You have to deal with disappointments following the Villa Part 2

On Wednesday I was treated to see Aston Villa play Manchester City at the Ethiad. The last game I had seen Villa play was in their 2023 home defeat to Stevenage when I posted ‘You have to deal with disappointments following the Villa’ after I saw them dumped out of the FA Cup by the League 2 side.

So much has changed under the fantastic Unai Emery, a place in European football and fourth place in the league behind Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City.

On my last visit to the Etihad I watched a limp Villa go down badly, without much fight, in what unfolded as their relegation year.

The Etihad is an amazing stadium with further development on going as they add further seating behind one goal. This will complete the refashioning of the stadium which will then have a capacity of 61968, certainly worthy of World Club Champions. Its not just the ground that catches the breath but also the other pitches and facilities that have been built to ensure their continued success. The club shop was busy with a lot of foreign voices looking at and buying merchandise, emphasising that this has become a true football tourist destination.

There are those that would say that it is just a franchise model copied from the USA with vast amounts of foreign money invested to give their owners the best publicity for themselves. There are also rumours that the Premier league are looking at circa 150 breaches of their rules, of which a verdict has taken a long time coming as against punishments metered out against Everton and Nottingham Forest for breaking the Profitability and Sustainability Rules. These rules are hampering competition from up and coming clubs who may have the resource to buy outstanding players and make competition more equal but can not because they will breach the profitability rules and be deducted points.

Against all of this Manchester City have truly helped English club football achieve the highest status in Europe for players and managers alike. Others have followed or are readying to join the party.

Back to the evening, having not pre booked parking we found ourselves both parked in what we felt appeared to be dodgy ‘secure parking’ which however turned out fine, We walked to the ground, very early, and walked around the stadium killing time to be let in 2 hours before the game. Meat pie, coffee, a look at the program and a lot of catching up meant the time whizzed by and we sat in our seats high up in the Villa section. The seats were the trial standing ones, which you could almost call cages, and as expected the Villa fans stood the whole game.

Villa’s season has been exceptional but long term and niggling injuries have played their part too. Only 40 minutes before the start we heard that Martinez will not be in goal due to a sickness. This added to recent injuries to Ollie Watkins, Pau Torres (on the bench being brought back into the team), John Mc Ginn suspended, and long term Tyrone Mings, Emi Buendia, Boubacar Kamara, Matty Cash and Jacob Ramsey who keeps coming back and then breaking down again all of whom are side-lined. So it was with some trepidation that we viewed the game but like all fans there was hope and the Villa away fans were in good humour and voice as they greeted their heroes and goaded a rather quiet Manchester support.

Manchester City 4 Aston Villa 1

Wednesday 3rd April 2024 English Premier League, Kick off 20.15 pm

Etihad Stadium, Ashton New Road, Manchester M11 3FF

3rd v 4th, Manchester City nickname, City (Amongst others): Aston Villa nickname, Villa.

City: Sky blue shirts and white shorts. Villa: Claret shirts with light blue sleeves with claret shorts with light blue side slash.

Villa immediately set up to defend and make quick stylish breaks on the counter with City moving forward with methodical play and releasing the wide wingers of Doku on the right and Grealish on the left. It was Doku who was causing the greatest havoc and some neat play to get him past the defenders enabled him to pinpoint a ball to Rodri on the near post to ram home. City continued this style but to the Villa fans delight Grealish, who was booed or given a rendition of ‘Villa till I die’ every time he touched the ball was forced inside on his right foot every time and looked lost and ineffective.

Villas counter attacking set up bore fruit on 20 minutes when Morgan Rogers put Jhon Duran in on goal to put the ball past Stefan Ortega, in goal for City, with a sweeping fierce shot.

Continuing nerves at City attack after attack brought us to 45 minutes and still level but there were still 4 minutes of added time to see out. A disputed free kick just off centre of the goal keepers area was converted by Phil Foden with a free kick to the right of Olsen. If the Villa wall would have stood strong the ball would have hit Zaniolo and not meant the home side had the advantage at half time.

The second half saw Douglas Luiz test Ortega but an equaliser wasn’t coming and Villa conceded two more goals in the 62nd and 69th minute to two thunderbolts from Phil Foden, a top class act on the night, above many class acts.

For Villa Olsen deputising for Martinez, arguably the best keeper in the world at the moment, did well and could not have been faulted for any of the goals.

Villa fans kept singing even on the stair wells as they left the ground and drifted of with the surge of other supporters down the Ashton New Road.

Man City kept up their challenge on the top 3 and Villa stayed in fourth and need to revive tired legs for their home game with Brentford at the weekend. This may have been another of those dealing with disappointment moments, but somehow it didn’t because you just knew that everyone gave everything they could on the night.

No Chips, again, so it was another steak pie , compared to Mondays at Chesterfield it was drier and had less chunky meat, but in reality it was welcome even though 75 P dearer. the coffee though was 25 P cheaper but was very weak.

Great night out, up the Villa.

After the Lord Mayors Show

For my Easter football I travelled locally to watch Chesterfield, at the pinnacle of Non-League Football (As National League Champions), play at home to relegation challenged Kidderminster.

I parked at the far end of Stand Park and took a leisurely walk to the ground in light drizzle with a grey sky overhead. I had heard on the radio driving in that nearby Mansfield’s game at home to Accrington Stanley had just been postponed after a morning deluge. Too late to stop the Accrington team whose manager along with their hosts wanted to play but the referee had deemed it unplayable and dangerous.

Chesterfield’s Stadium is one of the best new grounds which although showing its concrete construction on the outside has four separate all seater stands that give a more iconic feel. With a capacity of 10600 and a strong fan base these facilities and the town deserve to have re-joined the Football League family. The success of the facilities have been rewarded in the past with England Under 19 matches. The old Saltergate, now a housing complex, is remembered fondly for past highlights and atmosphere. but was not fit for the modern world.

After a coffee and watching the end of the early kick off on the monitors I was surprised to find that the sun was out and the sky was bright blue with some fluffy white clouds.

The very flat grass pitch was sanded in the goalmouths and a few other areas.

Chesterfield formed in 1866 claim to be the 4th oldest league club still in existence. A chequered history of league status and liquidation led to their reincarnation when they re-joined the football league in 1921. They have been up and down the leagues in their history but reached a low point in 2018 being relegated to the National League. Off the field problems were resolved by a take over in 2020 by a Community Trust who with great local support have steered the club to a new era of major ownership by local Paul and Ashley Kirk.

Kidderminster were founded in 1886 playing in the newly formed Birmingham and District League. Always a strong midlands non-league team they won the FA Trophy in 1987 and made it to the Football League for 5 seasons in 2000. They dropped down to the National league North but came back to the Premier Division in 2023.

Chesterfield FC 1 Kidderminster Harriers 3

Monday 1st April National League; 15.00 pm kick off.

SMH Group Stadium, 1866 Sheffield Road, Chesterfield, S41 8NZ

1st v 22nd Spireites v The Reds

Chesterfield: Royal Blue shirts and white shorts, Kidderminster: Red shirts with white front, red shorts.

The Kidderminster team and the officials provided a guard of honour to welcome the newly crowned national League Champions onto the pitch.

The 338 Kidderminster fans were in good voice to start the game and apart from one great save by the Kidderminster keeper it was no surprise when they took the lead as early as 7 minutes. The ball fell to Ashley Hemmings who hit it first time across the home defence and goalkeeper to see it nestle into the far corner of the net.

Kidderminster took control of the game, first to the ball, strong in the tackle, harrying all over the pitch they were a team determined to stay ahead. With 30 minutes gone it all went wrong for them when a cross in from the right was met by Matt Preston who instead of clearing the ball he sliced his kick which went over his head and into the roof of the net for Chesterfield’s equaliser.

Chesterfield now had a period of domination, but apart from forcing a brilliant save down to his right by Dibble, who managed to palm out the deflected shot, they lacked any clear cut chances.

Kidderminster came out in the second half with a new intensity with Zak Brown slotting the ball between Chesterfield keeper’s legs after the rebound from Boot’s initial save with only 3 minutes gone. Kidderminster’s forceful play reaped further rewards when on 56 minutes a ball was cleared only to Matt Preston just outside the goal area and he drilled it along the ground into the net via the righthand post. Redemption for Preston’s previous own goal and a lead not to be given up.

After Banks came on for Chesterfield with 30 minutes left he did manage to distribute the ball more effectively and into more attacking positions but Kidderminster’s resolve was not tested. They went away with the three points but did not get out of the drop zone. With other teams having played less games around them they need to win all of their three remaining matches to have a chance of survival. If the team and the supporters have any say they might just do it.

As for Chesterfield I can only surmise at their poor showing. Having been crowned champions so early they have little to play for, they have celebrated too hard, they have seen the retained list or they feel they are already on the beach.

The crowd of 8337 turned up looking towards next year, I hope the enthusiasm does not wane with some late indifferent shows.

Unfortunately no chips at Chesterfield but I did try the steak and ale pie which was deep, filled with large chunks of meat and thick gravy, as well as being tasty.

Sunday sunshine only for Trooper.

I decided not to take part in Non-League day but Sunday League day instead.

I drove South to watch the FA Sunday Cup Semi Final between Trooper and AFC Hackleton.

The FA Sunday Cup was started in 1964, and this year has seen a record entry of 124 clubs. Although Sunday football has a national importance in the game, due to its inclusiveness and involvement at all levels, it has yet to be given the honour of the final being played at Wembley. The game on Sunday’s did not get FA sanction until 1960 but was played much earlier outside of their jurisdiction.

There are many at all levels who remember fondly turning out on muddy uneven pitches in all weathers, with a group of friends (sometimes loosely only connected by the team), with kit that had not been seen for a week and after a late few nights as the weekend unfolded. My first involvement was at 16 playing as a guest in a Jewish Sunday League that played all over the South East of England playing for Luton Nomads. My career ended with Kingsbury Old Boys (although not a Kingsbury Old Boy) on corporation pitches in and around Luton.

The Semi Final was a ticket only game at Northampton Town’s Sixfields Stadium.

Trooper were formed in 1981 and play in the Tamworth and District Sunday League and have become a very strong team in their area winning many recent competitions. AFC Hackleton started in 2010 in the village South East of Northampton and play in the Nene Sunday League.

It was a sunny day with the temperature showing 13.5 on the car display as I parked outside the ground. The crowd of 1090 seated in the shade, which meant that by the time I left my feet felt like lumps of ice although out on the pitch it must have been warm under the bright blue sky.

Trooper 1 Hackleton AFC 1

Trooper winning 4.3 on penalties

Sunday March 24th 14.00 pm kick off Sixfields Stadium, Northampton NN5 5JT

FA Sunday Cup Semi Final

Trooper: bright green and white vertical stiped shirt fronts with green backs and green shorts

Hackleton: White shirts and Black shorts.

Hackleton started the game playing some controlled football and dominated the first 30 minutes. But as often is the case it was their opponents, Trooper, who took the lead, when on 32 minutes a wayward pass was intercepted and hit forward for their number14 to run onto. He breezed past the fullback and from the right hand side of the penalty area advanced to slot a ball along the ground, past the keeper leaving the ball nestled in the far corner. The flow of the game now seemed interrupted and half time came with Trooper still ahead.

Trooper came out in the second half with gusto and but for two great saves from the Hackleton keeper should have put the game beyond the Northamptonshire side.

Hackleton regained the initiative but despite many corners and some gigantic throws into the penalty area they were snuffed out by a resolute and competent trooper defence. With just over three quarters of the game gone scuffles in the left hand corner of the Hackleton attacking area held up the game for some time. The referee, his linesman and the fourth official deemed to have not seen much wrong doing but footage of the whole game, on YouTube, clearly shows a trooper defender pushing an opponent to the ground by his throat.

Hackleton pressed forward, hit the post, had a major miss and a clearance off the line, that looked suspiciously as if it had crossed it, before they equalised. A high through ball was nodded down by the number 9 to Ed Panter who riffled the ball home in the 87th minute. It was justice for Panter who had been ruffed up all game as he continually battled to beat the Trooper defence down the right wing.

The game had many nervy minutes of added time, following previous long stoppages, but it stayed at 1.1 to bring on the dreaded penalties.

Two penalty saves a piece left the score at 3.3 however after Trooper had made it 4.3 Ed Panter stepped up but missed. It was all over and the Trooper team and some of their fans ran on the pitch to goad the disconsolate Hackleton fans.

In the other semi final Home Bargains (from the Liverpool area) beat Highgate to set up a final with Trooper.

I enjoyed the game which was poorly controlled by the officials. Northampton Town organised the event well although there were no chips.

Harborough checked by the Steelmen.

An early morning start to get to Brackley for an under 8’s Cup semi-final. Travelling on the M1 early on a Saturday morning is always easy so an early arrival gave me a chance to look at the pitch next to the 3g pitch the game was to be played on. This was next doors Brackley Town’s Ground which looked very tidy and inviting and I have marked it down for a future visit.

Unfortunately the team I had gone to watch lost 3.2 to Brackley but there was more football to follow. Not Brackley’s home game to Hereford but Harborough Town at home to Corby. This match was all ticket, there having been problems with the away supporters at Harborough in a previous encounter. There was good parking here next to the Rugby ground and the local Sports Centre. A noticeable police presence and each ticket was marked off against a list as you entered. This hadn’t deterred the 812 who were there, the highest home or away league attendance to watch Harborough all season.

There is only 11 miles, a 19 minute drive, between Market Harborough and Corby, which meant its local derby billing added to the fact that Harborough are top of the League and pushing for promotion. Harborough Town’s run in to the seasons end looks difficult in that they now have 6 away games left and only 3 home.

The pitch here is artificial with other similar training and junior pitches next door. It is flat with two small seated stands on one side as well as a small covered terraced area. The other three sides are open, fully tarmacked, with the clubhouse and changing rooms set back from one end.

It felt colder than the 10 degrees which was due to the cold wind whipping down the ground from end to end. The skies were mainly grey but a few blue patches peeped through every now and then. We stood at one end and felt the cool air as segregation of the fans precluded us from walking round and finding somewhere more comfortable.

Harborough Town came about in 2007 with the merger of Harborough Town Juniors Harborough Spencers and Harborough Minis. Starting in the Northants Combination within 3 years they had progressed to the United Counties league and won the Southern Division in 2022 progressing to the Northern Premier League. This meteoritic rise has been matched with the new 3G (Class 1 Pitch) in 2018 and other supporter facilities.

Corby Town were founded in 1948 and have developed well since moving from local Leagues through the United Counties, Midland League, Southern League and now Northern Premier League (Midland Division) through promotions, relegations and F.A. reorganisations. Floodlights were added to their Rockingham Triangle ground in 1958 when they stepped up to the Southern League and their current modern stadium was opened in 2011.

Harborough Town 1 Corby Town 1

Saturday 16th March 15.00 pm kick off The Bees v The Steelmen 1st v 10th

Harborough Town Community Football Ground, Northampton Road, Market Harborough, LE16 9HF, Known locally as the Beehive.

Northern Premier league midland Division.

Harborough Town; all yellow kit. Corby Town; all royal blue kit.

The first thing we noticed was the size of the home defence, they towered over everyone and as the game progressed it was noticeable that they were mobile too. But it was Corby who pressured the Harborough goal with quick balls to the wing and fast overlaps to deliver crosses that caused concern. Corby also seemed to be playing to a plan of being aggressive in all aspects of the game and early on were lucky not to have a player sent off when it appeared to most in the ground that the Harborough fullback had been elbowed in the face after one encounter.

Harborough Town’s keeper was in fine form and looked majestic in his goal, stopping numerous shots. The Bee’s looked jaded in their attacks which were mainly high balls to the front line that were easily picked off by the steelmen. At 0.0 at half time there was all still to play for, after a first half that was shaded by Corby.

Corby duly took the lead with 18 minutes of the second half gone when Jordon O’Brien sent a penalty kick to Elliot Taylor’s right with the keeper just failing to keep it out.

This goal stung the bees into a response and with the game opening up both sides could have scored in quick succession, Harborough having a goal disallowed and Elliot Taylor making a great left handed save to deny Toby Hillard’s shot when he was clean through.

It was Harborough however who managed to score an equaliser on 84 minutes when a powerful shot from Connor Kennedy was not cleared and a Corby defender ended up in the net with the ball. Despite shaving the crossbar Harborough could not get a winner and the points were shared.

A fair result on the balance of play with Corby being the most pleased of the two teams. Harborough remain top of the league with a two point cushion from the chasing pack.

I was pleased to have visited this ground and seen the Harborough set up which has developed significantly on and off the field in the past few years.

The Chips, well, a 10 minute wait didn’t help, which was the result of the large crowd. They looked great, were hot, golden, crispy on the outside, but were limp and mushy on the inside and didn’t taste great. a poor score of 56.

Ashby Ivanhoe keep their season alive.

The British weather has not been good to sports clubs this winter. Many have suffered from flooded or just sodden pitches which have been unplayable for months. This has led some having to have to play their home fixtures away from home or at other venues. It has been financially disastrous for some losing much needed income at a time of high inflation, particularly fuel costs and at a time when they were just recovering from the ravages of Covid.

One club to be hit hard is Ashby Ivanhoe F.C. who are having to play their games at nearby Quorn F.C. Speaking to a few of their fans they said that they had not played a home game since mid November. Ashby managed to buy their ground in 2021 and are making plans to develop the stadium. Quorn’s ground is 15 miles (28 minutes drive) from Ashby’s and is an all weather pitch and the future of the game at this level. I have been here before and the facilities are impressive. Apart from the pitch, which is snooker table flat, there is a very large car park, a well appointed and spacious club house that has just been upgraded, a large seated covered stand and good hard standing all around.

The ground is reached either from the village or from the nearby A6, nestled in a housing estate apart from one side that is open to the countryside. The ground is sheltered by fir trees at either end but these are dwarfed by a ‘Mobile’ mast near the club house. Despite Ashby playing at Quorn they had produced a very impressive program for the game.

It was a grey afternoon with the temperature saying 11 degrees which it certainly wasn’t if you were in the wind. Luckily as we sat down to watch the game the sun came out and you could feel some early spring warmth. I had watched Skegness play late last year and they had impressed me so I expected a competitive game as Ashby were only three positions below them in the league.

Ashby Ivanhoe F.C. started a year later than Skegness Town F.C. in 1948 playing for many years in the Leicester senior Leagues until 2014, when they were promoted to the East Midlands Counties League. Two years later they entered the F.A. Cup for the first time. Further progress was made in 2019 with elevation to the Midland Premier League Division 1 in 2019 and up to the United Counties Premier Northern Division for this season.

Skegness Town AFC were formed in 1947 after the demise of Skegness United and Skegness Blue Rovers. After playing local football they joined the Midland Counties League in 1958 where they played until being founder members of the Northern Counties East League in 1982 where they stayed for just one season. A move back to Lincolnshire football saw them dominate the Lincolnshire League for many seasons and returned to The NCE League again for a short while in 2018 before being moved to the United Counties in 2021 due to the F.A. re-organisation.

Ashby Ivanhoe F.C. 2 Skegness Town AFC 2

Saturday 9th March 2024; Kick off 15.00 pm; 8th v 5th; The Knights v The Lilywhites

Ashby Ivanhoe F.C. – Lower Packington Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, LE65 1TS, played at Farley Way, Quorn, Loughborough, LE12 8RB

Ashby; Royal blue shirts and shorts, shirts have a red stripe on the shoulder. Skegness; Yellow and green vertical striped shirts with green shorts.

The game started at a quick pace with both teams making chances, but it was the home team who scored first when Samuel Grouse was put through on the right corner of the penalty area where he took one stride and hammered the ball along the ground into the corner of the net. Ashby were playing with ten men due to their number 5 being sin binned and Skegness took advantage on 19 minutes, attacking down the right a cross was met by a fierce shot which was parried by the keeper only for McCauley Parker to chip the ball back over the goalkeeper into the left hand side of the goal.

This all action competitive game kept delivering and with 30 minutes gone Skegness hit the bar twice and saw a header go inches over the bar in an attack. They were not to be denied though when 6 minutes later they took the lead when Luke Rayner-Mistry riffled the ball into the net after the headed clearance fell to him. Skegness left the field at half time leading 2.1, having just shaved the first half.

The game resumed with Ashby pressing hard and with 7 minutes gone, Chris Aycott, who was back on the pitch, having been sin binned in the first half, collected the ball in his own half, headed down the left wing and managed to cut the ball back across the goal, along the ground, for Will Groocock to tap in.

Back down the other end Skegness were awarded a soft penalty on 65 minutes but the kick to the left of the goalkeeper was saved. The game now seemed to relax as the teams batteries must surely have been running out.

A final score of 2.2 was fitting for the endeavour and commitment of the two teams and for the 200 fans who enjoyed the contest. Well done also to Quorn who allowed their near neighbours to complete their fixtures. I still have a visit to Ashby to come in the future.

The Chips were hot, golden, crispy on the outside, soft centre, tasty with only a slight greasy after taste. They scored a worthy 66.

Dunkirk just edged out by table toppers Bourne.

After a visit to Florence in the rain I headed south on the M1 to Dunkirk. Not the famous or perhaps infamous town in Northern France, 40 kilometers East of Calais, but the one in Nottinghamshire.

This Dunkirk is in South East of Nottingham and it is believed that the area’s name translated from Anglo-Saxon, is, ‘church ( kirk) on the hill (dun)’. There is also the riddle of why they are called the boatmen and have a man rowing a boat on their badge. I can only surmise that this is due to their nearness to the river Trent and nothing to do with bringing our troops home.

Fighting round the ring road in rush hour brings you to a small turning off a roundabout into Lenton Lane. This part of this busy road is more a country lane as it curves round next to the Trent to a sign pointing to Dunkirk FC. Like everywhere else I had to navigate the pot hole to get into the large nearly full car park that was pitch black. Drawn by sone lights in the distance I made my way to the club house and could see both teams warming up on some practice pitches. The ground was locked and everyone was heading like me to the large clubhouse with a bar for drinks and one for food. What struck me was how quiet it was, no music, no television and very little chatter. After coffee and chips I went to get into the ground but it was still locked and spectators waited outside before the floodlights were turned on at 19.33 and the gate was opened just after.

What a change in the weather as it was dry, no wind and at 8 degrees not cold although with no cloud cover that would change. The pitch was of grass and mainly flat with some undulating areas. There was a small seated stand behind one goal and on one side a smaller stand with seats and one for standing fans to shelter if it rained. Apart from that the ground was very open except for a row of poplar trees behind one end.

Dunkirk Fc have only been around since 1946 and played nearly fifty years in the Notts Alliance League until 1995 when they moved up to the Central Midlands League. They were founder members of the East Midland Counties Football League in 2008 and stayed there until they were transferred to the United Counties League Division 1 in 2021 when the EMCFL was disbanded in the F.A. reorganisation.

Bourne Town F.C. started in 1883 and are based in the South West corner of Lincolnshire. They played on and off in The Peterborough and District League until joining the United Counties League in 1947 which they left to return to the Peterborough and District in 1956. Only 5 years later they were off to the newly formed Midland League but by 1965 they were back for good in the United Counties.

Dunkirk F.C 0 Bourne Town F.C. 1

Tuesday 7th March 2024, 19.45 kick off. 5th v 1st, Boatmen v The Wakes

1 Lenton Lane, Nottingham, NG7 2SA

Dunkirk F.C. Red shirts, Black Shorts; Bourne Town F.C. Royal Blue shirts and shorts

Bourne were quick to impose their style of quick running wingers delivering high and low crosses into the box but were unable to get on the end of any. This was partly due to their forwards not being in the right place but also the strong defence and good goalkeeping of the home side. This pattern of play stayed the same for the whole half with Dunkirk having short bursts of pressure on Bourne’s goal.

Bourne continued the pressure at the start of the second half and were rewarded on 53 minutes when the ball was crossed from far out on the left wing hitting the cross bar, saved by the home keeper, eluding the defenders trying to clear the rebound, only for Henry Dunn to stroke the ball into the net.

The away team continued to create the most chances but failed to add to their tally and after a long delay due to a head injury to the home sides full back they eased up.

You felt that Dunkirk could get that equaliser and after 4 minutes of the ten minutes added time Dunkirk should have scored when one of their players managed to spoon a chance over the bar from two yards out.

Bourne maintained their impressive table topping run but Dunkirk were always in the game and my man of the match was the Dunkirk number 5 who played well and marshalled their defence admirably. A disappointing attendance of only 92 with a good few from Bourne.

While waiting for the ground to open I had to sample the chips. In the very quiet clubhouse my £1.50 chips were a good portion, hot, crispy (not too hard), tasty and not greasy. I enjoyed them so scored them a 65.

Florence in the rain.

Having escaped the rains of The British Isles I found their Italian equivalent in Florence. Much of Northern and Central Italy have also endured a wet, wet, wet winter.

While in the region I took the opportunity to watch the Serie A game between Fiorentina and Lazio. Fiorentina’s stadium is 3 kilometers from the city centre so I walked to the nearby Central Rail Station to get a number 7 bus which would drop me within walking distance of the ground.

An unexpected number 52 bendybus turned up with Stadio on the headboard and turning to a mid 20’s football scarfed fan he told me that this one was the one to get. Why as usual does everyone speak brilliant English and I can only manage a few basics. In a future life I am going to be fluent in Spansh and Italian.

My new friend beckoned me to follow when the bus stopped in an urban street and told me that this was where the bus departs for my return

Walking round the corner, the stadium revealed itself, built in the early 1930’s, a monument to Mussolini’s fascist architecture, made mainly of concrete.

My new friend offered to show me to the gate I needed which was in the opposite corner of the stadium to him but after declining the offer we shook hands and I set off in rain that was now of biblical proportions. By the time I had shown my paper ticket and ID (passport) there was not much left of the former and I began to fear that showing my wet passport on return to the UK might be a problem.

Once under cover I began to realise that there was little shelter for spectators. With a brief interlude in the rain I climbed the exterior to see my fears were correct and my seat in this 40000 plus arena was open to the elements.

At the top of the stairs you could see the whole ground which was remodelled for some World Cup Games in 1990 when the running track was removed to help create more seating.

I scuttled back under the stand to hide from a new wave of rain and sensibly bought a plastic poncho for protection. Unfortunately they only had green ones, so I stood out against the home supporters purple. There were a lot of purple poncho’s, they had obviously been in this position before.

Like most fans I left it as late as possible to take my seat and mopped it with my glove which I then wringed out. The poncho did its job and I didn’t get a wet backside.

There were a few Lazio supporters whose chants were met by a show of red flares and what sounded and felt like blast bombs.

The pitch was amazing, despite the deluge it appeared not to be retaining any water and players looked confident with the surface.

Fiorentina 2 Lazio 1

Monday 26th February 2024, 20.45 kick off.

Artemio Franchi Stadium, Viale Manfredo Fanti, 4, 50137 Firenze Italy

8th V 7th, Viola v The Eagles

Fiorentina ; Purple shirts and shorts : Lazio; Sky Blue shirts, white shorts.

Within a minute Fiorentina hit the cross bar and continued to dominate the first 15 minutes except for one Lazio corner. Fiorentina hit the post on 20 minutes when they should have scored and hit it again five minutes later.

Lazio didn’t deal well with the numerous home sides corners and long throws but as often happens a quick break away and Lazio players queued up to run on to the ball with only the goalkeeper to beat. It was Alberto who made it first to the ball and scored.
You could have said it was robbery, or a great game plan, that the visitors went in one ahead at half time.

The rain was still falling at half time.

The home side continued to press in the second half as Lazio were content just to soak up the pressure but the constant barrage was rewarded on 59 minutes when a ball was swung across the goal from the left and cleared everyone allowing Kayode, Fiorentina’s right back, to overlap and drill the ball into the roof of the net.

The home sides attacks were now constant and 6 minutes later a forward was pulled down in the penalty area and despite lengthy disputes the referee didn’t waver. A Fiorentina player stepped up to hit the penalty to the right of the keeper, who was beaten, but the post saved Lazio.

Fiorentina’s quest for number two was rewarded a few minutes later when a shot was parried by the keeper only for Bonaventura, one of two forwards who were following up, to easily score.

With 20 minutes left Lazio tried to rally and made substitutions but they just didn’t have the cutting edge to threaten an equaliser.

Fiorentina moved above Lazio in the league adapting to the down poor much better than their opponents, or just wanting to win the game more. Lazio have a Champions League second leg coming up and could have been distracted by that prize. Their persistent slow play out from the back, although showing some great skills, with taps, flicks, back heels etc, was thoroughly boring and when they finally reached the halfway line there were no openings for them to link with their forwards. This dull play in my view is crying out for a Graham Taylor to shake things up, heresy to most, but it’s needed!

Great refereeing by the man in the middle, who on numerous occasions waved play on for theatrical injuries that resulted in recovery once play had moved on.

There were no chips and instead I had a warm hot dog and the smallest coffee I have ever had at a football ground. They also sold roasted peanuts, something I have not seen at an English game for ages, but as a seasoned fan I remember buying Percy Daltons roasted peanuts many years ago at Highbury.

Don’t cry, there’s always next year.

The weather finally eased and I was able to make it to Sandygate Road to see the delayed last 16 game of the FA Vase between Hallam and Lincoln United. Hallam 13th in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, trying to make it two from that league in the quarter final draw, were up against high flying Lincoln United, second in the United Counties Premier Division North.

Sheffield had been busy to drive through to this North Weestern part of the city. There seemed to be students everywhere with a notice on the Parkway’s electronic board indicating something that was on. Sheffield with its two Universities and a large Furher Education College have circa 100 000 students which has replaced a similar number of steel workers when the industry was in its prime. How times change.

The day was grey with little wind and 10 degrees but there was a dampness in the air. The pitch at this iconic football ground slopes steeply from one end to the other and the recent rain made the pitch look muddy and heavy. There was a large crowd of 1287 who were packed into the three sides as the fourth side is open to the cricket pitch.

The programmes had all sold out but luckily having managed to find a space in the seated stand some team sheets were passed out. Hallam being such a well organised club have these sponsored.

Hallam FC 2 Lincoln United FC 2

Hallam Football Club, Sandgate Road, Crosspool, Sheffield, S10 5SE

Saturday 17th February 2024, 15.00 pm kick off FA Vase Fifth Round (Last 16 )

Hallam; Royal Blue shirts and shorts: Lincoln United; White shirts and shorts with orange piping.

Hallam 13th in the Northern Counties East League, Premier Division v Lincoln United 2ndin the United Counties Premier Division North.

Hallam kicked downhill in the first half but it was Lincoln that took the initiative, looking solid at the back and mobile across the front. Hallam did have some chances yet it was Lincoln who took the lead on 26 minutes when Jake Park squeezed the ball in at the far post after an overlap on the left. Jake Park claimed the goal which could well have been touched in by a home defender.

The rain started as Lincoln went in at half time worthy leaders but all changed within 4 minutes of the restart when Brandon Bradbury, later to be named Hallam’s man of the match, marauded, through the midfield and his fierce shot was spilled by Jake Steggles in the Lincoln goal only for Basille Zottos to run on and score.

Not long after Hallam hit the post and the ball was then cleared off the line. The game was now anyone’s, however with 61 minutes gone the referee awarded the visitors a penalty for what looked like a 50-50 innocuous challenge in the penalty area. Tobias Liversidge despatched the penalty with ease sending Hugo Warhurst the wrong way. The driving rain and the muddy pitch could not stop the two protagonists from going full pelt with Hallam piling on the most pressure. Lincoln nearly increased their lead when the ball was cleared off the line after a great save by the goalkeeper.

With 7 minutes left Hallam were awarded a penalty as Iren Wilson was fouled by Mitchell Griffiths close to the goal line. Mitchell Griffiths was sent off and Danny Buttle made no mistake with the spot kick to make it 2-2.

It was all Hallam now as they pushed to take advantage of the extra man and score the winning goal. However Lincoln held out to take the tie to penalties. Hallam would have wished it would have been extra time as their extra man on the leg sapping surface would surely have been a great advantage.

Penalties are always cruel and with Lincoln leading 6.5 with all spot kicks having been converted Brandon Bradbury’s effort was saved by Jack Steggles and Lincoln were through.

A great disappointment for the large home crowd who stayed to cheer their team for their efforts of the day and this years cup run.

As I left I saw a Dad with his arm on his son saying ‘Don’t cry, there’s always next year’, how many time is that said in life.

What a great game, crowd, set up and advert for non-league football.

It almost seems churlish to mention the chips! They were hot, crispy, a nice taste but greasy, leaving a taste in the mouth for some time afterwards and a score of 60.

It’s never over till It’s over.

Again the weather changed the game I watched because the FA Vase game between Hallam and Lincoln United was postponed as were others.

I stayed local and drove to Worksop whose synthetic pitch ensured a game.

Worksop Town 5th in the Northern Premier League, Premier Division were playing Radcliffe FC from North of Manchester, between Bolton and Bury, who were runaway leaders of the Division. They were 11 points clear of the second club with two games in hand looking ‘nailed on’ to be playing National League North football next season.

Since Pete Whitehead took over the reigns of Worksop everything is immaculate and a joy to visit. Talking to a Matlock supporter whose team were playing away, he was very impressed on his first visit.

A hint of blue sky was visible but the prevailing grey cloud still gave that depressing February feel. There was no wind and the temperature was a mild 10 degrees

The local streets were full of supporters cars which showed in the home sides highest league attendances of the season at 1057

Radcliffe had brought a good, noisy contingent with them.

Worksop Town FC claim to be the fourth oldest team in the world but that claim is disputed. They have had a very up and down existence but I feel their resurgence in 2020 when they were just days away from oblivion is the current starting point. They survived and have since gained promotion to the Premier League of the NPL and are pushing for a play off spot.

Radcliffe Borough FC were formed 75 years ago in 1949 playing in the South East Lancashire League, the club dropped the Borough name in 2018. By 1974 they had progressed to the Cheshire League that morphed into the North West Counties League in 1982. Within 3 years, promotions saw them in the Northern Premier League. Their success continued in 1997 winning promotion to the Premier League which unfortunately only lasted one season. By 2019 and after a few ups and downs they were back in the Premier Division where they sit today.

Worksop Town FC 1 Radcliffe FC 1

Saturday 10th February 2024 15.00 pm Kick Off

Windsor Food Service Stadium, Babbage Way, Sandy Ln, Worksop S80 1UJ

Northern Premier League, Premier Division. 5th v 1st. Tigers v Boro

Worksop; Yellow shirts with diagonal black stripes and black shorts: Radcliffe; Red shirts and shorts.

Radcliffe started the game as if they only had a few minutes to spare to impose themselves on Worksop and return home with the points. Within 3 minutes they had scored when Jude Obiyo burst down the left wing leaving a trail of Worksop defenders behind him, cut in and played the ball along the ground for Josh Hancock to run in and tap the ball into the net.

With no time to catch your breath they nearly scored a minute later but the Worksop keeper tipped the shot over the bar. Ten minutes later Radcliffe hit the post with a strong drive but from there they seemed to fade as Worksop’s smaller, compact, midfield and forwards’ pace, put the away side under constant pressure. Worksop were rewarded with an equaliser on 33 minutes when a free kick 30 yards out , on the left of the goal, was glanced on for Josh Rollins to squeeze home. Worksop by now had the initiative and it was their turn to be denied by the upright just 3 minutes before half time.

Worksop retained the upper hand in the second half as they continued to harry their opponents all over the field. Unfortunately they didn’t score, even when they brought on some bigger substitutes up front for the last 10 minutes. At the end Worksop were pleased with their efforts but Radcliffe must have sighed in the relief of holding on.

A great exciting game that was a marvellous advert for Non-League football. Radcliffe having run away with the league so far have in their last 3 games, lost one, won one, drawn one. That must give the chasing pack some hope, it’s never over till it’s over.

I was not looking forward to a portion of chips. On my previous visits the chips have always been almost inedible due to a stale fat taste. The chips this time were a revelation, they were, hot, golden not too crispy, not greasy, tasty, and a good quantity. A score of 70 put them equal top of this seasons ‘Chip League’. Windsor Food Service have not only improved the team, the ground but now the chips.

A really good programme too.

Last minute adjustment.

Having read the Central Midlands Alliance League’s Web Site about their team of the month (December), Kirton Brickworks FC, and that they played on a pitch next to a brick works, the delivery trucks and a stack of bricks, it was a must to visit.

I drove along the edge of Sherwood Forest through trees where some of the landscape was moulded by the detritus of past coal mining to Ollerton. Here I turned North towards the village of Kirton and the brick works now owned by Forterra the major UK brick company.

Driving through the gates of the company I could see the football pitch on my right but no activity. Checking the clubs X, formerly Twitter account the match had been switched to nearby Walesby Village Sports Club. Evidently Kirton had recently played their first game on their works pitch since September and it could not be made ready for this match.

A quick five minutes away, I found the venue in time.

A small sports club with changing rooms, toilets, good parking, a bar, meeting room and football pitches. The pitch sloped from end to end with great grass cover, a bit undulating but drained well considering our recent weather. It was a mild 12 degrees with a blue sky and white clouds but with ominous grey clouds coming from behind. It was great to watch a match with no icy wind and cold feet and hands. The locals had used the picnic tables for an impromptu seating area.

It was difficult to find much about the history of the two teams, Kirton were founded in 1965 and Long Bennington in 1920. They are both established members of the Central Midlands Alliance.

Kirton Brickworks 0 Long Bennington FC 2

Saturday 2nd February 2024 Kick off 14.00

1st v 9th Central Midland Alliance Division 1 East

Walesby Village Sports Club, Forest Ln, Walesby, Newark NG22 9PF

Kirton, Red shirts with Black shorts; Bennington, Dull gold shirts and shorts, (with the grey socks it looked like the whole kit had been put in the wrong wash and had come out ruined).

With Bennington kicking up hill it surprised me to see them dominate the start and they went ahead after 14 minutes when their number 4 was put through on the right, where he tapped in unopposed. Kirton tried to rally but were kept at bay only able to show any threat through individuals efforts.

The same pattern emerged in the second half and after the Kirton goalkeeper made two outstanding saves to keep them in the game Bennington scored from the resulting corner. The corner kick was perfectly delivered to Bennington’s number 5 , who unmarked, nodded it into the middle of the net.

It was all over from there, Kirton remain top of the League but others with games in hand now have the opportunity to pass them if they win those games.

No chips here as expected but after fathoming out the coffee machine, wasting my first pound, the coffee was hot and strong, tasting better than it looked.

An enjoyable game and it still leaves me with a trip back to Kirton to see them play in their unusual ground.

There were two players I need to mention, Long Bennington’s number 6 who just controlled the back line and seemed to always be there for a crucial interception, he should be playing at a higher level. Kirton’s number 4 also needs a mention in a game where he and their goalkeeper stood out in a lack lustre team effort, for his continual effort and skill.