I originally started to write this end of year review as a month by month look back at the year. However, the more I got into it, the longer it became and the more I realised that there was absolutely no reason to re-hash my blogs.
So, instead, I decided to condense the year into a few short paragraphs which, hopefully, one or two people may even read. I've seen some great games, met some interesting people (and dogs), endured some weather, travelled several thousand miles and enjoyed every minute of the year.
When trying to decide which was the best game I had seen during the year I was torn. Oddly, the two that really stuck out for me both finished 4-3, one for the home team, one for the away team. The games in question were Hemel Hempstead Town 4 Stourbridge 3 and Sileby Rangers 3 Thurnby Nirvana 4. Both were fantastic games, end to end, contested by two fully committed sides. In the end, I had to sway towards the former of the two. It was a close run thing but, not including that Stourbridge are 'my team', I think the game at Vauxhall Road just about had the edge because of the importance of the game.
Goal of the year, for me, came very late in the year. However, for sheer vision and ability I have to hand it to Curtis Tilt and his wonderful 45 yard equaliser for Halesowen at Stourbridge. Highlights on the Halesowen Town website if you want to see it (http://ht-fc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3824:26-dec-2014-npl-stourbridge-1-1-halesowen-town&catid=81&Itemid=200147).
Most surprising performance goes to Fleet Town. When I saw them play North Leigh towards the end of last season, they were second from bottom of the league and their hosts were pushing for promotion. Fleet were ultimately saved from relegation by Thatcham's resignation yet, on this evening, they ran North Leigh ragged for 60 minutes playing a brand of passing football that belied their league position. Eventually they ran out of steam and went down 3-1 but for a hour they scared the life out of their hosts.
Favourite new stadium visited, Kingsthorpe Mill, home of Northampton Spencer. A very tidy little ground, surrounded by trees, a fabulous playing surface, friendly characters (including the Chairman himself selling raffle tickets) and just an all-round delightful non-league venue.
Chippenham Town held onto their lead to win the Cuppa League title, awarded to the best cup of tea sampled during the season. This year, Racing Club Warwick set a high bar on my first hop of 2014/15 and continue to lead the way.
On a personal note, I was disappointed when my favourite Stourbridge player, Sean Geddes, left for Worcester City. However, what an impact he has had in the Conference North and on the FA Cup. It's great to see him doing so well and I wish him all the best in the new year.
That just leaves it for me to wish everyone, players, supporters, and especially all of those wonderful volunteers who give so much time to non-league football, a very Happy New Year. A final thought for Rob Dean who I saw sustain a career-ending injury at Hungerford this year. I haven't been able to find out what he is doing now but, whatever it is, I wish him the best of luck for 2015.
So, instead, I decided to condense the year into a few short paragraphs which, hopefully, one or two people may even read. I've seen some great games, met some interesting people (and dogs), endured some weather, travelled several thousand miles and enjoyed every minute of the year.
When trying to decide which was the best game I had seen during the year I was torn. Oddly, the two that really stuck out for me both finished 4-3, one for the home team, one for the away team. The games in question were Hemel Hempstead Town 4 Stourbridge 3 and Sileby Rangers 3 Thurnby Nirvana 4. Both were fantastic games, end to end, contested by two fully committed sides. In the end, I had to sway towards the former of the two. It was a close run thing but, not including that Stourbridge are 'my team', I think the game at Vauxhall Road just about had the edge because of the importance of the game.
Goal of the year, for me, came very late in the year. However, for sheer vision and ability I have to hand it to Curtis Tilt and his wonderful 45 yard equaliser for Halesowen at Stourbridge. Highlights on the Halesowen Town website if you want to see it (http://ht-fc.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3824:26-dec-2014-npl-stourbridge-1-1-halesowen-town&catid=81&Itemid=200147).
Most surprising performance goes to Fleet Town. When I saw them play North Leigh towards the end of last season, they were second from bottom of the league and their hosts were pushing for promotion. Fleet were ultimately saved from relegation by Thatcham's resignation yet, on this evening, they ran North Leigh ragged for 60 minutes playing a brand of passing football that belied their league position. Eventually they ran out of steam and went down 3-1 but for a hour they scared the life out of their hosts.
Favourite new stadium visited, Kingsthorpe Mill, home of Northampton Spencer. A very tidy little ground, surrounded by trees, a fabulous playing surface, friendly characters (including the Chairman himself selling raffle tickets) and just an all-round delightful non-league venue.
Chippenham Town held onto their lead to win the Cuppa League title, awarded to the best cup of tea sampled during the season. This year, Racing Club Warwick set a high bar on my first hop of 2014/15 and continue to lead the way.
On a personal note, I was disappointed when my favourite Stourbridge player, Sean Geddes, left for Worcester City. However, what an impact he has had in the Conference North and on the FA Cup. It's great to see him doing so well and I wish him all the best in the new year.
That just leaves it for me to wish everyone, players, supporters, and especially all of those wonderful volunteers who give so much time to non-league football, a very Happy New Year. A final thought for Rob Dean who I saw sustain a career-ending injury at Hungerford this year. I haven't been able to find out what he is doing now but, whatever it is, I wish him the best of luck for 2015.
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