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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After such a long wait for the new football season, I started my  pre- season training at one of my favourite venues.

On Tuesday, 22nd of July, I was lucky enough to see the final of the Crammond Cup at ‘The Stanks’ just next to the walls of Berwick Castle. The Crammond Cup is for those teams knocked out in the early rounds of the Berwick Charities Cup, a competition held for over 100 years to raise money for local good works.

The final should have been played on the previous Saturday, but the constant down poor made it unplayable. Both teams, Prior Wolfs and Murder on Zidancefloor were without players who could have made the Satuday match but this didn’t matter to them two teams on the pitch and the well over 150 fans who turned up to watch. A rough count had it at 16 on the ramparts, 24 at the Ice Cream Van end with the rest on the road and wall side. There were behind one end with 16 young boys having their own final. Great noise and celebrations after each goal.

This is a family fun competition run by a small band of dedicated people who epitomises grass roots, football, and community. I have been proud to have supported it for the last 3 years.

This years pitch had been prepared to a lush green grass cover that was pot marked by some bald patches made by mole hills that had been dealt with earlier.

There were grey building clouds, getting darker, which made it seem more like autumn than the outstanding summer we have had so far. The wind was blowing right to left and kept the temperature down, and prompted the need for a jumper.

Berwick Castle Wall Tuesday 22nd July 2025.   7 pm kick off.

Murder on Zidancefloor.  White shorts, white shirts that graduated down to blue at the waist. Goal keeper, lime green top, black shorts.

Prior Wolfs, red tops with short navy sleeves, with blue shorts. Goal keeper in an orange top and black shorts.

Prior put on most of the pressure in the first 10 minutes and after a further 10 minutes a  quick break from defence to the left saw the ball crossed to the head of number 9 in centre of goal, his attempt looped over the goalkeeper to give them the lead.

Murder on Zidancefloor responded  with some attacking zeal. They were the better team right up until half time with their diminutive number 12, the stand-out player of the first half.

After a quick five minute turn round at half time ‘Murder’ continued to be on top for the first 15 minutes of the second half.

Their efforts, though, were in vain when with 17 minutes of the half gone, Prior Wolfs swung in a corner from the right that was headed home, like a bullet, by their unmarked number 7.
Just a few minutes later it was all over when a frree kick from the  left was not dealt with by the  defence and the goalkeeper managed to palm a  shot onto the  upright for after a  further blocked shot it was rifflef in for 3 nil.

There was no coming back now, although Murder on Zidancefloor did not give up.

On 19 minutes, another inswinger, this time from the right, was met by 9 who headed down and in.
On 21 minutes, it was 5 nil after a tap  in to left of goal. The 6th, perhaps the best of the night,  when  from outside box number 7 controlled a pass swivelled and smashed it into net. As the game concluded, a corner from the right was  met by a stooping header that squeezed  into the  inside of the pot.

A well-deserved wi for Prior Wolfs, but their opponents provided a good test which served up a great final. The winners were also the organisers and the community of fans that enjoyed their night out.

From the Nutmeg tree seed, a spice is produced, and from its shell, a spice named mace is made.

Both these spices are used for flavouring both sweet and savoury dishes. Used in excess quantities, you can experience hallucinations.

These feelings I am getting now as I dream of a new football season. Unfortunately, there is yet any normality as we still await the Non-League fixtures of 2025/26 to be published. The upper leagues have already published theirs for maximum exposure, and we are enduring the FIFA, Club World Cup, but surely some reality is needed.

For this, I have turned to the latest quarterly Scottish football magazine ‘NUTMEG’, which, as usual with its exemplary, engrossing written style, is sustaining me and lifting my spirits.

Thank you Nutmeg.

I have also been sustaining myself in readiness for the new seasons ‘Chip League’ and recently was lucky to have some chips that, if served up at a football ground, would have been winners. Great chips at ‘The Daffodil Tea Rooms ‘ in Eakring.

This Is How It Feels, An English Football Miracle

Written by Mike Keegan, Published by Reach Sport 2021

I don’t usually read autobiographies or biographies but I picked this book up and found that it was not either of these, but a brilliantly written book by Mike Keegan, a long term fan of Oldham Athletic about the arrival of Joe Royale at the club on a lorry and the fairy tale journey of a team that was down and out financially and on the pitch, to slowly rise to the top division in England and appearances at Wembley.

It is not just a football book but a social commentary of the despair of northern towns/cities fighting against the industrial ravages of the 80s and 90s. The town had lost much of its faith in the football club too, but Joe Royale, his team and the overall management team ignite their passion in the club and lift the spirits of the town in general.

I had forgotten this story with other personal things taking over my world at the time. Joe Royale, who was an exceptional player, put his whole heart and soul into this journey despite lucrative offers to move elsewhere. If you want a warm feel-good book, this is it.

I have been to Oldham Athletic for a meal cooked by MasterChef winner Simon Wood but never to see a football match, this I will remedy in the new season.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a lift, whether a football fan or not.

N.B.  On 1st June 2025, Oldham won the National League Playoff final at Wembley and will play in League 2 of the EFL in the new season.

Back in January 2019, I wrote about the passing of Hugh McIlvanney, one of the greatest sports writers of his time and an inspiration to me to read and write on football. The last few days have seen the passing of Brian Glanville, another colossus of writing on football. He was a prolific writer who didn’t hold back on his views and criticisms of players, officials, administrators, the game, and more. He had earned this rite and admiration of fellow soccer alumni through a career that included writing for Corriere Dello Sport, living in Italy, and most notably for the Sunday Times. A prolific writer of books, he also wrote the screenplay GOAL! the official film of the 1966 World Cup that won a BAFTA.

With McILvanney, he was at the pinnacle of his profession, and his passing perhaps represents the passing of the last greats of the written word on football. Now replaced by YouTube and Pod Casts, which I am sure he would have stood astride of those media if they would have been available in his era.

Another season of sheer joy watching all levels of football, seeing one of the best games I have ever seen, an abandoned game, promotions, pitch invasions, nostalgia, re-birth, disappointment and a little boredom and much more.

It all started at Fakenham, one holiday evening in July when the football was relaxed and the burger cooked on a barbeque outside was the highlight. 38 games later at my penultimate game I would be there to see Bradford City fans, players and officials joy in gaining promotion, 40 years after the fire at the ground that claimed the lives of 56 people.

On the way, I saw Hallam reel in Selsden’s huge points advantage but just failed to pip them in the quest for automatic promotion. They managed it via the playoffs.

A visit to St Albans, 70 years on, saw them win, although they still suffered relegation from the National League South. Ian Culverhouse, Paul Bastock, and the rest of the team have agreed to stay on for next season. They were hired too late for St Albans to avoid the drop, in the end, by only 1 point after at one time looking completely doomed at Christmas.

I always enjoy an evening of  football at Matlock, but a poor showing in their FA Cup replay was only a portent to their relegation at the end of the season.

Wakefield failed again in the playoffs to get out of NCEL Division One, and I watched them play at home, this time at Fatherstone Rovers ground. Last year, it was at Wakefield Trinity’s.  This nomadic romp may soon be over as they try to secure a permanent home at Brook Farm. In the Dearne Valley, there continues to be a resurgence, and it is Wombwell Town that has developed an impressive ground and gained promotion.

From visiting Premier grounds at Wolves and Villa to watching Sheffield Students in the 12th tier, I have been impressed at the quality of football. Talking of Students I again visited Loughborough Students, one of my favourite haunts, but this was soured by a £70 parking fine over a £1 parking fee. This was eventually squashed after the usual battle.

A stop off at Hackney Marshes to reminisce and nearby ‘The Old Spotted Dog’ to see the oldest ground in London was a happy event. Not so happy was the trip to North Leicester to see an abandoned game at Ansty Nomads, I still haven’t dried out.

European football was provided by TNS at Shrewsbury, and I later visited their true home ground near Oswestry. This is a very well run club that deserves its status as the best Welsh team. Competition in the Cymru leagues will be fierce in the coming season with a new structure looming and being based on this seasons placings.

I finally made it to Appleby Froddingham in Scunthorpe after a few re-routed journeys due to bad weather. The friendliness made up for the average facilities, and I am pleased to see that they have been reprieved relegation and remain allocated in the 10th tier. The facilities were not extensive at Keswick, but, ‘Oh’, what a scenic ground in the park, with the Lake District Hills as a backdrop.

Great to have seen a Bury victory as they make their slow but sure come back through the leagues. What marvellous support they have both home and away. A mention of support brings me back to St Albans, where despite relegation, they still hosted the 5th highest average attendance in the National League South.

County cups are often forgotten by clubs, yet on a cold evening I saw Ashbourne nearly upset Clay Cross, a team who won the United Counties Division One, in my view one of the hardest leagues to get out of anywhere in the country due to its competitiveness. The oldest derby in the world drew a crowd well over 1500 at Hallam to see them beat Sheffield Fc in ‘The Sheffield and Hallamshire County Cup’. The final of the cup where Worksop just beat Hallam was my final game of the season.

I have saved the highlights and lowlights to last. Visiting Gretna and watching some surprisingly skilful football and some skilful parking and a tasty scotch pie. A visit to Wembley to see Aston Villa not turn up and be humiliated by Crystal Palace and experience the worst football food of the season, the FA should do better. Biggleswade were down and out at half time at Coleshill in the cup, but turned it round, eventually winning 4,5, especially pleasing for their Chairman whom I went to school with. Another 4.5, this time on penalties after 4.4 after extra time, saw Gainsborough Trinity beating Hednesford after also looking to have no way back. This game was one of the most exciting I have ever seen in my long history of watching football.

For sheer emotion, the joy of the fans of Bradford City, when their 95th minute winner and promotion clincher went in, was my highlight of the season. To have been their and experience it was tingling.

Another season awaits.