CHARITY NON LEAGUE FOOTBALL BLOG


Each year, me and my wife Hazel have decided to help a different CHARITY, by donating 25p every goal we see at the matches we attend.
Over the years, people and clubs from as far as Coxhoe in Durham down to Penzance in Cornwall have donated as we have visited the grounds and we have raised over £3,500 in the 4 seasons we have run the Charity Blog. As you can see from the Photo above, last season(2014-15) we raised £1325.00 for Support Dogs.

During the 2015-16 season, we are supporting 2 worthy causes

1. THE FOXTON CENTRE
2. INTEGRITAS

Both Charities aid homeless people and people with mental issues and vulnerable adults.So if you would
like to make a donation(no matter how small) and
you see me at a match, please come up to me or Hazel, we would be very grateful. All Donators will get a mention on the blog and the running total is on the left hand side.

Many Thanks

Rob & Hazel Hornby






Sunday 30 August 2015

CAPTAIN BROOKES WATNALLS HAT TRICK HERO

Notts Senior League
Division Two
WATNALL ATHLETIC 8 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE RESERVES 0
 
A change of fixture as Cotgrave Reserves should have been the visitors to Greenwich Avenue, but due to injurys, suspensions etc couldn't make a team up, so on Thursday the fixture was altered. Nottinghamshire must have been so pleased when they saw me as I seem to be a bit of a jinx for them, as I rarely see them win, but to be fair to them, they may have lost 8-0 but they did play quite well in spells of the game.
 
Before kick off, I popped in to see Bulwell FC who were on the main pitch and had a cuppa thanks to Mrs Radford and picked up a programme for their game on the main pitch against Swanwick Pentrich Road. Whilst there, I made a donation to the Ethan McKen fund.
 
I popped up to get the team lines up and popped in to see Referee  Lewis Quayle, who at the end of the match kindly donated £5 to the Charity Blog.
 
After taking Watnall's team photo, I spotted the Ilkeston Hartsthorne Brothers, so spent the game with them.
 
The game kicked off and it was a even game, with the visitors having the first set of chances, before Watnall began to get in to the game. On 29 minutes, Bowler crossed from the right wing and JOE BROOKES slotted home for the homesters to take the lead. After 36 minutes and a free kick floated across by Fry found out JOE BROOKES who made it 2-0. Nottinghamshire without a goalkeeper and secretary Andy Johnson standing in was now pulling off some excellent saves to keep his side in the game, but he couldn't do anything on the stroke of half time when MITCH WOODWARD added a third.
 
Straight after half time and JOE BROOKES completed his hat trick, but Nottinghamshire didn't give up going forward and went close several times. After 74 minutes, from a corner STEPHEN ARCHER scored from a low header from inside the six yard box to make it 5-0.
 
Substitute and Watnall's Secretary then entered the pitch after 75 minutes and on 85 minutes, hit a long range shot from 30 yards, the keeper spilled it and it rolled in to the net, this set MATT HOLLAND on a lap of honour around the pitch with him removing his short swinging it above his head..Ref Lewis Quayle lauhed and said you know Ive got to book you, to which Matt replied, its my first goal and its worth a tenner!
 
On  87 minutes, a free kick by DANNY FRY made it 7-0 and with a minute to go, it was 8-0 when MARTIN WARD rounded off the scoring.
 
A good day for the Blogs Charity with 8 goals making £2 and Lewis's kind donation making it up to £7, makes the running total to £423.75 plus Watnall Athletic FC have pledged a £1 for every goal they score during the 2015/16 season.
 
Photos from the game can be seen HERE
 
WATNALL ATHLETIC FC TWITTER
 
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FC WEBSITE
 
Don't forget folks, you can buy your advanced tickets for my FAREWELL GROUNDHOP, have a read if you like football and come along..Here is the LINK
 
If you like Non League Football, then why not join my Facebook Non League Group on this LINK
 
 

Wednesday 26 August 2015

ATHETIC QUICK OFF THE MARK

Notts Senior League
Division Two
BILSTHORPE RESERVES 1 WATNALL ATHLETIC 3

Last seasons Division Two runners up Watnall Athletic travelled upto Bilsthorpe for a 6.30pm kick off, on arrival I was greeted by match referee Colin White and by the Bilsthorpe manager.
 
The game kicked off in the sunshine and with only 83 seconds on the clock, a corner from the right was met at the back post by captain JOE BROOKES to give the visitors the lead. Athletic were quick off the mark as in the 4th minute, debutant CORY BOWLER burst through and doubled the lead to 2-0.
 
As the half proceeded, Danny Fry forced the home keeper Scott Marshall in to a tremendous save after 20 minutes. The home side began to come more in to the game, with Ryan Cooper causing problems on the right wing and Scott Ricketts in the middle.
 
After 28 minutes, Bilsthorpe were back in the game when a through ball found RYAN COOPER in the clear and he blasted past Matt Gooch in the Watnall net to reduce the arrears.
 
In to the Second Half and Bilsthorpe had a lot more going forward on the attack and created several worthy chances of a equaliser but the away defence held strong. With 13 minutes to go, Watnall wrapped up the points, when a corner from the right side, ended up with JOE BROOKES slamming home from close range.
 
A good entertaining game played both clubs and no cards issued by referee Colin White on the night who had a very good game.
 
Photos from the game can be seen HERE
 
BILSTHORPE WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
WATNALL ATHLETIC TWITTER
 
The Blogs Charity running total up to a amazing £417.75, but I must note that Watnall Athetic FC have kindly pledged £1 per goal they score over the 2015-16 season!
 
Don't forget folks, you can buy your advanced tickets for my FAREWELL GROUNDHOP, have a read if you like football and come along..Here is the LINK
 
If you like Non League Football, then why not join my Facebook Non League Group on this LINK
 

Sunday 23 August 2015

CAVS BATTLE BACK FOR 1ST POINTS

Notts Senior League
Premier Division
FC CAVALIERS 2 UNITY FC 2
Att: 52
 
Over the past few years I have seen Cavaliers play at different home venues, but now they have settled at Forest Rec Ground, the home of the World Famous Goose Fair on a lovely 4g pitch.
 
Two teams played each other, both with very similar aims and that is to keep kids off the streets and out of bother and give them pride in what they do and this certainly works for both these friendly clubs.
 
Before the match, I was joined by local hopper Michael Pridgeon who kindly donated £10 to the Blogs Charity, we then joined by Belper based hopper Neil Laughlin and we spent time watching the game.
 
The match kicked off and chances were fairly minimal to begin with in blazing heat and both sides were playing some good football, but that final ball was just missing, until after 9 minutes, when ERROLL CAMPBELL hit a peach of a shot from 30 yards out to leave the homesters and most of the crowd stunned with a wonder goal to give the visitors the lead. This seemed to urge the visitors forward with shots going just wide and Wallace in the home net having to tip a few balls over the bar.
 
On 39 minutes, ERROLL CAMPBELL doubled his sides advantage and Unity must have though they were home and dry at this stage of the game.
 
The Second Half began and Cavs came out looking a totally different unit and soon had Unity on the back foot as they pressed forward more often as James Elliott had to be on his guard in the visitors net. After 63 minutes and Cavs were back in the game when from a corner on the left was finally not cleared and substitute RICO TOMUSANGE forced the ball home from close range. Cavs now looked dangerous but so did Unity when they broke forward and both teams were carving out chance after chance in a thrilling match, but after 72 minutes, JOESPH OMWUGHALI cut in from the right and hit home the equaliser to level the game. Both sides then had chances to win the game, but the core remained at 2-2 and a fair result for both sides. Must add I felt the officials all had very good games
 
Photos from the match can be seen HERE
 
FC CAVALIERS WEBSITE
 
With the four goals scored today and the £10 donated by Michael, it now brings the Blogs Charity running total up to a amazing £416.75
 
Don't forget folks, you can buy your advanced tickets for my FAREWELL GROUNDHOP, have a read if you like football and come along..Here is the LINK
 
If you like Non League Football, then why not join my Facebook Non League Group on this LINK

Thursday 20 August 2015

FIVE GOAL SMITH SMASHES NOTTS HOPES

Notts Senior League
Division Two
SELSTON RESERVES 8 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE RESERVES 1
 
Not very often I watch reserve team football, but when I do, I usually see a good game and this was no exception, both teams with very young players with the odd older guy to help the youngsters learn the game.
 
The game was played at a Rec in Westwood, a new ground for me, as none of the Selston teams can play at the Parish Ground until 1st September because of that bat and ball game.
 
Selston were first in to their stride and after 5 minutes STEVE SMITH put them in to a early lead, but on 11 minutes, NATHAN GUNTER had beaten the offside trap and levelled. From this point on, it was all Selston as they rolled forward and they were soon back in front when a corner from the right was headed home by KANE HEMPSHALL on 15 minutes. Selston piled forward and missed chance after chance and with it only being 2-1, the fear was there that Nottinghamshire may just break and catch the homesters out, but tis wasn't to happen as just before half time, STEVE SMITH made it 3-1. Well the Ashland Rovers umbrella I bought at last seasons Hop was getting its use for the first time as it was raining throughout the 1st half. Just after half time, I found out that Selston Secretary Nicola was doing teas, coffees and Bovril near to the dressing room area, so I went and had a chat with her during the second half.
 
Selston extended their lead after 54 minutes, when ANDY WIDDOWSON cut in and hit a low shot in to the bottom corner. Within 5 minutes and STEVE SMITH gained his hat-trick to the delight of the Selston faithful on the touchlines. STEVE SMITH added another 2 goals between the 70 and 74th minute to make it 7-1, but the Nottinghamshire keeper was also pulling off quite a few good saves, but in the 84 minute could prevent TOM WIDDOWSON scoring his sides 8th of the night.
 
Due to the rain, sadly no photos from this match, but with the 9 goals scored and the £2,25 in to the Charity pot, it now stands at a impressive £405.75p.
 
SELSTON FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FC WEBSITE
 

Saturday 15 August 2015

AFC SEYMOUR GOALS

Notts Senior League
Premier Division
BILBOROUGH TOWN 0 DUNKIRK AFC 4
 
Having not seen Bilborough Town at home for about three seasons, it was time to make that right, they now play on the main pitch at Eagle Valley, the home of Arnold Town FC. Before the match there was a minutes silence throughout the League following the tragic loss of Ethan McKen, the Bulwell Reserves player.
 
The game kicked off and it was the visitors who were on the front foot straight away and after just 4 minutes, GORAN SEYMOUR slipped in after a mistake in the Town defence to put his side in front.
 
Bilborough fought back and were nearly on level terms  but for a goal line clearance from a chip by Tommy Street. Dunkirk used this miss to their advantage and after 20 minutes doubled their lead though JOE ELLIS who slot home from close distance.
 
Bilborough pushed forward but didn't have many chances, as Dunkirk pressed on the break and on 33 minutes, GORAN SEYMOUR cut in from the left wing and chipped over the keepers head to make it 3-0.
 
Bilborough played a bit better in the Second Half but it was the visitors who were having the better of the chances but a lot went to waste, before in the 69 minute, a Seymour free kick from the right side was met by the head of TOM Roper who made it 4-0.
 
Photos from this game can be seen HERE
 
BILBOROUGH TOWN FC TWITTER
 
DUNKIRK FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
 
 

Friday 14 August 2015

THE FAREWELL GROUNDHOP

 
THE FAREWELL HOP
 
Notts Senior League Hop
 

 
OK Folks MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT from me..After organisiing Groundhops for the past 14 years, this seasons Notts Senior League Groundhop will be my last, There are several reasons for my decision, I feel over the 14 years I have taken the Hops as far as I can, My 11 year old son with autism moves up to Senior School so will need a lot more of my time and attention, also to organise a hop, id go and visit all the clubs at least once, as you can imagine that takes up 10 of my Saturdays and as Registrar of the Notts Senior League, I feel I would not be doing my duty on the NSL Committee being away at least 10 saturdays in a season to organise another leagues Hop. Plus Im not getting any younger.

 I would like to thank Hoppers and members of te group who have supportd me over the years, I do enjoy doing the Hops and meeting all the hoppers along the way, so Im hoping that people turn out for my very last hop and we have a blast..Advanced Tickets are now on sale, details to purchase them are detailed below.
 
Here is a bit about this seasons Notts Senior League Groundhop
 
 

The 3rd Precision Notts Senior League “Football Bonanza” will take place over the  weekend of 29th-30th April 2016. 


As usual it will be held with a Friday Evening Fixture and Four on the Saturday.

We kick off at 6.30pm on Friday 29th April 2016 with a trip to Attenborough FC where they face Awsworth Villa FC at their Strand Ground. On the Saturday morning we head out to Beeston FC for a 10.05am kick off against Underwood Villa FC. FC. We then head off along the ring road or up the M1 for 1 junction to Basil Russell, the home of Bilborough United FC who entertain Ashland Rovers FC at 12.45pm before heading down the road to Nottinghamshire FC who play Gedling Southbank FC at Grassington Road at 3.15pm, then finally ended at the farewell game Real United v Unity FC for a 6.15pm kick off.

Transport
As in previous Bonanzas, a coach will be booked for the event to transport hoppers between games. Coach transport is only available on the Saturday, and can be booked separately or as a package. The pick up point for the Saturday Morning will be QUEENS ROAD next to Nottingham Railway Station and on Saturday evening will going back to Nottingham Railway Station. A timetable will be available with your ticket. Please note that the coach travel MUST be booked in advance. Please Note though there is NO coach on Friday, there are trains from Nottingham Railway Station to Attenborough and I will include this information in with the information pack with your tickets.

Accommodation
As in previous years, we have decided not to make any bulk accommodation arrangements for this event, and to let you do your own thing. With the coach leaving the Railway Station on Saturday Morning, it may be wise to book Bed and Breakfast in the Nottingham area. A lot of Hoppers do book Travel Lodge Nottingham.

Programmes etc
All clubs will be made aware of the number of programmes that will be needed on the day. The number will be based on the response to these forms, so please tell us if you intend coming to the event! 
Programmes will be reserved for those buying advance tickets only, as they will be included in the ticket price (see below). The only guaranteed way of obtaining a match programme will be through the advance ticket. As before, we will have them “packaged” so that all five programmes can be collected at the first match. Copies will obviously be available at the grounds too, but at the full price, and availability will be subject to demand. Extra programme packs must be paid for when ordering your advanced ticket. 

Badge Packs
This season I am introducing Badge packs, this saves time at grounds and you get all your home clubs 1st ever badges in one go, this cost for the badge sets are £21 per set, but as I have to pay the clubs upfront, I do have to ask if you can send a cheque for £21 made out to Mr R Hornby when booking your package. The badge sets consist of the 5 Home clubs plus Gedling Southbank & Unity FC as well
 
Match Tickets
Year in, year out, you can rely on us to come up with a bargain, and this event is no exception!! Advance tickets for the NSL Bonanza offer a substantial discount. Admission to each game will be priced at £3, and programmes at £1. An advance ticket will be priced at £15, giving admission and a programme for all five games. That’s a big saving of £5 – effectively we’ll give you your programmes for free. Admission is available on the day for those who do not wish to buy tickets in advance. Please Remember if you buy a advanced ticket, it helps the away club as well, as entrance money on the day, only goes to the home club. So for a few extra quid, if you are missing say 1 or 2 matches, then please think about supporting the away clubs as well as the home ones who make the event possible, because without their help, the event wouldn’t be possible.

Trading
If you wish to bring a stall or stand to all or any of the games, please contact Rob Hornby (01623 – 486678) as soon as possible for arrangements to be made with the host clubs. “Unofficial” trading of the kind that normally goes on at these events is positively encouraged at all of the grounds on the hop. If you want to flog some programmes that you happen to have in the boot of your car or whatever, that’s fine with us. The only proviso we make for traders is that you MUST hold a ticket for the event. This was decided on after someone turned up at Nettleham and just decided to trade without permission and without a ticket.   

SAEs
When booking for the Bonanza, remember to include an A5 SAE(that’s the normal size of a programme) stamped addressed envelope for your tickets to be sent out to you. Please check your envelopes carefully, some people are still getting this wrong resulting in extra charges from the Post Office. In this case, extra payment will need to be made before your tickets are despatched, so please get this right! Please be aware that postal prices have increased this year.

Booking and Payment
You may book for the Hop by completing the Booking Form(below), and returning with your payment and the above mentioned A5 SAE. Once payment has been cleared you will receive your tickets etc. If you are using the coach, then can you please let me know early, so I can cater for everyone.

Best wishes

Rob Hornby
Precision Notts Senior Football League Bonanza Organiser 




Precision Notts Senior Football League Bonanza – Booking Form


1. Please give the name, address, and contact telephone number of the party leader (including an email address if possible), along with the names of the others that form the remainder of your party. These details will be the ones retained on the mailing list for future Precision Notts Football League Bonanzas. 

a) Party leader: …………………………………………………………Tel……………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………Email:……………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

b) Others booking:……………………………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..…

…………………………………………………………………………….……………………….

………………………………………………………………………………………………………


2.  Payment details:

Full weekend                                                        Number…………..@ £30.……………Total : £………
(Saturday’s coach and 5 match ticket and 1 pack of programmes)

Match tickets:                                                        Number…………..@ £15……………Total : £………..
(includes admission to all 5 matches and 1 pack of programmes for all 5 games)
                  
Extra Pack of programmes                                    Number…………..@ £ 5…………….Total:  £………

                                                                                                                      FULL  TOTAL:        £………..                         

Badge sets pls see below

IMPORTANT: Please make cheques payable to “NSL”. Then write on back NSL Bonanza

BADGE SETS. Please make cheque out to Mr R Hornby. Cost £21 per set of 5 home clubs plus Gedling Southbank & Unity FC, please on form put how many sets you require here  ……

Final date for bookings: Thursday 21st April 2016. No more bookings will be accepted after this date.

Please remember to enclose an A5 SAE!! –Please make sure you put enough postage on it as it will be used to send your tickets and directions to grounds!

Please return this form to : Rob Hornby 16, Burnside Drive, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG19 7HF

01623 486678 (please respect no calls after 8pm on my main phone due to my little boy with Autism in bed) or 07973517603(up to 10pm)

 

Tuesday 11 August 2015

TOWN QUICK OFF THE MARK

Notts Senior League
Division One
SOUTH NORMANTON TOWN 7 ASHLAND ROVERS 3

South Normanton Athletic Reserves changed their name to Town during the close season. Their first match saw them play hosts to local rivals Ashland Rovers. The game kicked off and it was Town who were quick in to their stride after just 2 minutes when BEN ROFFEY fired them in front. On 4 minutes, they had doubled their lead through ADAM GILLOTT. Ashland pushed forward in search of getting back in to the game and applied a bit of pressure, but in the 27th minute, ladyluck was against them when HALL turned the ball past his own keeper to make it 3-0.  After 29 minutes, a long range free kick by GARETH POPE made it 3-1. Ashland were having a good stage of the game and felt they should have had a penalty, but ref Derek Spray waved away all appeals, from the break Town ran forward and their player was bought down in the box and a penalty was awarded, up stepped TOM LEWIS who restored their 3 goal lead.
 
Ashland begin the second half very strongly and hot the bar twice, but Normanton survived until 53 minutes when the ball was scrambled over their goal line to make it 4-2. After 65 minutes, the homesters began to take control again when TOM LEWIS stroked home the ball to extend the lead to 5-2. After 72 minutes, ADAM GILLOTT scored his second and Town's sixth. On 75 minutes, a penalty was awarded after a late tackle and up stepped TOM LEWIS who dispatched the spot kick to complete his hat trick. On 83 minutes, Ashland pulled back a goal to make it 7-3.
 
Photos from the game can be seen HERE
 
SOUTH NORMANTON TOWN TWITTER
 
ASHLAND ROVERS FACEBOOK PAGE

Sunday 9 August 2015

FAIRYTALE UNITY DEBUT DENIED BY THE VILLAGE

Notts Senior League
Premier Division
UNITY FC 0 RUDIINGTON VILLAGE FC 4

Unity FC are newcomers to the Notts Senior League and have a policy of taking young kids away from gangs and crime and setting them a good example in education of life skills. A very successful project set up by some really nice guys. All the players are polite and curtious and though they lost this game against Ruddington Village, they will have gained a lot of friends.
 
On arrival I was greeted by Ade, Chair and Steve the sec of Unity FC and had a cuppa, then joined todays officials, The Kells Twins and Derek Spray who I must add had a good game.
 
The game kicked off and it was Unity in their debut game who could well have taken the lead after just 11 minutes, if not for a excellent double save by the visiting keeper. Ruddington looked to play on the break but not really creating too many chances, whilst Unity pushed forward and had a couple of narrow misses.
 
After 17 minutes, the ball was played to the right hand side of the box, where LEIGH SISSONS fired a across the home keeper in to the corner of the net to give Ruddington the lead.
 
Second Half and Unity changed their formation as they neded to make a early breakthrough, but the Villagers got in to their stride and pushed the home defence back, after 62 minutes, a quick attack saw the left winger force himself clear and as he went to round the keeper, was upended and a penalty was awarded, up stepped MATT CARVER who doubled Ruddington's advantage.
 
This put Ruddington in complete control of the game and looked dangerous on each attack forcing the home keeper in to a few good saves, but he could do nothing in the 70th minute, when TRISTRAN RHODES fired home number three.
 
The game was still be played in hot sunshine at a frantic pace, when on 81 minutes Ruddington sub DAVE RIMMINGTON finished off the days scoring making it 4-0 and sending his club to the top of the table after 1 match.
 
Unity produced a excellent programme and will be a asset in anyones collection. I umst finally thank Steve Clifford of Unity FC for kindly donating £10 to the Blog's Charity and with the 4 goals scored now takes the running total up to £400.00

Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK
 
RUDDINGTON VILLAGE FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

Wednesday 5 August 2015

RADCLIFFE PUT ON A SECOND HALF OLYMPIC PERFORMANCE

Pre Season Friendly
BLIDWORTH WELFARE 4 RADCLIFFE OLYMPIC 7

The match began like a pre season friendly, a bit slow, a  bit of effort but nothing to note, then t all sparked off in to life on 28 minutes when a off the ball incident ended up with players running in to join the argument, the result saw Referee Mark Norwood produced 2 red cards, one for each side after the melee. just before half time and Blidworth who were at the time gained a free kick just outside the penalty area on 41 minutes to which they took the lead.
 
After the half time cuppa bought by Mr Clippo Barry Clarke who looks a lot better than the last time I saw him, no one expected a half like this.
 
On 46 minutes, Olympic were level from a penalty and 49 minutes were ahead and turned the game around. On 53 minutes a nicely worked corner led to a Blidworth equaliser make it 2-2. After 58 minutes the visitors regained their lead through a quick breakaway. Blidworth pushed forward and on the 80th minutes,, tired legs began to kick in and Radcliffe began to stretch the home club and they extended their lead to 4-2.theree goals to the vistors in the next 4 minutes took them in total control of the game with a 7-2 lead, but to Blidworth;s credit they fought on and scored twice in the final 2 minutes to make it 7-4 to Radcliffe Olympic.
 
I must thank Scott Carlton for the kind donation of £6.50 to the blogs charity and with the £2.75 from the 11 goals scored takes the total to £389.00 to Foxton Centre & Integritas.
 
Photos from the match can be seen HERE
 
RADCLIFFE OLYMPIC FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
http://www.radcliffeolympic.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/ROFC1876

Don't forget folks, you can buy your advanced tickets for my FAREWELL HOP, have a read if you like football and come along..Here is the LINK

If you like Non League Football, then why not join my Facebook Non League Group on this LINK
 
 
 
 

Tuesday 4 August 2015

THE WOODS DERBY ENDS LEVEL

Pre Season Friendly
UNDERWOOD VILLA 1 EASTWOOD CFC 1
 
Only found out about this friendly a few days ago, so with a couple of trophys to drop off at last seasons Notts Senior League Division One Champions, I paid Underwood Villa FC a visit. The pitch which has been moved slightly since the Groundhop held there, looked in nice nick, lovely and flat.
 
The trophys were presented on the pitch before kick off by my son Shawn to Villa Chairman Nigel Beer as can be seen on the photo above.
 
The game kicked off and for a while I stood talking to Eastwood matchday Secretary Steve before moving towards the halfway and having a chat with Selstons Damo. The match was quite even but it began to get dark as we were heading towards half time. In the 41st minute, the deadlock was broken, when ASHLEY FOSTER put Underwood into a lead.
 
During half time, it began to rain heavy so I headed towards the clubhouse and found a ledge that kept me dry.
 
Eastwood came out and looked stronger as they pushed forward and after 51 minutes they were on level terms when KYE HALL curled a shot from the edge of the area in to the top right corner of the net.
 
Both sides then pushed forward in search of a winner, but to be fair, a draw was the right result for both sides in their final friendlies before their seasons kick off.
 
With the 2 goals scored, it now takes the Charity Blogs total to £379.75, please remember all donations how ever large or small are welcome from you if you see me at your match.
 
Photos from the game can be seen HERE
 
UNDERWOOD VILLA FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
EASTWOOD CFC WEBSITE/TWITTER

Don't forget folks, you can buy your advanced tickets for my FAREWELL HOP, have a read if you like football and come along..Here is the LINK
 
If you like Non League Football, then why not join my Facebook Non League Group on this LINK
 

Sunday 2 August 2015

THE RUTLAND HOP 2015

 
THE RUTLAND HOP 2015
 
Me and Hazel and Shawn only went down for the Saturday part of the Rutland Hop and took the Charity Programme table and The Farewell Hop Advanced Tickets(Notts Senior League Hop 2016) with us..click HERE for more details.
 
 
We was up at 5am with a sleepy Shawn and on the road for 6.15am, at the first venue Ketton FC, we were greeted by the home Chairman who was busy away preparing the food with the rest of his staff in a lovely clubhouse, he pointed the way up to the pitchside for us to set up, shortly after Terry & Dave from Terry's Badges arrived. The hoppers began to arrive at around 9.15am and Hazel arrived back with a nice bacon & sausage cob. The game kicked off at 10.45am and was tight affair with the game ending in a 2-2 draw.
 
Off we headed to Blackstones, a ground I had visited in the past when on the CMFL Committee when Kimberley Town played there in the FA Vase around 5 or 6 years ago, with me wearing my NSL top, a Blackstones committee member came over to speak to me and was saying he has just recently stopped playing for Beeston FC Vets and he knew quite a few people in the Notts Senior League. The people here were very friendly and food here was my pasta which Im not a favourite of, but it was selling very well. The game against Rushden & Higham finished 1-1.
 
Just round the corner we came to a school, where Marshalls galore where in place, but very well organised at Stamford Beledare FC play. The home club were ready and I got a home made burger for me and Hazel with local farm cheese on it, whilst Shawn had a hot dog, I was so impressed with the burger, it wasnt long before I was back for a hot dog. The club also did a tombola, which went down very well, but Shawn wasn't impressed by winning some ladies perfume..he was over the moon when he won it, but then when he found out he couldn't wear it..well lol The game finished 3-1 to Wittering FC.
 
To our last match and yes we got stuck behind the dreaded tractor and then a prat decided t0 overtake about 6 cars in his posh car and narrowly avoided smashing in to a car coming the other way, we arrived at Oakham United(no not the old one in Mansfield), the Chairman came to greet us and looked shocked that we was having a charity stall but he was a nice fella and we had a good chat. This is where I got my prized possession from..A OAKHAM UNITED MUG!..Met some great people here including a chap from Buckingham. Though we had to leave at half tme, Oakham went on to win the game 5-2.
 
All in all, a good day out for the family, 14 Notts Senior League Hop Tickets sold and a fw already booked on the coach and also a few badges set already paid for. With the charity programme stall selling programme at 4 for a quid you don't expect to raise much, but a couple of people donated £5 to the charity as well and we raised in total a great mount of £39.10, plus remember I sponsor each goal scored 25p a goal so with 17 goals making £4.25 brings the Blogs Charity up to £379.25..Thankyou to everyone who supported the charity at the hop..really appreciated.
 
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