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?