughout the season to add to the Blogs tally, so a special thanks to Mansfield Hosiery Mills FC and Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC. If any other clubs wish to do this, Id be more than thankful.

Other clubs have donated even as far down as St Erme FC in Cornwall

Going back to ordinary people like the man on the street who pops along to his local ground, people like Malc Storer, Richard Lane and Jim Bethall are only a few names always pop a few quid to keep the total going and to inspire the blog. Match Officials like Gavin Rice, Kev Guise and Scott Anderson and others dip in to their match fees to throw a few quid as well.

So as you can see, the Charity Blog is not just down to me, but it is a whole wide team effort and the Blog just keeps getting bigger and bigger, when I first began the blog, I said I would sponsor 25p a goal and aim to raise £100 a season, but this has just snowballed in to such a successful charity annual event.

The 2019-20 Charity Blog can be found on this LINK

Friday 17 May 2019

THE MILLERS SUPPORT LOCAL DEMENTIA CHARITY

Mansfield Hosiery Mills FC is one of the most local clubs to where I live, so I do tend to pop up there quite often during the season. They have always made a donation for my Charity Blog, but as soon as they heard that this season it was a for local cause, FORGET ME NOT, a small chairity that supports people with dementia, their First Team made a pledge that every goal that their side scored in the Division One of the Nottingamshire Senior League they would give £1, this was then followed by their Under 16 team also sponsoring a £1 per goal they scored during the season.

Both sides were going to present a donation at their annual New Year Eves party to which me and my family attend every year, but sadly I feel ill over that time of year and was stuck in bed watching Madness on the tele.

Vice Chariman Dom Witton of Mansfield Hosiery Mills FC contacted me to arrange to hand over the kind donations, but I felt it only fair to go to the ground to get a photo with their logo behind us during the presentation. To be honest i had no idea how much was to be handed over, so was more than shocked when he said " We scored 61 goals but we felt we should round it up to £70"..I cant say thankyou enough..Whilst having a shandy in the clubhouse, Ruth who runs the Under 16's team had kindly sent their teams donation of £25, making a total of a amazing £95.

A BIG thankyou to all involved at Mansfield Hosiery Mills FC

This now takes the running total up to a massive £1,437.20p

Saturday 11 May 2019

75 WAYS TO SAY THANKYOU

Since beginning this Charity Blog so many years ago, we have raised for different causes, I remember the First year we raised for the epiplisy unit that treated me for new equipment and was stunned at raising just over £500, I never knew back then that the Blog would snowball like it has. 

Last season we hit our highest ever total for MAGGIES cancer Care Centre of £1492, but we rounded it up to £1500, no way did I ever think we would get anywhere near that mark ever again, but people and clubs continue to prove me wrong. The Blog is well known around the UK as far down as Cornwall and up as far as the North West.

This season for the First Time, I have had 2 Nottinghamshire Senior Clubs sponsor every goal scored and many clubs and players chip in when Ive been round the grounds.

What amazes me more than anything though is when people who Ive never met, contact me and send me a cheque for the charity blog to go to the charities and one of those people is Graham Moseley a senior gentleman from Northampton who has been supporting the Blog for a number of seasons now. This Saturday he travelled on his own on the train up from Northampton to visit Hucknall Town, as I was at another match that kicked off earlier in the day, this was a opportunity to actually meet him and knowing that he liked a spot of the Real Ale, knew just the place to meet.

The Station Hotel isnt hard to find in Hucknall, infact it is opposite the train and tram station just off the High Street, so come 5pm Graham came through the doors and wouldnt allow me to buy him a pint, infact insisted he bought me a shandy. We had a chat and then he produced his cheque book and he wrote out a cheque for a superb £75. I just didnt know how to thank him enough. There are other peope who have also pledged to do this for my charity that is chosen for this season which is FORGET ME NOT, a small charity that supports people with dementia and I know the running total of £1,342.20p will go along way with still some more pledges yet to come, so the £1500 mark may well be broke. 

Anyone who would like to make a donation can contact me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

It is very difficult to thank everyone and every club but I really do mean it as it is totally unexpected.

Next Saturday 18th May 2019 is the Nottinghamshire Senior League's Cup Finals Day at Basford United FC, my wife Hazel does 2 raffles, one for each Final as it gives the Blog a good start towards next seasons total and next season we have chosen Nottingham Stroke Support Group. 

Information of the Nottinghamshire Senior League Cup Finals Day are as follows:

12pm - Junior Cup Final
Robin Hood Colts v Cotgrave Reserves

5pm - Senior Cup Final
Stapleford Town v Southwell City

There will be a programme for each Final

FRANCIS SENDS JOYCE TO SEVENTH HEAVEN

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Division One
BURTON JOYCE FC 7 AWSWORTH VILLA RESERVES 0

With Burton Joyce already having secured Runners Up position and Awsworth Villa Reserves on a run of 5 unbeaten matches, I expected this to be a close encounter, but clinical finishing by the team in Green showed why they were towards the top end of the table.

Just before kicked I met Chris Roberts and his friend from Chesterfield and we stood pitchside.  The game began at a frantic pace and the visitors infact had the first chance with a shot just over the crossbar. Burton made them pay as in the 6th minute, they took the lead through their top striker NATHAN FRANCIS with a header that was pushed out and he followed in to make sure.

With 9 minutes on the clock, from a corner on the left side, NATHAN FRANCIS doubled his tally and also his teams to make it 2-0 to the hosts. On 13 minutes, Awsworth were given a lifeline when awarded a penalty, but Rory Blyth was equal to the kick heading in to the bottom corner to pull over the save.

The rest of the half was quite even and more goals could well have been scored. After the half time cuppa, it was back to pitchside and Burton Joyce were not in the mood for waiting, as on 46 minutes, they made it 3-0 when MARK FAFLIK pounced on a defensive error in the visitors area.

On 50 minutes, NATHAN FRANCIS completed his hat trick when a corner from the left side saw him scoop low to head home. On 55 minutes, it became 5-0 when JOE HARROD beat the offside trap and his defender to squeeze the ball home.

On the hour, it was 6-0 when Joyce;s sub KIERON JOHNSON got in on the act of scoring and Awsworth;s heads were beginning to drop when in the 64th minute, a cut in from the left side by JAKE GLOVER completed the scoring.

It wasnt the end to a poor afternoon for the visitors, as a nasty looking challenge came in from Kyle Davis and he was shown the red card by Jude Brough, the match official, in only his 2nd middle in a NSL match at the young age of 16. I must mention what a great match he had and gained a lot of respect from all the players of both sides and from the spectators watching this game. Jude is one of many youngsters within the Nottinghamshire Senior League/Nottingham Forest Academy partnership with a bright future.

122 Photos can be seen on this LINK

Remember next Saturday is Samba Nottinghamshire Football League Cup Finals Day at Basford United FC.

Kicking off at 12pm is the NSL Junior Cup Final between Robin Hood Colts v Cotgrave Reserves..There will then be a walking football match before the Senior Cup Final kicking off at 5pm between Stapleford Town v Southwell City.

Saturday 4 May 2019

PORTH TURN IT ROUND AT CULDROSE

Cornwall Combination League
RNAS CULDROSE 3 PERRANPORTH FC 5
When Haven in Hayle offered the extra night stay for £35 it meant I could get another game in before we travelled back to Mansfield. Having looked at the League website, I noticed RNAS Culdose v Perranporth, with this being a new ground for me to go to. A club with a friendly welcome and a neat little clubhouse.

The Visitors sat in third with games in hand and really needed to win to keep their title hopes up, whilst the homesters sitting fourth from the bottom.

The game kicked off and RNAS were on the attack and could well have taken the lead in their first attack, but on just 3 minutes, it was the visitors who took the lead when their striker lobbed the outcoming keeper.

RNAS pushed forward and on 7 minutes to the delight of the home faithful, a cross from the right hand side was turned in from close distance to make it 1-1.

This seemed to encourage the Culdrose side and certainly didnt look like they were a side 4th from bottom of the table as they took the game to their visitors and on 35 minutes they took the lead when a corner from the left hand side was split by the visiting keeper for the home forward to knock home.

As I was walking round in the slight drizzle heading towards half time, a amazing chain of events was to occur, when Perranporth pulled level, but straight from kick off, a punt up field saw the visiting keeper push the ball on to the post and dip in to the net to give the hosts a 3-2 half time lead.

Perranporth came out and must have had a few stern words in the dressing rooms at half time as they pressed forward, but the home keeper was in fine fettle, but on 61 minutes a defender bought down a away attacker and Porth equalised from the spot.

Culdrose still pushed forward but didnt create too many chances as the visitors defence stood tall and in the 78th minute, a slip up just outside the home area, allowed the visitors to retake the lead.

In the final minute, Culdrose pushed everyone forward and a close header just skimmed over the crossbar, then their final chance came from a corner that broke down and the visitors broke away and made it 5-3.

Those who have never visited RNAS Culdrose, I would suggest they do, a very friendly and welcoming club.

233 photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

Tuesday 30 April 2019

MULLION TAKE THE POINTS BACK SOUTH

Cornwall Combination League
ST AGNES 1 MULLION 2
I last visited St Agnes Football Club some 15 years ago when stopping at John Fowlers on holiday just up the hill, so vaguely remember the place. It was time for a re-visit and now staying in Hayle, it was just along the coastline. The visitors were Mullion, who play not far from the Lizard on the south side of Cornwall and I visited them last season.

In the 15 years past there have been quite a few changes to the ground, including the clubhouse being extended as well as the changing rooms.

On arrival I was kindly greeted by the home committee and management, whilst Hazel and Shawn went in to the nice clubhouse.

Just as the match kicked off, I was joined by London hopper Mark Wilkins who is staying in Plymouth for a few days break.

The game wasnt a classic, it was a routine end of season match with really nothing to play for, but all credit to both sides as they did their best to carve out chances, but they were very even and often cancelled each others moves out, but was still entertaining.

The visitors opened the scoring on 13 minutes, when their young striker ran through and unleashed a solid shot from just inside the right side of the area to make it 0-1. The Saints pushed forward but was missing that final touch to get them selves level, but they did equalise on the hour with a close ranged header.

The game was now anyones to win and I felt that St Agnes were to go on and do that, but Mullion in the 80th minute went back in front with a dipping shot.

The Saints then for the final ten minutes pushed everyone forward and came close several times to get a draw, but it just wasnt their evening and Mullion went home with the points.

Must say to any groundhoppers that havent visited St Agnes FC to go along as they are a very friendly club and well worth a visit.

141 photos from the match can be seen on this LINK


Saturday 27 April 2019

RBL WIN KEENLY FOUGHT CONTEST

CORNWALL COMBINATION LEAGUE
ILLOGAN RBL 2 HAYLE 1
After the Reserves had won their match 2-1, the first team of Illogan RBL entered the pitch with their local rivals Hayle FC, strange to watch 2 matches and both matches in the same colours, Black/White Stripes v Greens!!!

Hayle started the better forcing a couple of dangerous free kicks but the home defence blocked them both times. The visitors looked sharp but the homesters began to come more in to the game and on 22 minutes with their first effort took the lead.

This seemed to boost Illogan as they went in search of a second but close chances went begging. The Second Half began and 59 minutes, a long free kick darted around the home area before a visiting player pounced and made it 1-1.

They say games have turning points and this certainly was one when from a acute angle the Greens of Hayle thought they had scored again on 63 minutes, the attacker ran off to celebrate, whilst the home defender reckons the ball didnt cross the line, the referee seemed to look over at the home linesman as he was too far away from play and then wave play on much to the dislike of the visiting attacker. 

Within 2 minutes, Illogan were back in front with the winner and visitors werent happy with the referee, but all credit to them, they kept their calm and carried on playing in search of a another equaliser, but it didnt come.

A really enjoyable day out at Illogan RBL and I would tell anyone who hasnt visited this club, they would receive a very warm welcome.

187 Photos from this match can be seen on this LINK

RBL RESERVES JUMP IN TO THIRD

Trelawny League
Premier Division
ILLOGAN RESERVES 2 HOLMAN SPORTS CLUB 1
With Storm Hannah hitting Cornwall overnight any match that took place today would have to cope with winds up to 70 miles per hours and the forecast of showers meant I needed to visit a venue with a covered stand.

I visited Illogan on the SWPL Groundhop some years ago, but sine then they have dropped down into te Cornwall Combination League whilst their Reserves ply their trade in the Trelawny League.

On arrival I was greeted by the Club Chairman and then had a brief chat with Mister Holman Neil Pitt who was playing today, just look out for the old fella in green!!!

The venue today offered 2 matches with a 1pm kick off Illogan RBL Reserves hosting Holman Sports Club, whilst at 3pm Illogan RBL played Hayle, so 2 local derbys.

The Reserves match kicked off and Holman had beaten the hosts 3-2 only last week, so the ressies were after revenge, but it was the visitors who took first advantage after just 5 minutes, when  a slip up by a home defender saw the away striker plant the ball in the back of the net.

Illogan pressed forward whilst the visitors played on the break, but the Greens were forced to make a early change due to injury and then Neil Pitt went down injured just after Id taken a photo of him.
On 35 minutes the homesters thought they were level when  a header crashed onto the crossbar before being cleared to safety.

The Second Half saw Illogan come out with more purpose and the visiting keeper was on top form until the 55th minute, when a well worked goal made it 1-1.

A few more tasty challenges were flying in but the referee didnt seem to see them or didnt want to know as he waved play on. Illogan now were beginning to get on top and on 70 minutes a lovely sweet shot beat  the visiting keeper and landed in the bottom corner of the net.

Holman pressed but couldnt break down the home defence and the home win took the victors up to 3rd position in the league table.

152 Photos from this match can be seen on this LINK


Tuesday 23 April 2019

THEY DID WELL IN THE RAIN

LWC DRINKS COMBINATION LEAGUE
PERRANWELL FC 5 LIZARD ARGYLE FC 0
Admission: Donation
Att: 24
Last season I saw Perranwell win 4-0 away at St Just and tonight they went one better in a 5-0 victory over Lizard Argyle who are in their First season in the Cornwall Combination League. The weather had turned from a nice sunny day to a rainy evening and it being a bit cooler.  As the match kicked off another hopper Lee West who is also down in Cornwall on holiday arrived, so we had a catch up.

The game kicked off and the visitors had the first chance with a free kick just outside of the area, but the Wells defence stood tall and the ball was cleared. Argyle continued to press and had a couple of corners which failed to find the final touch to trouble the home side.

On 13 minutes, Perranwell FC had a corner of their own on the left hand side and at the far post it was converted from a header. Perranwell pressed in search of a second goal, whilst the visitors played on the counter attack and in the 44th minute hit the crossbar, to which the ball was played up field and to the surprise of the away side, the homesters were awarded a penalty to which it was duly dispatched to double Perranwell;s advantage.

Second Half saw Perranwell come out the blocks the quickest and on 50 minutes made to 3-0 with a cross shot in to the corner of the net. Lizard pushed players more forward but this left gaps at the back and this was exploited on 55 minutes when it became 4-0. We didnt have to wait long for it to become 5-0 when a long ball found out the attacker who lobbed the ball over the outcoming keeper on 62 minutes.

Lizard then had their best spell in the game and how on earth they didnt score I dont now as the home keeper kept them at bay, they then hit the post and then had a ball cleared off the line twice.

A good game and I felt the referee had a fairly decent match

94 Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

Saturday 20 April 2019

QUICK FIRE START SETS UP TINE VICTORY

Trelawny League
Division Four
CONSTANTINE RESERVES 6 TREGONY FC 3
Att: 40
Looking for a match not too far to book in for our week holidays at Hayle, Constantine seemed to fit the bill only being around 30 minutes away. I put that I was going there on the Leagues Facebook page and got a reply from Brian the Club Chairman.

On arrival, me, Hazel and Shawn were greeted by the clubs friendly committee and soon we had a cuppa.

Word came in to the clubhouse that the teams and referee had agreed that with everyone ready that the match could kick off slightly early so players could take drinks breaks in the game due to the nice 28 degrees sunshine.

The homesters playing in Claret and blue were sitting 2nd from bottom at the start of the day, whilst the visitors wearing Black/White had just clinched runners up in this Division Four encounter.

The game kicked off and the Claret and Blues stormed in to a quick two goal lead with the first goal coming on just 104 seconds and the second going in on 5 minutes. The visitors with a bare eleven nearly conceded a third but a long punt up the sloppy pitch found Constantine on the back foot and the visitors reduced the arrears from the counter attack on 9 minutes. On 18 minutes the visitors were back on level terms when a chip shot landed in the back the net over the outcoming keepers head.

Constantine continued to press forward in the half but failed to trouble the keeper too much.

The Second Half began just like the First with the homesters on the attack and on 53 minutes, they took their advantage on play on to the scoreline when making it 3-2. On 71 minutes came the goal of the day, when the home captain hit a shot from some 40 yards out that smashed the back of the net without the visiting keeper moving to his delight, he decided to celebrate removing his shirt and doing the 100 metres sprint!!!

On 81 minutes, the visitors changed their keeper and the first thing the new keeper did was to remove the ball out of his net as the homesters had taken a 5-2 lead.

On 84 minutes the home captain got his second yellow card, so he was the first player heading to the clubhouse bar and near as damn straight away the visitors pulled a goal back to make it 5-3.

A very entertaining match and I felt the referee Paddy Thompson had a very good match. I did notice on the Full Time League website it does say 6-3 to Constantine Reserves but Im sure I didnt miss a goal as i was tweeting as the goals went in, but still Constantine move up one place on the league table.

A very friendly club and one well worth a visit.

128 photos can be seen on this LINK

Saturday 13 April 2019

CHAMPS PUT DENT INTO UNITEDS HOPES FOR SECOND

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Division One
WOODTHORPE PARK RANGERS FC 1 BRIDGFORD UNITED FC 0
Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC have only been going for three seasons and in their second season in the Notts Senior League won the Division One Championship on Wednesday evening with a win away at Radford Reserves. Last season Bridgford United were the Oranges close rivals finishing runners up to them in Division Two. Bridgford United at start of play sat in fourth place hoping to gain points on those above them in the table.

Out of respect there was a minutes silence asked for by the home side, which both teams honoured.

With both teams having players missing, this was going to be a match that was again going to be close, but it was the Rangers who nearly took the lead after just twenty seconds when a shot was deflected and then fell on to the wrong foot of a forward to shoot and the visitors were able to clear the danger.

Both sides had a game plan with Woodthorpe pressing forward with United breaking on the counter attack, but the only goal of the game came after 31 minutes, when the ball dropped to DARREN OLDHAM on the left side of the penalty area and his shot bounced just before the keeper and landing in to the net.

The Second Half began again with Woodthorpe pressing forward but the best chances of the half were on 54 minutes, when a header from United;s Nat David flew just over the crossbar and then on 78 minutes Woodthorpe thought they had increased their lead when a back pass struck the post.

Bridgford;s loss of this game will be a disappointment for them but with lots of vital points still to play for, second place is still there to be gained but it will be difficult as there are no easy matches at the end of a season.

I thought the referee Kieran Shaw had a very good match.

I would also like to say a special thanks to WOODTHORPE PARK RANGERS FC who had pledged 25p each goal they scored this season and with scoring 118 kindly donated a massive £30 towards the blogs charity FORGET ME NOT, a small charity that helps and supports people with dementia, the running total now stands at a superb £1,259.59p

148 photos can be seen on this LINK

UNITED THROUGH TO FINAL

Midland & Notts Alliance League
League Cup: Semi Final
@ Eagle Valley
Att: 68 headcount
With the match I was attending being a 3pm kick off on a near by pitch, I noted on Facebook that this League Cup tie was kicking off at 2pm, with United Grays having won their league championship, they turned their attention to their League Cup campaign where they faced 3rd placed Rainworth Seniors. I knew I could only watch the first twenty minutes and the time I watched saw both side have few chances in a keenly contested tie.

United Grays went on to win the tie 1-0 and have set up a final against Quarrydale United who drew 0-0 with Asha FC in the other Semi Final but advanced 4-1 on penalties.

Photos that I took are on this LINK

Saturday 6 April 2019

CITY BEAT RED BADGERS

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Premier Division
SOUTHWELL CITY 3 EASTWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 0
On Wednesday evening, Southwell City beat Aslockton & Orston to reach the Senior League Cup Final to meet Stapleford Town on Saturday 18th May at Basford United FC with a 5pm kick off. Id not been to the Memorial Ground this season so a visit was due with Eastwood Community Development their opponents.

The match kicked off with teams matching each other but the first chance going to the visitors when a back pass to the home keeper seemed to be heading in for a own goal, but to the relief of the homesters was cleared just in time.

Southwell started to get more in to the game but the Badgers defence stood tall until the 28th minute, when a failed clearance to the edge of the penalty area found WILLIAM STOCKS who lashed home a half volley to put City in to the lead.

Eastwood pushed forward and could well have been back on level terms but for a double block by Fletcher in the City net. This proved to be the turning point of the match, as Southwell broke forward and forced a very good diving save from Bonsu in the visitors goal to push out for a corner on the left hand side. The corner was swung in and a header was pushed on to the crossbar by the keeper but fell at the feet of ANTHONY BROWN who tapped his side in to a two goal advantage.

My son Shawn was enjoying himself with a barge pole with a net on, so every time the ball was out of play and it went in to the brook, off went Shawn with the net to retrive the match balls.

The Second Half saw City replace striker Law who was injured in the First Half and change their formation slightly.

City continued to go forward in search of more goals, but found Bonsu in great form keeping his side in the match, but in the 70th minute had no answer when BRADLEY McDONALD struck his shot from 35 yards.

I felt the 3 officials all had good games.

108 photos can be seen on this LINK

Saturday 30 March 2019

VILLA BAG THE POINTS

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Premier Division
AWSWORTH VILLA FC 4 RADCLIFFE OLYMPIC FC 0
Having not been to the Shilo this season, today was the day, a ground that I like going to, as it is in the shape of a bowl, with one side overlooking the pitch and players and great for taking photos.

A minutes silence before kick off  observed by all in memory of Honorary Life President Malc Slaney who recently passed away.

The game kicked off and it was Olympic who created the first couple of clear chances and Tom Ryan in the home net had to be alert to keep the score goalless. Villa came more and more in to the game and on 21 minutes, a ball down the right hand side saw a cross in to the six yard box for DANNY TOWLE to tap his side in front.

The rest of the half was fairly even with not many near chances being created.

The Second Half began and after 48 minutes, Awsworth had doubled their lead, when top striker JAKE FISHER latched on to a loose ball on the left side of the area and lobbed it over the advancing Glenn Guyatt in the Radcliffe net.

Villa were now on top and pressed forward, whilst Olympic played on the break but we had to wait until the 78th minute for the next goal, when a cross fund the head of Villa sub LIAM BAKER to power his side in to a three goal lead.

Awsworth poured forward and went close but Guyatt again made a superb double reflex save, but he could do nothing in the 86th minute, when JAKE FISHER curled the ball in to the bottom corner of the net to make it 4-0.

I felt all 3 match officials, Ref Scott Anderson and his two assistants Lee Harrison and Jude Brough had very good games.

I would also like to thank Radcliffe Olympic FC goalkeeper Glenn Guyatt for the kind £5 donation to the Charity Blog which is for Forget - Me - Not, a small charity that supports people with dementia.

134 photos can be seen on this LINK

Saturday 23 March 2019

THE RAVENS PROVE TOO STRONG FOR THE WELFARE

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Division One
KIMBERLEY MINERS WELFARE RESERVES 1 RAVENSHEAD FC 7
Att: 29(headcount)
With Shawn attending a young adult course for people with special needs, I pre looked at my day and saw this fixture and having not visitied The Stag Ground for nearly 2 years felt it right I should do so.

The Miners Reserves sit at the bottom of the table having only mustered only two wins all season, having lost most of their squad when their manager left during the season and in stepped Simon Revelle to try and patch up a team to play each week, to which all credit they have done, whilst other clubs may well have try to cancel games.

Ravenshead FC arrived in to this fixture sitting in 2nd position and having a unbeaten 11 match run behind them, so were coming in to the game as strong favourites.

The game kicked off and it was the homesters who had the first chance of the game in a effort that flashed wide of the goal, but Ravenshead were playing the ball to feet and looked organised and on 7 minutes, old veteran PAUL SMITH blasted the ball home from close range.

Ravenshead then pressed forward and Liam Bradley in the Welfare net had to keep his side in the match, but on 14 minutes, a free kick from the left hand side was floated in to the area and  PAUL SMITH rose and headed home to double his goal tally and also his teams advantage.

From the kick off and it was the Welfare lads that were back in the game, when a neat cross from the right wing avoided everyone and TOM SYSON got the slightest of touches to slide the ball home to reduce the arrears.

Welfare seemed to have found a extra step as they pushed forward but didnt create anything on target for their rewards and on 26 minutes fell further behind when the Ravens top striker MARTIN McDONAGH bustled past the last defender and slotted past the oncoming keeper to make it 3-1.

On 37 minutes, it became 4-1 to the visitors when BRETT HORTON added his name to the goalscoring list.

With a nice warm cuppa at half time, it was back out for the Second Half, with the home side pressing down the slope towards the changing room end and Dan Hurst in the visitors net was first to be called up on, as he punched a dangerous looking cross to safety.

After 51 minutes, MARTIN McDONAGH got the ball just outside the homesters penalty area and hit a low shot in to the right corner of the net, to the disbelief of the diving keeper to make it 5-1. Then on 55 minutes, ALEX FAULCONBRIDGE cut in from the left and scored from a acute angle.

Kimberley then possibly had their best spell in the game and all credit to them, as they didnt give up and kept on playing, though the final ball just wasnt there for them to score, meanwhile on this day Ravenshead were lethal in front of goal and on  76 minutes, BRENT HORTON hit a crisp shot from just out outside the area to make it 7-1.

I felt the Referee Derek Spray had a excellent match and both teams played the game in the correct manner and both a credit to the Samba Nottinghamshire Football League.

I would like to thank Simon Revelle(manager of Kimberley Miners Welfare Reserves FC) who before the match kindly donated £10 to the Blogs Charity, which is Forget Me Not, a small charity that supports people with dementia and with the 8 goals scored today takes the running total up to a outstanding amount of £1,223.70p

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

Friday 22 March 2019

THE DURHAM EXCHANGE

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Premier Division
GEDLING SOUTHBANK FC 2 BILBOROUGH TOWN FC 3
Att 34

Last season was a success between the Durham FA and the Nottinghamshire FA in swopping over officials for a weekend in the season and this weekend began with two young assistant referees on this game.

Gedling Southbank havent had the best of seasons with their reserve team having to fold and their First team struggling to get results but with much improved performances of late, whilst Bilborough Town have had a big shake up this season and have invested in youth with a blend of the odd bit of experiance.

As you can imagine, the crowd was mainly made up of referees both both counties, along with local hoppers Malc Storer, Richard Lane and also Kizz Everard who had travelled down from Doncaster to take in his 190th game of the season.

A fantastic gesture by Bilborough Town FC players were to wear odd socks(orange on one foot and Black on the other) for the awareness of  Down Syndrome week.

The game began with the visitors cutting out the early chances , so it came as no surprise after just 8 minutes when captain MICKI BEECH put his side in front. Bilborough pressed forward for more with Law, Gough and Majewski going close.

The Second Half and the homesters came out looking like a different side and pressed and after 57 minutes got a just deserved equaliser when TOM JEFFRIES slid the ball past Liam Lee to make it 1-1.

After 62 minutes, Bilborough gained a free kick but something must have been said to which the match referee sent Jordan Percival to the sin bin for 10 minutes, wow those 10 minutes really livened up the game, as on 64 minutes came the goal of the game when a cross bar was volleyed home from outside the area by DJOUKS DJOUKANG to put the visitors back in front.

On 70 minutes, Town extended their lead when a beautiful chip in to the corner of the net by GRATIAS KATEGA made it 3-1.

Almost straight away, Southbank pushed forward again and TOM JEFFRIES got his and his sides second goal of the night to reduce the scoreline to 2-3.

Both teams then both went for it and had chances to add to their tallies, the closest was when Charlie Curtis struck the Town crossbar on 87 minutes, but it was Town who went home with the three points in a very entertaining game.

May I thank Gedling Southbank player James Needham for the kind donation of £2 to the Blogs Charity - Forget Me Not, a small charity that supports people with dementia and makes the running total now up to a fantastic £1,211.70p

Saturday 16 March 2019

ALL SQUARE IN THE WIND

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Division Two
CLIFTON ALL WHITES DEVELOPMENT 1 BINGHAM TOWN RESERVES 1
Played at Rushcliffe School
Nottingham Football Centre
Hazel dropped me off in Hucknall for me to catch the tram to Nottingham Train Station the the eight bus to drop me at the bottom of the centre and the uphill walk to the ground.

All credit to the Development club for booking this venue on 3g after forecasts of bad weather and with their pitch under watch to get the game on with a early 2pm kick off.

The wind blew down the pitch and made conditions very bad for both sides infact a game with very few chances on target all through the game, so it wont be one that lasts in the memory for very long sadly, though the game was played in the correct manner by both teams.

Bingham had the wind behind them in the first half but I cant remember the chairman of Clifton All Whites in the nets making a save, but in the 37th minute, it was the whites who took the lead when  pressing forward and CLARENCE TARPEH slammed home from close distance.

The Second Half you would have expected All Whites to press on in search of a second goal, but on 50 minutes, the visitors were award a penalty to which MATTHEW SPENCER duly dispatched.

Both sides did have chances they went astray and to be fair a draw was a very fair result of the game.

I just mention referee Matt Shirley who I felt had a very good match

70 photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

Saturday 9 March 2019

LAKIN & TOWERS BRACES SECURE POINTS

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Premier Division
MAGDALA AMATEURS FC 0 ASLOCKTON & ORSTON FC 4
Nice Programme
Having not been down to the Roko, the home of Magdala this season it was time for a visit and their opponents were from the east of the county in Aslockton & Orston, only 19 weeks ago these two teams met at Aslockton, a game that I went to and the first day I stopped drinking.

Before kick off I found that on pitch two, there was to be a Midlands & Notts League match where Pythians FC were to host Nottinghamshire FC with a 2.30pm kick off, so I thought I would watch the first 20 minutes of that match, but sadly it didnt turn out that way, as the visitors didnt turn up.

The main match kicked off and for the first five minutes, it was the Amateurs who were on the front foot and on 4 minutes winning a corner on the left hand side, the ball was played deep outside for Tom Groves to hit from 30 yards, only to see the ball strike the bottom of the post with the visiting keeper watching.

This was the waking call for Aslockton, as from the goal kick to midfield, a neat sideways ball found ROB LAKIN on the halfway line who ran strongly at the home defence and then drew the keeper before slotting his side in to the lead.

Magdala pressed forward and had chances but none bothering the keeper as they werent on target,whilst the visitors could well have gone two or three goals clear but brave actions by theoir keeper kept them in the game, firstly with a great stop and then a good block on a one on one effort with former Leicester City marksman Julian Joachin.

The Second Half saw the visitors missing chances including one that hit the crossbar and there was always a danger that Amateurs could claw their way back in to the match on the break, but that idea was put to bed on 63 minutes when ED TOWERS smashed home from close range.

On 74 minutes, the result was in no doubt when ROB LAKIN hit home from close distance after a scrambled move inside the penalty area to make it 3-0. On 78 minutes, ED TOWERS got back on the scoresheet, when  he finished a nice move to make it 4-0.

Must remark on the good match the three officials had and both clubs agreed.

103 Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

Meanwhile off the pitch, Aslockton & Orston FC kindly donated £5 and groundhopper Herbie went to Stilton FC who also donated £5 and with todays goals seen, it now takes the running total for the Blogs Charity to £1,202.95p for Forget-Me-Not, a small charity that supports people with dementia, so a BIG thankyou to all that donated


Saturday 2 March 2019

COLLIERY ON WAY TO FINAL

Nottinghamshire FA Saturday Senior Trophy
Semi Final
RUDDINGTON VILLAGE RESERVES 0 SHERWOOD COLLIERY RESERVES 3
Admission Free
Att: 67 (headcount)

The winners of this Semi Final knew that they would face Burton Joyce of the Nottinghamshire Senior League in the Final on Tuesday 16th April 2019 at Basford United FC.

Ruddington Village Reserves play at Elms Park, Ruddington and are in Division Two of the Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League, whilst the visitors Sherwood Colliery Reserves play not too far from my house just off Debdale Lane in Mansfield and are members of the Central Midlands League.

Ruddington went in to the match having qualified to the NSL Junior Cup Semi Final and sit in third position in the League table, whilst the Colliery side are top of their division only having lost one match out of sixteen.

The game kicked off and the Villagers had the first attempt on goal, but on 7 minutes, it was the visitors who opened the scoring when YOGI DEPASS hit a shot from 25 yards which the home keeper parried in to the air and then seemed to lose sight of it as it ballooned over his head and in to the net.

Ruddington pressed forward but the back three of Sherwood were standing tall and the Colliery keeper didnt have much to do.

On 17 minutes, Sherwood doubled their lead, when JORDAN INGRAM cut in from the left wing and drew the home keeper before tucking the ball under him.

On 38 minutes, Ruddington thought they should have had a penalty when their front man was pulled back but the referee Lee Clarke adjudged that both players were pulling each others shirts and waved play on.

With the hour mark, came the subs on to the pitch and  Ruddington were pressing, whilst Sherwood;s defence was still standing solid and playing out to their midfield and attack quickly.

On 69 minutes, JORDAN INGRAM wrapped up the tie when he turned inside the area and went past two defenders before shooting in to the bottom corner of the net to make it 3-0.

Credit to both sides as the tie was played in excellent manner and both teams were a credit to not only their clubs but their leagues as well.

I felt that all 3 officials Ref Lee Clarke and his two assistants Husband and wife team Tom & Danelle Knight had very good games.

114 Photos from the tie can be seen on this LINK

Saturday 23 February 2019

DIXONS DOUBLE SEALS WIN

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Division One
AFC BRIDGFORD 4 SELSTON RESERVES 0
Not having seen AFC Bridgford at home this season and also not having seen Selston Reserves for a couple of years, this seemed to be the ideal fixture for me today, a late change in referee saw Derek Spray in the middle, so as he lives not too far away from me and said to call him if I ever needed a lift to a match he as at, this is what I did on Thursday evening. He then mentioned that he was on the line in a morning kick off at Nottingham Forest Academy and having never seen a match there, it was a chance for me to tick this ground off for me.

Derek arranged and duly picked me up from home at 9.15am and we were soon on the way to the Academy ground gates where we were met by security who let us in. I got a cuppa and found that the match I was to watch was a 40 minute each way match between Nottingham Forest Under 16;s v Sheffield United Under 16's with a 11am kick off.

The United side looked quick and pressed forward and went ahead on 37 minutes through a penalty, but the young Forest side fought back and scored through two free kicks in the 60th and in injury time to secure a 2-1 victory.

It was only a short drive over the island on Wilford Lane to enter the grounds of Gresham, where there was 4 matches taking place, with the one I was attending being played on the main 4g pitch.

Before kick off,  AFC Bridgford;s Barry Matthews kindly handed over a collection from the club a great donation of £40 towards Forget Me Not, a small charity that supports people with dementia, so a MASSIVE THANKYOU to all at AFC Bridgford.

The game kicked off in bright sunshine shining from the Wilford end towards the City end, so the AFC keeper had the sun in his eyes for the First Half, Selston;s plan was to shoot on the sight of goal and in the first 5 minutes, they were on top with some slick passing and movement and home keeper had to be on his toes after 7 minutes to make the first save of the afternoon.

AFC front man then had to come off injured with a hamstring injury and was replaced by a young sub who was at the City;s Uni. AFC changed their shape and began to take over the game and in the 16th minute a free kick was driven in low from the left hand side and home defender KANE WILSON scrambled the ball home to give his side the lead. Within 2 minutes, it was 2-0, when a neat move ended with JOSHUA DIXON sweetly placing the ball in to the net.

It was now the turn of the visiting keeper to show what fine form he was in, with three very good saves to keep his side in the game, whilst his fellow attackers had a couple of counter breaks.

In to the Second Half and AFC pushed forward and poor finishing and good defending left the game at 2-0 until 69 minutes, when a corner from the left side saw attacker JAMES MUSK force the ball home from close range with his knee.

Just like the first half, the homesters added a quick second goal in the half, when on 72 minutes, JOSHUA DIXON made it 4-0. To Selstons credit, they battled and the comments from AFC Bridgford camp was they arent the worse side we have played this season.

I must thank Referee Derek Spray for driving me around all day.

122 Photos can be seen on this LINK

Saturday 16 February 2019

BARROWBY GAIN THE SPOILS IN DERBY MATCH JUST

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Division Two
BARROWBY FC 2 ELSTON UNITED FC 1
Barrowby FC is possibly the furthest ground in the NSL, so on a bright sunny morning, a decision was made to visit to the Low Road Ground, as the only time Ive seen Barrowby since they joined the league, was in a League Cup fixture last season, whulst visitors today were newcomers to the NSL and local rivals Elston United.

Before kick off there was a minutes silence for England legend Gordon Banks and then the norm toss up for kick off and the game was soon on its way.

The First Half there was very little between the two sides with the wind blowing down the pitch, both sides were not really playing anywhere near their best football, so we went in for the half time cuppa goalless.

The Second Half saw the Greens of Barrowby with the wind behind their backs and they began brightly pressing forward, so it came as no surprise on 51 minutes, they took the lead when a cross from the left hand side was headed straight at the visiting keeper who only push the ball away and on to the head of MORGAN TAYLOR who guided the ball in to the net.

Barrowby pushed forward and looked more likely to add to their tally, but strong defending and good goalkeeping by Elston kept them at bay, until 69 minutes, when BRANDON LEE cut in from the right hand side and placed the ball past Marr in the visiting net to make it 2-0.

Elston then seemed have some belief and began to play their best football of the game and in the 84th minute fought their way back in to the game, when a long throw in the penalty area was met by the head of SAM JOHNSON.

Elston continued to press and as time was ticking down, they forced a corner, but before the corner was taken, two players clashed from each side and the referee cautioned both players and pointed to the penalty spot. Up stepped Dan Brown and his spot kick to the keepers left was pushed out for Oliver Ault first to respond and put the ball in to the net to the visitors delight, but this was short lived when the referee looked over at the Club Assistant Referee who had put his flag up for offside and the Referee cancelled out the equaliser to most peoples amazement. Whilst players were asking the referee what had gone on, he blew his whistle and the game ended with in a bit of chaos with Barrowby taking home the points.

138 Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

Friday 15 February 2019

HORTON'S HAT TRICK SEES RAVENSHEAD HOME

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Division One
RAVENSHEAD FC 5 MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS FC 1
Att: 64

Friday Night football is proving popular with supporters of the Nottinghamshire Senior League with increased attendances and this match gave the hosts possibly their highest gate of the season.

The visitors have had a change in management and lay in 7th place, whilst the hosts were sitting second, so on paper a win should go to Ravenshead, but this isnt always the case.

The game began with Ravenshead pushing forward and Gilbourne on the visitors net had to equal to a few early chances, but on 21 minutes, he could do nothing when a cross from the left wing was slotted home by BRENT HORTON.

4 minutes later and it was 2-0 to the reds of Ravenhead, when a carbon copy move, saw another cross from the left was pulled to the edge of the area, where BRENT HORTON struck to double his sides advantage.

The Millers started to put in a few good moves and on 37 minutes thought that they pulled themselves back in to the game, when they had the ball in the back of the net, but the club assistant had ruled it offside.

The Second Half began and the Ravens increased their lead when MARTIN McDONAGH pounced and placed the ball home to make it 3-0 on 50 minutes.

Ravenshead kept pressing forward and on 65 minutes, a ball played in from the left wing, saw BRENT HORTON on his own to headed past Gilbourne for his hat trick and his sides fourth goal.

Mansfield Hosiery Mills tried to press forward but in the 76th minute were caught out with a through ball to MARTIN McDONAGH who went round one defender before hitting a swerving shot from outside the area to make it 5-0.

The Millers finally got on the scoresheet deep in to injury time, when GEORGE SIMPSON pounced on to a loose ball to strike home.

I felt that referee Kingsley Godwin had a very good match.

Saturday 9 February 2019

KYLE'S BRACE IN MEMORY OF DAVE

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Junior Cup - Quarter Final
COTGRAVE RESERVES 2 NOTTINGHAM COMMUNITY 1
att: 35
In the week leading up to this Quarter Final tie, the sad news that former club chair Dave Collis had passed away in his sleep, this was a big loss for Cotgrave FC, Ive known Dave for a matter of years and always was first to greet everyone at the gate and always rushed off to make a cuppa for myself and other match officials. 

When I took the groundhop there some years ago, he manned the gate, he sold stuff on the Cotgrave stall, he was more than a volunteer. So it seemed very strange arriving today and his smiling face not greeting us, but his memory will live around the Cotgrave FC people and beyond.

A minutes silence took place before kick off and his family came along and were presented with some flowers from the club
As the game kicked off, there was only one thing in the Collierymens mind and that was to progress to the Semi Final for Dave. They went straight on the attack with Lucas Cotterill going close a couple of times and the Community back line standing tall, whilst their front men played on the counter attack.

It was though only a matter of time when Cotgrave were to burst the Community net and that came after 24 minutes, when a pinpoint cross from the right side was met by the head of KYLE WADDELL to the relief of the home supporters.

After me half time cuppa, it was back to pitchside and within 37 seconds of the kick off, it was 2-0 to the Colliery side when KYLE WADDELL rifle in as you can see from the top photo.

This seemed to bring Community to life as they pressed forward but were finding Cotgrave too strong at the back, but on 58 minutes, a long free kick from the left side was floated in for RHEL BRAMWELL to reduce the home sides advantage.

Community pressed forward again but this left gaps at the back and with 80 minutes on the clock should really have wrapped up the tie, when 3 failed efforts were cleared by the visiting defence.

I felt the referee Alan Goode had a good match

121 photos can be seen on this LINK

Saturday 2 February 2019

HASSALLS BRACE SINKS COMMUNITY

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Premier Division
STAPLEFORD TOWN FC 2 EASTWOOD COMMUNITY DEVELOPEMENT FC 0
played @ Eastwood Community FC
Admission £2
Programme £1
Att: 130 approx
With the winter weather during the tail end of the week, Premier Division leaders Stapleford Town gave up home advantage to play on the 4g pitch at the home of Eastwood Community.

Stapleford were on a mission to get back on track after suffering a home defeat last weekend to the hands of Bingham Town and with second placed Southwell City FC's fixture falling foul of the weather, they could increase their advantage at the top of the table.

The game kicked off and was fairly even, with both clubs going very close to opening the account as I first sat in the stand, but the strong sun was making it difficult to see the pitch, so I strolled over to the other side of the ground and met up with Ilkeston based hoppers the Hartshorne brothers Michael and Andy.

Stapleford were forced into a early change as Michael Robb went down injured and had to be carried from the pitch. It was later revealed that he has broken his fibia, so we wish him a speedy recovery.

Just on half time, Stabbo were awarded a penalty to which ADAM HASSALL placed to the keepers left to give his side the lead.

The Second Half saw Stapleford push forward but they could find no way passed the Developement keeper who was in fine fettle.

In the final minute of the match, ADAM HASSAll received the ball to which he placed in to the net to make it 2-0.

90 photos from the match can be seen on this LINK


Saturday 26 January 2019

BEESTON IN CONTROL TO SEMIS

Nottinghamshire FA Senior Trophy 
Quarter Final
BEESTON FC 3 BASFORD UNITED COMMUNITY FC 1
Att: 32

When the draw was made by the Notts FA, this tie caught my attention as Id not been to the Layton Crescent ground this season as I had the other 3 ties.

A long journey as my wife Hazel was away for her birthday weekend at her daughters up in Preston, so the 8.30am bus from Mansfield to Nottingham and then for some breakfast, then a stroll round the City saw me catch the tram to Beeston before getting lost in the council estate before finding a postman who guided me to the ground.

A late change of referee saw the FA appoint experienced official Lewis Quayle in charge of the tie.

The game kicked off quite even but the Community side were struggling to put their passing game together on a muddy bumpy pitch which suited the home side. On 8 minutes, Bright Agana flashed a cross shot just wide, but in the 12th minute, Beeston FC did take the lead when Agana crossed for HENRY SAINSBURY to tap home from close range.

Beeston continued to press forward and got their second goal on 27 minutes when BEN KNIGHT's shot from the right landed in to the corner of the net to give his side a two goal advantage.

Basford had their best spell of the tie int he final five minutes of the half and Davey Gallagher was Beeston;s hero when he superbly pushed a Viktor Lukusu header on to the crossbar.

The Second Half start out fairly even with few chances, but for the second time in the tie, Basford hit the bar again through Corey Jallard;s shot, but the homesters scored again in the 79th minute when sub Tom O Regan chased down visiting defender Jack O Leary who knocked the ball past his own keeper to give Beeston a three goal advantage.

To the Community sides credit their heads didnt go down and they pressed forward and in 87th minute, a pin point cross found the head  sub HARRI WEATHERALL who planted his first ever goal for Community.

Both sides and my self felt that referee Lewis Quayle had a excellent match, talking to players when needed to.

Photos from the tie can be seen on this LINK

Saturday 19 January 2019

TEN STAR GREENS

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League
Division Two
SNEINTON TOWN FC 0 KEYWORTH UNITED DEVELOPEMENT FC 10
Admission Free
Att: 40 est
When Sticky Nick Palmer took over Keyworth United Developement, they had a goal difference of minus 50 plus, over the past few months with todays result, he has turned his sides form around and they have a positive in that column on the league table and sit in eighth, meanwhile you have to worry about Sneinton Town FC who have now played 18 League matches and remain on zero points, but all credit to them, as they turn up every week.

The greens from Keyworth were soon in their stride as after just 38 seconds they were in front through OLI PEER. Keyworth kept pressing forward with chances going wide, but after 16 minutes a long ranged shot from TOM WILSON was fumbled by the home keeper in to the net to double the away sides advantage.

On 19 minutes, things got worse for Sneinton when a corner from the left hand side was floated in and a defender headed past his own keeper.  After 28 minutes and it was 4-0 to the Developement side when their captain CALLUM BARRATT hot a 35 yard volley.  After 32 minutes, a lovely through ball split the home defence for TOM SISWICK to run on to and chip the outcoming keeper.

In the 34th minute, the visitors were awarded a penalty, to which Sam Wood struck the post with the ball bouncing outwards and being cleared, but it wasnt the end of the first half scoring as TOM SISWICK in the 40th minute added his second and his clubs sixth goal of the match.

After a half time bovril, it was back to pitchside and it was Sneinton who had their best spell of the game and the Keyworth keeper was called in to action a couple of times, but after 52 minutes, Keyworth continued their rout towards the home net, when CALLUM BARRETT hit another 35 yarder shot that nestled in to the net to give his side a seven goal lead.

Sneinton changed their keeper as a outplayer went between the sticks, whilst the visitors bought on their three subs for a run out and on 75 minutes, it was one the subs STEVE CULLIS who lobbed in to the net from a acute angle. It was soon 9-0 when SAM WOOD finally got on to the scoresheet after 77 minutes.

The end of the scoring came in the 81st minute, when the Greens were awarded their second penalty of the match, to which BLAINE GREWCOCK made no mistake from the spot to score his first goal for his club at senior level.

Must say that I felt the young referee LEWIS SMITH had a very good match.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

With ten goals scored at this match, it raises another £2.50 towards FORGET ME NOT a small charity that supports people with Dementia and takes the running total to a amazing £1,136.70p