MAX's DOUBLE HELPS ROVERS RETURN HOME WITH THE POINTS

 West Lancs League: Division Two

FRECKLETON FC 0 FURNESS ROVERS FC 5

With my daughter moving recently in to a new area in Preston and us visiting, it was time to look at the West Lancs League map to see what was nearby and came across in the next village, the club of Freckleton FC.

On arrival I was greeted by the clubs chairman who got me a chair as Im on crutches and we had a quick chat before the League Vice Chair arrived and had a chat with me, the ground is on like a green and is partly railed down one side, but the houses on the side and behind one of the goals gives a great view of the pitch. The club also has a nice little club room and a tea room.

The match kicked off on a very sunny afternoon, but after 10 minutes, the homesters game plan went out the window when they had to make 2 subs dues to injuries, shortly after in the 12th minute, Rovers broke through the offside trap on the right hand wing and a ball was placed to MAX GREEN who put his side a goal to the good.

By now the tall lanky number 17 for the visitors was running the show breaking though the midfield and creating many chances, so it came as no surprise after 35 minutes, when a cross from the left to the far post was hooked back across for ROB WHILE to head in to a empty net.

Right on the stroke of half time, a good move down the right hand side resulted in the last kick of the half with MAX GREEN making to 3-0.

The second half began and Rovers had the first chance with the Frecks clearing the ball off the line, but then the homesters began to create a few chances of their own, but to no avail, infact the visiting keeper pulled off a outstanding save in the 70th minute.

A tired legs began to kick in and more subs made, it was the visitors that took advantage, when JOE TINDALE sprinted down the right hand wing before cutting inside and slotting home goal number four.

Just before the end in the 90t minute, a cross from the right wing found the head of sub KEITH HOLMES to make it 5-0 to the visitors.

118 photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

A CRISP START TO THE NSL FOR RUFFORD

 Eurosoccer Nottinghamshire Senior League: Foundation Division

AFC RUFFORD 5 RUSHCLIFFE RESERVES 3

With heavy rain and thunderstorms predicted, it was a last minute look out the window to see where I would end up, the weather seemed to brighten up and local newcomers to the NSL AFC Rufford were kicking off their campaign down on Sutton Lawns and with a 2pm kick off, I thought I may just miss the bad weather.

On arrival I was met both both clubs and soon got both sets of line ups for today match, before getting down to pitchside where Shawn had carried my chair, we had a chat with match referee Ivor Stocksford ad kick off time soon came around.

The purples of Rufford seemed a bit of the pace in the First Half and slow to getting to the second ball a lot of the time, to which the Greens of the Ravens soon cottoned on to and took advantage, as after just 5 minutes, the visitors broke away through ZYON SIMONS who stroked the ball in to the net via a deflection.

Things got better in the 17th minutes for the Greens when they doubled their lead, when from a free kick on the left hand side just in the AFC half, OLIVER WILDSMITH rose and sweetly headed home Rushcliffe's second of the game.

Half time came and the rain began to pour down whilst I drank my coffee and my mind was saying Im going to get soaked here.

Rufford started the Second Half better and began to play the ball along the floor and use the wings, but it was the visitors who forged forward in the 50th minute through AARON MADDOCK to make it 3-0, surely this was game set and match, but in football nothing is certain until that final whistle.

In the 57th minute, there was a glimmer of hope as TYRANE ALLSOP finished a good move to reduce the arrears, then on the hour, just when you felt a comeback was on the cards, the visiting keeper made a superb double save and then in the next move, AFC hit the post.

On 65 minutes, Rufford were back in the game, when CAI SAVORY was first to react to a loose ball to make it 3-2 to the visitors. Both sides wee pushing forward but Rufford now were putting a lot more of a passing game together and the tired legs of Rushcliffe were beginning to show, so it came as no surprise when TOM CRISP equalised to make it 3-3 in the 73rd minute.

From the kick off and the homester now had a spring in their step and looked like scoring every time they advanced forward and on 76 minute took the lead in the game for the first time, when JAY STRAW netted..

A minute later and TOM CRISP  strolled through the oppositions half before completing his hat trick and making it 5-3 to the Purplemen of Rufford.

The action hadnt finished there, as the visitors gave it one last push in the final ten minutes and hit the underside of the crossbar and then with just 4 minutes left on the clock, a ball was played across the area, when the linesman flagged and the referee blew, just before Rushcliffe put the ball in to the net, the visitors all appealed that it wasnt offside and the ref consulted with the linesman and over ruled him, which meant he had to give a drop ball just outside the area.

A really good match to watch and a credit to the Notts Senior League from both clubs, throughout the game, I felt the referee had a good match letting the game run when he could and using the advantage well.

With the 8 goals seen today, it now takes the running total up to £574.75p for FAMILY FUND, a charity that helps and supports Families with children with special needs and disabilities, anyone that would like to make a donation please contact or see me, every amount large or small always mounts up and is grateful of.

To see the 122 photos taken at todays math, please click this LINK

LATE SHOW SEALS POINTS FOR THE GREENS

 Nottinghamshire Senior League Division Two North

RUSHCLIFFE FC 3 TRENT VINEYARD FC 1

When I found out that Rushcliffe FC were to produce their first ever pogramme in the Notts Senior League, I knew would attract a folks who collect non league football programmes and so it was the case, so my first league match of the season was chosen for me. On arrival I was met by Damian who handed me the programmes and badges and me and Hazel put up the table and I was soon in the swing of sorting the ones that had to posted out and those who were attending the match. Then Hazel told me that she had left her handbag at home, so needed to drive the 25 miles back to Mansfield to collect it.

I met and greeted the hoppers as they arrived and picked up their programmes and then realised I was something missing..my camera..it was in the back of Hazel's car  grrrrrr.

At 2.30pm I went and got the team line up's, so the hoppers could take them down or take photos of the line ups.

The game kicked off and was very even, though Rushcliffe seemed to be more threatening up front but early in the game, Trent Vineyard had to swop their game plan around with a outfield player unable to continue, the goalkeeper came out to play in midfield and a sub went in to goal. This seemed to unsettle the visitors and in the meantime KAINE REID floated through and placed the ball in to the net to make it 1-0 to the homesters.

Half time came and went and Rushcliffe started the brighter in the Second Half but didnt make their chances count, though the Vineyard defence was standing tall, but they could do nothing in the 70th minute, when a nice over down the right hand side, saw the ball knocked in low and side footed close home by TRISZTAN BONYAI to make it 2-0.

The visitors were not giving up without a fight and then in the 73rd minute pulled a goal back through DANIEL HARDING. This seemed to awaken Rushcliffe back in to action and in the final minute, sub CALLUM PRICE hit a low strike from 25 yards out to seal the points for his club.

Must give a mention to Referee Lee Chappell who I felt had a very good game, he tried to let it flow as much as he could.

Today donations for the charity blog have left me speechless and shocked but very very grateful, the postman came this morning with a cheque for £8 from York based Groundhopper John McClure who has sold some programmes in his facebook group, then at the match, Rushcliffe FC donated £20 and Trent Vineyard £50, I would like to say a BIG THANKYOU to you all..The running total now stands at £572.75p.

Hazel did arrive back with my camera after about 65 minutes of the match so I was able to take a few photos, so please click this LINK

Notts Senior League Pre Season Friendlies

Notts Senior League Pre Season Friendlies List, some more will be added, but please before setting out, check the games are on.

RESULTS

SATURDAY 3rd JULY 2021

AFC Top Valley 2-4 AFC Dunkirk

Calverton MW 1-2 Pythian FC 

FC Cavaliers 2-4 Bilborough Town 

FC Sez 10-1 Awsworth Villa

Hucknall Town Development 2-3 Attenborough FC 

Nottingham FC 0-1 Stapleford Town

Phoenix Ingram 5-3 Yatesury United 

Phoenix Ingram Reserves 2-3 FC Mansfield

Sandiacre Town 0-6 Kimberley MW

Stapleford Town Development 1-3 Ashland Rovers Reserves 

TUESDAY 6th JULY 2021

Pythian FC 1-2 Shirebrook Soldiers

SATURDAY 10th JULY 2021

AFC Dunkirk 2-3 Hucknall Town Development

Aslockton & Orston 2-2 Ashland Rovers

Bilborough Town 2-3 AFC Top Valley 

Calverton MW 2-2 Heanor Town Reserves

Kirton Brickworks 4-0 AC Cresswell

Meden Vale Colts 1-2 FC Mansfield

Newcastle Independent 1-6 Southwell City 

Phoenix Inham Reserves 0-3 Pythian FC

Phoenix Inham 1-3 Kimberley MW Reserves

Radford FC 2-0 Stapleford Town 

Rushcliffe FC 5-3 South Normanton Reserves 

Rushcliffe Ravens 5-9 AFC Rufford

Tibshelf FC 4-0 Ashland Rovers Reserves 

West Bridgford AFC 2-4 Arnold Town

Wollaton Reserves 2-7 FC Sez 

Yatesbury United 5-2 Beeston Reserves

WEDNESDAY 14th JULY 2021

Aslockton & Orston Reserves 5-3 Ravenshead Reds 

Hucknall Town Development 5-1 Borrowash Victoria XI

Pythian FC 2-3 Epsworth Reserves

SATURDAY 17th JULY 2021

Aslockton & Orston 4-2 Arnold Town

Aslockton & Orston Reserves 1-3 Arnold Town Reserves

Beeston FC 0-3 FC Sez 

Bestwood Colliery 1-5 Newhall United 

Bilborough Town Development 2-1 Ashland Rovers Reserves

Carlton Lions 9-8 Yatesbury United

Hilton Harriers 2-2 AFC Dunkirk

Linby CW Reserves 3-6 Sandiacre Town 

Kimberley MW Reserves 1-4 Awsworth Villa

Meden Vale Colts 1-0 Heanor Town Reserves

Phoenix Inham 1-8 Cotgrave Reserves

Pythian FC 2-1 West Bridgford Colts 

Radcliffe Olympic 5-1 Bingham Town Reserves 

Rushcliffe FC 2-1 Beeston Reserves

Shirebrook Soldiers 3-1 FC Mansfield

Sileby Town 6-1 East Leake Robins

Stapleford Town Development 0-4 Borrowash Victoria U18/21's

MONDAY 19th JULY 2021

Southwell City 0-3 Ashland Rovers 

WEDNESDAY 21st JULY 2021

Aslockton & Orston 0-3 Ravenshead FC

Calverton Miners Welfare 4-5 Ravenshead Reds 

THURSDAY 22nd JULY 2021

Bakewell Town 0-7 Ilkeston Town U23

Borrowash Victoria 3-1 Awsworth Villa

Clifton All Whites Development 4-0 Rushcliffe FC 

Heanor Town Reserves 3-4 Pythian FC

Kirton Brickworks 0-3 Ashland Rovers Reserves

FRIDAY 23rd JULY 2021

Bilborough Town 7-0 Gedling Southhbank 

Carlton Town Reserves 0-3 AFC Dunkirk 

Keyworth United 4-2 Mickleover RBL

SATURDAY 24th JULY 2021

AFC Colsterworth S & S 9-1 Castleford Fliers

Arnold Town 5-1 Kimberley MW Reserves

Aslockton & Orston XI  4-3 Bottesford FC

Beeston FC 3-3 Hucknall Town Development

Beeston Reserves 3-4 Stapleford Town Development

Bingham Town 1-5 Saffron Dynamo

Borrowash Victoria U21's 3-4 Stapleford Town Reserves

Calverton MW 1-7 Ravenshead FC

Cotgrave FC 1-3 Radcliffe Olympic

East Leake Robins 4-1 Arnold Town Reserves 

FC Mansfield 4-3 Heanor Town Reserves

Ingles 1-1 Awsworth Villa Development

Kilburn FC 1-6 FC Sez

Nether field Seniors 4-4 Yatesbury United

Phoenix Inham 3-5 AFC Rufford

PMG v West Bridgford AFC Reserves

Pythian FC 0-1 Teversal Reserves 

Rushcliffe Ravens 3-1 Sutton Travellers

Sandiacre Town 2-1 Graham St Prims 

Shirebrook Soldiers 1-4 Meden Vale Colts

South Normanton 1-2 Awsworth Villa 

Stapleford Town 2-0 Long Eaton CFC 

Wollaton Reserves 0-2 Attenborough FC 

Woodthorpe Park Rangers 4-5 Ashland Rovers

SUNDAY 25th JULY 2021

Bestwood Colliery FC 2-2 Aston Village

WEDNESDAY 28th JULY 2021

AFC Creswell 1-5 Shirebrook Soldiers

Arnold Town 2-3 Awsworth Villa 

Bestwood Colliery FC 5-3 Holbrook St Michaels 

Bilborough Town 1-3 Hucknall Town Development 

Bingham Town Reserves 6-1 Newark Town Development

Hucknall Town 3-3 Sandiacre Town

Kimberley Town Reserves 1-2 Linby CW Reserves

Pythian FC 2-8 Mickleover RBL

Raensshead Reds 1-1 Elston United 

THURSDAY 29th JULY 2021

Beeston Reserves 2-3 AFC Curzon 

Heanor Town Reserves 0-0 AFC Dunkirk

FRIDAY 30th JULY 2021

Keyworth United 3-2 Selston FC 

Pinxton 5-1 Beeston Old Boys

West Bridgford 2-1 Bingham Town

SATURDAY 31st JULY 2021

AFC Creswell 4-1 South Notts AFC 

AFC Rufford 4-7 AC United

Arnold Town Reserves 2-3 Blidworth Reserves 

Ashland Rovers Reserves 3-3 Dunkirk Development

Aslockton & Orston 6-2 Gedling Southbank 

Bilborough Town 1-3 Sherwood Colliery Reserves

Borrowash Victoria 0-3 Stapleford Town

Cotgrave Reserves 4-2 West Bridgford AFC

Dunnington FC 2-1 Awsworth Villa 

East Leake Robins 2-1 Hucknall Town Development 

FC Mansfield 5-2 Bestwood Colliery

Keyworth United Reserves 1-1 Netherfield Seniors

Mansfield Hosiery Mills 0-4 Ravenshead FC

Meden Vale Colts 4-1 Shirebrook Rangers

Phoenix Inham Reserves 2-9 Beeston Reserves

Pythian FC 3-2 Education FC 

Radcliffe Olympic 5-4 Attenborough FC

Ruddington Village 1-1 Bingham Town Reserves

Southwell City 0-0 Newark Town 

Stapleford Town Reserves 0-1 Wollaton

Stapleford Town Development 1-4 Lutterworth Town U18's 

TUESDAY 3rd AUGUST 2021

Beeston FC 1-2 Barrow Town Reserves

Gedling Miners Welfare 2-3 Awsworth Villa

Gedling Southbank 4-1 Beeston Old Boys 

Kimberley Miners Welfare 0-0 Ilkeston Town FCB

Nottingham Fc 0-5 Stapleford Town

Radford Reserves 2-3 Heanor Town Reserves

Ravenshead Reds 1-2 Blidworth Welfare Reserves 

Teversal Reserves 3-4 Kirton Brickworks

Wirksworth Ivanhoe 1-4 Sandiacre Town 

WEDNESDAY 4th AUGUST 2021

Bilborough Town 0-8 FC Sez

Hathern 3-1 East Leake Robins

Ollerton Town Reserves 4-3 Meden Vale Colts

Stapleford Town U21  3-1 Notts County Development

THURSDAY 5th AUGUST 2021

AFC Dunkirk 6-1 Pythian

Beeston Reserves 5-5 FC Geordie 

Blidworth Welfare Red 3-2 Awsworth Villa Reserves

Rainworth Miners Welfare 3-2 Southwell City

FRIDAY 6th AUGUST 2021

Keyworth United Reserves 1-4 Basford United U21's

SATURDAY 7th AUGUST 2021

Bingham Town 2-3 Hucknall Town Reserves

Cotgrave Reserves 0-4 Beeston Old Boys

Dunkirk Development 7-0 Rushcliffe Reserves

East Leake Robins 2-1 Sutton Bonington 

FC Geordie 4-0 Wollaton Reserves 

Kimberley Miners Welfare Reserves 0-0 Fernwood Foxes

Meden Vale Colts 4-2 Attenborough FC 

Ravenshead FC 0-1 Woodthorpe Park Rangers 

Rushcliffe Fc 1-1 AFC Bull Farm

Sandiacre Town 5-2 Stapleford Town Reserves

South Notts AFC 0-6 Ruddington Village

Stapleford Town 4-3 FC Sez 

TUESDAY 10th AUGUST 2021

Gresley Reserves 1-2 Awsworth Villa

ROBINS FLY TO LATE WIN

 Pre Season Friendly

EAST LEAKE ROBINS FC 2 SUTTON BONNINGTON FC 1

Been saying that I would go to visit East League Robins FC for some time now but as we are all aware, the seasons have curtailed early for the past 2 seasons, but a attractive local derby versus the next door village Sutton Bonnington FC who ply their trade in the Leicestershire Senior League caught my eye.

Well the morning was spent going round Loughborough Market, to Hazel's delight, lots of stalls but lucky my wallet stayed in my pocket.

We headed for the venue, but for some reason Google Maps was playing up and sent me some 7 miles to another village, a quick phone call to the Robins boss soon saw us on the road to East Leake Leisure Centre, some years ago one of my sons from my first marriage went to this school, which at the time was called Harry Carlton.

On arrival at the car park, I was greeted by the Robins top striker who promised me he would hit the net a few times in the afternoon..you can just guess what happened after that statement lol

Joe Marshall, the Robins Manager had pledged £10 to the blogs charity plus £1 per goal his side scored in the game..True to his word, he donated on behalf of East Leakes Robins FC £12 to Family Fund, that supports families with special needs and disabilities, so a HUGE thankyou to Joe.

The match kicked and Robins seemed to play a short passing game with Sutton playing eleven players behind the ball and springing the odd counter attack, so there wasnt much shooting action at either end, though possibly in the first 25 minutes, the visitors did have two good chances. The Bright sunshine went in and the drizzle began to fall the game sprang in to action, when the referee gave the homesters and free kick some 25 yards out, up stepped DAN STARBUCK who struck his free kick past the visiting wall and in to the net to make it 1-0.

The Second Half kicked off and the Robins were playing a few more longer balls and mixing the game up, but were nearly caught out at the back in the 46th minute, when a Sutton forward burst though and his shot went in to the side netting. The Robins looked more likely to score as they pushed forward but this left gaps at the back and a quick break down the left side saw a Sutton player flattened. From the resulting free kick that was swung in, a visiting player got his head to the ball to guide it wide of the home keeper in to the net for the equaliser.

This gave the visitors a bit more confidence and they pressed forward and forced the home keeper in to a superb save. A few subs by both sides then changed the shape of the match, as the Robins were looking stronger and after 70 minutes, JAMES DALTON turned and spun in to the area before shooting home the winning goal of the match.

A good run out for both sides in a good competitive game

The Charity Blog total now stands at a superb £453.75p

To view the 127 photos from the match, please click this LINK

REDS FIGHT BACK IN THE RAIN

 Pre- Season Friendly

BLIDWORTH WELFARE RED FC 3 AWSWORTH VILLA RESERVES 2

Well where do I begin with the history of Blidworth Welfare Red FC, they began life under the Blidworth Welfare banner as junior players and then became the under 18's team, but the team was to be split up in to Blidworth Welfare first team and reserves and the players decided against that, so they moved to their Unwin Road ground in Sutton In Ashfield but kept the name Blidworth Welfare Red with no connection with the welfare club. Meanwhile Awsworth Villa Reserves are a new set up with lots of young players aged around 20 and under.

Just before kick off, the Reds Chairman John Waterhouse handed me a Bottle of water and also a snickers bar.

The game began with dark skies and Villa looked quick and used the left hand side well forcing the home keeper in to a couple of very good saves. The rain then began to chuck it down and the pitch became a bit greasy, with a few players slipping over. After 23 minutes, a ball to the right wing, saw the player cross the ball low and a Villa player nipped in and tucked it past the keeper to give his side the lead. Two minutes later, the score could have been doubled when a shot from 25 yard smashed the Reds crossbar before being cleared to safety.

Reds who had been playing with one player forward changed formation throwing two up front and this paid off straight away in the 31st minute, when a Awsworth player slipped and the Reds player advanced and equalised.

At Half Time I crossed over the pitch to the near side to the changing rooms and stood with Awsworth Chairman Bucko and their President Willie. The Second Half kicked off and within seconds Reds had turned it round to make it 2-1, but straight from kick off, Villa equalised to make it 2-2 as the rain hammered. Chances then ebbed and flowed from end to end and it was the Reds that claimed the victory in the 68th minute when netting to make it 3-2.

A really good entertaining match even though I got soaked, two very good clubs that are run the right way and full of good footballing people in the non league game.

To see the 32 photos taken at the match, please click on this LINK