Hucknall Rolls Leisure 1-3 Awsworth Villa (NSL)

Tuesday 31st January  2012 - kick off 7:30pm

"Tales of OCD and that thing that does.....that..."

Big thanks to Rolls joint boss Paul Jordan for keeping me up to speed as to whether this game was going ahead.  With the temperature set to plummet, games are always going to be in some doubt. Paul probably has mixed feelings after his charges were beaten by a well organised Villa outfit.

As we pulled up to the ground we were greeted by serial hopper Steve Reading..... always a good laugh or two to be had when Steve 's present.

Walking down to the pitch, Steve related how at a game he was at last week, a bloke came and stood next to him. Nothing too strange about that, I hear you say, but this man mentioned to Steve that he may touch him every now and then - although not in  a sexual way!!!!  Apparently this poor fellow has OCD and when he sees specks of dust on a coat, he has the compulsion to brush it off.  Steve wasn't overly amused and told the bloke firmly not to touch him. Some people are so insensitive!! 

Didn't take many notes as it was much too cold to keep removing the gloves.....but I did note that ALASTAIR MURRAY fired home for Rolls from 8 yards in the 9th minute.   Awsworth levelled on 28 - Kieran Saxton saw his effort blocked, but when the ball fell to SIMON NEWELL he hammered into the net from 12 yards. H-T 1-1

Had a quick walk around the pitch at half-time in an effort to get the circulation going - didn't work!  Villa took the lead on 57, JAY FROST rifling home from 15 yards after a superb run down the left and reverse pass from Adam Holmes had picked him out.

After one wild effort on goal that flew into the trees behind the Rolls goal, the ball came back like a ten pin ball machine thingy - but could I get over to the giggling Kev and Steve what I meant! Could I heck-as-like -- it came out as "it's like that thing that does....that" - ok, I know it was funny, but Kev and Steve -- it wasn't THAT funny!!!!!

A CHRIS HENSON penalty in the 70th minute sealed the points for Villa - and although the Rolls players hotly debated the award of the kick, their keeper quite clearly committed a foul even though he did end up with the ball nestling in his arms.  F-T 1-3

Admission - no

Programme - no

Head count - according to Mr. Reading everyone had one each .... (40)

Pinxton 1-2 South Norm Ath (CMLS)

Saturday 28th Jan 2012 - kick off 3pm

We were scheduled to visit the New Manor Ground to see Ilkeston FC take on Loughborough Dynamo, but after witnessing the reverse encounter, Pinxton v South Normanton Athletic was a local derby not to be missed. This fixture was originally set for Boxing Day, but was called off for some reason or other.

We decided to leave Hucknall a few minutes early so we could get a decent parking spot, and although there were a fair few cars already present, Kev parked us neatly by the side of the tennis courts.  Just a short walk to the ground, and when we got to the gate, we were warmly welcomed by the Gents on duty, as per usual. 

We managed to grab a minute with Pinxton joint Manager Kenny Shinfield as the players were warming up - he knew that a win was critical for his team.  Three points would take them to within 2 points of Athletic with 2 games in hand.  A loss would see the Welfare team 8 points adrift.

As it transpired, Pinxton were the only one of the top six to lose - Newark easing past Real Utd to leap above Pinxton who drop to 5th. 

The game began at a ferocious pace, as all local derbies should - and Pinxton were unlucky no to take an early lead after a ball played in from the right caused mayhem in the Shiner's area.  Unfortunately for the home team, no-one was able to get a toe to the ball and poke it home.

Pinxton no. 8 Sean Gregory tried his luck from long range in the fifth minute, but his effort flew just wide.  Seconds later though, the home team were ahead, and what a goal it was - a real contender for goal of the season.

After a Normanton attack had broken down, the ball was cleared from the goal line and WAYNE COOKE controlled superbly, turned and ran - and ran - and ran, eventually ending up in the away area before firing a curler past keeper James Baker.

The goal certainly stirred thing up in the Shiners' camp, and they fought back hard, taking the game to their hosts. Centre forward Danny Brisco is one of the Shiners brightest stars, and he had a great chance on 21, but his run at goal was ended by Sam Rawson.  His Welfare counterpart Jay Cooper was set free by Josh Parker soon after, but he over-ran the ball and the chance was lost.

Rawson had been superb at the heart of the home defence, but he in the 41st minute he fouled Brisco on the edge of the box. Referee Tim Walker waved play on after he saw that the loose ball had fallen kindly to STEVE O'CONNELL, who had the fairly simple task of rounding Dave O'Hare and slotting home.  H-T 1-1

The home team came out fired up and were almost back in front on 49 when Gregory headed a Jones corner just over the bar.  A defensive lapse then cost Pinxton dearly, as they allowed hit man ADAM NICHOLLS too much space 25 yards from goal, and the no. 10 unleashed a fierce drive that flew into the top corner of the net, with O'Hare grasping at thin air.

Nicholls gets a hug after putting the Shiners ahead!

Nicholls already has one nomination for goal of the season - his overhead volley in the reverse fixture. Now he has two!

Pinxton poured forward in an attempt to try and get something out of a game they didn't deserve to lose. Aaron Brady went close with a header, then Jones had a corner tipped over the bar by Baker just as it looked as if it was going straight in. Ryan Booker hit a spectacular shot for 20+ yards as the game entered added time, but Baker was alert and pushed the effort over the bar.  The resultant corner was cleared and the home challenge ended when Mr. Walker blew the final whistle seconds later. F-T 1-2

Tough tackling,  hard fought game - excellent local derby, although Pinxton probably deserved at least a point from the game.  Danny Evans was superb throughout, and it is to be hoped the injury that ended his participation early, is not too serious.

Evans carried off by Sam Rawson and Joe Riley

Special mention for Referee Tim Walker. Cracking performance from the man in the middle - well done, Sir!!

Admission £2

Programme £1

Attendance - head counted over 120 - could have been more....my eyes aren't as good as they used to be!

Saturday 28th January - local teams in action

BSP
Ebbsfleet Utd 0-3 Mansfield Tn

BSN
Gloucester City 2-0 Eastwood Tn

NPP
Matlock Tn 0-2 Ashton Utd
Worksop Tn 1-2 Bradford PA

NP1S
Brigg Tn 1-2 Hucknall Tn
Ilkeston FC 2-2 Loughborough Dynamo
Newcastle Tn 0-1 Shepshed Dynamo
Quorn FC 0-8 Carlton Tn

MFA
Tipton Tn 4-2 Dunkirk FC

NCELP
Armthorpe Welfare 1-0 Long Eaton Utd
Arnold Tn 1-3 Brighouse Tn

NCEL1
AFC Emley 2-1 Teversal
Shirebrook Tn 8-1 Yorkshire Ams

EMCL
Blaby & Whetstone 0-3 Blackwell MW
Borrowash Vics 4-2 St. Andrews
Gedling MW 5-3 Ellistown
Ibstock Utd 1-3 Graham St Prims
Oadby Tn 2-1 Greenwood Meadows
Radford FC 2-1 Anstey Nomads
Thurnby Nirvana 3-2 Heanor Tn

CMLN
Glapwell P-P Bentley Colliery (3pm)
Harworth CI 0-4 Thoresby CW (2pm)
Parkhouse 4-7 Clipstone Welfare (2pm)
Thorne Colliery 6-1Welbeck Welfare (2pm)

CMLS
AFC Hucknall 0-2 Bilborough Pelican (3pm)
Belper Utd 1-2 Basford Utd (2pm)
Calverton MW 3-4 Nottm Utd (2pm)
Kimberley Tn 1-0 Notts Police (3pm)
Pinxton 1-2 South Normanton Athletic (3pm)
Real Utd 1-5 Newark Tn (2pm)
Southwell City 2-3 Clifton (3pm)
Sutton Tn AFC 7-1 Blidworth Welfare (3pm)

NSL Senior Div
Attenborough 2-0 Gedling SB
Cotgrave Welfare 0-2 Magdala Ams
F.C. Cavaliers 2-0 Hucknall Rolls Leisure
Keyworth Utd 3-3 Selston
Kimberley MW 5-0 Vernon Villa
Linby CW 4-2 Sandhurst
Wollaton 2-4 Ruddington Village

AFC Hucknall 1-5 Sutton Tn AFC

Tuesday 24th January 2012 - kick off 7:47pm / CML Floodlit Cup

AFC Hucknall played well against high flying Basford the other weekend, so we went along to Watnall Road to see if they could play as well against another of the League's top teams, Sutton Town AFC.

It turned out to be a decent enough game, and although the Yellows lost 1-5, they performed very well against a very experienced Sutton outfit.

The visitors front line looked particularly potent - Andy White and Craig Mitchell - two ex-Stags strikers from  few years back.... 

Mind you, some of the other team members weren't exactly novices - Jay Edwards, Chas Charlesworth, Reg Hollingworth, Danny Tighe:  add James "Topps" Whitehead to the mix, and that gives you a talented line-up.

Walked into the ground and said hi to Heanor Town aficionados Tony Squires and Lee Spurr.  Had a chat to former Snipe Dean Hadley, who was at the game with Anton Lancashire and better half!  

We went to the stands for a sit down, and former Hucknall and Carlton boss Tommy Brookbanks came and had a few words. Tommy is currently managing Stamford FC, and is very happy with life at the P K Arena. His current charges lie 5th in the Evo-Stik Div 1 South, and are realistically aiming for at least a play-off place.

The Yellows did well to keep out White and Mitchell for the first half hour or so but when the two combined on 32, White's persistance saw him keep possession before playing the ball into MITCHELL, who made no mistake from close range.  Five minutes later, MITCHELL was again on the mark, this time a superb ball out of defence picking out the no. 9, who collected with style before racing at goal and firing home.  H-T 0-2

Saw Dean agian at the break - he told us about how another former Snipe, Danny Simpson, broke his ankle the other Sunday.  One of the few local games that took place on that freezing morning, and with a rock hard pitch,  Danny apparently picked up the injury when he jumped for the ball and landed very heavily. Best wishes and speedy recovery, Danny.

Grabbed a word with AFC boss Dan Pheasant just after the break - he was a little surprised at how strong the Sutton line up was,  and  he must have wished he could put out a team containing the likes of Mitchell, White and Whitehead!

MITCHELL completed his hat-trick on 71, firing into the top corner from the corner of the box.  AFC never gave up, and did play some good stuff, and when their no. 9 lobbed the Sutton keeper seven minutes later, they might have thought for a while that the late fight-back was on..... not to be though. The Sutton 14 shirt, CRAIG BUCHANAN grabbed their fourth shortly after, then with a couple of minutes left, DANNY TIGHE fired a low free-kick past Hadlee Dunn to give the scoreline a rather unfair look to it!

AFC are a heck of a lot better than they were earlier in the season, but with the impressive Sutton line-up, this game was a case of men v boys. Will definitely be watching the Yellows again before the season ends. Might be a trip to the Fieldings in the near future as well! F-T 1-5

Admission £3

Programme £0.50 ( long time since I've seen an A4 programme)

Attendance 30  

Heanor Town 3-6 Barrow Town (EMCL)

Saturday 21st January 2012 - kick off 3:06pm (repair to goal net needed) 
                                                                                                                                                                                     

Wouldn't you believe it? Nine goals, and eight of them scored in the goal furthest away from us!!!

Top of the table Heanor were looking to stretch their lead over their rivals to 8 points, but a very good team performance from Barrow ended those hopes - although the second half was very, very strange indeed!  Heanor went in at the break 3-1 up, but contrived to concede 5 goals in 45 crazy second half minutes.......with only 12 games left to play, the Lions lead is still 5 points over Borrowash, but the Vics have 15 games left.  Oadby have 17 to play, and are 12 points behind Heanor - still lots to play for, but Heanor may have just blown it today.

The game was only 43 seconds old when NATHAN BENGER was picked out in the box by a cross from the left and neatly fired home to notch his 22nd league goal of the season.

Benger wheels away after scoring in the 1st minute

Just as Heanor were thinking this may be a comfortable afternoon, they allowed JAMIE ALLEN room to shoot from the edge of the box, and his effort flew past Heanor keeper Mark Frost.  Not a lot Frosty could do about the goal, but his defenders were far too slow in closing down Allen.

Heanor's Carl Slater fired just wide on 24, then had the ball in the net seconds later, only to have his effort ruled out for offside.

In the 26th minute the home team went back in front, a bizarre goal from JASON FOSTER - his corner in from the left palmed into the goal at his near post by visiting keeper Dan Riley.  After 31 minutes it was 3-1 when the ball was gifted to JOSH ROYCE who calmly accepted the gift before drilling past Riley.  H-T 3-1

Foster's corner gets the better of Riley

Royce adds Heanor's third

Frost could only watch - but this effort flew over the bar

Managed to grab a word with our good friend, former Rainworth keeper Mark Hales.  Genuinely nice person - it was a real pleasure to see him again.  It was Mark who repaired the net prior to kick off - his 6ft 6in coming in very handy.  Before the second half could begin, the net needed repairing again, this time a ladder was found and the wayward net taped into place.

Mark Hales lends a hand

With just four minutes of the second half played, the visitors reduced their arrears, a corner from the right prodded past Frost by JON COPPARD.  On 55, Phil Austin fired in a wicked corner from the right that fell straight to Benger. The striker hammered the ball at goal, but was amazed, as were we all, to see Tom Cooper block the effort on the line.

Just in the hour mark, the visitors were level. CAMERON GRAY had a pop at goal from 30+ yards, and with the wind behind it, the ball moved all over the place before dipping over the outstretched arms of Lions keeper Frost and into the net.

Heanor should have been in from after 65 minutes after Adan Kay hammered a bullet header from Fosters' corner past Riley.  However, Referee Mr. Garner adjudged that the centre-half had climbed on a Barrow defender to get to the ball and disallowed the goal. Looked a classic centre-half goal to us, then when an Austin corner was cleared off the line by Coppard on 68, you sort of knew it wasn't going to be Heanor's day.

When Kay allowed a cross in from the left on 75, Frost tried to intercept it, but he failed and the ball fell straight to CARL ADAMS who gleefully tapped home his 17th of the season.  With 6 to play, Slater was presented with a golden chance to bring the home team level, but his close range header at the far post sailed past the near post!  Terrible miss - and the chance to salvage something from the game wasted. 

Worse was to follow for Heanor - in the first minute of stoppage time, their defence gave the ball to CARL ADAMS and he calmly lobbed Frost to take his season's tally to 19.  In the 3rd minute of added time the goal fest was complete, and I suppose with the bad day that the home defence had had, it was only fitting that they added an OG to add to their misery.  F-T 3-6

Bad day at the office for the Lions, but these things happen. It's how they respond next time out that matters now...

Admission £5
Programme £1
Attendance 97

Saturday 21st January - local teams in action

After several games were called off due to frost last week, it may be that this week, some are lost to water-logged pitches. Looks like another Saturday AM of keeping tabs on various websites and awaiting pitch inspections :-(


BSP
Mansfield Tn 3-2 Hayes & Yeading

BSN
Eastwood Tn P-P Solihull Moors

NPP
Kendal Tn 2-1 Matlock Tn

NP1S
Belper Tn 3-1 Newcastle Tn
Carlton Tn 7-1 Leek Tn
Goole AFC 3-0 Ilkeston Tn
Hucknall Tn 2-0 Romulus
Shepshed Dynamo 1-1 Rainworth MW

MFA
Dunkirk 2-4 Coventry Sphinx

NCELP
Long Eaton Utd 2-2 Nostell MW
Pickering Tn 1-1 Retford Utd

NCEL1
Louth Tn 3-0 Teversal
Shirebrook Tn 2-0 Grimsby Borough

EMCL
Borrowash Vics P-P Holwell Sports
Graham St Prims 3-4 t. Andrews
Greenwood Meadows 2-1 Bardon Hill
Heanor Tn 3-6 Barrow Tn
Ibstock Utd P-P Blackwell MW
Radcliffe Oly 3-1 Gedling MW
Radford 0-3 Blaby & Whetstone

CMLN
Clipstone Welfare 3-0  Bentley Colliery (3pm)
Welbeck Welfare 0-2 Glapwell (2pm)
Thoresby CW 1-0 Ollerton Tn (2pm)

CMLS
Basford Utd 1-1 Real Utd (3pm)
Blidworth Welfare 0-2 Bilborough Pelican (3pm)
Clifton 1-1 Belper Utd (2pm)
Kimberley Tn P-P Sutton Tn AFC
Notts Police P-P South Normanton Ath
Pinxton 3-1 Calverton MW (3pm)
Southwell City 4-2 AFC Hucknall (3pm)

NSL Senior Division
Awsworth Villa 6-0 Vernon Villa

NSL Senior Cup
Bulwell 5-1 Selston
F.C. Cavaliers 2-1 Cotgrave Welfare
Keyworth Utd 0-0 Hucknall RL ( away win on pens)
Kimberley MW 2-1 Nottinghamshire
Linby CW 4-1 Ruddington Village
Sandhurst 4-2 Boots Athletic
Wollaton 3-1 Attenborough

February 2012 fixtures

Just spent a few minutes looking at possible games for February.   So far I can only see seven games - whether it's a combination of the decent December weather meaning no games were lost, plus the smaller than usual league membership, I don't know. 

Mid-week games are just not showing on the various league websites. The only midweek games I have noted so far are Notts F.A. Senior Cup games on the 7th and 8th.  The number of matches could be boosted when the U19's league releases it's full February fixtures, but even so, there aren't too many games left for a lot of the U19 teams. 

AFC Hucknall 1-3 Basford Utd (CMLS)

Saturday 14th January 2012 - kick off 3pm

 One of those Saturday mornings that sees you sitting at the PC waiting to see which games will survive after all the pitch inspections had been carried out.

Our Game was due to have been Pinxton v Blidworth, but with Kev on family duties, I needed something slightly closer to home.  I know it's only a 25 minute journey to Wharf Road, but on a cold Saturday such as this, travelling too far is always a risk. Fellow blogger Uwdi Krugg always seems to be unlucky with cancellations - click here to read about his latest wasted day.

Anyway, it gave me a chance to look at United's new floodlights - this game was officially AFC Hucknall's home game, but was switched to Greenwich Avenue at the 11th hour.

I wondered if anybody else knew about the switch - when I arrived at the ground at 2:50pm, I was the only spectator there! Talk about Billy No-mates!!!!!

Took a few pics of the new lights and the newly erected covered area, and a couple of images of the teams shaking hands pre-kick off.

I wasn't on my own for long  -  I had the pleasure of the company of Nottm United Manager Andy Cruddace, Radford FC Secretary Danny Staley and Rainworth MW press officer Gordon Foster.

Danny went at the break, but I spent all the game with Gordon - I could listen to him talk about his life as a  football journalist all day.

The game began in bright sunshine, although it was a little on the chilly side.

Basford have recruited a few well known names from the local non-league scene - Cashell Walters, Richard Hodgman and Carl Westcarr to name but three.  The first 20 minutes were fairly even, but then two great pieces of skill gave United a 2-0 lead.

DARREN GARMSTON had blazed over the bar seconds earlier, but the next attack saw him run in from the left and curl a beauty past Hadlee Dunn in the AFC goal. Some strike, but it was put into the shade 60 seconds later.  The ball was crossed into the box  from the right, and TIAN WALTON met it with a spectacular overhead volley that had every one of the 33 spectators applauding and smiling!

It should have been 3-0 at half-time - a blatant if not too hard push in the area was punished with the award of a penalty by Referee Mr. Barker. Westcarr stepped up and struck the ball well enough, but it was at just the height that keepers love, and Dunn made a fine save to deny the Basford striker. H-T 0-2



Hadlee Dunn keeps out Westcarr's spot kick 

Unusually for me, I decided to try a hot beverage during the break.  Coffee was just £0.60 and although it came in a Styrofoam cup, it was as big as a bucket!  Heanor Town take note....thimbles are not good value for money!!!!!

The second half was played under the new lights, and they seem to be very high quality.  Not too much to report on the pitch though - the ground was getting very firm as the temperature plummeted.  Hucknall reduced their arrears on 57, their no. 8 SAM SIMS firing past Basford keeper Adam Fretwell from 20 yards.

United took only seconds though to restore the two goal cushion, a terrific cross in from the left met with a superb header from COURTNEY HASTINGS some 10 yards from goal.  I was determined not to take any more notes as it got colder and colder, so note pad away, gloves on ,daft hat on, scarf tightened - and wait for Mr. Barker to blow the final whistle. F-T 1-3

Attendance £3

H/C - at kick off 33, but this was up and down throughout the game....





Shake!!

Saturday 14th January - local teams in action

BSN
Eastwood Tn 0-1 Colwyn Bay

F.A. Trophy R2
Worksop Tn  P-P  Newport County

NPP
Chasetown P-P Matlock Tn

NP1S
Belper Tn P-P Kidsgrove Athletic
Coalville Tn P-P Shepshed Dynamo
Ilkeston FC P-P Sutton Coldfield Tn
Leek Tn P-P Hucknall Tn
Rainworth MW P-P Grantham Tn
Stamford P-P Carlton Tn

MFA
Highgate Utd P-P Dunkirk FC

NCELP
Arnold Tn 1-0 Maltby Main
Retford Utd 2-1 Long Eaton Utd

NCEL1
Eccleshill Utd P-P Shirebrook Tn
Teversal 3-2 Yorkshire Amateur

EMCL
Anstey Nomads P-P Graham St Prims
Bardon Hill 2-1 Blackwell MW
Blaby & Whetstone Ath 2-1 Gedling MW
Borrowash Vics 3-0 Ibstock Utd
Radcliffe Olympic 1-3 Greenwood Meadows
Radford FC P-P Ellistown
St. Andrews 2-2 Heanor Tn

CMLN
Clipstone Welfare 3-1 Glapwell FC (3pm)
Parkhouse P-P Ollerton Tn (2pm)
Thoresby CW 1-0 Kiveton Park (2pm)

CMLS
AFC Hucknall 1-3 Basford Utd (3pm)  played at Basford
Calverton MW P-P Bilborough Pelican (3pm)
Clifton FC P-P Kimberley Tn (2pm)
Nottm Utd P-P Newark Tn (2pm)
Pinxton P-P Blidworth Welfare (3pm)
Real Utd 2-4 Belper Utd (2pm)
South Normanton Ath 2-2 Sutton Tn AFC (3pm)

NSL Senior
Attenborough 3-3 Linby CW
F.C. Cavaliers P-P Bulwell
Gedling SB 0-0 Sandhurst
Hucknall RL 2-0 Cotgrave Welfare
Keyworth Utd 4-4 Awsworth Villa
Magdala Ams 0-2 Kimberley MW
Selston 7-2 Wollaton
Vernon Villa 0-5 Ruddington Village

Blidworth Welfare U19 1-3 Carlton Tn U19 (NML Div 3)

Thursday 12th January 2012 - kick off 7:45pm

Late decision to go to this game, but I'm pleased I went. A little cracker of a game played between two sets of players who gave their all throughout the 90 minutes.  Took hardly any notes because this wasn't going to be blogged, but it was a game well worth a few words. 

I was greeted inside the ground by Welfare 1st team boss Dave Voller, and club Treasurer / webmaster Scott Ward.  Scott mentioned that due to one thing and another, the Blidworth lads hadn't played since November, and find themselves third from bottom of the table. They looked a neat compact outfit for all that and more than held their own against third placed Carlton.

Carlton took the lead on 32 minutes,  and Blidworth keeper Tyler Merryweather will be a little disappointed that he couldn't keep out an 18 yard pee-roller from the Millers' skipper wearing the 14 shirt.  H-T 0-1

Blidworth levelled on 57, then went a little gung-ho as they tried to grab the lead. They poured men forward and in the 69th minute had three shots blocked in quick succession - trouble is, they left a gaping hole at the back and when the visiting no. 17 was found by a long ball out of defence, he ran into the box and rounded Merryweather before slotting home.

Blidworth had a Marouane Fellaini lookalike in the centre of their defence, and he looked a decent prospect - until he fell foul of Referee Andy Rolph that is.  On 78 he showed dissent - and when Mr. Rolph called him over to caution him, he said something out of order.  Yellow card in hand,  Mr Rolph said " that's for dissent,  and this is for what you've just said to me". So two yellows in two seconds.. and Blidworth down to 10 men.

Carlton wrapped up the points with 7 minutes left to play - JOE WELLS firing home the rebound after a shot from the 17 shirt had cannoned off the foot of the post.  F-T 1-3

Great game - but I am a big fan of the U19 game anyway - I wish I could get to a few more!!!

Admission (inc prog) £2

Attendance H/C 22

Off to see Blidworth's 1st team at Pinxton on Saturday - cold, but sunny day forecast.......we'll see!!!!

Arnold Town 4-3 Parkgate (NCELP)

Tuesday 10th January 2012 - kick off 7:55pm

Bit of a delayed start to the game - two banks of floodlights decided to turn themselves off just as the players entered the field.  A mile or so up the road, Calverton had to postpone their game with Blidworth because of floodlight failure - would have been a very unusual local double if the Eagle Valley lights couldn't have been fixed..........

 The game itself was a good old-fashioned ding-dong battle. Every time Arnold managed to find the back of the net, their high-flying opponents levelled - until the deciding goal that is.  This was scored in second half injury time, giving the Rotherham outfit no chance to repeat the feat a fourth time.

After a bit of a slow start, the home team began to dominate, Tris Whitman proving to be a pain in the backside for the Parkgate defenders, and Liam Garner bossing affairs in midfield.

The Eagles took a deserved lead on 19 when RYAN WHITEHURST fired past visiting keeper Jamie Bailey from the corner of the box.  This seemed to give Parkgate a kick up the backside, and they came more and more into the game. They had to wait until the 42nd minute to draw level though, and it was a combination of "disappointing" goalkeeping and slack defending that gifted them the goal. NATHAN SWINDELLS had had a poor game, but when he was given too much space on the edge of the box, the striker tried his luck. Arnold keeper Martin Kearney failed to react the the tame effort and it crept into the net at the far post, past his despairing late dive.  H-T 1-1

Sat with Referee friend Rob Townsend throughout the game. Also in the company of Richard Lane, Deadly Derek, Trev Williams and our good buddy Brian Dennett - bit of a reunion!!  Stags midfielder/striker Lindon Meikle came and sat with us, and we had a chat about old times at Eastwood - Lindon, Liam Garner, Callum Mason, Colin Daniel ( Macclesfield)  were all in the same Academy team at Coronation Park. What a team that was, let me tell you!!!

Arnold were back in front on 57, LIAM GARNER rising to head home Whitman's left wing cross.  The visitors were given the chance to level after 70 minutes when Referee A. Barney awarded them a penalty for a handling offence by an Arnold defender.  ASHLEY WORSFOLD made no mistake from the spot, firing low to Kearney's right.  Swindells rushed in to grab the ball in an attempt to return it to the centre spot, and was met by a rather angry Kearney - who refused to hand over the ball. As it transpired, Swindells should have left well alone, because more or less straight from the restart, Arnold once again took the lead.  It was sub JOSH SCHOFIELD who netted, firing past Bailey from just inside the box. 

With 5 minutes to play, Parkgate skipper MATT GRIFFIN headed home superbly from 12 yards out to once again restore parity.  Despite being pegged back on three occasions, the Arnold players never let their heads drop. In stoppage time,  Whitman again showed tremendous wing play, this time down the right, and his ball into the box was met at the far post by LUKE SMITHSON. A simple tap in for the youngster , but it proved to be a match winner, because straight from the restart, Mr. Barney blew the final whistle to bring an end to a very entertaining game. F-T 4-3

Admission £5

Programme £1.20

Attendance 95 

Heanor Town 4-1 Radford FC (EMCL)

Saturday 7th January 2012 -- ko 3pm
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Would lowly Radford be able to complete an unlikely league double over top of the table Heanor?  That was the question posed as we made our way to the Town Ground once again. Apparently in the previous encounter right at the start of the season, Radford had three shots and scored three times, securing them a 3-2 victory.  

Heanor had new signing Carl Slater on the bench - a quality player with bags of experience - should be interesting to see Slat and Kieran DeBrouwer playing alongside each other.  The midfield places will need to be earned - Slater, DeBrouwer, Ryan Cancellara, Gary Webster, Rockie White and Lee Stevenson all fighting for the three places!

Adam Kay's return to the club has meant Brett Peel had to settle for a place on the bench with Slater - but again, pressure for places can only help the Lions as they look to strengthen their squad in an attempt keep top spot, and help avoid a repeat of last season's disappointing end of season meltdown.

Radford's players were mostly unknown to both me and Kev, but we did know keeper Jack Harvey and right back Rob Labbatte from their time spent with AFC Hucknall.  Manager Paul Rawdon told us that he is still trying to mould his Radford team together, and since returning to the club earlier in the season, has built an almost totally new squad.

The previously mentioned shock looked on the cards after half an hour when Radford no. 8 JOHN ANDREWS fired past Heanor keeper Mark Frost, after he was given time and space in front of goal.  Prior to this though, the home team were denied a stonewall penalty after Harvey clattered into Nathan Benger - Referee Chris Hunter waved away the protests, but even though I try to be "the Referee's friend" as often as I can, this was a poor decision and one that was compounded by his Assistant who apparently also saw nothing amiss.

Webster had looked dangerous raiding down the right, but his final ball into the area let him down time after time. Benger showed him how to do it on 35, his cross finding STEF FROST on the 6 yard line, and the striker made no mistake volleying home to level the scores.

The Lions took the lead in the 39th minute, ADAM KAY heading Jason Foster's left side corner powerfully home at the far post. H-T 2-1

Stood behind the goal with good friends Chris and Steve for the first half, but decided to head to the dugout stand for the second period, in the hope that if Heanor were to net any further goals, I wouldn't have to ask around to find out who scored. My eyes really struggle to see 100 yards down the pitch! As it happens, the third Heanor goal after 66 minutes had me guessing for a while - a fierce drive in from the right from (I think) Gary Webster, appeared to go straight into the net, but left JAKE VERNON celebrating with both hands in the air. As the ball flew goalwards, he had glanced the ball home with his head apparently......

With 10 to go, the ball was played out of defence, and with Vernon beating the offside trap he raced at goal.  Harvey advanced to the edge of his area to try and halt the strikers run, but Vernon slid the ball to NATHAN BENGER who made hard work of controlling the pass, but eventually netted his 20th league goal of the season.  F-T 4-1

Admission £5
Programme £1
Attendance 98

We've seen some poor games recently, and although this was certainly no classic, we left the Town Ground at least feeling we had had our fiver's worth!!

Saturday 7th January 2012 - local teams in action

BSP
Mansfield Tn 1-0  Forest Green Rovers

BSN
Hinckley Utd 4-0 Eastwood Tn

NPP
Matlock Tn 3-0 Frickley Athletic
Worksop Tn 3-5 Kendal Tn

NP1S
Belper Tn 0-2 Coalville Tn
Carlton Tn 2-3 Newcastle Tn
Hucknall Tn 2-3 Sheffield FC
Kidsgrove Athletic 1-1 Rainworth MW
Shepshed Dynamo 0-1 Ilkeston FC

MFA
Causeway Utd 3-1 Dunkirk FC

NCELP
Bridlington Tn 2-2 Arnold Tn
Long Eaton Utd 0-5 Scarborough Athletic
Tadcaster Albion 0-3 Retford Utd

NCEL1
Shirebrook Tn 2-2 Askern Villa

EMCL
Blackwell MW 2-1 Graham St Prims
Borrowash Vics 3-1 Bardon Hill
Ellistown 1-0 Greenwood Meadows
Heanor Tn 4-1 Radford FC

CMLS
Basford Utd 7-0 Kimberley Tn

CML Cup
Belper Utd 2-2 Harworth CI
Phoenix 2-1 Calverton MW
Real Utd 3-5 Dronfield Tn
Blidworth Welfare 2-3 Clipstone Welfare
Ollerton Tn 2-4 Kinsley Boys
AFC Hucknall 1-5 Newark Tn ( to be played at Newark Tn)
Notts Police 0-4 Clifton
Nottm Utd 5-1 FC 05 Bilsthorpe
Bilborough Pelican 1-1 Southwell City
Glapwell FC 0-1 Parkhouse
South Normanton Ath 1-0 Sutton Tn AFC
Easington Utd 6-0 Welbeck Welfare

NSL Senior
F.C. Cavaliers 3-1 Kimberley MW
Hucknall RL 3-1 Keyworth Utd
Linby CW 1-2 Ruddington Village
Sandhurst 3-3 Cotgrave Welfare
Selston 2-1 Attenborough
Vernon Villa 1-9 Magdala Ams

Teversal 0-1 Shirebrook Town (NCEL1)

Monday 2nd January 2012 - ko 3:02pm

Not been to Carnarvon Street for a while,  and it was hoped the Bank Holiday Monday local derby between Tevie and Shirebrook would provide suitable end of holiday season fayre.

It didn't, unfortunately. 

The game was poor right from the off, and although the standard did improve marginally in the second period, this was a game that only the Shirebrook following would have gleaned any pleasure from.  A crowd of 144 watched this, despite the freezing, eye-watering, biting wind.

Before kick off Teversal were 11th in the table, whilst Brook were 13th - so it was always going to be a close game, but no one could have predicted just exactly how bad this game was going to be!

Looking at the Shirebrook line-up, it is difficult to see why they are struggling in the league. They have ex-Stags keeper Jason White, ex-Rainworth players Danny Naylor, Lewis Jackson, Brendan Sweeney and ex-Arnold Town Mitch Slawson on their books and you would think this ought to give them, on paper at least, a good solid foundation to build around.    

Caught up with Pinxton Manager Kenny Shinfield pitch side, and he told us that as they don't have a game in the CML until the 14th January they will be playing Bulwell FC this coming weekend - Pinxton's last game was 17th December - now that's a proper Winter break!!!

This game was settled on 55 when Jamie Goodacre played a square ball instead of clearing up field.  The ball was found it's way to MITCH SLAWSON at the far post and the former Arnold man made no mistake, slamming the ball home.   F-T 0-1

Admission £4

Programme £1

Attendance 144

January 1st / 2nd 2012 - local teams in action

1st January 2012

BSP
York City 2-2 Mansfield Tn

BSN
Eastwood Tn 2-2 Boston Utd


2nd January 2012

NPP
Mickleover Sports 3-1 Matlock Tn
North Ferriby Utd 0-0 Worksop Tn

NP1S
Ilkeston FC 0-1 Belper Tn
Lincoln Utd 1-4 Carlton Tn
Quorn 5-0 Shepshed Dynamo
Rainworth MW 0-4 Hucknall Tn

MFA
Dunkirk FC 1-3 Gresley FC

NCELP
Arnold Tn P-P Lincoln Moorlands Railway
Retford Utd 1-1 Parkgate

NCEL1
Teversal FC 0-1 Shirebrook Tn

EMCL
Borrowash Vics 2-0 Radford FC
Gedling MW 0-6 Blackwell MW
Holwell Sports 1-3 Heanor Tn
Radcliffe Oly 0-1 Holbrook Sports