ALL LEVEL IN THE PRE CHRISTMAS DERBY CLASH

 Euro Soccer Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

AWSWORTH VILLA FC 1 SANDIACRE TOWN FC 1

Plan A was to visit Beeston FC as they have done quite a lot of work on their ground since I last visited them, but the visitors had to cancel the game due to covid, so Plan B was set in motion and on Friday evening, I picked out Awsworth Villa v Sandiacre Town, two teams in very good form of late, also Ive not been to Awsworth's Shilo Ground that is set in a bowl shape for a few seasons.

On arrival we was greeted by both clubs and their members and Hazel offered to help in the refreshments canteen, which Villa were very grateful of.

As the Teamsheets were handed in, Awsworth Secretary wrote out both sides on the whiteboard for all to see and take a photo of

On lovely advantage point is the benches on the hill that look down on the pitch and is superb spot for taking photos when its not foggy, well today it was a bit foggy, as I was walking round towards the benches, I was joined by local NSL hopper Wayne Morrison who used t be involved at Bilborough Town FC some seasons ago.

The game kicked off with both sides not really creating too many clear cut chances and cancelling each other out in a midfield battle, some tasty tackles going in but nothing too serious. In the 33rd minute, the visitors broke down the left side and the ball sprang around like in a pin ball machine in the home penalty box, before ALEX BENO nicely placed the ball home to give Town a 1-0 lead.

At Half, I headed to the tea canteen to get my cuppa and Alan the Villa Secretary had kindly baked me 2 mince pies, Wayne helped carry my coffee back to my position on the bench as the fog began to drift in, meanwhile as I munched in to the first lovey mince pie, I had to offer Mr Morrison one, which we agreed were very nice.

The Second Half began very slowly, as Sandiacre looked relaxed with the one goal advantage and Villa were huffing and puffing and shooting from distance, nearly hitting the wifes car three times, but on 67 minutes, Villa were back on level terms when Town's clearence only reached around 25 yards out and found MATTHEW ANTCLIFF who drove a low shot in to the corner of the net to make it 1-1.

The equalizer seemed to spur the homesters forward whilst Town played on the break, but neither side could find that extra goal to give them the win, I felt hat a draw was a very fair result and ref Kev Guise had a very good game.

In the tea canteen a pot was put for people to donate to the charity blog in aid of FAMILY FUND where both supporters of each club donated, the pot then went back to the Crown pub in Awsworth where the players and committee of Awsworth and pub regulars and the landlords all donated and on the day, we raised a amazing amount of £92.54p which takes the running total up to £1,151.04, me and Hazel would like to thank everyone for their kind donations..If you would like to read more about Family Fund, that helps and supports Families with children with Special Needs and Disabilities, please click this LINK

To view the 58 photos from the match please click this LINK