What a beautiful autumn afternoon , I thought, as I drove down the A38 towards Derby. Not quite yet but the colours of the ageing leaves are now brightly contrasting with each other. As you enter Derby you pass lots of out of town retail and car dealerships with queues of cars entering the new style Saturday sporting afternoon. I drove into where I thought I should be, only to find out I was at Derby County Cricket ground. I could see plenty of football pitches behind. After turning round and driving through a housing estate, I found where I needed to be but was confronted by car after car coming out with lots of boys and girls milling around happily chatting about the games they had just finished. Luckilly I spotted someone I recognised who told me where the match I had come to see would be played.

I was at Leasure United Derby Racecourse Hub, to see Derby Singh Brothers play. I have seen them elsewhere when they were looking for a permanent home, after ending their stay at the then Rolls Royce Sports Club. The hub is their new home, the not for profit operation, funded by Derby City Council and the Football Trust run by Leisure United. It has brilliant changing facilities,  a large cafe, all weather pitches and many grass ones.

As before there seems to be no history available about Derby Singh Brothers.

Borrowash Victoria were started in 1911 and played in local legues until they were disbanded in 1957. Reformed in 1963 they joined the Central Alliance in 1967 and by 1971 had moved up to the East Midlands Regional League. A move to the Midland league in 1979 was before they were founder members of the Northern Counties East League in 1982 with the FA re-organisation of Leagues. After some success they dropped down to the Central Midlands League four years later, and were back in the NCEL in 2001 only to join the new East Midlands Central League in 2001. When this was disbanded they spent one very unsuccessful year in the United Counties League Division One. I believe at that stage they played in the Nottinghamshire Leagues until rejoining the Central Midlands League this season.

Derby Singh Brothers 3 Borrowash Victoria 5

Saturday 11th October 2025, Central Midlands League, Premier Division South. 7th v 2nd. Attendance approximately 50.

Leisure United, Racecourse Hub.  St Mark’s Rd, Chaddesden, Derby DE21 6AJ

Derby Singh Brothers all red kit,  goal keeper in lime yellow
Borrowash Victoria, green shirts with black shoulders and green shorts, goal keeper in all purple.

For the first 15 minutes Singh Brothers edged it and it was no surprise that they went ahead on 23 minutes when some tricky play by their winger, on the left, took the ball to the bye line and knocked it across the goal to be tapped in.

But only three minutes later Borrowash were level when a long ball was placed over the head of the home teams central defender for Max Tudgay to run through and lift the ball over the goalkeeper into the net.

In added time, to the first half, a through ball along the ground allowed Max Tudgay, again, to run on and slide the ball past the goalkeeper to the right side of the net.
To end the half mazy footwork  from the Brothers number 9 forced Durrell Berry, in goal for Borrowash, to make a great great save, diving backwards, to clutch the ball on the line.

The first half ended with the away team ahead, but there was not a lot between  the teams. At half time I watched a game of walking football on the adjacent pitch.

It wasn’t until the 57th minute that Borowash Victoria took control. A corner from left was headed on to their central defender, Max Tolley, who was standing all alone and headed home for a three one advantage.

A fourth was added with 79 minutes gone when substitute Jacob Hawksworth shot from 25 yards out on the left, and it sailed over the goalkeeper into the top right hand corner of the goal. Two minutes later Max Tudgay completed his hattrick when a zigzaging run ended with the ball being cut back to him and he scored the fifth, taking a slight deflection.

As the game neared the end we had a crazy last two minutes as Borrowash Victoria seemed to switch off. They bundled over a Singh Brothers player to concede a penalty that was expertly despatched and a minute later their defence stood off a home player to give him a free shot at goal, and he took his opportunity and made it a third for Singh Brothers.

If it had finished 5.1 it would not have been a true reflection of the game, when in most parts, the teams looked evenly matched. It was great to see that Derby Singh Brothers have found a permanent home, returning to the Racecourse where they played many of their games when they first started.

No chips left, or much else, so I turned to a hot dog. It was hot, but unfortunately it had very little taste, no sauces, and very doughy bread. At least the coffee was good.

Having navigated storm Amy from north of Inverness to Glasgow, I was able to go to Firhill to watch Partick Thistle. Partick Thistle have always been a team I have had a soft spot for because as a small child learning to read, I thought they were called Patrick Thistle, Patrick being my name. I eventually realised my mistake, but they have been my Scottish team for 70 years.

After the last two wet games I thought I was in for another. However, the grey clouds parted in places, and the rain stopped. The wind, however, was blowing hard, forecast for 50 mph during the game. The wind made it feel much colder than the forecast 12 degrees.

The ground is in a housing area which are mainly high rise, some of which are for students. Parking seems to be ad hoc around the ground and unlike many stadiums right outside.

It was a lovely flat green grass pitch surrounded at one end by an area that is currently not developed, with no access, opposite which is a covered seated stand where home supporters sit and it also houses the Partick Ultras, a group of about 150 who with a megaphone and a drum kept up a constant support. Along one side is a large covered seated stand where home and away fans are segregated. Opposite this is ‘The Colin Weir Stand’ that is only in use if there is a very large attendance. Part of this is also some hospitality boxes.

Partick Thistle are a fan owned community football club in Glasgow. They are non sectarian, unlike their mega rivals Celtic and Rangers who have dominated Scottish football. Originally started in 1876 in Partick, they moved to Firhill in 1908, where they play today.

Their biggest early success was beating Rangers in the 1921 Scottish Cup Final, and just over 50 years later in 1972, they beat Celtic in the League Cup Final. They have never won the Scottish Premier League and have been a bit of a YoYo club up and down divisions. perhaps their biggest win was in 1998 when, despite being declared bankrupt, they were saved from extinction by their loyal fans.

Arbroath were formed two years after Partick in 1878, initially playing in local and regional leagues. They joined the Scottish Football League in 1921 and have been up and down the leagues on many occasions currently enjoying the higher level of the Championship.

Partick Thistle FC 1 Arbroath 1

Saturday 4th October 2025, Scottish Championship, kick off 15.00 pm
Partick Thistle, 80 Firhill  Road, Glasgow, G20 7 AL
The Jags v The Smokies/The red Litchies, 2nd v 4th, attendance 3128.

Partick, red and yellow vertical stripes with black arms, black shorts,  goalkeeper all green.
Arbroath,  white shirts, claret shorts with white trim,  goalkeeper all grey.

Partick started the match attacking the ‘Ultras’ end with the wind behind them and dominated from the start and they opened the score with 5 minutes gone when Aidan Fitzpatrick made a mazy run from left to right across Arbroath’s penalty area to find Chalmers who curled the ball inside the far post to the right of the keepers hand. The home team kept up the pressure with some tricky play and crosses by Chalmers but were unable to increase their lead.

After 30 minutes, Aidan MacAdams, Arbroath’s keeper, needed a long period of treatment to stem a bleeding nose. Partick continued to press until the last 10 minutes of the half when the away team looked more dangerous.

The second half seemed windier than the first and Arbroath took advantage with more attacking intent and a cross from the right was not dealt with by the Jags defence and the ball was spilled by the goalkeeper, Josh Clarke, into the path of Finlay Marshall who steered it into the net for the equaliser.

Thistle made various substitutions, and they came back at Arbroath, although both teams had chances. Chalmers who had scored for Partick in the first half failed to connect cleanly with a cross at the far post and hit his shot just wide.

The draw was a fair result with the conditions having played a part in some poor control and overhit passes. Having travelled in the poor weather Arbroath must have been the happier team.

I have now watched football in Scotland at four levels, and I have seen good skill levels and commitment, and it leaves me to wonder why the national team does so poorly. one aspect that has struck me is that I have not seen an old fashioned centre forward?

No chips but the iconic Scotch pie, which was hot, the edge was crusty, the rest of the pastry was doughy, and the filling was tasty but not as spicy as some I’ve tried.  It was very enjoyable.

The A9 in Scotland just seems to go on and on. Luckily, I was only going as far as Inverness to see Clachnacuddin play Kilwinning in the Scottish F.A. Cup, first round. Kilwinning were making a four hundred mile, near eight hour, round trip to play their opponents who play in one level of football above them.

Clachnacuddin’s ground is in a working class area, surrounded by housing, just off the city centre. Unlike their nearby neighbours, Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s very modern stadium on the banks of the Moray Forth. It was 16 degrees as I entered the stadium with a grey overcast sky and a forecast that said 90 per cent chance of rain.

The thick grass pitch  slopes end to end and is surrounded mainly by a block built wall. There is good concrete tiered covered standing behind one goal , snack bar, toilets, turnstiles, shop, and a boardroom behind the other. A large area of tiered covered seating on one side,  which is charged at £2 extra. Flat standing behind the other goal and side complete the ground.

Clachnacuddin is Gaelic for “The Stone of the Tubs,” a  landmark in Inverness. Women would rest their washing tubs on the stone after cleaning their clothes in the nearby  River Ness. 

Inverness Clachnacuddin were formed in 1885 after local rivals, Inverness Caledonian, and Inverness Thistle.
The club experienced most of their success in their early years, winning 15 of their 18 league championships before the Second World War. Their post-war team of 1947/48 season won everything they entered.

Grant Street Park has been their home from their beginning, but it was nearly lost in 1990 when liquidation of the club was averted at the eleventh hour. Locals managed to save the club. Their successes have been thinly spread since then, but they did win the League in 2004 and the League Cup in 2013.

Kilwinning Rangers started out fourteen years later than Clachnacuddin in 1899. They played junior football in Ayreshire, winning national glory in 1908, winning the Scottish Junior Cup.

Over the years, they played mainly in Ayrshire and Leagues in the west of Scotland and, with a major re-organisation of Scottish football in 2020, were founder members of the West of Scotland League Premier Division. This meant a leap out of junior football after over one hundred years. Although they were relegated to Division One in 2023, they bounced back two years later. They are newcomers to the Scottish Cup competing in it for the first time in 2022.

Inverness Clachnacuddin FC 2 v Kilwinning Rangers FC 1

Saturday 27th September 2025, 15.00 pm kickoff. Men’s Scottish Cup, first round.

Grant Street, Wyvis Place Inverness, IV3 6DR

Liilwhites v The Buffs.

5th in the Highland League v 13th   in the West of Scotland League.

Clachnacuddin, white shirts with black shorts,   goalkeeper in all grey
^{Killwinning,   blue and white hoops shirts, blue shorts, blue and white hooped socks. goalkeeper in  all luminous lime yellow.}

Good start by Killwinning  who put balls behind the home sides’ defensive line and ran on to be able to cross  but no one was able to connect. They were also playing some neat triangles that Clachnacuddin could not deal with. Kilwinning, playing down the hill, seemed to want it more and kept up the pressure, clipping the bar with a curling shot on 37 minutes. The half ended with the away team having had the best of the game, which was now being played in constant rain after earlier drizzle.

At half time, the raffle winner was announced, number 2841, I had 2842, yet again a near miss.

Clachnacuddin became more engaged with the start of the second half and, going forward, drew a good save to his right from Glen Cameron in the Kilwinning goal to keep it level.
Kilwinning’s efforts were rewarded after 26 minutes when a hard hit cross from the left was met by, they influential,  Murray MacKintosh who volleyed it to the right of the despairing keeper.

The home side responded within 4 minutes  with a shot from the edge of the box that was paried out to the goalkeepers left. They kept up their renewed attacking and were rewarded with eleven minutes to go when fom a corner on the right James Anderson headed in the equaliser when he was not challenged in the centre of the goal.

A few minutes later, the Lilywhites had turned it round when Troy Cooper collected a through ball, beat the left sided defender, and buried it into the right corner of the net underneath the outstretched keeper.

So, having been the poorer side  Clachnacuddin now found themselves in front and held out for the win despite 10 Kilwinning players, including the goalkeeper, attacking a corner in the dying minutes.

The game had a high level of skill and commitment, and if Kilwinning are in the middle of the West of Scotland League, then there must be some very good teams above them. They must have felt very deflated on they’re 200 mile coach journey back home

No chips, so in Scotland and Scotch pie and Bovril.

I travelled up the M1 in constant rain and reduced speed limits to Ossett, a town in West Yorkshire on the opposite side of the motorway to Wakefield. Ossett United’s ground is on the northern edge of the town centre opposite the bus station. I parked in a public car park next to the bus station and hurried across the road to the ground, dodging as much rain as I could. Through the turnstile, I turned right to the food kiosk, which sat in a corner of the ground.

Seated behind one goal, sheltering from the rain, I contemplated the sad ground. This, though, was only due to the miserable conditions, and I’m sure on a different day it wouldn’t have looked so depressing. It was cool, too, with the temperature of 12 degrees feeling colder in the damp conditions as the rain swept across the pitch. The grass looked a bright green, but the goal mouth was already muddy, and I was surprised they were making it worse in the conditions by practising in it before kick off. The pitch was up and down in parts and looked like it sloped slightly from end to end.

The warming coffee and chips were welcome as I waited for the match to start. The ground shows it’s age but there are some strong signs of renewal with new floodlights, also used as phone masts and perimeter fencing. The informative program also had an article about the fundraising and plans to update the club house.

The ground is basically open with level and a small tiered area of open standing on three sides. There are two small areas that are covered on opposite sides of the centre circle. Fans mainly congregate in the large seated covered end with standing behind the seats.

Ossett United has only been in existence since 2018 with the merger of former Osset Town AFC and Ossett Albion. The previous teams were formed in 1936 and 1944, both achieving a high standard of football in the one town. Despite the headaches of merging two teams, a very costly court case against them by an opposing player and the disposal of one ground they have pulled through and maintain their Northern Premier, East Division status.

Ashington, by contrast, has a long history being formed in 1883. After  playing in North East Leagues, they were elected to the Football Leagues Third Division North in 1921 but only stayed for 8 years until they were not re-elected in 1929. Their return to North East Leagues was interrupted in 1958 when it’s demise saw them transfer to the Midland League, but travelling costs forced a decision to join the North Regional League. Further financial  problems meant in 1970 they played in the Northern League. Their Northern League life saw many ups and downs, and they  had to move from their Portland Park ground. Their first opponents at their new ground were Ossett Albion. Again, highs and lows on and off the pitch were stabilised in 2018, resulting in a golden period resulting in promotion to the Northern Premier League in 2024.

Ossett United FC 1 Ashington AFC 2

Saturday 20th Septemner 2025, 15.00 pm kickoff. Prospect Road, Ossett, WF5 9HL.   Attendance 218

Northern Premier League, East Division.  17th v 22nd (bottom).

Ossett United F.C. nickname “The Ramicorns” or “The Sheepicorns”, Ashington The Colliers.

Ossett in all blue with a light blue dart on the sides, goalkeeper purple/pink
Ashington in all green with some yellow vertical stripes on chest, goalkeeper in all light blue.

After 10 minutes, Ashington were moving the ball much cleaner despite the continual rain, which was blowing almost horizontal across the pitch. Only Yorkshire Water Company must have been happy as their depleted reservoirs were filling up. Although the away team had shown the best attacking intent, it took a good save to his right for their goalkeeper to beat out for a corner, Ossetts only strong shot on goal of the half. Six minutes after this and four before the break, the deadlock was broken when a beautifully flighted ball in from the left was met by Jish Gilcrist, who unopposed headed it past the keeper for Ashington to lead.

Ossett tried to counter with some pressure before half time to no effect.

The rain continued as the second half started, and Ashington continued to be the side most likely to add to their total. This they did in the 71st.minute when Liam Henderson nipped in to score after the home defence failed to clear.

As in the first half the goal galvanised the home team and their renewed efforts were rewarded when Jack Crook moved into the goal area on his own and placed a great shot into the right corner of the net to the right of the diving keeper. Although there were only a few minutes of added time left, it was not enough for Ossett, and Ashington returned home with the three points and a lift off the bottom of the table.

It would be difficult to predict the season for either of these two teams after a game that was definitely influenced by the conditions. I should return on a sunny, dry day when I’m sure I will get a different view of Ossett.

The Chips were hot,  crinkle cut, golden,  crispy, and tasty with  soft centres but slightly greasy gaining a score of 64. The chips and coffee were a great comfort as I waited for the game to start.

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I travelled south to Melton Mowbray to see a United Counties Premier North game between Melton Town and Hucknal Town. I did so with some trepidation because knowing that it was a new modern ground at a sports complex, I expected a bland arena.

The ground is in the Melton Sports Village on the south side of town. There is an exercise suite, sports hall for badminton, 5 a side football, basketball. Table tennis, roller disco and more. Outside are all weather pitches for tennis, football, hockey and a rugby pitch that I could see. As I turned up, the car park was full and a large crowd were watching the rugby. Luckily, there was enough parking for all, and I walked down to a new turnstile entrance that revealed a 3G pitch, which appeared to have a slight slope from end to end. Also, a fantastic new clubhouse called ‘Pitch side’ that had plenty of space and seating a well stocked bar, two large TV’s, a juke box and  the toilets were immaculate too. Next to this is a changing room. These facilities cover one end with some seating on the veranda of the’Pitch side’. The other end is open with flat standing. On one side, there is a small, ample seating area, and on the opposite side, a small covered standing area. This is made of wood and gives a feeling of having some history, but I’m sure it’s not that old.

The temperature was about 19 degrees with a grey overcast sky, with some fluffy clouds, with a few blue chinks and a damp feeling in the air.

History

Melton Town FC have had a few reincarnation to get to where they are today. Formed in 1894, they only lasted two years in the Leicestershire and Northamptonshire League. Reborn again for two years in 1910 in the Leicestershire Senior League, they didn’t surface again until 1945 and this time spent 9 years. Back again in 1972, they were able to gain promotion to the Central Midlands League in 1986 and move up to the Premier League Two seasons later.

However, by 1992, they disbanded when planning problems with their floodlights were the last straw. Reformed again in 2004 as Melton Mowbray FC they played in Leicester leagues until their promotion to the UCL in 2016. 2016 also saw a move to a new ground and a change of name to Melton Town. Since then, they have moved up to the UCL Premier North, changed to a 3G pitch and built a new clubhouse. A fantastic journey  that has now grown deep roots.

Hucknall Town FC were formed in 1943 as Hucknall Colliery Welfare FC and changed its name to Hucknall Town 44 years later. By 1999, they were playing in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. Despite finishing as Champions in 2004, they were refused entry to the then Conference because of ground issues. Despite this, they nearly won the FA Trophy 2 years later, only losing on penalties to Greys Athletic in the final. After this, they went through a disastrous time being relegated 5 levels by 2013 to the Central Midlands League. Strenuous efforts to rectify financial problems worked, and the club won their League in 2019. After a short stay in the East Midlands League, they were moved to the United Counties League and are now in the Premier Division.

Melton Town FC 1 Hucknall Town FC 2

Saturday 30th August 2025, 15.00 pm kickoff.  United Counties League, Premier North.  Attendance 167.

The Pork Pie Army v The Yellows/The Town,  14th v 13th

Melton were in all red, the goalkeeper all grey with black shoulder flashes.

Hucknall; Yellow shirts with black shorts, the goalkeeper in all orange.

Hucknall Town had the better of the first 15 minutes coming closest to scoring. Both teams looked lively, showing good skills at a fast pace in an increasing wind. By the end of the half, the home team had turned it round and were looking most likely to score.

Melton created good runs on the wings, particularly the right, but crosses were missed or blocked by the visitors. It was a run through the middle by Toby Fura  from 30 yards out that broke the deadlock when he steadied the ball,  moved forward, shot along ground to the goalkeepers right, into bottom right hand corner. Despite the goalkeeper getting his fingertips to it,

Melton were in front. They weren’t ahead for long, 4 minutes later, a high ball in from a freekick on the left gave Lewis Belgrave a free header into the right side of the goal.

The game became free flowing with the home side missing chances again created from the right wing. Melton rued their chances when in the final minutes a copycat free kick, from the left, presented Taylor Jaine, with another free header at the far post which he looped over the rooted keeper for a 2.1 lead.

There was little added time for the home side to respond, and Hucknall were joyous in their win.

For me, though, Melton Town won as well with their great facilities, friendly atmosphere, and attacking football. This combination can only grow their fan base and increase the income for the club.

There were no chips, but in Melton Mowbray, the home of the pork pie, what else could you have. It was delicious and served on a football pitch serviette, amazing. Great staff, four behind the bar, meant the large queue at half time was dealt with in a flash.

After my trip to see Berwick Rangers, I was lucky enough to be able to be able to go to Llangollen Town FC to see them play.

Llangollen set in the valley of the river Dee is a town frequented by tourists for its picturesque setting, the Llangollen herritage railway, and the Llangollen branch of the Shropshire canal. The whole area is a UNESCO World Herritage Site, including the amazing Pontcysyllte Aquaduct.

The football pitch has a stunning backdrop, too, with hills and trees all around, just meters away from the water flowing in the valley floor. There was plenty of parking, with overflow cars parked on the adjacent field. Over 100 people had turned up on a  glorious evening with the car registering 30 degrees with the blue sky interrupted by some high white ribbons of cloud.

The yellowing grass pitch sloped from side to side, and the uneven surface had not been helped by some previous mole activity.

There was a modern club house with changing rooms and spectators facilities,  infront of which was a 2 tier covered seating area with some standing behind it

The pitch is surrounded by railings and a flat concrete path. There was a lot of chat and banter in both English and Welsh within the good crowd of about 100+. With only 5.3 miles by car between the clubs, it was a very local derby.

One of the ladies from the food kiosk came round with a tub and card machine during the game, suggesting a payment of £4 to watch the match and seemed to be getting a good response.

With an expansion of the top league in Wales at the end of the season, a good finnish by either of these two clubs could bring better chances of promotion.

Llangollen Town F.C  0 Cefn Albion 2

Tuesday 12th August 2025, Kick off 18.30 pm.  Ardal North League, North East Division (Third tier of Welsh Football). 15th v 4th

Llangollen; Shirts  red and blue vertical stripes with red shoulders and blue patch on the back. Blue shorts.  Goalkeeper in all grey.

Cefn Albion; All white strip, shirts with blue shoulders. Goalkeeper in all lime green.

Albion were on top in the 1st 15 minutes with some tasty tackles on the hard ground.

The temperature had not dropped  and the teams came off for a quick drinks break on 23 minutes.

Within 2 minutes of the re-start a Llangollen defender  handled a shot on goal. Albion’s number 6 hit it hard into the top right of the net to give  them a 1 nil lead.
Llangollen were being continually pegged back and their rearguard play looked solid.  The Llangollen goalkeeper was also called on to make some good saves.
Play was interrupted  with balls being lost in the adjacent trees and bushes.

But just on half-time a  long ball to Albions number 6, was controlled, steadied, and slipped along the ground, beating goalkeeper, for a forward to tap in. If not for that goal Llangollen could still have been in it as the referee immediately blew for the break.

During half-time an impromptu game between 20 or so lads,at one end kept some of the crowd amused.

Llangollen came more into the game as the second half started with play being very even. Another drinks break was needed halfway through the 45 minutes, after which Cefn made various changes and but for the home teams goalkeeper, would have added to their tally.

The defeat for Llangollen sent them to the foot of the league table whilst Cefn Albion moved up to second.

This was a beautiful evening for football, appreciated by all spectators, but hard work for the players in the heat. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the efforts put in by Llangollen for the spectators. It’s going to be a long, hard season for them, though.

Luckily, there were some chips in the clubhouse, which was spacious and manned by two happy women. One of which collected the 4 pounds from the fans. What would clubs do without such helpers.

While in the area, I also visited the Cambrian Herritage Railway at Oswestry. A well run little railway which had an engine with reference to football.

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Alun Evans was a key player for Liverpool and Villa in the 1970’s and scored 130 goals in his senior career in both England and Australia.

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