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Sunday 31 July 2016

Midweek PSF - w/c 1st August

PSF -- teams / venues / kick off times are notoriously changeable – please check details before you leave for the game of your choice

Tuesday August 2nd
Beeston FC 1-0 Bilborough Utd
Clifton AW 1-1 Basford Utd 

Clipstone FC 5-1 Bilsthorpe 
Dunkirk FC 2-5 Nottm Forest XI 
Ellistown & Ibstock Utd C-C Teversal FC 
Harrowby Utd 1-1 Newark Town
Heanor Town 1-1 Mansfield Town XI 
Houghton Main 3-2 Harworth CI
Kimberley MW XI 2-3 Selston FC
Linby CW 4-1 Calverton MW 
Magdala Amateurs 1-4 Newark Flowserve 
Mickleover Sports 1-0 Burton Albion XI
Retford Utd 2-0 Boston Utd U21
Sutton Coldfield Town 2-3 Loughborough Dynamo
Sherwood Colliery C-C Awsworth Villa
Shepshed Dynamo 1-0 Bedworth Utd
Staveley MW 2-2 Matlock Town
Swanwick PR 5-0 Ripley Town
Teversal Res 3-0 Matlock Town XI

Wednesday August 3rd

Belper Town 2-1 Burton Albion XI 
Coalville Town 2-0 Gresley FC
Hucknall Town v Real Utd (7:45pm)
Ilkeston Town 4-2 Borrowash Victoria
Underwood Villa 2-5 Pinxton FC 

Friday August 5th

Rossington Main v Ilkeston FC (7:45pm)
Worksop Town v Shefffield Utd (7:30pm) 

Saturday 30 July 2016

Kimberley MW 2-1 Eastwood CFC

PSF - played at the Stag Ground, Kimberley, Notts - kick off 3:00pm
















This game was billed as the annual Horace Hibbert Shield, a derby fixture between these local rivals. A mere 1.6 miles separate these clubs, and they are only one step apart in the pyramid. Kimberley play in the East Midlands Counties League (step 6) whilst Eastwood reside in the Central Midlands South Division (step 7).

A lot of familiar faces were present at pitchside, as you would expect for a local derby, but on a fine day I reckon Kimberley will be slightly disappointed at the gate, which I reckon was less than 100.  

Teams:
Welfare : Turner, Morley, Hogg, Dale, Stevenson (C), Middleton, Carlile, Simmons, Westcarr, Smith, Bailey. Bench: Strode, Slade, Powell, Britton, Griggs, Moran, Hassall, Bodkin.

Eastwood : Walker, Brooks, Thomas, Leeming, Short, Patterson, Conn, Smith (R), Betteridge, Hallam, McDermott. Bench: Smith (J), Waplington, Allen (H).

Officials: Referee Mr. Kevin Guise, assisted by Mr. Nigel Prost and Mr. Craig Langton.

The game started off slowly, with most of the action coming from the Kimberley bench - joint boss Ian Deakin seemingly unhappy with most of the officials' decision making. This is Deaks' first foray into management, and I suppose he has a lot to learn - but I think that come the season proper he will not be allowed to stay in the dugout for long if he doesn't learn to calm down a little and stop vociferously challenging every decision that goes against his players.  I hope we will still be friends after he reads this!!

Kimberley had the games first real chance on 15, but Josh Stevenson's close range header flew just over the bar. 10 minutes later the home team found themselves behind after Kyle McDermott broke a flimsy off-side trap, before racing through on goal, rounding Turner and slotting home from 12 yards.   

Welfare had four or five decent chances to level as the half progressed, but a combination of solid defending and profligate finishing saw all the chances come to nought.  Westcarr fired the ball into the box on 32, picking out Stevenson, but again the chance was wasted as the centre-half fired over the bar from just a couple of yards out. Greg Simmons played for Eastwood last season, and it was he who brought the scores level for his new team on 38, firing a well placed free-kick past the static Walker.  H-T 1-1

The first few minutes of the second half were failry quiet, the only real chance falling to Greg Conn whose header was expertly tipped over by Turner. On 62, Kimberly went ahead, Westcarr running past Jordan Leeming to latch onto a through ball.  "Jazzy" ignored all the shouts and pleas from the visiting defenders for the offside flag to be raised, and rounded the keeper before rolling the ball home. Despite all the acrimony shown by the Eastwood players, I was directly in line with the assistant, and it looked like a fair goal and a good decision to me. But then, what do I know! 

Walker did well to parry a Westcarr effort in the 65th minute, then a free-kick from McDermott at the other end saw Conn convert, only to be ruled to be in an offside position when he made contact with the ball. McDermott almost brought the scores level with 70 minutes played, but fired just wide after cutting into the box. 

Lamar Griggs saw his fierce drive well saved by Walker seconds later as Kimberley drove forward looking for the goal that would effectively end the competition. With 9 left to play, Gerry Moran fired the ball through to Westcarr whose shot brought out a splendid diving save from Walker, the keeper doing well to turn the ball past the post and out for a corner. 

Kimberley almost added a third goal just before the final whistle - a Westcarr free-kick was played back across the Eastwood goal by Adam Hassall to Stevenson, but his effort cannoned off the bar and was hacked away to safety. F-T 2-1

This was the third time the Horace Hibbert Shield has been contested, and apparently Kimberley have won on all three occasions.



Thursday 28 July 2016

Linby CW 3-2 Bilsthorpe FC

PSF played at the Church Lane home of Linby CW FC - kick off 7:15pm.


















Great to have Kev with me for this, our first pre-season game at Linby. We were greeted inside the gate by the new Welfare manager Lewis Saxby, who gave us a few details about the playing squad he is putting together as the start of the CML season draws near. A few of the squad from last season have stayed on, but quite a few have followed the departed Dave Marlowe to Arnold. 

Tom Coupe has been a regular at Linby for a few years now, and he scored the games first goal in just the third minute, curling a shot over Bilsthorpe keeper Lee Bowler from 15 yards out. A few minutes later, Coupe almost added a second, but his header flew just over Bowler's bar. 

We had to wait until the 36th minute for the next goal - this time Callum Pursglove firing the ball sweetly just inside the far post from 12 yards after Matt Murphy's cross from the right wasn't dealt with effectively by the Bilsthorpe defenders. H-T 2-0

It's difficult to put names to players in friendly games, but with Bilsthorpe wearing shirts without numbers, identifying the goal-scorers needed a little help from a friend. Richard Lane came up with the relevant information - it seems both were scored by Jamie Tryner. The first was on 81, a shot from the edge of the box that Linby keeper Guyatt let slip over his outstretched arm. The second came just two minutes later after the home team failed to clear a corner and the ball was headed home from about 12 yards out.  

With only four minutes left on the clock, Linby grabbed the winner, Ady Harris sliding the ball home after the Bilsthorpe keeper made a bit of a hash of clearing the ball. F-T 3-2 

Saturday 30th July -- local teams in PSF action

PSF -- teams / venues / kick off times are notoriously changeable – please check details before you leave for the game of your choice!!

(Updates are in bold)

AFC Mansfield 3-1 Heanor Town (3:00pm)
Awsworth Villa Res 3-1 Ashland Rovers (tbc)
Beeston FC 2-8 Netherfield Albion (3:00pm)
Belper Town 5-0 Coleshill Town (3:00pm)
Bilborough Utd 4-1 Radford FC Res 
Blidworth Welfare 2-4 Real Utd
Borrowash Victoria 1-3 Mickleover Sports
Brigg Town 1-1 Radcliffe Olympic
Clay Cross Town 1-8 Rainworth MW
Coalville Town 3-1 Loughborough Dynamo
Gedling SB 7-4 AFC Clifton
Holbrook Sports 0-3 Staveley MW 
Ilkeston FC 1-0 Derby County U21 
Kimberley MW 2-1 Eastwood CFC
Leicester Nirvana 1-1 Basford Utd
Newark FS 2-2 Dunkirk FC 
Radford FC 1-1 Carlton Town 
Retford Utd 0-7 Hallam FC 
Rocester FC v South Normanton Ath Rocester won 9-8 on penalties 
Sheffield FC 4-1 Matlock Town 
Shirebrook Town 2-3 Bilborough Town 
Stapenhill FC 3-1 Mickleover RBL 
Swanwick PR 2-1 Ollerton Town
Teversal FC 2-1 Parkgate FC 
Underwood Villa 0-6 Selston 
Worksop Town 1-3 Mansfield Town XI 

Wednesday 27 July 2016

Eastwood CFC 0-3 Basford Utd

PSF - played at Coronation Park with a 7:30pm kick off.





                                                     









Not too many in attendance for this game between game between CML South Eastwood and Evo-Stik Basford, but the 65 who bothered were treated to some neat football by both teams in the first half, and three well worked goals from the visitors in the second.

Was at the game as a guest of Eastwood secretary Steve Buttle - anything you need to know about ETFC or ECFC, Steve is your go-to man.

The Eastwood current playing staff is mainly the Hucknall Rolls Leisure team from last season - we watched Rolls on quite a few occasions last season and I have to say that it seems a bit strange watching the same players from that team kitted out in red shirts!

Eastwood keeper Jack Walker had to be alert in the 7th minute, diving full length to keep out a well placed header from Basford hit-man Corey Grantham. Eastwood has a decent chance on 15 when Billy Brooks' cross was headed just over Saul Deeney's bar by Jack James. Rory Smith then forced Basford stopper Saul Denney into a diving save with 25 played, then just before half-time Grantham picked out Ewan Swe (?) who saw his drive well saved by Walker. H-T 0-0


Had a chat to some old Eastwood Town fans during the break about the named bricks on the Keith Smith stand - it was a greed that that was a good idea and fairly popular and profitable. Where did that idea come from? Answers on a postcard please.....

The second half began much as the first did, but about 20 minutes in the step four team upped a gear and forced their opponents further and further onto the back foot. It was this period that saw United grab their first goals. The first on 22 was a powerful Grantham drive from the corner of the box that flew into the net off the underside of the bar. Two minutes later Jamie Walker stooped to head a Grantham cross past the Eastwood keeper. Eastwood had little to offer up front, with Jake Wood having little to do in the United goal. Basford's third goal came with four minutes remaining, and was a simple prod home at the near post by Ashley Grayson after the home defence had failed to deal with a corner effectively. F-T 0-3

Pleasant evening at Coronation Park, although it's a bit strange how a few days ago we were sweltering in 30+ degree temperatures, but by the end of this game just a week later, there was a distinct chill in the air with thoughts of big coats entering the mind...... 

Tuesday 26 July 2016

Gedling MW 1-2 Carlton Town

PSF - Tuesday 26th July played at Plains Road, Mapperley, kick off 7:53pm.















There were quite a few games to choose from, but with Kev still pre-occupied with his building project, I opted for this local derby, knowing that I would be in good company, because over the years we have made some really good friends at Gedling and they always make us welcome.  Also whenever Carlton are in town, the inimitable Brian Dennett is always there or thereabouts and always ready for a laugh and a bit of banter. Your turn to pay for the coffee next time Brian...!!

The game itself was unremarkable - Evo-Stik League Carlton having just a little too much in their locker for their East Midlands Counties League hosts.  

The Millers were ahead after just three minutes - a soft, looping Kyle Stovell header from 12 yards, floating over the outstretched hands of Scott Miles in the Gedling goal before dipping just under the bar and into the net. The second Carlton goal on 35 was different altogether - a fine in-swinging corner from the right met at the far post with a real thumping header from Stovell. Maybe one could point out some slack marking at the far stick, but the bullet header gave the keeper no chance. H-T 0-2

The only goal of the second half came from Welfare's Jack Hopper. The no.9 slotted home into an empty net on 71 after a Nathan Francis ball into the Carlton area caused all sorts of bother, and the Carlton keeper missed his chance to clear. F-T 1-2

Not a lot else to write about - as I said earlier, this game was fairly unremarkable and I suspect will not remain in my ever-failing memory for too long....

Monday 25 July 2016

Gedling Southbank 2-2 Bilborough Town




Monday night football !!!  Smashing game with a couple of cracking goals and a really rubbish penalty, all in the company of Rob Hornby and Wayne Morrison - and what they don't know about the local non-league scene is not worth knowing!!!

These games are all about learning, and I learned quite a bit tonight re Gedling SB. They are the Charter Standard Community National award winners 2016, and have teams playing from senior level, right down to a 3-6 year old's section!  Their home is on Hollingwood Lane, Calverton and the outside pitch was where this PSF took place. Can't grumble at all - the pitch looked great, the dugouts in good order and despite a small rain shower halfway through the first period, this was a very pleasant 90+ minutes.

The game itself was between two Notts Senior League teams. Southbank ply their trade in Division One whilst Town are in the Premier Division, but as with most PSF that doesn't mean a lot to the players- they are simply striving to improve their fitness and help the team be primed and ready for the start of their respective seasons. (If you believe that, you will believe anything)!!! These players all showed total commitment to the cause, and produced a game that was very enjoyable to watch.

Bilborough were first on the scoresheet with just 5 minutes played when left-back Liam Stewart cut into the box and slammed the ball across the GSB keeper and into the far corner. Great strike - what a start!

The hosts didn't let heads drop though and continued playing some good passing stuff - their industries were rewarded on 18 when they were awarded a penalty after a reckless challenge was punished by the Referee. Ben Soar stepped up to fire past Nick Ivanov to level the scores. H-T 1-1

The second half was barely 8 minutes old when Gedling gifted their visitors the lead - a mix up at the back saw the keeper stranded on the edge of his area, and when the ball fell to Ricky Law, the striker had to simply tap into the empty net. Again, the home team didn't give up, and after mounting serious pressure on the Town back line, Tom Jefferies finished a neat move by slotting the ball home from the corner of the 18 yard box to bring the scores back level.  

Bilborough were awarded a second penalty with three minutes left on the clock - and Ricky Law stepped up - stopped - started - stopped and then fired hopelessly wide of the goal.  A seem to remember a new FIFA law change has been introduced to stop this stuttering run up -- or have I just made that up? Answers on a postcard please....F-T 2-2

Sunday 24 July 2016

Midweek PSF - w/c 25th July

Fixtures and kick off times as published on various website. These games can be called off and kick off times can be changed !! As usual, please check details before setting off to your game of choice......

Monday 25th July
Eastwood CFC 1-1 Notts County XI (7:00pm)
Gedling Southbank 2-2 Bilborough Town at Calverton MW

Tuesday 26th July
Arnold Town 1-0 Selston FC (7:00pm)
Blidworth Welfare 1-3 South Normanton Athletic (7:45pm)
Coalville Town 3-3 Shepshed Dynamo (7:45pm)
Clifton AW 6-0 Newark Town (7:30pm)
Dronfield Town 2-3 Worksop Town (7:45pm)
Dunkirk FC 5-0 Loughborough Dynamo (7:30pm)
Gedling MW 1-2 Carlton Town (7:45pm) "ontheroad" game
Harworth CI 3-2 Parkgate FC (7:30pm)
Keyworth Utd 1-5 West Bridgford (7:00pm)
Kimberley MW 4-3 Coalville Town XI at the Stag Ground (7:45pm)
Matlock Town 2-2 FC Halifax Town (7:30pm)
Mickleover Sports 1-0 Mansfield Town (7:30pm)
Rainworth MW 2-0 Melton Mowbray (7:45pm)
Retford Utd 2-3 Rossington Main (7:45pm)
Teversal FC 1-0 Sherwood Colliery (7:45pm)

Wednesday 27th July
Belper Town 6-1 Nuneaton Town (7:45pm)
Clay Cross Town 5-1 Chesterfield Town
Clipstone FC 1-0 Sheffield FC (7:30pm)
Eastwood CFC 0-3 Basford Utd (7:30pm) "ontheroad" game
Maltby Main 4-5 Ollerton Town (7:45pm)
Staveley MW 0-2 Ilkeston FC (7:45pm)

Thursday 28th July
Awsworth Villa C-C Aston Utd XI (7:00pm)
East Yorks Carnegie 0-2 AFC Mansfield (7:45pm)
Heanor Town 2-1 Chesterfield FC (7:30pm)
Linby CW 3-2 Bilsthorpe FC (7:15pm) "ontheroad" game
Pinxton FC v Dunkirk FC (7:30pm) 
Sherwood Colliery 4-2 Ruddington Village (7:30pm)
Worksop Town 2-4 Matlock Town (7:30pm)

Friday 29th July
West Bridgford v Southwell City (7:30pm)

Saturday 23 July 2016

Saturday 23rd July - double header

Game 1 -- Keyworth Utd 2-2 Kimberley MW

Almost jumpers for goalposts -- as the cricket team were at home, this was played on the back pitch at Platt Lane.  No dugouts and no linesmen......and 3 x 30 minute segments.  Not really my idea of a proper football game - but it was a nice day and the cricket was quite good.



Lovely setting though and although I knew hardly any of the Keyworth players, and only a few of those representing Kimberley. Joint managers Ian Deakin and Martin Lench were on hand to enlighten me where enlightenment was required!!

Bodkin in action

Scott Bailey looks a very good prospect for the Welfare, and it was his cross from the left on 17 that picked out Reece Powell at the near post, and the full-back deftly turned the ball home. The visitors had a golden chance to double their lead on 26, but youngster Tom Dale could only manage to clear the bar with a header from 5 yards out.  0-1

With 11 minutes of the second 30 minute segment played, Scott Bailey made a great run into the box and was upended. The referee had little option than to award a penalty, which Mark Middleton duly fired home. Welfare keeper Shaun Bodkin had to hold his hands up 5 minutes later, after his fumble let in the Keyworth no. 9 (Luke Wolley?) who had the simple task of rolling the loose ball into an empty net. 1-2

The scores were level on 70, a spot kick for Keyworth converted by their no. 12 (Whyman?) after a needless trip was punished by the Referee.  F-T 2-2



Game 2 - Selston FC 1-1 Dunkirk FC 

This was a 4:30 kick off at Coronation Park, but once again we had no linesmen.....don't they need pre-season games as do the players and Referees?  Selston were last seasons CMLS champions, whilst Dunkirk were relegated from the MFLP.

Spot the ball ? See below for answer!

This was a game played at a decent pace, but with regular keeper Jake Ball apparently retiring after Tuesday night's game at Teversal, Selston had kit man Nick Olden inbetween the sticks. 


He managed to repel the little that Dunkirk threw at him though, and brought hoots of laughter from his "friends" when he dived to tip a Bruno Holden free-kick around the post!


The game was ultimately about two penalties - one converted by for Selston by Steve Radsynski on 87, the other stuck away neatly by Ashley Whitt - the Referee blew the full-time whistle immediately after the goal had been scored. F-T 1-1


Did you spot the ball?

Thursday 21 July 2016

Saturday 23rd July - local teams in PSF action

Selected PSF involving local teams - please double check fixture details before travelling. Kick off times shown are as advertised on various league websites - they have been known to be incorrect!!!

AFC Mansfield 6-0 Shirebrook Town 
Arnold Town 0-2 Heanor Town 
Bilsthorpe FC 4-7 Southwell City
Blidworth Welfare 1-2 Clipstone FC 
Clay Cross Town 4-4 Dronfield Town
Hall Road Rangers 2-5 Long Eaton Utd 
Harrowby Utd 0-0 Sherwood Colliery
Harworth CI 5-3 Heden Rangers
Holbrook St. Michaels 2-4 Bilborough Town
Hucknall Town 2-1 Lutterworth Town
Kirton BW 1-4 Newark Town 
Keyworth Utd 2-2 Kimberley MW
Leicester Nirvana 2-3 Carlton Town 
Matlock Town 1-2 Burton Albion
Pinxton FC 0-4 FC Bolsover
Ruddington Village 1-3 Basford Utd
Rugby Town 1-2 Shepshed Dynamo 
Selston FC 1-1 Dunkirk FC
South Normanton Athletic 0-0 Loughborough Dynamo 
Staveley MW 1-4 Belper Town 
Teversal 7-1 Holbrook Sports
Underwood Villa 1-7 Teversal

Wednesday 20 July 2016

Carton Town 2-1 Ilkeston FC

PSF at Stoke Lane, Wednesday 20th July.

First visit of the season to see the Millers, and it could well be the last! Not only was there the ever pervading, pungent stench that one associates with the ground, but the interminable drum banging from one corner of the ground tends to leave one thinking "this is not for me". 

The teams play in the Northern Premier League, Carlton in Division One South, Ilkeston in the Premier Division - and as the game progressed it was fair to say there wasn't a lot to choose between the teams. 

There were a couple of decent chances created in the first period, Julian Topliss hitting the bar for Carlton and Liam Hearn missing a sitter from 3 yards for the visitors. The Robins' keeper made a decent save from a long range effort, but he saw his team take the lead on 40, a Matt Baker power header from Dwyer's cross. H-T 0-1

Cartlton were on level terms with just 5 minutes of the second half played - Lusamba picking out Josh Rae who volleyed the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. There followed a lot of changes in personnel and this never helps the flow of the game - but that's all part of the PSF raison d'etre, after all..

The home team secured victory with almost the last kick of the game, youngster Kyle Stovell blasting the ball home after the Ilkeston defence had failed to clear effectively a Carlton free-kick. F-T 2-1

Sat with old friend Trevor Bailey during the second half - Trevor used to take Eastwood Town to away games on his coaches - we had a lot of good times a few years ago - and it was good to reminisce a little. The good old, bad old days !!! 

South Normanton up next - they entertain Belper Town on Thursday 21st July -  kick off 7:45pm.

Tuesday 19 July 2016

Teversal FC 5-4 Selston FC

PSF played at Carnarvon Street - cracking game - end to end stuff.  


First chance to see CMLS champions Selston in pre-season action - and the fact that they were playing another of our favourite teams doubled the evening's pleasure. The fact that the teams shared nine goals in blistering temperatures meant a cracking evening was had by all.

We didn't have to wait too long for the first goal - just two minutes on the clock when a ball pinged over the Selston sleepy back four was latched onto by Daniel Fletcher, and he calmly slotted past Jake Ball in the Selston goal. Steve Radzynski soon had the visitors level, a simple enough tap in at the far stick on the 10 minute mark. 

Danny Bacon was running the Tevvie midfield like a good old 'un, and he was soon on the scoresheet, his delicate 20 yard chip in the 22nd minute looping over the outstretched arms of Ball. Four minutes later Selston were back on level terms when Robbie Manners headed home at the far post from a superb Sean Gregory right wing cross. 

Young Selston midfielder Kane Hempshall looks like one for the future - the 18 year old put the visitors ahead just before the break, dancing his way through the home defensive line before slotting home from about 8 yards. H-T 2-3

The Referee awarded a slighly dubious penalty to the home team three minutes after the re-start. Justice appeared to have been done when Daniel Fletcher had his spot kick well saved by Ball, diving to his left. Teversal weren't to be denied for long though, and that man Danny Bacon was on the mark again, another delicate lob sailing home on 66 to make it three all. 

Tevvie went ahead on 79, and it was arguably the best goal of the lot - a Josh Radford bullet shot from 25 yards that left Ball grasping at thin air. What a strike!! Selston were awarded a penaly of their own two minutes later, and Ben Moore stepped up to calmly slot home from the spot. 

A bit sad that such a cracking game was ultimately settled by an own goal - young Selston defender Sam Weston slicing a Teversal corner past Ball on 85 - although it has to be said it was very dark by this time - Tevvie saving a few bob on the lights I reckon!!  F-T 5-4. 

Sunday 17 July 2016

Midweek games - PSF w/c 18th July

Games in capitals have advertised kick-off time as listed, but it's always worth checking club websites and twitter feeds for confirmation !!

Tuesday 19th

Bllidworth Welfare 2-1 Clifton AW
Ellistown & Ibstock Utd 0-2 AFC Mansfield (7:45pm)
FC Bolsover 5-2 Linby CW at Shirebrook Academy 3G (7:30pm)
Hucknall Town 2-4 Clipstone FC (7:45pm)
Matlock Town 1-3 Chesterfield FC (7:30pm)
Pinxton FC 1-2 Heanor Town (7:30pm)
Shirebrook FC 1-5 Hansdworth Parramore (7:45pm)
Teversal FC 5-4 Selston FC (7:45pm)

Wednesday 20th

Arnold Town 2-4 Notts County XI (7:30pm)
Carlton Town 2-1 Ilkeston FC (7:45pm)
Long Eaton Utd 3-2 Staveley MW
Mickleover RBL 3-2 Borrowash Victoria
Ollerton Town 2-3 Kimberley MW (7:45pm)
Stapenhill FC 3-0 Hilton Harriers

Thursday 21st

Heanor Town 3-2 Ilkeston FC (7:30pm)
South Normanton Athletic 0-0 Belper Town (7:45pm)
Worksop Town 0-0 Gainsborough Trinity (7:30pm)

Saturday 16 July 2016

Saturday 16th July - PSF double header

Awsworth Villa 1-3 Coalville Town XI 12 noon kick-off

Arived at the Shilo just as the teams were entering the playing area. I know all pitches should look good pre-season, but the very pleasant surroundings compliment the superb playing surface no end!





This was billed as a Coalville Town XI, but they are still a step 3 outfit, playing against one from step 7, and for the first 15 minutes there was little to choose between the teams.  The visitors opened the scoring on 17, but Villa drew level 8 minutes later when Matt Walker won the ball and slotted home after challenging the Town keeper who had failed to control what appeared to be a simple take.


The visitors went back in front with two to play before the break, their number 2 charging down the line before cutting into the box and firing at goal. The Villa keeper did well to block the initial effort, but couldn't hold on and the no.2 ensured ball ended up in the net. H-T 1-2


Coalville no. 10 Mitch Woodbine should have increased Town's lead on 55, but his piledriver from 12 yards crashed onto bar and flew into the woods behind the goal. Took the Villa officials quite a while to find the ball - it must have gone a long way - it was hit that hard!

Woodbine did get on the scoresheet on 61. He collected the ball 25 yards from goal before dancing his way clear of challenges before firing a fierce, low shot just inside the far post.  The keeper made a valiant effort to dive and try and get to the ball, but it was superbly placed and he really had no chance. F-T 1-3

Craig Langton's first PSF of the season - very easy afternoon!


Blidworth Welfare 2-3 Newark Town 3:00pm kick-off

Although I was a Blidworth last week, re-visits don't bother me in the slightest, and this fixture gave me a chance to meet up with good friend Richard Lane (formerly "the Wanderer", latterly Newark Town and CMFL press officer).


Julian Joachim was another reason for me to visit the Welfare again - the former Aston Villa star has signed for Newark for 2016-17 season, and even if he only plays an hour in any game, he will be a massive influence, as we witnessed in this game. Even at 41 this is a top, top player.....



The Welfare ground is looking in good fettle, and so is the Blidworth away strip - wow - very fluorescent!!! We had to wait only 11 minutes for JJ to show his class - racing down the line cutting inside before hitting the ball with the outside of his right boot straight to the far post, where Dominic Swingler was waiting to head home one of the easiest chances he will ever get.


Another cross in the 40th minute was converted by the visitors - this time a left side corner nodded home, again at the far stick, by Jamie Lloyd. Newark skipper Luke Parsons tried his luck with a hammer shot from 30 yards as half-time loomed, the effort was only just off target, fizzing past the upright. H-T 0-2

Lloyd converts at the far stick

Joachim ought to have done better when he was gifted the ball by a Welfare defender on 63, but although his shot was on target, it was also straight at the keeper who saved well. Costly miss because just a couple of minutes later, Blidworth were back in the game when Max Curzon took full advantage of some hesitant defending, running into the box before firing past the Newark keeper.

Remember "spot the ball"? Location revealed below

The scores were level on 79 - Tom Blainey breaking a sloppy off-side trap and firing home at the near post. The home team were unable to stay level though - and it was another header, this time superb, towering 90th minute Parson effort from a right wing corner that did for them. F-T 2-3

Great game - cracking afternoon out all in all ! Spent £2, saw two games and nine goals.  Looking forward to the coming week - Selston at Teversal, Ilkeston at Carlton and South Normanton Athletic entertain Belper Town......oh yes - spot the ball - there you go...


Thursday 14 July 2016

Saturday 16th - pre-season friendlies

Please check your game is actually going ahead. The kick-off times listed are as taken from various websites - hopefully I have done enough research to ensure the details are correct, but PSF are notoriously subject to change!!

AFC Bentley (CMLN) 1-2 Staveley MW (NCELP) 3:00pm

Awsworth Villa (NSLP) 1-3 Coalville Town XI (NPP) 12 noon "ontheroad" game

Ashby Ivanhoe (EMCL) 2-4 Belper Town (NP1S) 3:00pm (behind closed doors - no spectators) 

Ashland Rovers (NSL1) 2-2 Linby CW (CMLS) 3:00pm

Bilborough Town (NSLP) 3-2 Cottesmore Amateurs (LSLP) at Bestwood Lodge 1:00pm

Blidworth Welfare (CMLS) 2-3 Newark Town (CMLN) 3:00pm "ontheroad" game

Borrowash Victoria (EMCL) 1-1 Aston Utd (NSLP) 4:00pm

Bottesford Town (NCELP) 2-0 Loughborough Dynamo (NP1S) 3:00pm

Carlton Town (NP1S) 4-1 Coalville Town (NPP) 3:00pm

Clipstone FC (NCELP) 0-0 Hallam FC (NCEL1) 3:00pm

Eastwood CFC (CMLS) 3-3 Arnold Town (EMCL) 2:00pm

Gresley FC (NP1S) 3-4 Mickleover Sports (NPP) 3:00pm

Harrowby Utd (UCLP) 1-2 Dunkirk FC (EMCL) 3:00pm

Ilkeston FC (NPP) 0-4 Notts County (FL2) 3:00pm

Kirton BW (NSL1) 3-2 Southwell City (CMLS) 3:00pm

Newark Flowserve (NSLP) 1-0 Kimberley MW (EMCL) 3:00pm

Pinxton FC (CMLS) 1-1 South Normanton Athletic (EMCL) 3:00pm

Redcar Town (TSL) 2-1 Hucknall Town (CMLS) 3:00pm

Retford Utd (NCELP) 4-2 Westella & Willerby (NCEL1) 3:00pm

Rossington Main (NCEL1) 1-2 Heanor Town (MFLP) 3:00pm

Shirebrook Town (NCEL1) 2-1 Worksop Town (NCELP) 3:00pm

Teversal FC (NCEL1) 3-1 Rainworth MW (NCELP) 3:00pm

Unity FC (NSLP) 0-2 Basford Utd (NP1S) 2:00pm

Watanll Athletic 3-5 Awsworth Villa (NSLP) 3:00pm

Wednesday 13 July 2016

Pinxton FC 2-1 Gedling MW PSF

13th July 2016. It was back to the 3G at Eastwood CFC for the latest "ontheroad" game.  

We were going to do the Hucknall Town v Staveley MW game, but decided to catch up with our good friends from Pinxton and Gedling instead. Great to have Kev along side me again - this was the daftlads first 2016-17 pre-season game. It was good to have a few words with long time buddy Kelvin Mushambi prior to the game - he had driven all the way from Boreham Wood to play in this fixture.

The game kicked of just after 7:30pm and took a little while to get going. Not much for either keeper to do until half an hour had gone - then a ten minute, three goal spell lit up the game. It was a pity that the flame soon dwindled, but hey-ho - that's football.

Pinxton took the lead on 31 through Dave Worger, a terrific low drive from 30 yards that evaded the Gedling keepers despairing dive, squeezing just inside the post. The former Eastwood CFC player actually played against Pinxton for Borrowash on Saturday! 

Pete Stubley was gifted the Pinxton second in the 35th minute - Welfare defender Steve Brett for reasons known only to himself, rolled the roll from the right back position straight to Stubley - the striker taking full advantage prodding home from the edge of the six-yard box. The two goal lead was halved on 39 when Pinxton failed to clear a corner properly and allowed the ball to roll invitingly to Rickie Gardner, who gleefully hammered it home from 12 yards or so.  H-T 2-1

The second half was typical PSF fayre, with both teams using full squads to give as many players a run out as possible - hence not a lot of action, and not too much to write about. F-T 2-1

Kimberley MW 2-2 Long Eaton Utd

PSF played at Coronation Park 12th July - kick off 8:30pm


The 3G pitch at Eastwood CFC was graced with the likes of Chris Shaw, Deon Meikle, Theo Smith, Jarrod Westcarr, Paulo Piliero and Gary Ricketts as Kimberley MW hosted Long Eaton Utd.

With former Badgers Ian Deakin and Gary Sucharewycz in charge of Kimberley and Long Eaton respectively, this seemed like a bit of an Eastwood Old Boys reunion.

Deon told me he wasn't all that happy with his left-back role at Basford, much preferring a centre-back position offered at Long Eaton - he also mentioned he has been given the skippers armband as well. Great player, a really good signing for United.

The game was very competitive from the off, with Long Eaton having much the better of the chances. The Welfare keeper produced three or four top class saves to thwart the visitors. Just before the break, United went ahead when a corner from the right was nodded back across goal and Theo Smith was on hand to head home with the slightest of touches. The lead lasted all of sixty seconds though - straight from the re-start Welfare were back on level terms, their no. 4 slotting home from close range after a shot had cannoned off the upright straight into his path. H-T 1-1

Kimberley went ahead on 52 when Chris Shaw's cracking free-kick was headed powerfully home at the far stick by Gary Ricketts. A lot of changes were made in the second period by both teams. United must have used 20 players, whilst Welfare weren't far behind.

The scores were level with seven minutes left to play - the United no.14 Kev Hemague, stabbing home from close range, after the Welfare defence failed to clear their lines. After the game I asked Paulo who the 14 shirt was - he didn't know as apparently he had only joined the squad a few hours earlier. F-T 2-2 (information supplied later by LEU).


Great to see good friend Martin Lench back in action for Kimberley - I reckon that the management team of Deakin and Lench could do well in the coming season - may be a few extra trips to the Stag are on the cards!


Saturday 9 July 2016

Selected mid-week PSF -- w/c 11th July

Fixtures and kick off times gleaned from various sources, but as with all pre-season games, they may be subject to change!

Monday 11th July
Greenwood Meadows (EMCL) 1-4 Aston Utd (MRA)
Worksop Town (NCELP) P-P FC Halifax (NLN)

Tuesday 12th July
Carlton Town (NP1S) 0-1 Notts County XI (FL2)
Kimberley MW (EMCL) 2-2 Long Eaton Utd (MFLP)
Mickleover Sports (NPP) 1-1 Tamworth FC (NLN)
Radcliffe Olympic (EMCL) 0-5 Bilborough Town (NSLP)
Ollerton Town (NCEL1) 1-2 Clipstone FC (NCELP)
Rainworth MW (NCELP) 0-0 Sherwood Colliery (CMLS)
Sleaford Town (UCL1) 2-2 Newark Town (CMLN)

Wednesday 13th July
Hucknall Town (CMLS) 2-3 Staveley MW (NCELP)
Ilkeston FC (NPP) 1-3 Leicester City XI (PL)
Pinxton FC (CMLS) 2-1 Gedling MW (EMCL)

Thursday 14th July
Collingham FC (CMLN) 1-5 Lincoln Utd (NPS) 7:45pm
Gresley C (NPS) P-P Heanor Town (MFLP) 7:30pm
Hyde Utd 1-1 (NP1N) AFC Mansfield (NCELP)
Retford Utd (NCELP) 1-0 High Green Villa

Friday 15th July
Ollerton Town (NCEL1) P-P Belper Utd (EMCL) 7:45pm
West Bridgford (EMCL) 3-3 Selston FC (CMLS) at Clifton Campus 3G 7:30pm
Worksop Town (NCELP) 0-5 Sheffield Wednesday (FLC) 7:30pm

Saturday 9th July - double header

Game 1 - Pinxton 3-3 Borrowash Victoria

CMLS Pinxton entertained EMCL Borrowash Vics on the Eastwood CFC 3G pitch, and with the rain finally deciding to sod off, it was quite a pleasant early afternoon game.

Spent the game in the company of KMW management team Martin Lench and Ian Deakin, Danny Staley, Maurice MacFarland, Adam and Tim Gregory.

Jay Cooper opened the scoring for Pinxton on 20, smashing the ball past Vics keeper Rhys Watkinson from the spot, after a crude tackle in the box was punished by the Referee.

Vics levelled five minutes later through their no. 9, then just before the break, their seven shirt fired across the Pinxton keeper from the corner of the box to give the "visitors" the lead at half-time.
H-T 1-2

Borrowash went further ahead on 56 - and this was a cracking goal. A fine piece of wing play on the right, a telling cross into the box and a cracking finish by the Vics' no. 14.

Pinxton never gave up though, and with 70 played, Peter Stubley lifted a shot over the outstretched arms of Wakinson to reduce their arrears.  Tom Ellis fired the home team level on 85 - another neat finish and a fitting end to a really good early pre-season game. F-T 3-3

Game 2 - Blidworth Welfare 2-1 Heanor Town
This game was all Heanor in the opening forays, but the Welfare keeper made cracking saves on two or three occasions to keep the scores level. As it transpired, Blidworth took a surprise lead on 11 when a shot from the corner of the box from Tom Blainey flew across Joe McCormack before nestling in the back of the Town goal. H-T 1-0

Heanor drew level on 75 - a corner from the left headed powerfully home by Matt Harris.  The parity lasted only five minutes though as Blidworth were awarded a penalty after McCormack appeared to trip a Welfare player - Referee had no doubt....and Keenan Leeds stepped up to put the home team back in front. Try as they might, Heanor couldn't grab a second equaliser and Blidworth held on to claim victory. F-T 2-1

Thursday 7 July 2016

Selected PSF Saturday 9th July

Selected pre-season games Saturday 9th July. Please note that kick off times can change  - best double check before getting on the road....!!

Ambergate FC 1-4 Clay Cross Town
Blidworth Welfare 2-1 Heanor Town
Carlton Town 3-4 Mansfield Town
Clipstone FC 2-2 Mansfield Town
Eastwood CFC 4-1 Belper Utd
Graham St Prims 2-1 Wollaton FC
Hilton Harriers 1-6 Mickleover RBL
Kirton BW 1-6 Bilborough Town
Linby CW 0-7 Notts County
Pinxton FC 3-3 Borrowash Victoria
Rainworth MW 0-0 Gresley FC
Rossington Main 2-2 Staveley MW
Ruddington Village 4-4 Keyworth Utd
Southwell City 5-5 Clifton AW
Stockport Town 4-3 South Normanton
Worksop Town 0-2 Lincoln City

Games off 

Bilborough Utd v Aston Utd
Blaby & WA v Radford FC
Greenwood Meadows v Arnold Town
Hucknall Town v Long Eaton Utd
Matlock Town v AFC Mansfield
Retford Utd v High Green Villa
Rocester FC v Mickleover Sports

Wednesday 6 July 2016

Hucknall Town 0-1 Coalville Town

PSF between step seven Hucknall and newly promoted step three outfit Coalville Town.

Criminal damage to a car, and people running around the car park with machete's and baseball bats prior to the game was a bit scary, but the police soon arrived and calmed things down. Welcome to Hucknall !!

Spent the game in the company of  Maurice MacFarland, Kenny and Leroy Shinfield, along with Sherwood Colliery's new reserve team manager Scott Rogers.

Not much to say about the game itself, the status gap between the teams was hardly noticeable and the home team could and maybe should have taken an early lead, but on two occasions Adam Nelson hung onto the ball for just a split second too long, allowing a visiting defender to get in a challenge and clear the danger.

The games only goal came from the boot of Karl Demidh on the half hour, a superb strike from the corner of the box that flew across the Yellows keeper before nestling in the back of the net.

Coalville had a few free-kicks as the second half wore on, but apart from the one time Montell Gatland got smacked in the taters as he stood in the defensive wall, there really was nothing to write home about.  F-T 0-1

Quite a decent squad Tommy Brookbanks has put together at Coalville -  Nat Watson, Alex Troke, Massiah McDonald, Josh Raven, Karl Demidh and Jared Holmes to name but a few. It will be interesting to see how they cope in the Evo-Stik Premier division....

Saturday 2 July 2016

Eastwood CFC 1-4 Blaby & Whetstone Athletic

Pre-season friendly - Saturday 2nd July, kick off 2pm

Ahead of the 2016-2017 season comes the usual plethora of pre-season games, and it appears that the new 3G pitch at Coronation Park is much in demand, as Pinxton, Belper Utd, Kimberley MW all have games scheduled. These games, along with the "Red Badgers" home games mean that a few more July visits look to be on the cards. 

Stood pitch-side with Richard Lane at kick off time, but a light rain shower soon saw us join Maurice Macfarland, who had chosen to sit in the main stand. 

Blaby took the lead in the 8th minute. The ball was fired onto the cross bar from close range, bounced down and crossed the line according the Referee's assistant on the far side, who had no hesitation in signalling the goal. The visitors increased their advantage on 14 when MICHAEL BROOKS headed home at the far post. 

Blaby went further ahead just before the break, TOM HILL curling a superb 20 yard free-kick past Jack Walker in the "Red Badgers" goal. Great technique, giving the keeper no chance.  H-T 0-3

We had to wait a while for the games next goal. From the re-start Eastwood began taking the game to Blaby, but some profligate finishing ensured they failed to over-tax visiting keeper Warren Butlin. 

Walker was having a bit of a quiet time of things in the home goal as the game meandered on, but in the 72nd minute he seemed to totally lose concentration and allowed a fairly tame 20 yard shot from JAKE WAIN to go under his body, the ball nestling in the back of the net.

Eastwood did grab a consolation with 12 to play, JAMES HALLAM tapping home after Butlin had failed to clear his lines from an Eastwood free-kick. F-T 1-4 

Decent first pre-season game - hoping to take in games at Rainworth and Hucknall during the week, with a return to Coronation Park next Saturday for a noon kick off,  followed by the first visit of the season to Church Lane, Linby.