CHARITY BLOG'S FIRST EVER THOUSAND

CHARITY BLOG'S FIRST EVER THOUSAND

 

Three years ago when I stepped down from the Central Midlands Football League Committee, due to not being too well and also wanting to spend more time with my little son with Autism, I still wanted to go and watch Non League Football though.

 

Two good friends of mine  Malc Storer & Kev Goodman a year earlier had set up a blog and decided to sponsor each goal they saw scored and raised a massive £800 for a charity. I thought this was a excellent idea, as when on the CMFL Committee, my wife Hazel would do raffles for the Chairmans Charity each year.

 

I'd never set up a blog before, so I had a go, I know its not the World's best and it is full of spelling mistakes etc, but hey people can have a laugh and boy do they read it. The First year, we adopted the Epilipsy Unit at University Hospital in Nottingham as I suffer with three Grand Mal fits a week that are uncontrolled and raised over £500 which made me very proud of doing.

 

Last season, we adopted the Cancer Unit at Mansfield's Kings Mill Hospital and raised £800 as I have fought and beaten Hodkins Lymphomia twice in 1990 and again in 1997.

 

This season, me and my wife felt we should look for a smaller charity to help and we visited The Oaklands, a small place for Adults with Special Needs, that provides help for them to do the very basics in life, like do the washing, teaching to cook, first aid skills etc. A very friendly place based in Warsop, just outside of Mansfield.

 

We have always sponsored ourselves 25p a goal seen scored and it always astounds me that clubs, people(some I don't even know) come up to me and donate towards the total and a big thankyou to all of them. The Notts Senior Football League have been a great support, allowing us to set up a programme stall at the Annual League's Groundhop and doing the raffle at their Cup Finals.

 

I go out each season with a target of raising £100 and anything over that is a bonus, so to hit £1000 this season has really shocked us, a nice shock of course.

 

With still a few games to go to, including the Notts Senior League Reserve Cup Final on Thursday between Linby CW Reserves and Radcliffe Olympic Reserves  being held at Keyworth United FC, then Saturday at Greyfriars Fc v Ashland Rovers FC, Bank Holiday Monday at a noon kick off at Moorgreen FC v Greyfriars, Tuesday Night at Arnold Town FC for the Notts Senior League Cup Final for Boots Athletic v Hucknall Rolls Leisure and my final match of the season a title decider at Clifton All Whites FC v South Normanton FC, we hope that we can get a few more pennies in, if anyone would like to make a donation at these matches, please come and see me or Hazel.

WELBECK SET OFF A GRAND EVENING

Central Midlands League North Division

WELBECK WELFARE FC 5 THORNE COLLIERY FC 4

With the car still being off the road, I wasn't going out tonight, but a call from my friend Herbie from the Newark area asking of the match was on, prompted me to ring my mate Brian who is the Welbeck Manager and Brian said he would pick me up in 10 minutes.

 

There was a slight worry as there was no sign of the visitors as the kick off time of 6.30pm neared and Welbeck looked quite eager to get he match put the way having won only one match all season, whilst Thorne are lying 3rd in the league and also have reached the League Cup Final that gets played at Alfreton Town FC on Sunday(3pm).

 

Thorne arrived and quickly got changed and both sides were soon on the pitch and both sides had agreed to a 40 minute each way match. Referee Liam Somerset got the game on its way and the homesters were soon on the attack and after only 80 seconds had taken the lead through ALISTAIR JONES with a smart finish under the advancing keeper. Joy Thomas the Thorne Secretary joined me for the match and we chattered about how her family and my family was.

 

Welbeck looked very sharp tonight and were pushing forward at every opportunity and it was that man ALISTAIR JONES again who doubled his sides lad after just 13 minutes.

 

Thorne Manager wasn't happy and urged his team forward and on 25 minutes, his side were back in it when ROSS EBBAGE headed home from close range to reduce the arrears. On 35 minutes, Thorne were level as DARREN FELL stroke the ball home with ease.

 

A quick half time turn around and the game was soon re-started and this time, it was the visitors who began the strongest when after just 2 minutes of the half when DARREN FELL put his side in front for the only time of the game.

 

Other times I have seen Welbeck this season, there heads have dropped but not tonight, as they went straight back on the attack on 44 minutes and ALISTAIR JONES completed his hat trick to make it 3-3.

 

Within a minute, Welbeck were back in front after a long clearance put Thorne Defender MARK SNEAP on the back foot to slip it past his own keeper. Old Brian the Welbeck Manager was in raptures by now, but the best goal of the night was still to come when after 59 minutes ROSS EBBAGE's superb header gave Julian Stevens no chance in the Welbeck net to make it 4-4.

 

  Thorne continued to push forward but the home defence was holding tight and on 69 minutes, Welbeck was reduced to 10 men after a late tackle and the Referee had no choice but to dismiss the man. Now it looked as if Welbeck may run out of steam and Thorne would push on for the win, but as often happens in football, the 10 men began to play the better football and on 75 minutes, PAUL WASS made it 5-4 to Welbeck.

 

Just before full time, a Thorne player wasn't happy with a decision and threw the ball directly at the young Assistant Referee, to which the referee showed no hesitation in showing him a straight red card.

 

Heading in to todays match, the Charity Blog had reached £996.33p, so with £2.25p in goals going in to the total, I think I was around £1.50 from hitting the £1000 mark for the first time ever. After the match, Match Referee Liam Somerset kindly donated £5 of his match fee and took the total to that over magicial £1000..I really cant thank people enough for their kind generousity over the season.

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

 

WELBECK WELFARE FC TWITTER

https://twitter.com/Welbeck_FC

 

THORNE COLLIERY FC TWITTER

https://twitter.com/Thornecolliery

 

THE BLOGS CHARITY

A BIG Thanks go to these people and clubs for their kind donations towards this seasons charity..THE OAKLANDS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. After each match I will update the Charity Running Total and the donators list and goals seen. Each goal I see I donated 25p, also clubs and people donate as well, so if you wish to make a donation and see me at a match, no matter how small, I'd be very grateful

Andy Cruddice

Ashland Rovers FC
Bedford Groundhop Stall
Beeston AFC

Blidworth Welfare FC

Clay Cross Town FC
Clipstone FC

Danny Staley(Kimberley MW FC)

Dave Norris

Dave Woodings

Dean Kiss

Dudsey

FC Samba

Ian Marshall

Jez Wright

Jimmy Jazz

"Keith" The Pinxton Gnome

Kev Goodman

Lee Cook(Pinxton FC)

Liam Somerset

Linby CW FC

Malc Storer

Mark Wilson (Selston FC)

Mark Pruddis

Martin WilliamsMichael Squires

Moorgreen FC x 2
Netherfield Albion FC

Newark Flowserve FC

Notts Senior League Groundhoppers
Nuneaton Griff FC

Richard Lane
Rob Waite

Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)

Sandhurst FC

Sherwood Colliery FC

Southwell City FC

Steve Reading

Terry Dance

Welbeck Welfare FC

347 GOALS

 RUNNING AMOUNT

£1,003.58

SHERWOOD JUST EDGE OUT OLLERTON

Central Midlands League North Division

SHERWOOD COLLIERY FC 1 OLLERTON TOWN FC 0

att 68

 

With car problems and feeling a bit down this match within walking distance from my house and the game being pulled forward by 24 hours due to Sherwood Reserves being in a Cup Final the following evening gave me a perfect excuse to get out the house for a few hours.

 

As I arrived at the ground, I was greeted by Peter & Martin from Ipswich and Newmarket in the car park and me and Peter strolled in to find there was to be no programme this evening as the printer had packed up, so recent programmes were given to these 2 long distance hoppers to their satisfaction.

 

The game kicked off at 6.45pm and was to be 2 x 40 minutes and it was the homesters who produced the first attack but shot wide after a good build up. The visitors thought they may well have taken the lead, but their striker hit wide as the keeper did enough to put him off.

 

After 14 minutes, Sherwood took the lead when a cross shot by EDEN HOMER deflected off the Ollerton keeper in to the net.

 

Ollerton then took the game to Sherwood and the keeper kept the visitors at bay on 3 occasions whilst Sherwood had chances to go further ahead with Milligan heading their front line and Curly controlling the midfield area.

 

On 85 minutes, the linesman on the far side flagged and the Referee showed the red card to Mulligan for a offence off the ball or just after it had gone.

 

Sherwood ran out winners but Ollerton did deserve a point, but if you don't finish your chances then you don't get points.

 

Don't Forget you can join my Non League Football Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/164313900349020

 

Pics from this game can be seen on this LINK

 

SHERWOOD COLLIERY WEBSITE/TWITTER

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

https://twitter.com/SCFC_08

 

OLLERTON TOWN FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

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

https://twitter.com/Ollertontown_fc

 

THE BLOGS CHARITY

A BIG Thanks go to these people and clubs for their kind donations towards this seasons charity..THE OAKLANDS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. After each match I will update the Charity Running Total and the donators list and goals seen. Each goal I see I donated 25p, also clubs and people donate as well, so if you wish to make a donation and see me at a match, no matter how small, I'd be very grateful

Andy Cruddice

Ashland Rovers FC
Bedford Groundhop Stall
Beeston AFC

Blidworth Welfare FC

Clay Cross Town FC
Clipstone FC

Danny Staley(Kimberley MW FC)

Dave Norris

Dave Woodings

Dean Kiss

Dudsey

FC Samba

Ian Marshall

Jez Wright

Jimmy Jazz

"Keith" The Pinxton Gnome

Kev Goodman

Lee Cook(Pinxton FC)

Linby CW FC

Malc Storer

Mark Wilson (Selston FC)

Mark Pruddis

Martin WilliamsMichael Squires

Moorgreen FC x 2
Netherfield Albion FC

Newark Flowserve FC

Notts Senior League Groundhoppers
Nuneaton Griff FC

Richard Lane
Rob Waite

Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)

Sandhurst FC

Sherwood Colliery FC

Southwell City FC

Steve Reading

Terry Dance

Welbeck Welfare FC

338 GOALS

 RUNNING AMOUNT

£996.33

 

MILLERS CRUSHED BY CHAMPION BULLS

Central Midlands League

North Division

CLAY CROSS TOWN 3 AFC MANSFIELD 7

 

When Hazel's car broke down yesterday it looked as if Id have to catch a bus to a match, then I checked where matches were being played today, hardly any around thee Mansfield area so it looked like a afternoon watch Sky TV, but around 12.30pm a good luck charm arrived as Hazel's brother popped in for a cuppa and offered to drop me off at Clay Cross Town FC and pick me up at 6pm.

 

On arrival always a friendly welcome from Mr Clay Cross Nobby Clarke and also Martin Roberts who runs their clubshop and does a lot towards their award winning programme that finished 12th nationally last season.

 

Clay Cross FC also have a sausage specially made by the local town butcher for the club, so I had to have a cob and its was lovely.

 

Clay Cross Town Fc are nicknamed the Millers and then I spotted the club mascot(see below)

 

It was then time for the match, earlier iin the season AFC Mansfield had beaten Clay Cross Town 8-3, so could we have another game with 10 goals in it?

 

The League Champions were soon on the attack and after 5 minutes though they had taken the lead when a long goal kick bounced over the home keepers head and in to the net, whilst the Assistant ref on the far side was waving for offside so the goal was disallowed. To AFC's credit they plied forward with a few regular players missing and after 8 minutes, DECLAN BREWIN to put them in front in front of a crowd of 101.

 

With 17 minutes gone, the Bulls doubled their lead to 2-0 when MARK CARTER headed home. This now had a feeling that this game was only going one way when after 25 minutes MARK CARTER pounced to score his 2nd and his clubs 3rd goal of the game.

 

On 32 minutes came a strange moment when a ball was pumped forward and DECLAN BREWIN went towards the home keeper with both having feet up and the referee blowing as the ball entered the net..Everyone watched as the referee then booked the home keeper and gave the goal to put AFC Mansfield 4-0 up.

 

As we were thinking of our half time cuppa, AFC certainly wasn't when PHIL BUXTON hot a low shot from outside te box to which the home keeper stumbled in to his net on 44 minutes. On 45 minutes it was 6-0 to AFC Mansfield when TOBY BIRCH fired home.

 

The half time cuppa and a few words must have woken Clay Cross Town up as the Manager Ant Lyman took himself off struggling with a ankle injury and almost straight away from a corner after 49 minutes BARRY ALBANY headed home a stray ball. Clay Cross then looked more hungry and took the game to AFC and were rewarded after 52 minutes when a similar move from a corner kick found BARRY ALBANY to reduce the arrears to 6-2.

 

Clay Cross continued to pore forward and on another day could well have added another couple of goals to their tally but this wasn't to be the case today.

 

After 85 minutes, TOBY BIRCH made it 7-2 but the Millers had the last word when scoring in the 90th minute

 

I must thank Nobby Clark and Clay Cross Town FC for their generous donation to the Blogs Charity

 

Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK

 

CLAY CROSS TOWN FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

http://www.claycrosstownfc.co.uk/club/80477/Home

https://twitter.com/271BarryatCross

 

AFC MANSFIELD WEBSITE/TWITTER

http://www.afcmansfield.net/

https://twitter.com/AFCMansfield

 

Don't Forget you can join my Non League Football Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/164313900349020/

 

THE BLOGS CHARITY

A BIG Thanks go to these people and clubs for their kind donations towards this seasons charity..THE OAKLANDS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. After each match I will update the Charity Running Total and the donators list and goals seen. Each goal I see I donated 25p, also clubs and people donate as well, so if you wish to make a donation and see me at a match, no matter how small, I'd be very grateful

Andy Cruddice

Ashland Rovers FC
Bedford Groundhop Stall
Beeston AFC

Blidworth Welfare FC

Clay Cross Town FC
Clipstone FC

Danny Staley(Kimberley MW FC)

Dave Norris

Dave Woodings

Dean Kiss

Dudsey

FC Samba

Ian Marshall

Jez Wright

Jimmy Jazz

"Keith" The Pinxton Gnome

Kev Goodman

Lee Cook(Pinxton FC)

Linby CW FC

Malc Storer

Mark Wilson (Selston FC)

Mark Pruddis

Martin WilliamsMichael Squires

Moorgreen FC x 2
Netherfield Albion FC

Newark Flowserve FC

Notts Senior League Groundhoppers
Nuneaton Griff FC

Richard Lane
Rob Waite

Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)

Sandhurst FC

Sherwood Colliery FC

Southwell City FC

Steve Reading

Terry Dance

Welbeck Welfare FC

337 GOALS

 RUNNING AMOUNT

£995.83

THANKYOU SANDHURST FC

THANKYOU SANDHURST FC AND THE HOPPERS

 

At the recent Notts Senior League Groundhop, Sandhurst FC turned up at Keyworth United FC with a club mascot and went round the changing room and round the hoppers with a bucket collection for this Blogs Charity,  which is The Oaklands Centre for Adults with Special Needs..The amount raised by Sandhurst FC was £56.20 which I have now added to the running total which takes it over £970. So a BIG Thankyou to Sandhurst FC and of course to everyone who has helped raise this amount.

My wife Hazel will also be running a raffle at both the Notts Senior League Reserve Cup Final on Thursday 1st May between Linby CW Reserves v Radcliffe Olympic Reserves @ Keyworth United FC and also on Tuesday 6th May at the Notts Senior League Cup Final where Boots Athletic face Hucknall Rolls Leisure @ Arnold Town FC.

Please see below for donators and also for the up to date running total

 

 

THE BLOGS CHARITY

A BIG Thanks go to these people and clubs for their kind donations towards this seasons charity..THE OAKLANDS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. After each match I will update the Charity Running Total and the donators list and goals seen. Each goal I see I donated 25p, also clubs and people donate as well, so if you wish to make a donation and see me at a match, no matter how small, I'd be very grateful

Andy Cruddice

Ashland Rovers FC
Bedford Groundhop Stall
Beeston AFC

Blidworth Welfare FC
Clipstone FC

Danny Staley(Kimberley MW FC)

Dave Norris

Dave Woodings

Dean Kiss

Dudsey

FC Samba

Ian Marshall

Jez Wright

Jimmy Jazz

"Keith" The Pinxton Gnome

Kev Goodman

Lee Cook(Pinxton FC)

Linby CW FC

Malc Storer

Mark Wilson (Selston FC)

Mark Pruddis

Martin WilliamsMichael Squires

Moorgreen FC x 2
Netherfield Albion FC

Newark Flowserve FC

Notts Senior League Groundhoppers
Nuneaton Griff FC

Richard Lane
Rob Waite

Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)

Sandhurst FC

Sherwood Colliery FC

Southwell City FC

Steve Reading

Terry Dance

Welbeck Welfare FC

327 GOALS

 RUNNING AMOUNT

£972.33

CHAMPIONS SHERWOOD BATTLE TO VICTORY

Central Midlands League

Premier Reserves Division

 

SHERWOOD COLLIERY WELFARE RESERVES 3 NEWARK TOWN RESERVES 1

 

With this ground only being 400 yards from my house, I thought Id go and watch the newly crowned Champions Sherwood Colliery Reserves play Newark Town Reserves.

 

The game kicked off on time at 6.30pm with old friend Graham Taylor the referee in charge and as usual had a very good game.

 

The first half was a bit of a dull affair and the closest we came to a goal was when the Newark  centre forward had a superb headed strike the bar.

 

The Second Half kicked off with Sherwood kicking down towards the clubhouse end  and after just 48 minutes, a low show by ASHLEY GIUGNO put the colliery in front. Sherwood continued to press forward looking for a second goal but it didn't come and on 65 minutes, the ball was played out to the right wing when Newark's RICKY O'CONNELL ssmashed home from a acute angle to level up the scores. At this stage on the game, there looked to be one team that was going on to win this game and that was the visitors and they very nearly took the lead when for the second time in the game, they struck the crossbar with the home keeper well beaten.

 

With the clock running down, Sherwood substitute Craig Doncaster found himself free on the left wing and played the ball across to  ASHLEY GIUGNO to curl home his second of the game and put his side back in front. As the visitors pushed forward in search of a 2nd equaliser, the homesters broke for HARRY JOULE to tap home with the final kick of the game.

 

SHERWOOD COLLIERY WELFARE FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

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

https://twitter.com/SCFC_08

 

NEWARK TOWN WEBSITE/TWITTER

http://www.newarktownfc.com/

https://twitter.com/NewarkTownFC

 

To view photos from this match please click on this LINK

 

Don't Forget you can join my Non League Football Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/164313900349020/

 

THE BLOGS CHARITY

A BIG Thanks go to these people and clubs for their kind donations towards this seasons charity..THE OAKLANDS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. After each match I will update the Charity Running Total and the donators list and goals seen. Each goal I see I donated 25p, also clubs and people donate as well, so if you wish to make a donation and see me at a match, no matter how small, I'd be very grateful

Andy Cruddice

Ashland Rovers FC
Bedford Groundhop Stall
Beeston AFC

Blidworth Welfare FC
Clipstone FC

Danny Staley(Kimberley MW FC)

Dave Norris

Dave Woodings

Dean Kiss

Dudsey

FC Samba

Ian Marshall

Jez Wright

Jimmy Jazz

"Keith" The Pinxton Gnome

Kev Goodman

Lee Cook(Pinxton FC)

Linby CW FC

Malc Storer

Mark Wilson (Selston FC)

Mark Pruddis

Martin WilliamsMichael Squires

Moorgreen FC x 2
Netherfield Albion FC

Newark Flowserve FC

Notts Senior League Groundhoppers
Nuneaton Griff FC

Richard Lane
Rob Waite

Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)

Sherwood Colliery FC

Southwell City FC

Steve Reading

Terry Dance

Welbeck Welfare FC

327 GOALS

 RUNNING AMOUNT

£915.83

HONOURS EVEN AT THE WELFARE

Central Midlands League

South Division

BLIDWORTH WELFARE FC 2 LINBY COLLIERY WELFARE FC 2

 

Not many games in the local area today as this one was the one I chose having not seen much of either club this season. On arrival I was greeted by the 3 officials of the game and  by both committees, just before kick off was joined by fellow blogger Malc Storer who kindly passed a donation over from his blog photographer Kev Goodman(thankyou Kev).

 

As the teams took to the pitch, me and Malc took to pitchside and with nothing riding on this game, it began at a quick pace with the visitors missing a few early chances.

 

On 12 minutes, after the homesters first attack, they took the lead when WAYNE LISTER fired home. Linby pushed forward and should have been level when they struck the post but having said that Blidworth could have increased their lead when a attack was headed off the line. As I was looking forward to my half time pastie and Oxo, Linby broke and MATT MURPHY levelled on 44 minutes.

 

At half time, I was joined by Steve Watts who has been out of action following a injury some 18 months ago and he joined me and Malc at pitchside for the second half.

 

After 52 minutes, the ball dropped just outside the linby penalty area and 19 year old JAKE ALLEN volleyed home from 25 yards to give Blidworth a 2-1 lead.

 

In a game where both sides played football and went for goals, it was in the 80th minute when TOM COUPE headed home the equaliser. Linby in injury saw a shot bounced back off the post, but a draw was the fair result.

 

BLIDWORTH WELFARE FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

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

https://twitter.com/BlidworthFC

 

LINBY COLLIERY WELFARE FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

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

https://twitter.com/linbycwfc

 

Photos from todays match can be seen on this LINK

 

Don't Forget you can join my Non League Football Facebook Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/164313900349020/

 

THE BLOGS CHARITY

A BIG Thanks go to these people and clubs for their kind donations towards this seasons charity..THE OAKLANDS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. After each match I will update the Charity Running Total and the donators list and goals seen. Each goal I see I donated 25p, also clubs and people donate as well, so if you wish to make a donation and see me at a match, no matter how small, I'd be very grateful

Andy Cruddice

Ashland Rovers FC
Bedford Groundhop Stall
Beeston AFC

Blidworth Welfare FC
Clipstone FC

Danny Staley(Kimberley MW FC)

Dave Norris

Dave Woodings

Dean Kiss

Dudsey

FC Samba

Ian Marshall

Jez Wright

Jimmy Jazz

"Keith" The Pinxton Gnome

Kev Goodman

Lee Cook(Pinxton FC)

Linby CW FC

Malc Storer

Mark Wilson (Selston FC)

Mark Pruddis

Martin WilliamsMichael Squires

Moorgreen FC x 2
Netherfield Albion FC

Newark Flowserve FC

Notts Senior League Groundhoppers
Nuneaton Griff FC

Richard Lane
Rob Waite

Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)

Sherwood Colliery FC

Southwell City FC

Steve Reading

Terry Dance

Welbeck Welfare FC

323 GOALS

 RUNNING AMOUNT

£914.83