NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP DIRECTIONS

With just over a week to go to this seasons Notts Senior League Groundhop, there are only 4 seats left on the coach for the Saturday and pre order/paid badge sets have sold very well, the closing date is this Thursday to book your advanced ticket/badge and programme sets. 

On Friday 29th April 2016 
ATTENBOROUGH FC v AWSWORTH VILLA FC 6.30pm 

small car park but Attenborough are trying to get a car park that belongs to the local fishing club, I would advise to park cars at Long Eaton train station and jump on the train one stop, it may be easier. Trains run from Long Eaton at 17.25 arriving at Attenborough 17.32 
returning 20.29 from Attenborough arriving at Long Eaton at 20.37 or leaving Attenborough at 21.29 arriving at Long Eaton at 21.37. 

Directions to Attenborough FC: The Strand, Attenborough NG9 6AU 
From Nottingham take A6005 past Beeston, turn LEFT on to Attenborough Lane(signposted Attenborough Station)..follow road over railway crossing with station on left side and follow on to the Strand, ground is on the RIGHT. 

Food: BBQ 

SATURDAY 30th APRIL 2016 

BEESTON FC v UNDERWOOD VILLA FC 10.05am 

Hetley Pearson Recreation Ground, Beeston NG9 1RL 

From Nottingham, take A6005, straight over crossroads(Signposted Beestpn railway station). Ground is 100 yards on LEFT just off Queens Road West and on to Cartwright Way. 

Food: Bacon & Sausage Cobs 


BILBOROUGH UNITED FC v ASHLAND ROVERS 12.45pm 
Basil Russell Park, Maple Drive, Nuthall NG16 1EJ 

Leaving Beeston, turn LEFT and follow A6005 for 3 miles, turn RIGHT at junction that signposts M1 north, follow M1 from jct 25 to jct 26 and head totowards Nottingham, BUT BE IN LEFT LANE, at island turn immediate LEFT on to A600 and pass the three ponds pub on your left hand side, turn next RIGHT on to Maple Drive and ground is 30 yards on the RIGHT hand Side. 

Food: Burgers 

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FC v GEDLING SOUTHBANK 3.15pm 
Grassington Road, Nottingham. NG8 3PA 

On Leaving Maple Drive, turn LEFT back on to A600 and at Island, take A610 Nottingham, Turn RIGHT on to the ring road and follow to next island and turn LEFT on to Aspley Lane, pass David Lloyds Sports Centre, then turn RIGHT on to Grassington Road, cars will then be directed to the enterance at back of the ground.(PLEASE NOTE in LEAFLET SENT OUT TO PRE BOOKED, DIRECTIONS SAY LEFT ON TO RING ROAD..IT SHOULD READ TURN RIGHT ON TO THE RING ROAD. 

Food: Chilli and a Veggie Dish 

Me and Hazel will be doing a raffle for my charity at this game, so please give what ever you can afford..all is grateful 

REAL UNITED v UNITY FC 6.15pm 
Inspire Stadium , Stoke Lane, Nottingham, NG14 5HX 

On leaving Nottinghamshire FC , Head through Nottingham and pick up the A612 Southwell road, when you approach Burton Joyce, turn RIGT on to Stoke Lane and follow along side the River trent, you will see the Ferry Boat public House and the enterance to the ground is next to it on the RIGHT . 

Food: Jerk Chicken..plus a veggie dish 

Anyone wanting to book advanced tickets or badge sets etc, please contact me Rob Hornby on 07973517603 OR EMAIL ME ON hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk 

WOLLATON KEEP THE PRESSURE ON

Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League

Premier Division

WOLLATON FC 3 FC CAVALIERS 0

After leaving Selston Reserves in the morning kick off, I was going to Underwood Villa v West Bridgford, but news had been filtering through that local ref Tim Gregory had headed up to do a pitch inspection and the game was off due to standing water down one side of the pitch, so on to my mobile and a quick call to check Wollaton was on sent us through the village roads and on our way. On arrival we was greeted by the Wollaton Committee and management and then I popped in to see Ibby todays referee and his assistants, then the FC Cavs changing room for a chat with manager Martin.

The game kicked off at a very good pace with both sides attacking, infact Cavs had a couple of good chances, but after 26 minutees, Sean Green smashed hiss shot against the bar and ALEX DOYLE was first to react to knock the ball home.

Wollaton needed that second goal but Cavs were playing as a good unit and chances were down to a bare minimum for the home club, though they had the lions share of the play, but Cavs were still in this game. As we were heading towards half time on 42 minutes, a corner from the right was floated in and top striker SCOTT LITCHFIELD headed home(see photo above).

After a half time cuppa it was back outside to pitchside where it began to snow for 5 minutes, but this didnt affect the committment from the players on both sides, as every tackle was earnt.  After 65 minutes came the goal of the game and the one that sewed up the points for Wollaton, from a long free kick, Scott Litchfield headed down and RYAN STARK hit home in a similar goal of the Hereford v Newcastle style in 1972 to make it 3-0.

Quote after the match from FC Cavaliers Manager Martin Hickey..I am very proud of the way my players have performed today

WOLLATON FC TWITTER

https://twitter.com/Wollofcfc

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

SMITH LEADS VILLA TO WOOD WIN

Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division Two

SELSTON RESERVES 1 UNDERWOOD VILLA RESERVES 3

A early start to the day, as it was Chairmans Day at Selston FC, a annual event that has been staged since the Groundhop held there 4 years ago and one that I always support. The plan of the day was to go to Selston Reserves v Underwood Villa Reservees with a 11.30am kick off then down the road to Underwood Villa v West Bridgford, Plan A went well as me, Hazel and Shawn got to Selston in fine time, but all car parks were packed, but managed to get the final parking spot. Whilst Hazel was sorting out the Bacon Cobs, I popped in to see Referee David Hague to get the team line up;s

The game kicked off and strolled over to the stand side and joined local hoppers, Pete Watmough and Pete Chappell and Big Macc, the game started brightly for Selston by Underwood played on the break.

On 33 minutes, Villa got a corner on the right hand side which was floated in and STEVE SMITH headed home to give thhem the lead against his ex club. Within 5 minutes, Selston were back on level terms when KANE HEMPSHALL fired home. On 40 minutes, Villa showed they werent there to lay down and DEV LAWSON put them back in front.

During the half time interval, I took a look round the stalls that were on offer and Shawn wanted to hold a Bunny and have his photo taken

The Second half started and Villa looked brighter, but they say every game has a turning point and Selston could have been level, but Joe Toon on 62 minutes missed a penalty. This seemed to spur the visiotrs on aand after 68 minutes KALLUM GREAVES put the result out of Selston;s reach to make it 3-1

Felt the referee David Hague deserves a mention as he had a excellent match.

SELSTON FC TWITTER

https://twitter.com/SelstonFC

UNDERWOOD VILLA FC TWITTER

https://twitter.com/Underwood_Villa

Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK

REVIEW OF NSL 16th APRIL 2016

PRECISION NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE RESULTS & SCORERS  & REPORT FOR SATURDAY 16^th APRIL 2016

PREMIER DIVISION

Unity FC	2	0	Newark Flowserve	Campbell. Hall
Beeston FC	0	4	Ruddington Village		Hassell. Leslie. Winch. Hopkinson
Bingham Town	3	1	Bilborough Town	Spencer. Page. Gamble	Street
Clifton All Whites	4	1	Burton Joyce	Hardy(2). Baninster, Cockayne-Smith
Real United	4	3	Dunkirk AFC	Spiers(2) OG	Blessing. McKenna. Ellis
Wollaton FC	3	0	FC Cavaliers	Doyle, Litchfield, Stark

Whilst Table toppers West Bridgford FC’s  last match of the season was postponed away at Underwood Villa FC, Wollaton in 2^nd place  cut the points tally down to just three points with three games in hand with a steady 3-0 home victory against FC Cavaliers, their goals coming from Doyle, Litchfield and Stark, meanwhile 3^rd placed Ruddington Village bounced back from a home defeat to West Bridgford last weekend to a away victory over Beeston FC with goals from Hassell, Lslie, Winch and Hopkinson.  Clifton All Whites who have been through a bit of a lean spell of late bounce back to form to beat Burton Joyce 4-1with Hardy scoring a brace and Bannister and Cockayne-Smith completing the scoring. Real United were push close and came out winners in a seven goal thriller winning 4-3 at the Inspire Stadium througb goals from Spiers and a og, with the Boatmens goals coming from Blessing, McKenna and Ellis whilst Unity FC pushed for a top six finish with a 2-0 home win over improved Newark Flowserve, with Campbell and Hall netting the goals

DIVISION ONE

Bilborough United	3	0	Magdala Amateurs	Muncaster. England, Dyer
Calverton MW	5	3	Southwell City Res	Bennett(3) Bradwell(2)
Nottinghamshire FC	9	1	Linby CW Res	Cairns(2). Betts(2) Groves(2). Greensmith, Brittain,Seagrave	Guy
Ruddington Village Res	1	1	Ashland Rovers	Dunstan	Revuuetla
Aspley Park	1	0	Kimberley MW Res	Abbott

In Division One, Magdala Amateurs remain in Division One despite a heavy 3-0 defeat at the hands of  Bilborough United, United’s goals comin g from Muncaster, England and Dyer. Fourth placed Ruddington Village Reserves drew at home to fifth placed Ashland Rovers at Elms Park, the Village goal coming from Dunstan with Revunela replyng for the Rovers.  Calverton MW moved up a couple of places in the table after a 5-3 home win over Southwell City Reserves, with Bennett scoring a hat trick and Bradwell scoring a brace. A Abbott goal was just the difference when Aspley Park beat Kimberley Miners Welfare 1-0, whilst biggest scorers of the day were Nottinghamshire FC who hammered Linby CW Reserves 9-1 at Grassington Road, through goals by Cairns(2), Betts(2), Groves(2), Greensmith, Brittian and Seagrave, whilst Linbys goal came from Guy.

DIVISION TWO

Cotgrave Res	0	4	Watnall Athletic		Brookes(2), Ward. Wilson
Selston Res	1	3	Underwood Villa Res	Hempshall	Smith. Lawson. Greaves
Nottinghamshire Res	3	3	Bingham Town Res	Santos(2) Margison	Haycos. Sentence.Hallam

The Division Two title is still wide open but Watnall Athledtic did them selves no harm when winning away at Cotgrace Reserves 4-0 on Friday evening, with Brookes leading the scoring with two and Ward and Wilson finishing off the scoring. In the Saturday Morning game, Underwood Villa Reserves upset the formbook when gaining a away victory at Selston Reserve 3-1 through goals by ex Selston striker Smith, Lawson and Greaves, with Hempshall replying for the home side. Nottinghamshire Reserves gave up home advantage and switched their home match to Bingham Town  Reserves, but still returned home with a share of the points in a six goal thriller. Santos scoring twice and Margison scoring for Notinghamshire, whilst Haycos, Sentence and Hallam replied for Bingham.

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE WEEKEND PREVIEW

PRECISION NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE PREVIEW FOR SATURDAY 16th APRIL 2016

This weekend in the Premier Division sees table toppers West Bridgford FC play their final league game of the season when they travel to Underwood Villa who sit fourth from bottom. A win for West Bridgford would see them finish at least third in the final table as others do have games in hand and can pass them in the run in.

Underwood Villa(From) Arnold, Bibby, Dainty, Ellis, Foster, Lawson, Quinn, Shipley, Smith, Wright(J), Wright, Greaves, Taylor, Limb

West Bridgford(From) Belshaw, Charlesworth, Clark, Coole, Hart, Kirkby, Martt, Newsome, Simmons, Spriggs, Sylla, Westcarr, Burrell, Erentz, Jackson,

Wollaton FC moved in to 2^nd place in midweek after a 2-1 away victory at Attenborough FC and they host FC Cavaliers

Wollaton FC(From) Green, Hickey, Johnson, Litchfield, Day, Millensted, Mitchell(K), Mitchell(L), Rawson, Richardson, Smedley, Stark, Bignall

FC Cavaliers(From) Abdullah, Theresure, Bibkiker, Blades, Danylyszyn, Dunca, Faulkner, Francis, Taylor, Kolapo, Tomusange, Jikdenek, John, Richards, Isse

Third placed Ruddington Village who still have 7 games to play are on their travels to Beeston FC.

Beeston FC(From) Allen, Blaze, Brown, Hickey, McElhone(K), McElhone(L), Murray, Neary, Pickance, Sweeeney, Taylor, Harrison, Snape, Payne

Ruddington Village(From) Benwell, Blanchard, Carver, Cocks, Davies, Edge, Hopkinson, Leslie, McMullen, Starbuck, Winch, Hassell, Samson.

Clifton All Whites host Burton Joyce, with the visitors fresh from a midweek win over Real United 5-2.

Clifton AW(From) Dalton, Hardy, Meakin, Peel, Price, Reid, Richardson(B), Richardson(J), Turner, Want Thomas, Whitman, Bannister, Duffy

Burton Joyce(From) Brewer, Buckle(M), Buckle(S), Clements, Easom®, Easom, Easom(RY), Fenton, Grady, Hayes, Lawson, Cooper, Harris, Rocca

Real United host Dunkirk AFC at the Inspire Stadium

Real United(From) Anderson, Burrows, Dyce, Hopkinson, Large, Newton, Rhodes, Smith, Spiers, Tozer, Walton, Ofshone, Shannon-Lewis, Charlton

Dunkirk AFC(From) Adeleye, Clark, Dudley, Ellis, Harbottle, Howes, Lang, Moore, Parton, Read, Robinson

Unity FC host improving Newark Flowserve at their Clifton Campus Ground.

Unity FC(From) Burton, Campbell, Croft, Wigley, Dobie, Parlett, Richardson, Eshelby, Seaton, Fyffe, Robinson, Jenkins, Hines, Elliott, Scott, Ventrella, Seymour, Blair, Hall

Newark Flowserve(From) Barnes, Betts, Brooks, Nicholson, Broxholme, Hage, Kirkham, Martin, O’Connell, Pashley, Potts, Price, Ashley, Hurst, Walker, Lambert.

Bingham Town face Bilborough Town at Butt Field, with the visitors on a good unbeaten run at present

Bingham Town(From) Abbott, Archer, Bramwell, Cox, Gamble, Hardy, Hutchinson, Morley, Nicholson, Page, Spencer, Andrews, Snelgrove, Wall

BilboroughTown(From) ivanov,battison,Lee,caoduro,d.Kane,Woodward,a.Webster,nadif,J.kane,Palmer,street,hayles,Cooper,L.Webster

Midtable Attenborough took Wollaton all the way on Tuesday evening before losing out to a last minute goal, but they will be hoping to bounce back at The Strand when they face Cotgrave FC

Attenborough FC(From) Bowles, Clark, Cotton, Knight(J), Knight(N), McGeown, Merritt, Oldham, Smith, Spawton, Winfield, Fryer, Ruck

Cotgrave FC(From) Baron, Bates, Cohen, Cooper, Elliott, Fisher, Garton, Gray, Stanley, Terry, Thorpe

In Division One, with South Normanton Town FC clinching the Championship title last weekend, the race heats up for runners up spot with quite a few clubs in contention, In pole position at present are Hucknall Rolls Leisure Reserves who are at home to Clifton All Whites Reserves.

Hucknall Rolls Leisure(From) Cheeseman, Dove, Duncan, Jackson, Marshall, Niblett, Pearson, Rick, Tolley, Tring(D), Tring(S), Clifford, Wain, Woodings-Finch

Clifton All Whites(From) Soar, Baker, Bell, Farmer, Hannant, Harlow,  Kill, Newton, Smith, Soiza, Williams

Magdala Amatuers travel away to face Bilborough United FC, this game being played at Digby Street in Kimberley.

Bilborough United(From) Day©, Day(N) Dyer, Elliott, England, Gunn, Hunt, Muncaster, Newman, O;Reagan, Rodgers, Cotterill, Riley, Greaves, Tomlinson

Magdala Amateurs(From) Bennett, Bradley, Coffey, Franks, Groves, Haw, Hayes, Lucas, Mannion, Morgan, Simpson, Gunn, Husband, Lord

Fourth host fifth when Ruddington Village Reserves are at home to Ashland Rovers

Ruddington Village Reserves(From) Bolstridge, Burke-Campbell, Dunstan(N), Dunstan(S), Griggs, Hillyard, McIndoe, Orchard, Palmer, Phillips, Richardson, Squires, Hawkins

Ashland Rovers(From) Barnes, Beavis, Bircumshaw, Evans, Hall, Jackson, Martin, Mellors, Revuella, Smith, Summers, Goss, Moss,

Kimberley MW Reserves travel to local rivals Aspley Park

Aspley Park(From) Alama, Belfield, Cafferkey, Catton, Deabell, Devino, Ellis, Mannion, Owen, Tebbutt, Woolley, Abbott, Beardsley, Knott

Kimberley MW Reserves(From) Dennis, Johnson, Green, Barrett, Edwards, Beavon, Neilson, Rocco, Lewis  Worthtington, Morley, Slade, Syson, Freeman, Wedge, Shaclock, Smith, Powell, Creaswell, Wilson 

Midtable Gedling Southbank travel to basement club Kirton Brickworks

Kirton Brickworks(From) Birch, Darch, Fuller, Gray, Hall(D), Hall(M), Horton, Norman, Ricketts, Smith, Watson, Cockburn

Gedling Southbank(From) Bakone, Bancroft, Broomfield, Cockayne, Hammond, Heap, Jefferies, Johnsey, Matthew, Pickard, Thomas, Cranney, Fox-Smith, Edgar, Clerke

Tony Mullens men Calverton MW will be looking to carry on their good form when at home to Southwell City Reserves

Calverton MW(From) Bradwell, Brett, Davis, France, Harris, Hodson, Humphries, Limb, Newton, Scrivens, Williamson, Bennett, Smith, Ashley, Richards, Sharpe

Southwell City Reserves(From) Barrowcliffe, Gleeson, Harmer, Law, Plume(H), Plume(I), Sims, Swan, Watson(A), Watson(O), Wilkinson, Allsopp, Morris

Nottinghamshire FC host Linby CW Reserves at Grassington Road

Nottinghamshire(From) Allsopp, Brittan, Cairns, Greensmith, Groves, Harvey, Hope, Hylton, Margeson, Mitchell, Saini, Newbold, Seagrave, Johnson

Linby CW Reserves(From) Butler, Coupe, Ellis, Farn, Guyatt, Hannigan, Mitchell, Paterson, Sims, Towle, Wrigt, Elson

It is very close at the top of Division Two with 5 clubs still in contention to win the Championship, aat top at present are Watnall Athletic and they travel on Friday evening to Woodview, the home of Cotgrave Reserves.

Cotgrave Reserves(From) Cooper, Cyrek, Dobbins, Gray, Hopkinson, Nicholson, Richards, Sallis, Thorpe, Wells, Young, Fisher, Lynn, Terry, Elliott

Watnall Athletic(From) Brookes, Fry, Gooch(M), Gooch(J), Henson, Howarth, Randle, Ward, Wilson, Woodward, Worrall, Holland

On to Saturday and the chasing pack are lead by Keyworth United Reserves who are expected to return with the points from Bilborough United Reserves.

Bilborough United Reserves(From) Colclough, Conway, Densley, Dyer, Elliott, Featherstone, Peddle, Poku, Samuels, Stuart, Thomas, Coxon

Keyworth United Reserves(From) Barrett, Bradley, Crawley, Cullis, Hastie, Hodgson, Mason, Randle, Standage, Talbot, Walker, Brady, Orange, Webster, Sneath, Wright

5^th placed Awsworth Villa Reseves entertain 3^rd placed Bilsthorpe Reserves and with the homesters having a game in hand on their visitors they could well close the gap on them.

Awsworth Villa Reserves(From) Asher, Blackbourn, Foster(B), Foster(S), Garofolo, Pearson, Saunders, Sneddon, Tonra, Walker, Watson, Cooper, Shaw, Whitehurst

Bilsthorpe Reserves(From) Auld, Biggs, Cooper, Gill, Grainger, Marshall®, Marshall(S),Waddell©, Waddell(G), Westerman, Whitehurst, Hudson, Mason

Selston Reserves kick their local derby match against Underwood Villa Reserves off at 11.30am as patt of their annual Chairmans Day at the Parish Hall Ground.

Selston Reserves(From) Chapman, Clarke, Griffiths, Hassell, Hempsall, Holland, Melbourne, Radzynski, Simpson, Toon, Widdowson(A), Widdowson(L)

Underwood Villa Reserves(From) Annable, Arnold, Askew(D), Askew(L), Bibby, Foster,Greaves, Haydon, Lawson, Mann, Smith, Dainty, Hollingworth, Limb

Nottinghamshire Senior League News

The Nottinghamshire Senior League are delighted to have several clubs that have made it it to the Notts FA County Finals

The Notts Intermediate Cup Final will be between Bingham Town FC and West Bridgford FC on 5^th May 2016 with a 7.30pm kick off at Radford FC.

The Notts FA Minor Cup will be held at Mansfield Hosiery Mills Ground on 27^th April 2016 with a 7.30pm kick off and will be contested between MAFC and Bingham Town Reserves.

The Precision Notts Senior League Senior Cup Final will be between Awsworth Villa v Real United on Saturday 14^th May 2016 at the Ron Steel Sports Ground, the home of Dunkirk FC with a 3pm kick off.

The Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League Junior Cup Final will be between South Normanton Town v Kimberley Miners Welfare Reserves on 10^th May 2016 at Greenwich Avenue, the home of Basford United FC.

The Precision Nottinghamshire Senior League Groundhop takes place with 1 match Attenborough FC v Awsworth Villa on Friday 29^th April 2016 with a 6.30pm kick off and 4 matches on Saturday 30^th April 2016, beginning at Beeston FC v Underwood Villa at 10.05am, then to Bilborough United FC v Ashland Rovers at 12.45pm, on to Nottinghamshire FC v Gedling Southbank FC kicking off at 3.15pm before the final match the Inspire Stadium between Real United Fc and Unity FC kicking iff at 6.15pm. Al matches will have a matchday programme and food and refreshments on sale on the day. For advanced ticket information, please contact Rob Hornby on 01623 486678 or 07973517603 or email hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk for all details..Advanced tickets are on sale until Thursday 21^st April 2016, there should be a very good turnout for all games as nearly 120 tickets have been sold

SMITH'S DOUBLE ROLLS LEISURE OUT THE CUP

Precision Notts Senior League

Junior League Cup Semi Final

SOUTH NORMANTON TOWN 2 HUCKNALL ROLLS LEISURE RESERVES 0

Played at The Stag Ground, Kimberley MW FC

This semi final pitted top v second in Division One of the Notts Senior League, on Saturday South Normanton had won the Division One Championship, whilst Rolls had put space betweden themselves and other clubs to moved further in front in the battle for 2nd place, so tonights match was going to be a close encounter.

On arrival of both clubs, both bought £15 worth of raffle tickets for the blogs charity to which we are very grateful. The raffle in total raised £61.

Both sides began brightly and both had good chances to opening the scoring in front of the crowd of 56, both sides playing some very good football.

In the 35th minute, it was South Normanton who took the lead through SHAUN SMITH. After the break, I stood with old friend Phil Handley and Tom Leighton as Normo attacked and Rolls played on the break.

As thee game was in its dying moments, a ball was played out of midfield over the top of the Rolls defence, with Smith bearing down on goal, he chipped the keeper, who tipped the ball away but was outside his area, so the refere had no option to produce a red card, from the resulting free kick, the stand in keeper palmed it away to the feet of SHAUN SMITH who settled the tie to send Normanton in to the final against Kimberley MW Reserves at Basford United FC on 10th May.

After the match in the clubhouse, The manager of Sout Normanton Town came over to me and Hazel and told me that the lads had a whipround to add to the charity total of £22.55p, to take tonights total to £83.55p and take the blogs running total to a amazing £747.27p

SOUTH NORMANTON TOWN FC TWITTER

https://twitter.com/sntfc

HUCKNALL ROLLS LEISURE FC TWITTER

https://twitter.com/HRLFC

Not long left to Book your Advanced Tickets for this seasons Notts Senior League Groundhop, only 8 days so please click this LINK

SMITH BANKS NORMO THE TITLE

Notts Senior League

Division One

GEDLING SOUTHBANK FC 0 SOUTH NORMANTON TOWN FC 3

After a long journey back from Cornwall, The postman knocked us out of bed with a parcel of groundhop badges..These can be ordered from me in advance packs for just £21 plus a sae for all 7 badges.

A local game was to be visited and I noticed that South Normanton Town were away at Gedling Southbank and if they won, they would win the Division One Championship.

On arrival, I gainned both clubs line ups and by 2.45pm there was no sign of the match referee, so a phone call to the League Secretary and League Referee's Secretary allowed the South Normanton Town sub Chris Green to be the man in the middle with both clubs in agreement.

The match kicked off and both sides matched each other, but with few chances in front of goal, but aafter 23 minutes, Pat Bakone took the ball past the visiting defender and round the keeper and missed with the goal at his mercy.

Normo pushed forward and a couple of crosses from the right winger caused a few anxious moments as headers were flicked just wide and right on the stroke of half time, Smith blasted a shot wide with just the home keeper to beat.

After the half time cuppa nd back to pitchside, kit was the team from the other side of Junction 28 of the M1 who pressed forward and stepped up their game.

On 53 minutes, a ball was fired at the home keeper which he parried away but only in to the path of SHAUN SMITH who scrambled the ball home to give his side a 1-0 lead. On 62 minutes came the turning point of the game, when Southbank were awarded a penalty, to which Bakone hit wide and high and this seemed to see some of the home teams heads go down, as 2 minutes later, sub MIKE SMITH chipped the ball in too the net to give his side a 2-0 lead.

Both sides had further chances but it was SHAUN SMITH who in injury time cinched the championship when he dribbled through the home defence before slotting the ball home.

Must add how well Chris Green refereed the game and what good respect by sides gave him.

Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK

SOUTH NORMANTON TOWN FC TWITTER

https://twitter.com/sntfc

Only 12 days left to book your advanced tickets for the Notts Senior League Groundhop, for full details please click just HERE

JAMES BRACE SECURES LUDGVAN WIN

Cornwall Combination League

LUDGVAN FC 3 FALMOUTH TOWN RESERVES 1

Admission £2

Att: 48

After a afternoon to the Lizard, we popped in to look at Lizard Argyle FC and then travelled just up the road to Mullion FC and was greeted by their committee, as they had a evening kick off, but we needed to ventured back closer to the holiday site we are staying at as Shawn was a bit tired. My first choice was Perranwell v Carharrack but as Id seen the visitors at the weekend, I don’t like to watch a team twice in a matter of days.

After a phone call to friendly Sue Cook to confirm that Ludgvan’s game was on, we headed there. On arrival, we watched some kids having a training session, so after 20 minutes, got out the car and asked a lady if that’s where the adult team played and she replied that I was at the wrong ground, it was next door, a ground they shared with the cricket.

Ludgvan FC are doing very well this season sitting at the top of the Cornwall Combination League by nine points at the start of tonights game, but like everywhere in the Country they still have a lot of games to be played.

I met Sue and paid my £2 admission and made my way down to the side off the pitch ready for the kick off. The homesters began the game brightly and had quite a few half chances whilst the away side played on the break.

Just on the 30 minute mark, Ludgvan broke the deadlock when top scorer GERAN JAMES stroked the ball home. A minute later saw a bit of confusion, when a Ludgvan corner from the right was met by the head of a home player that struck the bar and rattled the net and bounced out, the Ludgvan players celebrated whilst the opponents linesman put his flag up, the referee couldn’t see if the ball had crossed the line, whilst the away linesman said he couldn’t be sure, so the goal was disallowed to the frustration of all the home faithful.

As the game was headed to half time and I was looking forward to my half time cuppa, a good movee by the home team saw GERAN JAMES hit home from 25 yards to double his sides advantge.

At half time, I headed up to the clubhouse and asked for a cuppa and the lady said it was free, but I chucked a quid in to the clubs kitty anyway to support this friendly club.

After the break, Falmouth began to play better and forced Ludgvan to defend a lot more and this time it was the home side;s turn to play on the counter.

On 68 minutes, the visitors were back in the game when OLI WALKER hit a low shot in to the corner of the net to make it 2-1. Falmouth now had their best spell in the game and with minutes to go, the Ludgvan keeper had to be on his guard when a low shot was heading for his far corner to which he was equal to.

In the 89^th minute, Ludgvan sealed the points when JACK RAMSEY scored to send the majority of the 48 crowd home happy.

POWELL SINKS THE PEPPERMINTS

Cornwall Combination League

CARHARRACK AFC 5 NEWQUAY RESERVES 1

Admission £2

Attendance: 51

After heavy rain in Cornwall, it was a matter of seeing what was left on and getting a new ground in, I did look at Halsetown FC in the Trelawny League, but after a text from their secretary saying in doubt, I looked at option B, I have passed Carharrack AFC’s ground on several occasions over the years and it hass been on my hit list, so as soon as I saw a tweet on twitter to say those magic words Game On, then it was in to the car and on our way.

On arrival, we were greeted by the friendly groundsman who was setting the tea bar up, we had a chat before Mr Chown Snr and his wife arrived. Mrs Chown runs a well organised tea bar and I soon sunk my first cuppa on the afternoon whilst I went and paid for my £2 entry.

Mr Chown Jnr(Richard) runs the Cornwall Football Forum and Ive had many a conversation in print with him over the years but never met him, so it was good to meet him face to face at this friendly and progressing club. The club has a real community feel about it and only last weekend they won the Cornwall Combination League Cup beating St Agnes in a thrilling final played at Porthleven FC.

Just before making my way to the stand, I was greeted by a old friend who Ive not seen for years, Newquay Loyal and we sat in the stand on the halfway line area.

Carharrack on a high from their cup victory were quick out the blocks and on only 6 minutes, their top striker  RYAN STEPHENS collected the ball 30 yards out and unleashed a thumping shot in to the top of the net. 1-0 soon became 2-0 after 9 minutes, when RYAN STEPHENS turned 25 yards out and proved his first goal wasn’t a fluke with a stunning shot.

The game went from end to end with chances missed at both ends, but the visiting keeper made 4 or 5 outstanding saves and the homesters could well have been well out of sight. After 39 minutes, came a turning point in the game, when the Peppermints striker was clear through, went round the keeper and stroked the ball wide of the post. On 42 minutes, Carharrack broke down the right side and the ball was crossed in, a Newquay defender failed to clear and CONNOR POWELL slotted home his first and his teams third of the half.

After the half time cuppa, Mr Chown Snr presented me with a club mug in the stand to remind me of my visit. The start of the Second Half belonged to the visitors as they came out with more of a purpose in their game and on 51 minutes thought they were back in thhe game when a Dean Vince goal was ruled offside. They continued to press and got their reward a minute later, when ELLIOTT SIMCOX smashed home to reduce the arrears to 3-1.

This seem to wake the homesters up and CONNOR POWELL made it 4-1 in the 56^th minute. Newquay again pressed forward and the home keeper made a triple save with his legs to keep his goal in tact.

The pitch was now beginning to cut up in to a mudbath and mistakes by both sides was beginning to show, but some good football was still being played even with players tiring.

With 80 minutes on the clock, a cross came in and after a scramble CONNOR POWELL notched home his hat trick to end the scoring at 5-1.

A lovely club run by lovely people and if anyone hasn’t been there, then you must put this ground on your list.

Photos from the game can be seen HERE