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Gate end on a High

29/4/2015

Coventry Copsewood - Main Stand

In what could well be the final midweek jaunt of the season, I made my way up the M40 to Coventry and Midland League Division 1 clash between Coventry Copsewood and Highgate United. With the away side requiring just a point to clinch the league title, it was potentially a highly charged game. Copsewood, although only playing for pride, would surely want to try to avoid a team winning the league on their patch.
Copsewood's Allard Way ground is part of a fairly large sports complex that also hosts many other activities,
including cricket and bowls. The playing surface is open on the car park side of the ground because it is shared with the cricket pitch. On the opposite side is a small covered seating area and behind the bowls club end is another small covered shelter. What Copeswood does have is a large two-storey club house, the frontage of which put me in mind of Sunshine Desserts. Bearing in mind that the original building used in the Reggie Perrin series was recently demolished, if a remake is ever made I suggest Copsewood as the set.
Copsewood have played unde a number of names since their formation in 1922 as Peel Connor FC. Other names include Magnet FC, GEC (Cov) FC, GPT (Coventry) FC and Marconi (Coventry) FC, all of which were names of the company that owned the land. Finally, when Marconi sold the land, they became Copsewood in 2005.
So, onto the game itself. As I said, Highgate needed just a point to clinch the title, regardless of events at Atherstone where second placed Bromsgrove were the visitors.
The game started at a pretty high tempo with both sides looking up for the challenge. It was obvious from early on that Copsewood were not here to roll over and applaud the champions. In fact, for the first 15 minutes they probbaly shaded the encounter. Even though they rarely threatened the Highgate goal, they were sharp in their tackling and were knocking the ball about with some confidence. However, 15 minutes into the game, Highgate were awarded a free-kick around 25 yards out in a fairly central position. The kick was initially blocked by the defensive wall but fell kindly to a Highgate player who took a touch and then unleashed a powerfull drive into the far corner. 1-0 to Highgate, slightly against the run of play.
Despite going behind, the home side continued to play some decent stuff and, as the half went on, started to look the more dangerous of the two teams.
As one or two decisions went against the home team the banter from some home supporters, especially directed at the assistant closest to them, was getting more vocal by the minute. To his credit, with the exception of one particular glare, the assitant took it quite well. Probably more than used to it. You wouldn't become a non-league official unless you had a thick skin. One comment in particular though did make me smile. After not giving a number of possible offsides, the assistant finally got his flag up and waved for one quite enthusiastically. As Coventry is quite close to Birmingham Airport, there happened to be a plane overhead at that moment. One wag quipped, 'Now look what you have done. Are you directing the planes in to land?'. Even the assistant had to have a sly smile to that one.

Highgate celebrate with the Shield

So, at half-time, it was still 0-1 but Copsewood were definitely still in the game and could argue that they had generated more scoring opportunities than Highgate.
A quick cup of tea at Sunshine Desserts and then back out into what was becoming a bitterly cold evening as the wind got up, ready for the second half. News had come through that Bromsgrove Sporting were 1-0 down at Atherstone but it was no time for Highgate to let up. There was a job to be done. That job was to guarantee the title by winning here. They set about the task in the second half with a renewed vigour and quickly took the incentive from Copsewood. There appeared to be more confidence in the Highgate side in the second half. They knew that the title was there for the taking and they were not going to let it slip. Despite this, they were finding it difficult to get the second goal. There was plenty of possession, but good defending and some stray final balls were letting them down.
We were past halfway in the second half before they finally scored the goal which sealed the victory and it was worth the wait. A slick move down their right flank culminated in a driven, low cross which was met perfectly by an on-rushing Highgate player and struck accurately into the bottom corner of the net.
With the game in the bag and Bromsgrove still 1 down, the championship was as good as won. Nine minutes later, it was completely over when the third goal was fired in. Then with just a minute or two left, Highgate made it 4 on the night and 113 for the season.
The only black spot on the day was a late second yellow for the Highgate number 7 in the last minute. Poor refereeing in my view. Yes, it was probably a yellow card offence. Yes, he had been booked before. However, it was the last minute of the match. They were 4-0 up and about to be crowned champions, surely soem common sense could have prevailed?
As it happened, Bromsgrove did score twice in injury time to win 2-1, but it was to no avail. Highate had won the title in a comprehensive fashion. A 4-0 away win, in any league, has to go down as a good victory.
The championship shield was presented to the Highgate team immediately after the game amidst celebrations from players, staff and the travelling supporters.
Congratulations to all concerned at Highgate United. Worthy champions by all accounts.

Coventry Copsewood - @copsesfc
Highgate United - @highgateunited

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Ultimate Play-Off Guide

27/4/2015

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Who win the play-off matches if every game was to follow league form? Of course, that will not happen but, just for fun, here is what would happen. In the case of a two leg semi, both league games taken into account. In the case of one leg, just the corresponding league game was used unless it was a draw, then the reverse fixture was also taken into the equation. After that, if it was still all square, the highest league position gets the vote:

Conference North (2 Leg Semi)
Guiseley v AFC Fylde (3-1), (0-0)
Chorley v Boston United (1-2), (0-0)
Guisley v Boston United (1-5), (2-0)
Boston United

Conference South (2 Leg Semi)
Havant & Waterlooville v Boreham Wood (2-1), (2-1)
Whitehawk v Basingstoke Town (0-1), (0-1)
Haveat & Waterlooville v Basingstoke Town (2-0), (0-0)
Havant & Waterlooville

Southern Leagues (1 Leg Semi)
Premier
Poole Town v St Neots Town (0-0) (St Neots won at home 3-2)
Truro City v Hungerford Town (2-1)
Truro City v St Neots Town (2-3)
St Neots Town

Central
Royston Town v Barton Rovers (1-0)
Aylesbury v Bedworth United (3-0)
Royston Town v Aylesbury (1-0)
Royston Town

South & West
Evesham United v Larkhall Athletic (0-0) (Evesham won 2-1 at Larkhall)
Stratford Town v Taunton Town (0-3)
Evesham United v Taunton Town (2-1)
Evesham United

NPL Leagues (1 Leg Semi)
Premier
Workington v Ilkeston (2-0)
Ashton United v Curzon Ashton (2-2) (Curzon won 3-2 at home)
Workington v Curzon Ashton (3-2)
Workington

North
Darlington v Spennymoor Town (1-0)
Bamber Bridge v Northwich Victoria (2-0)
Darlington v Bamber Bridge (2-1)
Darlington

South
Newcastle Town v Sutton Coldfield Town (0-1)
Leek Town v Gresley (1-0)
Leek Town v Sutton Coldfield Town (6-1)
Leek Town

Ryman Leagues (1 Leg Semi)
Premier
Hendon v Enfield Town (0-3)
or
Hendon v Met. Police (2-1)
Margate v Dulwich Hamlet (1-2)
Enfield Town v Dulwich Hamlet (0-1)
or
Hendon v Dulwich Hamlet (2-2) (0-0) (Hendon finished higher)
Hendon or Dulwich Hamlet

North
Harlow Town v Thurrock (1-1) (Thurrock won 2-1 at home)
AFC Sudbury v Brentwood Town (0-1)
Thurrock v Brentwood Town (2-3)
Brentwood Town

South
Folkestone Invicta v Whyteleafe (0-0), (1-1) (Folkestone finished higher)
Favershan Town v Merstham (1-1) (Faversham won 2-0 at Merstham)
Folkestone Invicta v Faversham Town (2-1)
Folkestone Invicta

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Church on a Thursday Night

24/4/2015

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Remnants of stands past?

With the season coming to a close a chance for a Thursday evening of football was too much to resist. Game choices were limited but I decided on a Midland League Premier game between Alvechurch and Heath Hayes. A bit of an end of season, nothing game, with Alvechurch safe just below mid-table and Heath Hayes already relegated. However, it was a chance to visit Alvechurch, a ground that I have practically driven past on hundreds of occasions yet never been inside.
Alvechurch FC are in the Guinness Book of Records for the longest ever FA cup tie. In the days before penalty shoot-outs the tie with Oxford City in 1971-72, went to 5 replays before The Church came out on top with a 1-0 win. This record will never be beaten.
Their ground, Lye Meadow, is on the edge of the village just off the main Redditch Road and a stones throw from the M42. The team has played at the same ground since the late 50s, a move which sparked a great period in the club's history. This included an appearance in the third round of the FA Cup, a league club scalp, Exeter City, and the aforementioned marathon match with Oxford City. Heath Hayes cannot match Alvechurch for history but they do celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. Relegation, however, is probably not the best way to celebrate a half century.
Lye Meadow boasts a single covered seating area opposite a clubhouse and changing block. The rest of the ground has hard-standing around the playing surface although there is evidence of a former stand behind the village end goal area. The concrete part of the stand still exists and seems to be stepped upwards away from the clubhouse side of the ground. this was probably to counteract the slope of the playing surface which falls away both from the stand side towards the clubhouse and from the village end to the car park end.

Lye Meadow Clubhouse

Interestingly, Alvechurch emerge onto the pitch to sound of Harry J All Stars Liquidator, a tune famously used by West Bromwich Albion until the fans chanting was deemed unsuitable for a family club. I didn't sing along and give myself away as a Baggies sympathiser. At a club that spent two years playing under the name Alvechurch Villa, I thought it best to keep my professional club allegiance under my hat.
I can't comment too much on the actual game for a couple of reasons. Firstly in the first half, there wasn't too much to get excited about and, secondly they had sold out of programmes so I had no idea about player names.
What I can report is that it was 8.15 pm when I tweeted about the first shot on target ( a 7.45 ko). When it did come, however, it was a good effort. A well struck Heath Hayes volley equally well turned away by the very vocal Alvechurch keeper.
Just a minute later though, the keeper's fine work was to count for nothing. Another attack down the Hayes right flank lead to a chipped cross into the home area and the totally umarked number 7 volleyed home from 8 yards out. A nice goal.
The goal did spark some action from the home side and, five minutes after going behind, they did finally call the away keeper into action, albeit a relatively comfortable save. So, 0-1 at half-time and plenty to do for the home team. Alvechurch emerged for the second half a good few minutes early and had to wait for Hayes and the officials to come out. There was a double substitution for the home team who switched to a more attacking line-up, seemingly playing with 3 up front.

The main stand

The second half began with far more invention from both sides. Where, in the first half, neither team seemed to have a game plan and therefore resorted to long balls, there appeared to be far more structure to the build up play, especially from the home team. This almost paid off on the hour mark when a tidy move down the left culminated in a ball played across the Hayes goalmouth and volleyed over when it looked like the striker should have at least worked the keeper.
However, just a few minutes later, Alvechurch sprang the Hayes offside trap and the number 10 ran through to finish with ease past the stranded keeper. 1-1 and game on.
It was at this point that the first signs of an undercurrent were seen in the game. At one Heath Hayes corner the referee had to stop the game to speak to a couple of players who were grappling with each other. One or two more meaty challenges were going in and a couple of players were getting noticeably irritated with both their opponents and the referee.
As it happened, I actually missed the games biggest talking point. With about 10 minutes to go I and nipped into the clubhouse to use the facilities. When I came back out the game had been stopped, all of the players were in the centre circle, there were numerous face-offs happening and a Heath Hayes player was flat out in the middle of the pitch. A quick chat to a couple of locals revealed that the Hayes player had already been on the ground after a fair challenge but, while he was on all fours, an Alvechurch player had kneed him in the face. A fracas had ensued and the officials were in conference, trying to sort out what had happened. The locals assured me that, if it had been seen by the officials, a red card was going to come out. Sure enough, after issuing a yellow to one home player the referee called over the home number 14 and brandished a red. There was no argument from any of the players, so I can assume that what the locals had told me had been seen by the officials.
Somewhat surprisingly there were no more incidents, no retribution handed out to any Hayes players. What was also surprising is that the 10 men of Alvechurch continued to hold their own and possibly looked more threatening on the break than when they had a full compliment. However, there was to be no more scoring and the match finished all square at 1-1. Probably a fair result over the 90 minutes.

Alvechurch - @alvechurch1st
Heath Hayes - @heathhayes1965

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Badgers Andover the Points

22/4/2015

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Sunset in Andover

With the season drawing to a close and limited choices for midweek matches available it was time to venture into the world of the Wessex Premier League. My eye was caught by the match at Andover Town where they would be entertaining Brockenhurst. To be honest, there was little at stake in this match but having spent a lot of time in the New Forest over the years, I know Brockenhurst well and have walked past their ground on a number of occasions. So, Andover it was.
Andover Town football club is only 2 years old and, although they currently play on the ground vacated by the defunct Andover FC, they are not connected to the old club in any other way as far as I can tell.
The Portway Stadium is a fairly new ground having been constructed in 1989, although it was refurbished in 2013/14. The ground is situated on the edge of the town within an industrial estate. There is a reasonable sized car park adjacent to the ground. You enter through a two-turstile block directly off the car park. Immediately to your left, running along the majority of one side of the ground, is the newly refurbished players block, which incorprates toilets and the tea bar. Next to this is the main stand with seating for around 250. This side of the ground is raised above the playing surface and a grass bank leads down to pitch level. Directly below the main stand, unusually for this level, are the dugouts. There is a small covered standing area just to the right of the goal at the car park end. The rest of the pitch is surrounded with hard standing.
The recent warmer weather had obviously taken it's toll on the pitch which looked quite hard and bumpy. Nothing unusual for this time of year.
Considering that this match was a real end of season affair with nothing really at stake, the crowd was pretty impressive at somewhere around the 100 mark at a guess.
When the match kicked off it was the away side who immediately took the initiative forcing a couple of very early corners which came to nothing. However, this only lasted a few minutes before Andover started to take some control of the game. In fact, after the first few minutes, I think it is fair to say that Brockenhurst offered very little apart from long balls in the first 30 minutes. Andover looked far more accomplished in midfield, trying to play through the Brockenhurst back line but being hampered by the pitch at times. On 15 minutes, however, they did make a breakthrough. A move through the centre of the pitch and a pass whch was actually missed by the first Andover player but fell into the path of Charlie Gunson. He took the ball on towards the left hand corner of the penalty area and, as the keeper tried to arrow the angle, slid it past him into the far corner. A very neat finish indeed and no more than Andover deserved on the balance of play.
Their dominance continued for another 15 minutes but they failed to capitalise on the extra posession.
Suddenly, after about half an hour, Brockenhurst woke up. Firstly they called the Andover keeper into action pushing an attempt out for a corner. A few minutes later a Brockenhurst header hit the bar and the follow up was also smashed against the woodwork. Before the end of the half the away side were to again hit the woodworkd but despite their best efforts, the game remained 1-0 It was, however, a far better contest now that the away side had risen from their slumber.
Half-time 1-0.
Both sides continued to for goals at the start of the second half with the opposing centre-forwards, Jack for Brockenhurst and Dixon for Andover, causing problems for their defenders with their running and chasing down. However, it was the home side that looked the more dangerous. Sure enough, less than 10 minutes into the second half, they struck what looked like the killer blow. A nice passing move up the right flank lead to a ball being slid right across the face of the Brockenhurst goal for Dixon to tap in at the far post.
At 1-0 there was always a chance that Brockenhurst could have nicked a point but at 2-0 you got the impression that a home win was pretty much guaranteed.
To their credit The Badgers kept on plugging away but always seemed to lack the final ball or the composed finish required to get them back into the game. There was, of course, still time for the away side to hit the woodwork yet again but, even though they had rattled posts and crossbars, they never actually looked like they were going to score. Maybe it was just one of those nights for them? So, it finished 2-0 to Andover. A result that, over the 90 minutes, fairly reflected the contest in my opinion.
This may have been my first venture into the Wessex League but it certainly won't be my last.

Andover Town - @andovertownfc
Brockenhurst - @brockenhurstfc

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All Square at The Meadow

17/4/2015

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View from the car park at The Meadow

After not being able to attend a game on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week I was left with the option of no football or a relatively long trip to Gloucestershire. I chose the latter, of course. Brimscombe & Thrupp v Highworth Town in the Hellenic Premier League. The game had little significance in terms of trophies with both teams out of reach of promotion and relegation battles. However, Highworth did have a very good FA Vase run and Brimscombe, with the exception of a heavy defeat Wootton Bassett, had been on a good run of form.
Brimscombe and Thrupp are linked villages on the banks of the river Frome just South-East of Stroud. I have to say that I can't see the name without conjuring up a scene from Blackadder in my mind. Thrupp, to me, sounds like some Medieval ailment. 'Forgive me Lord Melchett, I fear I cannot attend the Queen's gala for I must attend to Lord Percy who has come down with a rather nasty bout of Thrupp'.
Apologies to the good people of Thrupp. It is, of course. a rather lovely part of the world and there is nothing better than watching a game of football, under the lights, on a balmy spring evening in Gloucestershire. Brimscombe & Thrupp FC only made it into the Hellenic League in 2011, winning the Gloucestershire County League and being promoted to the Hellenic Division 1 West. They installed floodlights in 2012 and a year later earned promotion to the Hellenic Premier League as champions. In their first season at Step 5 level they attained a very creditable 12th position as well as winning three cup competitions. Highworth are Hellenic Premier veterans, having won the title in 2004-05.
The Meadow, Brimscombe's ground, is situated just off the main road through the villages wedged between the road, the railway line and the River Frome. The first thing you notice when you arrive is that the actual playing surface is way below the level of the road and car park (see photo above). Once parked you have to walk behind the main stand, paying the man your £5 entrance fee as you go, and then down a slope to the clubhouse. At this point you are still a good 20 feet above the playing surface. There is a covered seating and standing area to the right of the clubhouse, running along the side of the pitch. This is also elevated well above the playing surface and gives a very good view of the match. You can, of course, go down to pitch level and there is hard-standing around the ground. The dugouts are, as is non-league standard, opposite the main stand.
Credit to Brimscombe & Thrupp for acknowledging Highworth's FA Vase exploits with an announcement prior to the game. A very nice touch.

The main stand. A great view

For the first half I decided to go to pitch level and take up a position on the far side of the ground. It was the home side who began the better and, for the first ten minutes, they bossed the game creating a couple of half chances along the way. They were getting particular joy down their right flank getting in a series of dangerous crosses. Highworth, to their credit, spotted this danger and closed that side of the pitch down quite effectively. As the half progressed it was, indeed, the Worthians who began to take control of possession and push the home side backwards.
Highworth began to knock the ball about with the look of a side full of confidence and, in a half of very few clear cut chances, definitely made more opportunities than their hosts. Despite this though, the half finished 0-0.
As the second half kicked off I was expecting to see Highworth take up where they left off and dominate the game. I really did think it was just a matter of time until they took the lead. For the first 5 minutes or so, this was the case. Highworth looked more composed on the ball and were putting together some nice passing moves.
However, on the hour mark Brimscombe shocked the away side by taking the lead. A very nicely worked move down their left flank culminated in a ball into striker Ash Caldwell just inside the Highworth box. A quick turn and shot low into the near corner of the net and it was 1-0 to Brimscombe & Thrupp. A nice move and a very tidy finish.
From this point and for the next 15 minutes Highworth, who I believe also played on Tuesday evening, looked out on their feet. The home side were dominating play and another goal would have finished the game off. Brimscombe kept pushing but the goal wouldn't come and then, 17 minutes after taking the lead, a stray pass lead to a long clearance from Highworth. TJ Bohane latched onto a slip by a home defender, took the ball into the Brimscombe half and played in Callum Parson to slot the ball home. It was against the run of play at the time, but Highworth were level with about 15 minutes remaining.
The goal seemed to perk up the Highworth team and, after seeming down and out, they suddenly looked more dangerous and had a spring in their step again. There were one or two chances at either end but no more scoring.
On the balance of the game as a whole a 1-1 score-line was probably a fair result for what was an entertaining game.

Brimscombe & Thrupp - @btfcthemeadow
Highworth Town - @highworthtownfc

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Southern League Champions Poll

12/4/2015

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Many thanks to everyone who participated in the recent poll. It was by no means a scientific poll but more just a bit of fun to gauge the level of support for the two sides in question, Corby Town and Poole Town.
The response was excellent with 99 entries in 3 days. It was also extremely close, with only a single vote separating the teams.

The final result was:
Poole Town - 50.51% (50 votes)
Corby Town - 49.49% (49 votes)

As a neutral, BotP is hoping that it goes down to the wire especially as the final game of the season sees Corby travel to Tatnam to face Poole. What a game that could be.

Good luck to both teams.

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Ploughmen Finish with Four

8/4/2015

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Winslow Utd v Amersham Town

It's fast approaching the end of the season, which means the opportunities to watch live football are rapidly running out. So, despite having been to two games over the Easter weekend, and with the blessing of my very understanding wife, I headed out for a spot of Tuesday night Spartan South Midlands Division 1 action. I had two choices, Stony Stratford Town v Buckingham Athletic or Winslow United v Amersham Town. In the end I opted for Winslow purely on the basis that it is a couple of miles closer for me. Winslow's ground, known locally as The Gate, is part of a sports club that hosts football and cricket. There is no car park attached to the sports complex itself but there is a public car park almost opposite the entrance to the ground. Unfortunately, on Tuesday evening, this was full so I had to park on the road alongside the ground. There is ample parking on the surrounding roads.
As I approached the entrance gate, manned by two local gents, there was a young woman speaking to the gatekeepers. It appeared that she was surprised at having to pay to enter the ground and was searching through her purse. Upon declaring that she didn't have enough cash on her one of the gentlemen suggested that she went in and paid him later. Still holding my £20 note in my hand, I too suggested that I didn't have enough money on me. I'm not sure if it was my Black Country accent or if he didn't actually hear me but my 'hilarious' joke drew no response, so I handed over my £4 (plus a £1 for a programme) with a muttered "Well, you have to try don't you?". Luckily, the second gatekeeper, who obviosuly spoke fluent Dudleyish, laughed along and agreed with me.
The Gate is quite a typical ground for this level of the pyramid. As you enter the ground you pass a clubhouse and changing facility block. There is a small seated, covered stand on the same side of the pitch. The dugouts, as is the non-league norm, are on the opposite side to the main spectator area and there is hard-standing around the rest of the playing area.
A glance at the programme showed me that the visitors today, Amersham Town, were rooted to the bottom of the table, 9 points off second bottom Arlesey Reserves and 22 points behind Winslow up in 14th place. Amersham had only won 3 games all season, with their last victory being in October, but they did beat Winslow 2-1 earlier in the season. Winslow, although safe just below mid-table, have not had a brilliant season themselves although two very good deby wins in the past week, 3-2 at Buckingham and 2-1 at Stony Stratford, had increased the late season feel-good factor.
When the game kicked off Winslow's recent wins immediately showed through in the way that they stroked the ball around with confidence. In truth, they were helped in this aspect by an Amersham side that were clearly set up to restrict the flow of goals conceded recently. With just one player up front, The Magpies lined kept their remaining 9 outfield players firmly in their own half. It almost seemed that they were not allowed to stray past the halfway line. Winslow, to give them credit, clearly wanted to get the ball down and play a passing game but, certainly initially, they couldn't find the final ball to their forward line. This changed on 6 minutes though when a ball was slipped inside the left back for Winslow's lively right-winger, Daniel Jones, to finish neatly under the keeper.
Despite going a goal down, Amersham made no noticeable attempt to push players further forward. Their lone striker continued to look completely isolated up front and they made little in-roads into the the Winslow half. Having said that, there were two occasions when Amersham managed to get a couple of players forward and on both they created half chances, neither of which brought the home keeper into action.
The home side continued to try to pass the ball around, switching the play frequently and not looking like a team below halfway in the league. That said, they still could not find the final pass to break down the massed ranks of Amersham defenders. That is until the 38th minute when a nice move was finally finished with a cutting pass through for another tidy finish this time from Jason Costello.
It was at this point that the power of social media combined with people's genuine interest in non-league football became apparent. Whilst tweeting updates during the first half I had been conversing with Ayden Callaghan, who obviously had an interest in the game and Winslow in particular. It was during the break that I realised that the Ayden Callaghan in question was the Hollyoaks (other soaps are available) actor and Wolves supporter. So, you had a situation where a Wolves supporter (and I believe former Winslow player) was getting updates about a rural Buckinghamshire Step 6 side from a West Brom supporter. So Ayden, if you read this, as a Baggie, I would like to see Wolves back in the Premier and would gladly swap them for that horrible lot in claret and blue.
On to the second half and, to be frank, it was much of the same. Amersham did make a change or two and made an attempt to push more players forward but did not make too much impression to start with. Just five minutes into the second half the game was well and truly put to bed when a clearance was returned into the Amersham half McCormick to run onto and effortlessly lob the onrushing keeper. At 2-0 the game was probably beyond Amersham, at 3-0 it was well and truly gone.
Amersham did finally call the home keeper into action a few minutes after going 3 down when a low shot stung his hands at the near post.
Surprisingly, it was more than another 15 minutes before number 4 arrived but, when it did, it was the end product of possibly the best move of the match. Winslow strung together a few passes down their left flank before the ball was pulled back to the left-back who swung over a pinpoint cross for Karwacinski to head powerfully past the keeper. 4-0 and, at this point I really thought that Winslow would get a few more before the end. They almost proved me right when the Amersham keeper spilled a shot to the feet of the on-rushing Butler who somehow managed not to make it 5.
Amersham finally started to throw a few bodies past the halfway line and, combined with Winslow maybe taking their foot off a little, they managed to get a goal back. It took a mistake from the Winslow keeper, who let a ball bobble loose straight to the feet Odiaka, but nevertheless it was a goal back. 4-1 and, suddenly, Amersham players were showing some interest. With only 15 minutes remaining, they were never going to retrieve a game that they lost in the first 50 minutes and Winslow saw out the remainder of their last home game relatively comfortably.

Winslow United - @winslowutdfc
Amersham Town - @amershamtownfc

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At Least the Weather was Good

7/4/2015

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A glorious Bank Holiday Monday, weather-wise at least, and a visit to The Grove for Halesowen Town v Stourbridge in the re-run of the Number 9 Derby. The teams met on Boxing Day and fought out an entertaining 1-1 draw but, since then, neither team has set the
division alight. The Yeltz's last victory coming in February whilst the Glassboys had also only managed a single win in their last 15 matches. With the form of the two teams in mind it is testament to the support of both clubs that almost 1,750 people turned out to watch this match.
The Grove is not an entirely new ground to me having been there a few times before. however, it is a new ground in terms of the BotP website, so a little background on the stadium before the match report. The Grove is a fabulous example of a non-league stadium. It has been the home of the Yeltz since they were founded in 1873 and much like rivals Stourbridge, the ground was originally shared
with the cricket club and was three sided. However, unlike Stourbridge, the ground is no longer shared and is now a four-sided stadium with a capacity of around 5,000. The former open side is now an uncovered terrace that runs the whole length of the ground and continues behind the Stourbridge Road end of the ground. Opposite the uncovered terrace is the covered seating area, The Harry Rudge Stand. At the far end from the Stourbridge Road end is the Shed, a covered standing area running behind the goal area. This is where the majority of the home support tend to congregate.
Unlike the rain, sleet and blizard conditions of Boxing Day the teams were greeted by blue skies and bright sunshine as they made their way onto the pitch from behind the Shed End goal. This was about as close as Stourbridge were to come to this goal in the first half.
Halesowen started the game kicking down the slight slope towards the Stourbridge Road end and set about the game as if it it were a title decider. Within the first 15 minutes, a period in which Stourbridge didn't really manage to get out of their own half, the Yeltz forced numerous corners and throw-ins (as good as a corner with their long throw). It was a minor miracle that the Glassboys survived this initial onslaught unscathed. Dean Coleman produced a good save from one of these long throws and a combination of wayward finsihing and some good Stourbridge defending kept it at 0-0.
Just after the 20 minute mark Stourbridge did have a chance of their own when Chris Lait got a shot away that was easily saved by the Halesowen keeper. If the Llama Army thought that this was a turning point they were wrong. A few minutes later Stourbridge gave away a free-kick around 30 yards out on their right side. Yet another ball was fizzed into the Stourbridge box and, this time, it was met by home skipper Joe Hull who powered an unstoppable header into the top corner. 1-0 to Halesowen and, to be fair, it was completely deserved.
The goal did nothing to spur on Stourbridge and they remained on the back foot for the rest of the half. A Drew Canavan free-kick that hit the wall being their only other attempt on goal. It was Halesowen who looked the more likely to score again. Stourbridge could consider themselves lucky to be just a single goal down at the break.

Four minutes into the second half Halesown struck the goal that effectively killed the game off. The lively Ben Haseley, who had been causing the Glassboys defence problems all game, cut inside and beat the Stourbridge back line way too easily before feeding Christie in the box. The striker was taken down before he could get a shot away. A clear penalty. Christie picked himself up and stroked the ball past Coleman for an unassailable 2-0 lead. Stourbridge did improve slightly on their first half performance (or did Halesowen ease off?) but, in truth, Halesowen completely bossed this game from the first to the last minute.
It's always a little more difficult to write a blog entry for a Stourbridge game because I have an attachment to the club. Combine this with the fact that both Stourbridge and Halesowen have excellent websites that will cover the game in far more detail than I ever could, I am keeping the entry short this week.
Take a look at www.stourbridgefc.com and www.ht-fc.com for full match reviews and possibly even some video (look out for Yeltz TV @yeltztv).
Depsite the result it was a good day out. Great weather, good banter between the fans, a bumper crowd and a great stadium (well worth a visit for any groundhopper reading this). Also, good to see Ben Billingham out on the pitch having a kick around with his lad during half-time. Let's hope we see him back on the pitch come next season.

Halesowen Town - @halesowentownfc
Stourbridge FC - @sfcofficial

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All White on the Night

5/4/2015

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A planned Saturday trip to Bugbrooke St Michaels was almost scuppered by an urgent brake pad issue. However, a dash to the Second City and a quick turnaround from the good people at Sytner and I was able to get myself back down to Northamptonshire in time for kick-off. Having never been to Birds Close before I had quickly consulted the UCL website beforehand for some directions. It seemed straight-forward and, as it turned out, it was. A word of warning though, and I'm sure someone from the club will correct me if I'm wrong, there does not seem to be any signpost directing traffic to turn off the main road into the car park. It wasn't a big problem because the website tells you it is immediately after the last house but, if I hadn't read that, I think I would have sailed past. A minor detail I suppose.
There was ample parking even though there was another game already in progress on the pitch next to Bugbrooke's ground. An interesting set-up greets you when you enter the ground, in the corner diagonally opposite the clubhouse. There is no turnstile, no gate as such, you can just walk in. However, as you walk around towards the club house you will come across a strategically positioned table and a (on this day anyway) jovial local who will take your entrance fee from you (£5). There didn't appear to be a programme available. The clubhouse block runs almost half the length of the pitch and incorporates a bar, tea bar, the changing rooms and a small covered seating area. There is also car parking, for players and staff, behind the goal nearest to the car park (the one you walk behind when you come in). These cars are protected from some stray shots by netting directly behind the goal. There is a similar setup at the end to reduce the number of balls flying out of the ground. The dugouts are opposite the clubhouse on the car park side of the ground.
The first incident and, as it panned out, only real incident of the first half, happened before a ball had been kicked. When the teams made their way to edge of the pitch ready to be lead out, it became clear that they were both wearing white shirts. The away side, Blackstones, didn't have a spare kit with them so a local official made a quick dash to fetch the yellow Bugbrooke away kit. Blackstones quickly changed into this and we kicked off almost 10 minutes behind schedule.
As I said, this incident was pretty much the most exciting thing that happened in the first half. I like to look for positive points in a game but there really wasn't a lot happening. Neither team was stringing any passing moves together and it was almost 15 minutes before there was a meaningful attempt at goal. Even that went harmlessly wide. The Blackstones captain did his best to liven things up by getting involved in some off the ball shenanigans and pretty much kicking anything in a white shirt but even that did not save the half from being a non-event.
The second half was a much better game of football than the first with the home side stepping their game up and trying to move the ball much quicker than they did earlier. The half was only a few minutes old when the home side's better movement paid off. A decent move down the right lead to a searching far post cross which was bravely headed home by the stooping Bugbrooke left-back. He got a bang on the head for his troubles but nothing too bad and was able to continue immediately.
The expected Blackstones fight-back never really materialised and it was the home side who, throughout the second half, continued to play the better football. They should really have scored again and put the game to bed way before they finally did. It was, in fact, into the 90th minute by the time a ball over the top of the defence allowed one of the Bugbrooke midfielders to spring the offside trap and slot home for 2-0.
The home side deserved their victory on the strength of the second half alone but, in truth, this was not the best game of football that I have ever seen.

Bugbrooke St Michael - @bugbrookeUCL

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Friends, Romans, Gentlemen

1/4/2015

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Angry skies over Alfred Street

After several weeks of watching Spartan South Midlands games, this Tuesday saw a return to some United Counties League action and a first ever visit to Irchester United's Alfred Street ground. Access to the ground is via Alfred Street, which is very narrow (be warned, you may have to mount the kerb to get down it), and through a set of gates into a parking area. I was met at the gates by two very jovial characters, one of whom was wearing a Leicester City hat, who took my £3 entrance fee (plus £1 for a programme) and directed me to park either on the tarmac area or, if I prefer, on the grass that runs down the side of the ground. I chose the tarmac area but, as I was warned by the Leicester fan, my car would be parked about 15 yards to the side of the goal and with the way they shoot could be in the direct firing line. I decided to risk it.
To be fair, there is not too much to report about the ground, although I did note that there was quite a lot of improvement work happening. Right in front of you as you enter through the gates is the main stand, a covered seating area directly behind the Alfred Street end goal. To the left of the stand is what appears to be a completely new block (this is the area that is being improved as we speak), which looked close to completion. Just past this, and slightly set back from the playing area, is the main clubhouse and changing rooms. This, I believe, is shared with the cricket club who play on the same sports ground. Along the right hand side of the playing surface, as you approach from Alfred Street, is more parking on the grassed area and also the dugouts are on this side of the ground. The opposite side of the playing surface is completely open as it forms part of the cricket pitch.
The home side were coming into the match on a three game winning streak, inlcuding a very crediatble 2-1 victory over Lutterworth. Buckingham, two places lower in the table, were on a terrible run. With the exception of a 2-2 draw at Burton Park, they had lost six conceding 35 and scoring 7. With Irchester also not boasting the best defensive record, I was certainly not expecting this to finish 0-0.
Somewhat surprisingly considering their recent poor form, it was the away team that started the stronger, on a very cold and blustery evening. However, despite playing the first 10 minutes mainly in the Irchester half, it was actually the home side that went in front when a Brown free-kick from way out on the left was fired in, somehow sneaked out of the keeper's grasp and rolled into the net. The away side could feel a little hard done to by that but they picked themselves up and continued as they had started the game. Within seven minutes they got their reward when they broke down their right flank. The winger beat the last defender and squared for Brent to finish a fairly easy chance at the near post.
It was Buckingham who continued to have the best of what, to be honest, was a pretty scrappy affair not helped by conditions that were worsening as the half progressed. The gusty wind was making any ball lifted off the ground very difficult to control and many longer balls were drifting straight out of play. However, once or twice Buckingham did get the ball on the floor and managed to conjure up a couple of good moves. It was one of these moves, around the half-hour mark, that set up the goal that took them in front. The ball was popped out and nicely controlled on the left flank, the winger spotted Hendricksen running through the middle and played what was probably the pass of their game, splitting the defence open and leaving Hendricksen a free run on goal. The chance was by no means easy, especially at the keeper was quick to come off his line. However, the Robins forward expertly lofted the ball over him and into the far corner of the net. An excellent goal all round.
Buckingham continued to look the most likely side all the way up to half-time, although there was no more scoring. So, with rain now coming down the score was a deserved 2-1 lead for Buckingham as we went off to get a much needed, warming cup of tea.

Irchester pile on the pressure

The second half kicked off in much better conditions than the first half ended. The rain stopped and the wind, which was still gusting from time to time, had dropped a little.
Maybe it was the better weather or, more likely, some frank half-time discussions but The Romans looked like a different team in the second half. The passing was sharper, they were keeping the ball on the ground and using the width far more than in the first 45 minutes. Having said that, with half of the second period gone, they still trailed 2-1. Then the game really came to life.
Buckingham came very close to making it 3-1 when a shot was lofted over the keeper but was acrobatically hooked off the line by the Irchester right-back. A tremendous piece of defending which seemed to spark extra life into the home side. They immediately went on the attack themselves and forced a free-kick halfway inside the Buckingham half. The ball was lifted into the penalty area where a completely unmarked Nathan Heycock was able to get his head to the ball before the keeper and help it on it's way into the net.
Two minutes later the home side won another free-kick, this time just outside the penalty area and almost on the dead-ball line on their left wing. The call was floated into the six yard box where Heycock was again quickest to react, getting his head to the ball and forcing it over the line. Two goals in a couple of minutes and the game was turned on it's head.
There was still time for Irchester to hit the post with another unmarked header before the referee blew for full-time. The Romans had strung together four consecutive wins for the first time (according to the match report) since 2010. Buckingham need to re-group and try to perform as they did in the first half of this game, where they were easily the better side for 45 minutes.
Finally, for any ground-hoppers reading this, the two jovial characters on the gate were by no means out of character for Irchester. I found this to be one of the friendliest grounds that I have been to. From the gents on the gate, through the tea bar staff and generally people around the ground (credit to the Buckingham fans too), everyone had a friendly word to say and were happy to chat. A really nice little ground, well worth a visit.
Good luck to both sides for the rest of the season.

Irchester United - @irchutdfc
Buckingham Town - @buckingham_town

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