Season 2011-2012 final blog entry

The “On The Road” blog series began with season 2007-2008, and were originally intended to be a record of games that the “Beardy Man” and the “Daft Lad Next Door” went to.  Turned out to be a bit more than that though, as I tried to make the blog an interesting, good read.

The trouble with that was that I’d had no journalistic training, and apart from a couple of years writing short  YEFL reviews for the Football Post along with dabbling at programme production and match reports for Eastwood Town, I  was a novice at the blogging lark!

2007-2008 – reading that makes me cringe at times

2008-2009 – as above

2009-2010 – the Mansfield Town season ticket blog… the no camera in Field Mill rule spoiled this for us. Non-league football gone crackers!  Watch any Premier League / La Liga game and you will see hundreds if not thousands of spectators with cameras.

2010-2011 – our most complete and busy season – mainly dedicated to raising funds for APTCOO. We reached a grand total of £850 with the help of our generous friends.

2011-2012 – this was a difficult season for both of us. I had a few serious health problems, and Kev had a lot of family commitments, so we didn’t get to as many games as we would have hoped to.  Still managed over 100 games though, and saw shedloads of goal.  No season statistics, but who cares anyway???

The main downside to the season just gone was that we only managed to visit two new grounds – Awsworth Villa and Southwell City.  We aim to address that in 2012-2013 by being a bit more selective and roaming a bit further from home. Still Notts/Leics/Derbys, but there are plenty of venues we haven’t visited in the three counties.

The season 2011-2012 began for us on July 2nd 2011 at the pre-season Teversal tournament. After 20 friendlies, our league campaign began with the NCELP game between Arnold Town and Long Eaton United on August 6th.  The final game was on 26th May 2012 at Southwell City  - a  heck of a long season!!

My memory isn’t what it used to be, so can’t do an end of season awards thingy, but me and Kev both agree on the best goal of the season –WAYNE COOKE take a bow.   His solo effort against South Normanton on January 28th 2012 was something special. Cooke collected the ball on halfway, turned his marker, ran at goal and skipped through the Athletic defence before rolling home. 

Mind you, young Will Coutts similar effort for Dunkirk Res v Clipstone Res was a close second.

We also agreed on the best player we’ve seen this season – had to be a Heanor player really as we spent a lot of time last season watching the Lions. NICO DEGIROLOMO only joined the club pre-season, but fitted straight into the back line and grabbed a few vital goals as well as the Lions finished top of the EMCL.

Enjoyed watching ex-NSL teams Basford United and Clifton FC in the CML South Division.  Basford chalked up a league and floodlit cup double, while Clifton finished a creditable fourth in the league, but also made the finals of both the CML Cup final and the Notts F.A. Senior Cup final.  The All Whites lost both theses games, but were not disgraced in either.

“On The Road”season 2012-2013 is already up and running, but will it be used?  Who knows?  I lost the will to carry on towards the end of last season – as it became less of a hobby, more a drudge – done because I felt it had to be done, not because I wanted to do it!

Bye-bye ”ontheroad20-2012", hello ontheroad2012-2013 !

Southwell City Res 1-8 Basford Utd Res

Saturday 26th May 2012 -- kick off 2:57pm 

CMFL CU Phosco Lighting Reserve Premier Division

What a glorious day, and what a fantastic setting!! The War Memorial Recreation Ground at Southwell has two football pitches, a tennis club, bowls and a kids playground.  This game was played on the top pitch  - the bottom pitch has been re-seeded.  Last time we went to Southwell the top pitch was a bit of a bog,  but for a public park pitch at the end of a very long season, the surface was in really good condition.

Very picturesque!!

Was in the company of Maurice MacFarland for this match, along with his serial hopper friends. Kev's new fencing is coming along nicely, but it's ongoing construction kept him away from this game.

A few familiar names and faces were on show for the visitors, Messrs. Westcarr, Walters and Garmston all in the Basford starting eleven.

No match report, but I can list the goal times and the shirt numbers of the scorers : no-one could seriously expect me to get a team sheet, surely!!!!

Timeline :

18 minutes -- Basford's number 9 fires home from 12 yards. 0-1

22 minutes -- time out for drinks called by Referee Mr. Prost ( in a friendly, this would be acceptable, but in a bona fide league match?) ....

26 minutes -- Southwell's no. 10 was allowed time at the far post to pick his spot, firing across the Basford keeper into the back of the net. 1-1

27 minutes -- Darren Garmston found space in the box and rolled home. 1-2

37 minutes -- Carl Westcarr fired across the keeper from an acute angle. 1-3

38 minutes -- Cashell Walters curls the ball past the home keeper after great work down the right by their no. 7 and Westcarr.  1-4

H-T 1-4

55 minutes -- Garmston on target again from 18 yards. 1-5

65 minutes -- ball across the goal deflected home by a Southwell defender. 1-6

67 minutes -- another drinks time out!!!

73 minutes -- Walters dribbled his way into the box and found perfect cross for the Basford no. 17 to nod home from close range. 1-7

78 minutes -- Westcarr again fires across the keeper to make it 1-8.

F-T 1-8

No admission or programme.  Public park so a few watching - but head count? No chance!

ON THE ROAD BLOG -- SEASON 2011-2012 is now over!!!!!!

    

AFC Bridgford Res 1-3 Netherfield Tn Colts

Wednesday 23rd May 2012 -- Notts F.A. Saturday Minor Cup Final



I thought I'd be on my own for this game as Kev was busy, but after swapping texts with Rob"the66pow" Waite, the blogmeister managed to drag himself away from a potential evening of domestic bliss to join me at Eagle Valley.

Also had Robin Bourne, Mick Kilbee and Malcolm Fox  from the Notts F.A. to keep me company , so  overall a very enjoyable evening spent with very pleasant people.

Bridgford hit the post early doors, but Netherfield looked the most likely to score, and they duly obliged when FELIX HOGG was played in one-on-one with Eddie Dunn, the no.6 calmly chipped over the AFC keeper.

Stayed one-nil until the 40th minute when LEIGH HELSDON added the Colts' second.  H-T 0-2

Robin Bourne was kind enough to let us have a look at the team sheets, which were duly photographed - Rob provided the half time coffee....

I had just mention to Robin that after an hour 2-0 was good enough for me, when LUKE KING looped a header over Colts keeper Chris Highton, to bring the spectre of extra-time into our minds.  The AFC players had enough chances to have wrapped up the tie, but resolute defending and some abject attempts at goal let them down big time.   

As it transpired, when a Bridgford attack broke down in the 82nd minute, the ball was cleared to halfway where NATHAN IONS was on hand to collect.  The sub raced at goal and used his upper body strength to fend of a defender before firing past Dunn. Extra-time spectre laid to rest.  F-T 1-3

Admission £3 inc programme

H/C -- best estimate 120

Presentation videos......

Dunkirk Res 5-1 Clipstone W Res

Monday 21st May 2012 -- kick off 7:46pm

CML  Reserve Supreme Division.

As we get towards the end of another season of non-league footie, these games are the ones that you might not bother about,  but this was an end of season treat, with the Dunkirk fifth goal something special.

Kev was out and about for this game, and we arrived at the ground just as the teams were entering the pitch. We were slightly surprised that Referee Robin Bourne had no Assistants.  Club linesmen are the norm at this level, but with only one game tonight, you'd have thought a couple of young lino's could have been utilised. Ok, I know expenses have to be paid, but there had to be a few local young 'uns available.

From a free kick in the third minute, JORDAN ALLS volleyed home from the corner of the 6 yard area to give the home team the lead. Half an hour later, RYAN EJEZIE was picked out in the box by Alls, and the no. 6's controlled volley flew past the Clippo keeper.

On 44, the visitors halved the deficit when their no. 10 hammered the ball into the roof of the Dunkirk net. H-T 2-1

With 10 minutes of the second half played, EJEZIE netted again for Dunkirk, the young midfielder showing great composure in front of goal before slotting home.

A trip in the box on 70 was waved on by Mr. Bourne as Dunkirk had the advantage - but within one second it was clear that there was no advantage accrued, and the penalty was duly given. This caused the defenders to complain vociferously, but the decision seemed fair enough to us. LEE DAY stepped up and beat the keeper from the spot.

Then in injury time, WILL COUTTS gave us one of the goals of the season, waltzing his way through the entire Clipstone back line before rounding the keeper and rolling the ball into the net. Think John Barnes v Brazil - yep ... it was that good.....well - almost!!!  F-T 5-1

Admission/programme £0

H/C 23

Clifton FC 2-4 Nottingham Utd (CMLS)

Saturday 19th May 2012 -- kick off 2:59 pm

Went to this game not really knowing what to expect. End of season games that meant nothing for either team, don't usually produce exciting, flowing football - and it has to be said, this was no exception!

With Kev busy again, I thought I'd be on my own at Green Lane, but I met up with former Kirkby Town Chairman Andy Cruddace and Fred KirkbyTown inside the ground, and spent the first half in their company. For the second half, my time was split between Eastwood Town boss John Ramshaw and Clifton defender Mike Banister's dad, Dave. 

This should, on paper at least, have been a home banker, but United knocked seven past Newark last time out so the home team could take nothing for granted. 

ANDY RICHARDS grabbed of the seven scored against Newark, and it was the no. 10 who opened the scoring with just 12 minutes of this game played - a speculative 30 yarder that the Clifton keeper appeared to misjudge, allowing the ball to creep just inside the post.

Micky Evans fired just wide for the home team a minute after, but it was his strike partner ALEX HAUGHTON who brought the All Whites level on 18, firing home from 8 yards after he was picked out by Ben Richardson. 

United took just seconds to re-take the lead. An air kick by a home defender allowed the ball to travel across goal to RICHARDS, and the big man made no mistake from 6 yards.  Clifton were by far the better team in the first half, and were deservedly back on terms on 43, although it was a neat, headed own goal from Evans' cross by United's no. 6 that levelled the scores.  

The home team almost went ahead with their next attack, but the ball was cleared off the line. Was it in? The officials said no.

Halfway through the second period, CHRISTOPHE PINARD stabbed in from close range to give the travellers the lead for the third time in the game.  Clifton's task became more difficult after 75 minutes, when Vaughan Harvey was dismissed by Referee Gareth Davis after the centre-half made a rash challenge,  knowing he had already been booked in the first half. 

Although they were one short at the back, Clifton went looking for the equaliser, and had a series of corners - though they were all defended well by United.

When an attack broke down with one minute to play, the ball was fired up the pitch and when the ball was crossed, no-one picked up RICHARDS inside the area and the striker completed his personal triple. F-T 2-4

Admission £2 inc programme
H/C 60

Blidworth Welfare 2-2 Kimberley Tn (CMLS)

Thursday 17th May 2012 - kick off 7:46pm.  Played at Kimberley Town's Stag Ground.

The penultimate CMLS game of the season, the final game is at Clifton on Saturday.  Blidworth have played their last few "home" games away from home - circumstances dictated that they couldn't use the changing rooms at their Welfare ground.

Met on the gate by Blidworth Treasurer Scott Ward, who immediately lamented the passing of this blog.... an avid reader is Scott - wants me to carry on next season.  We'll see.....

Brian Dennett and fellow blogger John Holt were in attendance - Kev took the photo opportunity!!!!

The Bearded Wonder, Brian, John and Scott

Expected a few more than the 20-odd in attendance - but I suppose when you get to the arse-end of the season, a game between Blidworth and  Kimberley isn't going to attract many spectators.

The game was fairly one-sided during the first period, with Blidworth having about 90% of the possession.  The chances though were few and far between, but when the goal game for Welfare it was a beauty! It came from a right wing cross by Ryan Meehan - the ball in was met superbly with a powerful header in front of the goal by LIAM PRIDE. Matt Driver in the Town goal had no chance.

Driver did save superbly on 40 from Robbie Evans' well placed header, and he almost kept out JOSEPH MEEHAN'S penalty, awarded right on half time for a handball offence. The big man got both hands to the ball, but the shot was struck well and ended up in the net. H-T 2-0

Unlucky Matt !!

We went to stand near the Kimberley dug-out for the second half and were amazed to see a new mountain had appeared in the distance.  We had no idea what or who had created this, but a quick question on facebook and all was revealed. It's in Watnall and is where ash from Radcliffe-on-Soar is stock-piled.

The second half was a more equal affair, with Kimberley showing a bit of attacking menace as well as defending well.  Their efforts should have been rewarded on 57 when Referee Kevin Guise awarded them a penalty after a Blidworth defender was adjudged to have handled in the area. 

Last week, Josh Broad scored from the spot against Basford, but was foiled on this occasion by 17 year old Welfare keeper Thomas Johnson, who dived to his left to save. Blidworth struck the woodwork a couple of times, and Kimberley midfield general Shaka Minors had a decent header that rattled the post.

As the game went on, the Welfare legs seemed to tire, and the Kimberley youngsters took full advantage. In the 79th minute, Minors somehow managed to pick out 16 year old PETER FOX at the near post, and the no. 2 clipped the ball past Johnson to give Town hopes of getting someting out of the game.

Five minutes later they were level. A neat cross found JOSH BROAD in front of goal, and the centre-back volleyed home to level the scores.  F-T 2-2

Great first half from Blidworth, but failure to take their chances ultimately cost them the victory. A welcome point for Kimberley - but they finish the season at the foot of the table.

Blidworth 12th place P30 W9 D5  L16 F49 A65    Pts 32

Kimberley 16th place P30 W1 D4 L25 F28 A130 Pts 7

Admission £3

Programme £1 - still a very good production

H/C - the most I counted was 20

Bulwell FC 0-0 Linby CW (NSL Cup)

Tuesday 15th May 2012 -- kick off 7:30pm

Played at Arnold Town's  Eagle Valley home - and as per usual in May at the grandly named stadium, it was bloody freezing!!!

Teams:

Bulwell : Wheat, Murdock, Walker, Knight, Soar, Keetley, King, Niblett, Manders, Carter C, Moore. Subs: Carter J, England, Gretton, Horder, Logan

Linby : Miles, Marlow D, Dakers, Peberday, Jago, Winfield, Mann, Ryan, Murphy, Payne, Marlow S. Subs: Howell, Bradshaw, Ball, Bernard, Potter

The game finished 0-0 at the end of 90 minutes, and stayed that way through extra-time. JAMES WHEAT saved Linby's second spot kick taken by striker Matt Murphy, and that one save proved to enough to secure the NSL Senior Cup for Bulwell. 

Penalties : Bulwell win 5-3

Admission £3 inc programme

Attendance -- in the hundreds - fantastic turn out!

Tags for this should have been - sky, colour, planet....

Midweek games - local teams

Tuesday 15th May

NSL SENIOR CUP FINAL
Bulwell FC 0-0 Linby CW ( Bulwell 5-3 on pens)

This game is to be played at Eagle Valley, home of Arnold Town, with a 7:30pm kick off.  League champions Bulwell looking to "do the double" - Linby finished their NSL season in 4th place, 21 points behind Bulwell.  Bulwell won both league encounters.


Wednesday 16th May

CML RESERVE CUP FINAL
Dunkirk Res 2-1 Radford Res

This game is to be played at Grange Park, home of Long Eaton United, with a 7:30 pm kick off.

CMLN
FC 05 Bilsthorpe 9-0 Welbeck Welfare (6:30pm)

CMLS
Newark Tn 0-2 Clifton FC (7:45pm)


Thursday 17th May

NOTTS F.A. SUNDAY MINOR CUP FINAL
Cotgrave (Sunday) v Vine Athletic

(was originally re-arranged for the 16th)

This game to be played somewhere -- (Arnold or Clipstone) with a 7:30 pm kick off.

From the Notts F.A. website

Sunday Minor cup Final

• Cotgrave (Sunday) v Vine Athletic
• Date: 17 May 2012
• Venue: Arnold Town FC
• Kick Off: 19:30

The website also has this game being played at Clipstone.  Think I'll go to Kimberley!!

CMLN
FC 05 Bilsthorpe v Thoresby CW (6:30pm)

CMLS
Blidworth Welfare v Kimberley Tn (7:45pm) to be played at the Stag Ground, Kimberley.

Kimberley Tn 1-3 Basford Utd (CMLS)

Saturday 12th May 2012 - kick off 2:59 pm

An afternoon spent in the company of Lee Spurr and Tony Squires .... a couple of eccentric folk from a planet far, far away!!!  Always fun to be in their company, but they are both totally crackers!!!

Kev still doing it himself, so off to the Stag Ground on my own - hoping to see Basford presented with the League Championship trophy.  Seems that no-one from the CML was available to perform the ceremony. Damn and blast it!!

I have been wondering if Basford's stay in the CML is the shortest on record.  Entered the league from the NSL this season, won the league and Floodlit Cup, and should be playing in the EMCL next term.  Teams used to enter the CML in the Premier Division, so had to have at least two seasons in the league. Since the Premier division is now defunct and teams enter straight in at step 7, they can therefore, as Basford have, stay  just one season in the CML.

Expected a goal-fest - but surprisingly this game was goal-less at the break.  It wasn't for want of trying on United's part though. They had at least a dozen presentable chances, but some rubbish "finishing" and a considerable amount of luck for the Town defence kept the scoresheet blank. Kimberley had one half-chance in the first half, but Curtis MacDonald in the United goal was virtually a spectator. 

Carl Westcarr fired over on 15, Hastings fired over seconds later, then Hooton and Gray also fired over - all these chances were from between 3-10 yards out so "bad misses" hardly comes into it!! H-T 0-0

After all those well produced chances in the first half, it just had to be a toe-poke that broke the deadlock! Darren Garmston made a decent run into the box and played the ball across the goal to AARON HOOTON who toed past the Kimberley stopper from 10 yards.

The lead lasted barely 60 seconds though - a penalty awarded for a trip that Kimberley skipper JOSH BROAD tucked neatly past MacDonald.

Basford piled on the pressure relentlessly, and with ten to go were rewarded when HOOTON stabbed home from close range.  On 84, Basford were awarded a penalty - which their no. 4 hit over the bar.

We had been advocating that CURTIS MaCDONALD take the kick - and when another penalty was awarded a minute later, the keeper DID step up and show how it should be done!!!  F-T 1-3

Hardly a classic, but it could have been so much worse for the home team if the Basford strikers had have had their shooting boots on.  To be fair to the home team, with 4 players under 18 and one under 16, they did ok against the league champions.

Admission £3

H/C 80 !! but there were a heck of a lot of Referees in attendance - assessor training or some such .....I wonder how many of them paid to get in???

Saturday 12th May - local teams in action

CMLN
DFS Welbeck Welfare 0-6 Thoresby CW
Easington Utd 9-1 Glapwell

CMLS
Calverton MW 2-4 Pinxton
Clifton FC 1-2 Notts Police
Kimberley Tn 1-3 Basford Utd
Nottm Utd 7-4 Newark Tn ( at Gresham Pavillion)

NSL Div 1
Bilborough Tn 4-0 Radcliffe Oly Res
Underwood Villa 0-1 Southwell St. Marys

Calverton MW 0-8 Basford Utd (CMLS)

Wednesday 9th May 2012 - kick off 7:45pm

Despite what the programme says, this was played on 9th May at Hollinwood Lane.  A rather damp Hollinwood Lane it was too ...never stopped raining throughout the game, but the players gave all and coped really well as the pitch gradually turned into a swamp.

CASHEL WALTERS opened the scoring in the 15th minute, hammering home from the edge of the box after good work down the right by Jarrod Westcarr. CARL WESTCARR also scored with a drive from 18 yards on 26, then COURTNEY HASTINGS calmly lobbed the Calverton keeper to add the third two minutes later.

Right on half-time, DARREN GARMSTON fired in a shot that the keeper let slip from his grasp, giving the Basford man a second chance to fire home. H-T 0-4

AARON HOOTON replaced Walters at the break, an added the visitors fifth goal on 52, racing in on goal before chipping the keeper, the ball ending up in the far corner of the net.

Another one-on-one saw CARL WESTCARR add the sixth, placing the ball to the luckless keepers left and into the goal.  The next goal I actually caught on video - a superb 12 yard header by HASTINGS from a right wing cross. 

The final goal was special, very special - pity I didn't catch this on video - it was a cracker.  HASTINGS dribbled his way into the box, and with dazzling footwork  left three Calverton defenders standing - the no.9 then had the skill to take a touch and pick a spot over the keeper and dink the ball  into the roof of the next. What a way to complete your hat-trick - take a bow, Son!! F-T 0-8

Admission £3
Programme £1
H/C 30

Arnold Tn Res 2-4 Carlton Tn Academy

Tuesday May 8th 2012 - kick off 7:30pm

Notts Senior League Junior final played at Arnold Town's Eagle Valley home.

Really was a case of Billy Chuffin No-Mates at this game....I didn't know anyone at all, and there was quite a good turn out for a Reserve League Cup final.  Usually some familiar faces, but not on this occasion.

Still, I enjoyed myself!  I parked in a lake and got whacked by the ball  in the small of the back by Carlton keeper Martin Apinitas, but hey ho....

Teams:

Arnold - Sweeney, Brewster, Handley, Hopewell, Hastie, Meakin, Lees-Collier, Whitmore, Revuelta, Davis, Holmes.

Millers - Apinitas, B Shiggins, Pickance, Carter, Lynch, Hickey, PJ Shiggins, Blaze, Dimech, Needham, Wheelhouse.

                
The game kick off in bright sunshine, but as the evening went on the temperature dropped significantly - it's always cold at Eagle Valley, even in May!!

Had to wait until the 37th minute for the games first real chance - Simon Brewster's header forcing a diving save out of Martin Apinitas.

The opening goal came on 41, a free-kick into the box was headed at goal by LEWIS WHEELHOUSE, and the ball looped over the outstretched arms of James Sweeney in the Arnold goal. H-T 0-1

Apinitas did well to save Joe Meakins' 48th minute free-kick, but he couldn't keep out a LUKE WHITMORE penalty 10 minutes later, the spot kick awarded after a needless trip in the Carlton area.

On 67, it was WHITMOOR again on the mark, stabbing home from close range after a corner into the 6 yard box had caused all sorts of mayhem.

MARK DIMECH levelled things on 85, finding space on the left before racing into the area and firing past Sweeney into the far corner of the net. F-T 2-2

JAMES NEEDHAM curled a beauty past Sweeney from the corner of the box to give Carlton the lead in the 12th minute of extra-time, but the Millers' celebrations soon became muted when Tom Hickey lashed out at an Arnold player, leaving Referee Wayne Gray little option other than to send the midfielder off. H-T ET 2-3

With Arnold pressing for the equaliser that would have taken the game into penalties, the ball broke for NEEDHAM on the halfway line and he ran in on goal before coolly slotting past Sweeney. F-T ET 2-4

Time for Carlton to celebrate, but this was a good game, and Arnold played their part in keeping this old, lonely sod happy.

Admission £3 inc programme

Attendance - not too sure, but looked a decent turnout.

Local teams in action -- Monday 7th May results

BSP Play off
Mansfield Tn 0-1 York City

CML Floodlit Cup final
Basford Utd 6-2 Ollerton Tn

CML North
Thoresby CW 4-1 Kinsley Boys

CML Reserve Cup 1/4 final
Radford Res 3-1 Dronfield Tn Res

CML Reserve Cup 1/2 final
Dunkirk Res 2-0 Dinnington Tn Res

Dunkirk Res 2-0 Dinnington Tn Res

Monday 7th May 2012 - kick off 3:01pm

Phoenix Trophies Reserve League Cup semi-final played at the Ron Steel Sports Ground, Dunkirk.

On my own for this one, Kev was doing it himself again.  Arrived at the ground 10 minutes before kick off, and greeted by CML Management Committee member, John Farmer.  Spent the first half in the gentleman's company and had a coffee with him half time.  I took no notes in the first half because, although the players played well enough, there were no chances or incidents worth recording. H-T 0-0

The first real chance fell to Dunkirks' Joe Brown on 64, his powerful header rattling the bar before going safe.  Seconds later the home team went ahead when a ball in from the right caught out the Dinnington defence, leaving two Dunkirk players a clear run at the keeper.  One square pass to leave the keeper stranded, left JOE BROWN with an empty net into which he calmly rolled the ball. 

Right from the restart, we were treated to a superb goal from Dunkirk's BEN CLARKE. The no. 9 had the ball rolled to him on the edge of the box, and he flicked it up before hitting the sweetest right foot volley into the back of the net with the goalkeeper a mere spectator. Cracker of a goal, just a shame there were on 25 odd people there to see it. 

Had to go to my car soon after... a wayward shot had hit the windscreen setting off the alarm, and knocking the interior light out of its socket!!!  Referee Mr. Dolbear added 10 minutes on to the end of the game - one or two players had struggled with cramp during the second half but 10 minutes did seem a bit much..... F-T 2-0.  

Dunkirk will now play in the final against either Radford Res or Mickleover Res.  Their semi-final is scheduled for 10th May.

Admission £0

Programme - not available

Coffee ( thanks John)  - very nice 

H/C - at the start of the game there were three of us present, but I counted 25 half way through the first half.

Clifton FC 2-5 Dronfield Tn (CML Cup final)

Sunday 6th May 2012 -- kick off 3pm

Played for the 13th consecutive season at the North Street home of Alfreton Town FC.  Clifton have had a great first season in the CML. They will finish comfortably in mid table in the South Division, although with four league games still to play, they could finish as high as fourth place. Add to this an appearance in the  Notts F.A. Senior Cup final and this final, the team from south of the Trent can be justifiably proud of their 2011-2012 season.

Dronfield currently lie four points behind CML North Division leaders Clipstone, but with three games in hand.  After this performance today, the league and cup double looks a distinct possibility.

Grabbed one of the last vacant spaces in the car park situated just outside the ground - we had left a few minutes early to allow time to find somewhere to park, but on this occasion no problem at all.  Richard Lane was on duty selling programmes, and was doing a great job although it seemed that the 190 print run was a little optimistic. 

Rob Hornby came and said hello, as did our friends Barry and Judith from Loughborough.  It was the love-birds first ever CML game and they were not to be disappointed as both teams put on a great display - and were a credit to the league.

Teams:

Clifton - Parlatt, Banister, Holtham, Robinson, Harvey, Richardson J, Richardson B, Anderson (C) , Haughton, Evans, Heath. Subs: Torr, Atkins, Miller

Dronfield - Siddons, Hemsley, Ashton, Rawson, Mintoft (C), Roberts, Gange, Gibbons, Horsfield, Gallagher, Wood. Subs: Tilly, Doran, Whitehead

Dronfield were in front with only 1 minute 45 seconds of the first half played!  The ball was played out to the right and winger ANDY GANGE controlled superbly before opening his body up and firing left-footed past Joe Parlatt.   

Micky Evans was unlucky not to draw Clifton level on 8, rattling the woodwork after Will Heath's misdirected shot found the striker at the far post.  Alex Haughton fired wide after 13 minutes, but the All White's were undone again in the 17th minute by left footed right winger GANGE, another superb finish that gave Parlatt no chance.

Jake Richardson had a glorious chance to get Clifton back into the game seconds later, but after finding himself one-on-one with Nick Siddons, Richardson tamely fired into the keepers arms.  Stuart Robinson had an even better chance on 22, but contrived to fire over from just a few yards out.

Clifton were back in it though in the 28th minute, when JAKE RICHARDSON drilled home low and hard after he beat his skipper Anderson to the ball.  The Dronfield defence had failed to clear, leaving the two Clifton men to fight it out for the shot.

Richardson congratulated after netting

6 minutes before the break, Clifton were on terms - Jake Richardson playing BEN RICHARDSON in one-on-one with Siddons.  The Clifton no. 7 made no mistake, sitting the keeper down before rolling the ball home.  H-T 2-2 

Michael Holtham headed off the line to keep the scores level five minutes after the restart, the full back was then replaced by Lee Torr.  It was Torr who gave away the free-kick that lead to Dronfield's third goal.  The kick found Trevor Roberts just past the far post, and his header back across goal was nodded neatly past Parlatt by Town skipper RICHARD MINTOFT.

Mintoft wheels away after grabbing Town's third

It became worse for Clifton on 54, Michael Banister mistiming a tackle in the area giving Referee Paul Vardy no option other than to award a penalty to Dronfield.  There were no complaints from the Clifton players, and AIDEN ASHTON made no mistake from the spot.

Clifton never gave up, and almost reduced the deficit on 72, but Siddons did well to save Haughton's close range effort. Jake Richardson had a header tipped over by Siddon five minutes later, but Dronfield wrapped up the game soon after, DAN WOOD netting from 6 yards at the second time of asking, after Parlatt had blocked the players first run at goal.  F-T 2-5 

Admission £4

Programme £1

Attendance - no idea

Double header with the66pow

Saturday 5th May 2012

Arnold Town 3-2 Winterton Rangers followed quickly by Calverton MW 2-3 South Normanton Athletic. 

Not planned, but when blogging supremo Rob Waite messaged me to say he would be "doing" this double-header, it seemed too good an opportunity to meet up with the lad again,  before the season's end.  Kev was DIY - ing so wasn't able to join me - unfortunately that means that there are no decent pics to enhance this blog entry. 

The Eagle Valley pitch was looking a bit worse for wear - they've had several cup final played on it recently - and with all the recent heavy rain, it seems like it hasn't had enough recovery time between games. 

Give both teams players credit though - they gave us a good game despite the pitch and the freezing cold conditions.

Rob was with Mick Cook - also in attendance were Deadly Derek, Paul & Maurice MacFarland, Aggedor and a plethora of ground-hoppers.

Unusually, the line-ups were announced on the PA system, but Rob, bless him, blagged a team sheet from someone!!

The game started off a bit slowly, "typical end of season fayre", but a defensive mistake on 16 allowed Arnold's RYAN WHITEHURST a clear run at goal, and with Turner advancing, the striker calmly lobbed the ball over his head into the net.

MARTIN CARRUTHERS added a second for the Eagles after 35 minutes had been played, clipping the ball home from close range.  H-T 2-0

The second half was only 16 seconds old when WHITEHURST capitalised on another defensive lapse and added the home teams third goal, but Rangers replied just a few seconds later when JACK CROSS was played in one-on-one with Martin Kearney and calmly slotted the ball into the net.

Liam Garner gets close and personal with Craig Fisher

On 52, the visitors reduced their arrears to just one goal - LIAM WILKIN on target this time.  No more goals, but Whitehurst had a great chance to complete his hat-trick in the 63rd minute, but fluffed his header inches from goal after Chris Freestone's effort had cannoned off the post.  F-T 3-2 and then followed a mass exodus and a mad dash up the road to Calverton. Arrived at Hollinwood Lane just as the teams were lining up for the kick off.

Met inside the ground by new twitter friend Sam Hodkin.  Sam is a University student who uses public transport to get to matches.  Nice, pleasant young man, but lordy, lord can he rattle!!! Self proclaimed FC United of Manchester fan, and knows a hell of a lot about the Northern football scene - mind you when he got together with Aggedor and they started talking about the Welsh Premier League, I was totally out of my depth.

South Normanton were third from top before kick off, while Welfare were third bottom. Handsome home win predicted by all, but after a fairly stale uneventful period it was the home team who went ahead with just two minutes of the half remaining.  DANIEL HOUGH went one-on- one with James Baker and nutmegged the keeper to give the home the lead. H-T 1-0

I was joined at the break by Eastwood Town gaffer and good friend, John Ramshaw. He has had a torrid time since taking over at Coronation Park, but is hoping to put things to rights next season as the Badgers, after relegation from the Conference North, try their luck in the Evo-Stik Premier.

Already has players committed to playing for him next season, and has also secured the services of young keeper Sam Andrew.  Rammers will be spending time in the States again pre-season, leaving Richard Cooper to oversee the pre-season friendlies. Has already pencilled in games against Lincoln city and Scarborough. 

I was just checking out her equipment, honest!!!!!

The visitors were on level terms with just 5 minutes of the half played - a harsh penalty awarded by Referee Paul Dixon, who had to explain to the Welfare players on several occasions, just why he had awarded the spot-kick. Seems to have been a push down on a Normo striker. STEVE CHAMBERS rammed the ball past the Calverton keeper to level the scores.

Athletic went in front on 59, LUKE CROSBY turning superbly for a big man before firing home from 12 yards. DANNY BRISCOE made it 3-1 after 80, collecting the ball at the corner of the box and curling a beauty into the top corner. Welfare had the last word though, HOUGH again on the scoresheet with 6 minutes to play. F-T 2-3.  Straight to the car and home just in time to see the Cup final kick off.

Arnold admission £5

Programme £1.20

Attendance 105

Calverton admission £3

Programme - sold out unsurprisingly

Sam H/C 32, but there were a few arrivals throughout the game, so I reckon it peaked at 50.