VILLA MOVE UP TO THIRD

Notts Senior League

Premier Division

AWSWORTH VILLA FC 3 DUNKIRK AFC 1

Had to go to Awsworth to have a quick Groundhop meeting as they are the visiting side to Attenborouh FC on Friday 29th April 2016 with a 6.30pm kick off. Always one of my favourite grounds is Villa's with the ground in a bowl shape and superb view of the action on the pitch from the top of the hill. After a quick chat with the 3 match officials, I got myself a cuppa and was soon joined by Ilkeston local Alan Savage who got his advanced Groundhop Ticket and ordered his badge set.

The game kicked off with a wind blowing right down the centre of the pitch and with the homesters with it at their backs, within 80 seconds, a ball was played back toward the home keeper which took a bobble and just went wide. Dunkirk were on the front foot and the keeper spilled the ball from a swirling corner but his defence were there to clear before any damage caused. The game then went end to end with both sides playing the ball on the floor and on 22 minutes, JOSH NIBBLETT put the Villa in front. The lead didnt last very long as the Boatmen of Dunkirk were soon level on the half hour when JOEL HOWES rose and headed home from a corner on the left hand side.

Most the game I spent with League Chairman Ian Kirk and we were impressed with both sides on view. Awsworth pressed forward and the Dunkirk keeper kept them at bay until the 72nd minute, when RYAN WHITEHURST struck a shot from a acute angle in to the net to give the Villa a 2-1 lead. The match was still there for either side with Dunkirk playing on the break and Awsworth hitting the post but the game was put to bed in the final minute when sub KURT SAVAGE headed home Awsworth's third.

Must say I felt all 3 officials had a very good match and let the game flow.

AWSWORTH VILLA FC TWITTER

https://twitter.com/AwsworthVilla

The photos from todays match can be viewed HERE

Details for thee Notts Senior League Groundhop to be heald on 29/30th April 2016 can be obtained from me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk

REVIEW for PRECISION NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE

REPORT FROM THE PRECISION NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE

Saturday 30^th January 2016.

With Premier Division Leaders West Bridgford FC’s match being called off, second placed Clifton All Whites FC took full advantage to cut the gap down to eleven points with a 5-1 away win at Burton Joyce FC. Cliftons goals coming from Neil Thompson, Jake Richardson, Tristram Whitman, Alex Haughton and Ross Cochrane-Smith with Tom Lawson scoring for the home club, meanwhile Awsworth Villa FC moved up to third place with a 3-1 home victory over Dunkirk AFC, Josh Nibblett put Villa ahead after 22 minutes, with the visitors replying on the halfhour through Joel Howes. With the wind behind their backs in the second half, Awsworths Ryan Whitehurst shot his club back in from from a acute angle shot on 72 minutes and in injury time sub Kurt Savage wrapped up the points. Wollaton FC stay in sixth pplace with games in hand after a 3-0 win away at FC Cavaliers, their goals coming from Lee Day, Jay Smedley and Sean Green who has now scored 4 goals in the three games he has played since his transfer from Aspley Park FC.  Unity FC continued on their fine run of form with a 6-2 home win over Sandhurst FC, with Errol Campbell leading the way with a hat trick, Reece Fyffe, Jevon Seaton and Allen completing Unity’s scoring with William Cox scoring both of Sandhurst FC’s goals

Division One leaders South Normanton Town FC dropped points away in a 1-1 draw at Wollaton Reserves, whilst second placed Magdala Amateurs won narrowly at home 1-0 against Gedling Southbank FC. Last Saturday, Ruddington Village Reserves progressed in to the Notts FA Intermediate Cup Semi Final after a win at Aspley Park, but this weekend, it was Aspley Park who took the points in the league with a 2-1 victory, The Parks Scorers were Sam Mannion and Sean Balfe, with Ruddington;s reply coming through a own goal. Calverton Welfare kept up their good form with a 2-1 victory away at Bilborough United, The Welly’s goals came from Tommy Thraves and Jason Hodgson, with Uniteds goal coming from Joel Buxton. Netherfield Albion have had a good week with a win in midweek and on Saturday winning away 3-1 at kirton Brickworks. The Brickies goal coming from Chris Kirk and Albions goals coming from Douglas, Daly and Leivers.

In Division Two, Second played Bilsthorpe Reserves missed a opportunity of closing the gap at the top when only drawing 1-1 at home against Underwood Villa Reserves, Waddell scoring for Bilsthorpe whilst Smith netting for Villa. Selston Reserves travelled to Watnall Athletic and left with the points after a 3-2 victory. Keyworth United Reserves beat Aspley Park Reserves 3-1 with player manager Sneath scoring a brace and Brady, with Rhys scoring for the visitors. At the Welfare, Cotgrave Reserves and Awsworth Villa Reserves played out a goalless draw.

Advanced Tickets for the Annual Precision Nottinghamshire Groundhop on 29th/30^th April 2016 are on sale and the coach for the Saturday is already well over half full. For all details please contact Rob Hornby on 01623 486678 or via email on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk  The matches this season are as follows; Friday 29^th April..Attenborough FC v Awsworth Villa FC 6.30pm..Saturday 30^th April..Beeston FC v Underwood Villa FC 10.05pm..Bilborough United FC v Ashland Rovers FC 12.45pm..Nottinghamshire FC v Gedling Southbank FC 3.15pm..Real United v Unity FC 6.15pm..Tickets for all 5 matches and a programme pack of all 5 programmes, Just £15

UNITY PUT COTGRAVE TO THE SWORD

Notts Senior League

Premier Division

UNITY FC 8 COTGRAVE FC 0

My plan for today altered as the week went on, as Shawn was supposed to be doing a 10 mile walk with the Scouts over the weekend and we needed to drop him off at 6pm at Walesby Scout Camp, but on Thursday evening it was cancelled, so I decided to keep Calverton MW on hold in case it rained and it had cover there. My first choice then became Aspley Park v Ruddington Village Reserves in the Quarter Final of the Notts FA Intermediate Cup with a 1.30pm kick off. On arrival at the ground there was a puddle of ice and a couple of people had said the ground was hard. The ref arrived and took a walk on to the pitch and shook his head, so to plan C and I knew it would def be on and that was Unity FC as they play on 3g.

Un ity FC have been doing very well in their first season in the Notts Senior League, whilst sadly Cotgrave are going through a bit of a bad time at the moment.

The first 20 minutes of the game was quite even but neither side really had their goalkeepers tested, though Cotgrave at this stage looked the better of the two teams, but on 24 minutes REECE FYFE broke the deadlock to put Unity in front to which they didnt look back. On 38 minutes, REECE FYFE doubled his tally and just before half time JOURDAN BLAIR ht a screamer to make it 3-0.

At half time, Unity's top striker Errol, Campbell was replaced and his replacement took no time in settlin g in to the game when with his first touch on 47 minutes TYRELL SHANNON-LEWIS put the ball in the back of the net, two minutes later and with his second touch of the game, he made it 5-0.

On the hour JOURDAN BLAIR scored his second and Unity's sixth and on 63 minutes CONNOR CROFT made it 7-0, in the 72nd minute, TYRELL SHANNON-LEWIS completed his hat-trick and ended the scoring.

After the match I had a groundhop meeting with the UNITY FC committee as they are the away side at Real United FC, all information can be found on this LINK about the hop.

I would like to thank Steve Clifford for kindly making a £10 donation towards the Blogs charity which now takes the total up to £552.25p

Photos from the match can be found on this LINK

CUP TIE MARRED BY BAD INJURY

Notts FA Senior Cup

Third Round

RUDDINGTON VILLAGE 1 SHERWOOD COLLIERY 3

After a poor Christmas and New Year, I was finally glad to be able to get out the house and get to a match, this Notts FA senior Cup tie had been postponed three times and so the fixture was reversed to Sherwood Colliery, though with the bad weather, it wasnt quite sure where the game was going to be played, it was down to be played at Debdale Lane Sports Ground but any rain and it would have been switched just down the road to the 3g pitch at Brunts School. The three officials arrived at 1.45pm and quickly passed the Debdale Lane pitch fit to play on, though a bit soft.

Whilst having a pre match cuppa, I grabbed both lines up's and was greeted by old and new friends and as I was walking up to pitchside was met by local referee Lee Clarkes who's match had been postponed and had come along to do the match report for our local newspaper the Mansfield Chad.

Sherwood began the brighter pushing forward and on 7 minutes a cross from left was met by the head of LIAM BLACK who put his side a goal to the good, Sherwood continued to press forward but it began a midfield battle with no team taking any advantage.

After 18 minutes, the ball was played towards the standside touchline where 2 players went for the ball, the ball shot out of play and Ruddington's Ben Johnson was on the floor. The Sherwood player signalled straight to the ref and the opposition bench that all wasnt right with the player on the floor. I rang a ambulance as the player was in a lot pain. Players put coats and tracksuit tops over him to try and keep him warm on a wet pitch, several people remarked that there was no stretcher available at the ground. As on the phone, they said the ambulance could take up to 45 mins or over a hour to arrive. I relayed the message on to the 3 officials and they offered to take the players off the pitch and back to the changing rooms, but the Ruddington players wished to stay with their injured mate. Some of the Ruddington players wanted the game to finish, but the ref said there was floodlights so he would access the situation after the ambulance had been, in these circumstances, always a very difficult decision to make for the officials and also the players. The medic arrived on the scene and it was soon discovered that Ben Johnson had broken his leg in 2 places.

The game commenced after 75 minute interval and to seemed to spur Ruddington on, as they pressed forward, but on 35 minutes after a break, Sherwood increeased their lead through GILLIATT.

The Second Half began and so did the rainstorm as it lashed down heavy making the pitch very greasy and leading to both sides making mistakes. On the hour, Ruddington pulled back a goal when a Sherwood clearence only reached the end of the box and McGLAUGHLIN stroke the ball home to make it 2-1. The game then went end to end with chances galore, making it a really good game, but on 70 minutes, it was Sherwood who regained their two goal advantage when JULIAN TOPLISS corner went straight in to make it 3-1.

With 10 minutes remaining, Ruddington were given a lifeline and a chance of setting up a close finish when they were awarded a penalty, but Carver hit it just wide.

All credit must go to both clubs and the 3 officials and best wishes to Ben Johnson on a speedy recovery.

PHOTOS from the match can be seen on this LINK

SHERWOOD COLLIERY FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

https://twitter.com/SCFC_08

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/sherwoodcolliery/

RUDDINGTON VILLAGE FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

https://twitter.com/RuddFc

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/ruddingtonvillagefc/

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP

please click HERE

NOTTS SET FOR FOOTBALL BONANZA

NOTTS TO HOST FOOTBALL BONANZA

The Precision Notts Senior Football League will host its Annual Football Bonanza in April 2016 with fans flocking from all over the World visiting the Nottinghamshire area.

Having been hosted by numerous leagues in the past and this being the Notts Senior League's fourth, the Football Bonanza has a proud history of providing Non League Football Fans with a unique and well organised experiance.

This years event will prize of five matches from the Precision Notts Senior League, with a Friday evening match on Friday 29th April and four matches on Saturday 30th April 2016.

Rob Hornby,the man behind the event through organisation, knows only too well the prestiage behind it, " Bonanzas or as fans like to call them Groundhops  began in the early 1990's on the Northern League.

They have gathered a lot of support of the years, I organised nine for the Central Midlands League and this being my fourth with the step seven Notts Senior League, They are like yearly get togethers for people in the football community from all over."

Perhaps the biggest aspect of the clubs having been chosen in these League Matches is the vital potential revenue. Advanced Tickets to see all five matches can be booked for just £15 and that includes the pack of 5 programmes, with the proceeds being split between the ten clubs.

Hornby says "The clubs make a bit of vital cash through Advanced Ticket Sales which is a godsend to them, the event not only puts the clubs on the map but also shows how good the Notts Senior League is.

The event is well known throughout the World, with visitors coming to the grounds from as far as sweden and all across the UK"

The event kicks off on the evening of Friday 29th April 2016 with Attenborough FC hosting Awsworth Villa with a 6.30pm start.

The following morning begins early for Hornby, as he meets those who have booked on the coach for only £15 per seat at Midland Railway Station in Nottingham at 8.30am and head for Beeston FC v Underwood Villa FC as they kick off at 10.05am, everyone then treks onwards to Basil Russell Playing Fields for the 12.45pm kick off between Bilborough United FC v Ashland Rovers FC, for the 3.15pm kick off, we head to Grassington Road, just off Aspley Lane for Nottinghamshire FC v Gedling Southbank and finish at the side of the River Trent in Stoke Baldolph for Real United FC v Unity FC, where kick off time is 6.15pm.

Advanced Badge sets can also be ordered where the five home clubs and also Gedling Southbank FC and Unity FC will be producing their first ever badges for just £21 per set.

Anyone wishing information or booking form can contact Rob on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk or on 01623 486678

ALL LEVEL IN LOCAL CLIFTON BRIDGE DERBY

Notts Senior League

Premier Division

DUNKIRK AFC 2 CLIFTON ALL WHITES FC 2

It's been a long time since Id visited the Ron Steel Sports Ground and visited old friends at Dunkirk, whilst their first team play in the Midland League, they entered a young side in to the Notts Senior League for the start of this season.

Today they faced local derby rivals from just over Clifton Bridge, Clifton All Whites FC who are towards the top of the table, whilst the Boatmen are in midtable.

The First Half Clifton possibly just edged it in a battle of midfield with both keepers not really having much to do, but All Whites just having the better of the few chances.

The Second Half began and on 48 minutes, All Whites gained a free kick just outside the home area to which SCOTT LITCHFIELD placed home.

To the credit of Dunkirk, they hit back on 51 minutes, when KAMRAM FROST got to the byline and squared the ball across the 6 yard box, to which it took a deflection and ended up in the net to make it 1-1.

This seemed to spur Dunkirk on and after 72 minutes, sub REID OWEN put them in front. this seemed to wake Clifton in to life as they pressed forward and had a couple of chances before in the 77th minute, BRETT SOIZA lobbed over the home keeper to make it 2-2.

In the final minute, Clifton appealed for a penalty but rref Mark Lever turned the claims away.

Must admit I felt all 3 officials all had a good game and both clubs were a credit in a match that was played in the correct spirit.

A friday evening fixture for your diarys is upcoming when Dunkirk AFC host Newark Flowserve on 8th January 2016

Photos from the game can been on this LINK

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FOLK WHO HAVE DONATED OR SUPPORTED THIS CHARITY BLOG

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE CUP DRAWS

PRECISION NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE CUP DRAWS

SENIOR LEAGUE CUP

Quarter Finals

Clifton All Whites FC v Wollaton FC

Bilborough Town FC v Real United FC

Unity FC v Awsworth Villa FC

Cotgrave FC v Newark Flowserve FC

JUNIOR LEAGUE CUP

Quarter Finals

South Normanton Town FC v Underwood Villa FC Reserves 

Hucknall Rolls Leisure FC Reserves v Bingham Town FC Reserves

Kimberley MW FC Reserves v Bulwell FC Reserves

Southwell City FC Reserves/Bilborough Town FC Reserves v Ruddington Village FC Reserves

LAST SECOND ABBOTT STUN CAVS

Notts Senior League

Senior Division

SANDHURST FC 1 FC CAVALIERS 1

As a lot of games fell foul of the weather, my first choice game survived and the pitch looked great all credit to the Sandhurst FC staff.

On arrival,  was greeted by Bob "Mr Sandhurst" Crawford and was made a nice cuppa by his daughter Nat.

Took up my position in the far side of the pitch and was soon joined by Kirton Brickworks FC Chairman Tony, Sandhurst could well have taken the lead in the first minute when Cox fluffed inside the six yard box.

It then began a midfield battle with not really many chances and at half time, I was wondering if I was brave or stupid to be standing out on the pouring rain to watch a 0-0 draw.

The Second Half I stood with a ex Clifton All Whites Reserves Manager who has recently moved in to the area and after a hour the deadlock was broken when the home defender was robbed by LIAM TAYLOR who burst through to slip the ball past the outcoming keeper.

Sandhurst pushed forward and had a few misses, as the darknees decended in,a free kick was awarded some 30 yards out, which was struck by DAN ABBOTT which seemed to dip at the final second and ended up nestling in to the net to the surprise of everyone in the ground, this being the last kick of the game. A fair result on the whole for both clubs in a game that could have gone either way.

THE WRENS CLIP BEESTONS WINGS

NOTTS SENIOR CUP

Round Three

RAINWORTH MINERS WELFARE 4 BEESTON FC 0

Tonight took me to Kirklington Road, the home of Northern Counties East Club Rainworth Miners Welfare FC who hosted Notts Senior League club Beeston FC, Beeston FC had already had two good wins in the competition to reach this stage with a 2-0 away win at Eastwood Community FC and a home shock win against Teversal FC 3-2.

On arrivval, it was nice to meet up with old friends at Rainworth, in Les Lee and Gordon Foster who kindly donated £5 to the blogs charity, so a BIG thankyou to Gordon.

After I got a cuppa from Mrs Lee and the other Annes(they are all called Anne that run the tea bar), I joined Pete Chappell and had a quick chat before taking my place near the halfway way and joined by Peter Watmough.

Rainworth began the game brightly and were on the front foot, whilst Beeston defended well, but on 18 minutes LEWIS BINGHAM put the Wrens on front, the visitors from two steps in the pyramid down must have been dreading the worse, but all credit to them, as they held and battled well.

The Second Half began and I stood with Jim Bethall, where he has ordered his Notts Senior League Advanced Ticket and Badge Set, more details below.

 Beeston had a couple of chances through Vipond and Kennerdale, but the home keeper was in fine form. On 55 minutes, LEWIS BINGHAM not only doubled his tally but also his clubs when striking home from close range.

Beeston pushed forward but this left gaps at the back, but were unlucky when a double block on the line prevented them from reducing the score.

Rainworth made it 3-0 on 67 minutes, when MATTY SYKES cut in from the right and smashed the ball home. On 76 minutes, the visitors were reduced to 10 men when Jake West received his second yellow card of the evening.

Nearly with the final kick of the game, JACK BARNETT booked Rainworth's place in to the last eight of the competition where they will face a home tie against either Ruddington Village FC or Sherwood Colliery FC.

All credit must go to both sides who wanted to play football and Referee Stuart Richardson who I felt had a good match along with his two assistants.

RAINWORTH MINERS WELFARE FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/rainworthmwfc/

https://twitter.com/RainworthMWFC

BEESTON FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

http://www.beestoncenturions.co.uk/

https://twitter.com/Beeston_FC

Please remember that Advanced Tickets for the Notts Senior League Groundhop are now on sale, please email Rob Hornby on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk for more details and booking form

NOTTS FA CUPS QUARTER FINALS

QUARTER FINAL DRAWS FOR THE NOTTS FA CUPS

NOTTS FA SENIOR CUP

Retford United/ v Radford FC

Rainworth MW v Ruddington Village/Sherwood Colliery

Clipstone FC v Kimberley MW/Real United

Carlton Town v Basford United

NOTTS FA INTERMEDIATE CUP

Aspley Park v Ruddington Village Reserves

Collingham FC v Strelley Rose FC

West Bridgford FC v Unity FC

Bingham Town v Magdala Amateurs

NOTTS FA JUNIOR CUP

Awsworth Villa Reserves v Arnold Saints

AFC Clifton v Bilsthorpe FC Reserves

Underwood Villa Reserves v Basford United U18's

Woodborough United v Trinity Renatus

Please remember that Advanced Tickets for the Notts Senior League Groundhop are now on sale, please email Rob Hornby on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk for more details and booking form