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
