Monday 19 May 2014

A OUTSTANDING YEAR

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.
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
MANY THANKS TO ALL THE DONATORS OVER THE SEASON
AFC Mansfield
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 x 2
Malc Storer
Mark Wilson (Selston FC)
Mark Pruddis
Martin Williams
Michael Squires
Moorgreen FC x 2
Netherfield Albion FC
Newark Flowserve FC
Notts Senior League Groundhoppers
Notts Senior League Cup Final
Nuneaton Griff FC
Radcliffe Olympic FC
Richard Lane
Rob Waite
Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)
Sandhurst FC
Sherwood Colliery FC
Southwell City FC
Steve Reading
Terry Dance
Welbeck Welfare FC
370 GOALS
 TOTAL AMOUNT
£1,250.36

Thursday 15 May 2014

REVIEW OF THE 2013-14 SEASON

REVIEW OF THE 2013-14 SEASON FOR ME
 
82 Matches I've been to this season, from little villages in Cornwall like Looe to around Notts Senior League Grounds and Central Midlands Grounds.

Some great moments included:
 
 Raising a staggering £1250.33  for the The Oaklands Centre for Adults with Specials Needs in Warsop near Mansfield.
 
The Second Ever Notts Senior League Groundhop where the attendances even shocked me and the event ran like clockwork.
 
Visiting so many lovely clubs who just made Me and Hazel and of course Shawn so welcome across the country.
 
Meeting so many friends through Non League Football, including fellow Bloggers and of course Hoppers and Club Volunteers around the Grounds.

Being honoured to be asked to present trophys at 2 different cup finals for the Notts Senior League where Hucknall Rolls Leisure beat Boots Athletic 3-2 after extra time at Eagle Valley, Arnold Town FC and the CMFL League Cup where AFC Mansfield beat Thorne Colliery 2-1 at Alfreton Town FC.
 
Well the season all begin for me on a nice sunny afternoon at Welbeck Welfare who played Selston Fc in a Pre-Season Friendly, a game that saw Selston run out 3-2 winners and ended at Clifton All Whites FC who beat South Normanton Athletic 4-2 to win the CMFL South Championship title.

I am always asked questions like what is the best game you have seen this season and whats the best goal you've seen etc, so I'm going to try and answer them if I can.

Most Improved Ground Visited
KEYWORTH UNITED FC
Since my last visit,  they had installed Floodlights and still working on the ground now.
 
 Best Game Seen
Netherfield Albion v Bingham Town
This Cup Tie had so many turns in it, with one side going in front then the other fighting back and taking the lead and after extra time still remaining level, so it went to penalties

Best Goal Seen
Andy Start's goal for Hucknall Rolls Leisure v Awsworth Villa, where he hit the ball that had dropped over his shoulder and smashed it home on the volley from out side the area.
 
Most Friendliest Club
There are so many and cant upset any of them..Had a pint with quite a few, so many have donated money to my blog charity, so cant choose
 
Best Beer
KEYWORTH UNITED FC
cant remember much as I didn't buy any at the Groundhop but had a few!!!
 
Best Food
ST AUSTELL
Them pasties were grand. Real nice touch when the committee offered me and my family and a Groundhopper from Kent pasties after the match to go with our pints.
 
Funniest Moment
RUDDINGTON VILLAGE FC
First time of going to Ruddington Village FC this season and explaining to their Chairman how we could pull off a Groundhop Match..At first, he thought I was winding him up saying you would have a crowd of about 250 there. He was over the moon on the day when 319 turned up and he was proud he had sold out of shirts!
 
BEST PROGRAMME
CLAY CROSS TOWN FC
Full of information and a real good read.
 
MOST IMPROVED PROGRAMME
SANDHURST FC
Gareth Tye has worked hard on this programme for his club and though it may not the best in the Notts Senior League, it is one of the best in the Divisions.
 
BEST WELCOME
There are so many places I've visited and people have made me, my wife Hazel and my 9 year old son Shawn so welcome. There are places such as Newark Flowserve FC where they sat Shawn at the Christmas Party table to join in. There are clubs that have given me lifts here and there, so really difficult to name just one.

BEST PERSON
HAZEL HORNBY
Without my wife Hazel who drives me about due to me being epliptic and in remission from Hodgkins Lymphomia, none of this blog or going to football for me would be possible. She runs the programme stall at the Groundhops and helps raise the blogs charity funds doing the raffles at the Notts Senior Cup Finals as well.
 
I know I have possibly forgot some people and clubs on here, so if I have please dont get offended.
 
With that, I have to go to the OAKLANDS CENTRE, where I will be handing over the cheque to them. I will of course post the photos on here. I've still got to set the date yet.

Meanwhile I have already set up next seasons blog and chosen a small group for my charity as they are in need of help. I have also added some pre season friendlies on there as well
 
 
Please click on and have a look
 
Also if on Facebook, why not join my Non League Football Group
 

Sunday 11 May 2014

CLIFTON DO ALL WHITE TO LIFT THE TITLE

Central Midlands League
South Division
CLIFTON ALL WHITES FC 4 SOUTH NORMANTON AFC 2
Admission £3
Programme £1
Attendance 392(thanks Craig Dabbs for counting)
Always like going to Clifton having lived there in the 1980/90's and often strolling down Farnborough Road to watch All Whites at their Green Lane Ground..Many a time, I used to go there on a Sunday Morning as over a thousand cars would be there for the massive Car Boot Sale.
 
Today was a very different visit, as Clifton went in to the game top of the Division with their opponents South Normanton sitting just behind them in second place and only a win for the visitors would be enough for them to win the Championship title.
 
People came from far and wide and some old faces were there that I'd not seen in years, though the first person I bumped in to was Craig Dabbs who was running to get his coat from the car as it went a bit dark in the sky before kick off.
 
The game kicked off and several hoppers surrounded me and kept asking me for the teams to which I hadn't got, but I asked Dave Wigley and he kindly took me in the dressing rooms to let me write them down, by which time we had missed the first goal of the game in the 11th minute by PHIL MASSINGHAM to give Clifton the early start they needed.
 
I then settled in to the stand where the Clifton Barmy Army armed with blow horns and in fine vocal voice were and the poor Assistant Referee took quite a bit of banter from them, all in good humour of course.
 
South Normanton pushed forward and the Clifton keeper was called in to action a couple of times, whilst the homesters played on the break and after 32 minutes, a South Normanton corner broke down and Lee Torr ran the entire length of the pitch on the left wing and put in a inch perfect cross where PHIL MASSINGHAM glaced past the Normo keeper to double their lead.
 
It soon became 3-0 on 36 minutes when a Tom Maddison free kick from 30 yards was floated in to the South Normanton area and JAYLEE HODGSON was left free to head home(see pic above to see the delight of Martyn Chettle!)
 
As I decided to head towards the clubhouse for my halftime cuppa, a trip by Sam Leggitt saw the referee award the visitors a penalty to which SHANE NEWTON converted.
 
The Second Half I strolled round the uncovered side of the ground and had a chat with quite a few folks whilst watching the football on display and it was the visitors who could well have reduced the arrears after 50 minutes but the opportunity came and went.
 
Both sides now were battling hard but on 71 minutes, the visitors failed to clear their lines and Clifton Centre Back STUART ROBINSON tapped home to make it 4-1.
 
With the clock ticking down, SHANE NEWTON made it 4-2 when he hit a rasp shot from the edge of the area to give the Clifton keeper no chance.
At the final whistle, the Clifton Management were delighted.
And so were the players
 
All photos from this match can be seen on this LINK
 
CLIFTON ALL WHITES FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
SOUTH NORMANTON AFC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
My Facebook Non League Football Group can be found HERE
 
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
AFC Mansfield
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 x 2
Malc Storer
Mark Wilson (Selston FC)
Mark Pruddis
Martin Williams
Michael Squires
Moorgreen FC x 2
Netherfield Albion FC
Newark Flowserve FC
Notts Senior League Groundhoppers
Notts Senior League Cup Final
Nuneaton Griff FC
Radcliffe Olympic FC
Richard Lane
Rob Waite
Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)
Sandhurst FC
Sherwood Colliery FC
Southwell City FC
Steve Reading
Terry Dance
Welbeck Welfare FC
370 GOALS
 RUNNING AMOUNT
£1,250.36
 

Wednesday 7 May 2014

ROLLS ON THE CUP

Notts Senior League
Senior League Cup Final
BOOTS ATHLETIC FC 2 HUCKNALL ROLLS LEISURE FC 3
(after Extra Time)
Held at Eagle Valley, Home of Arnold Town FC
Admission £3/£2
Programme Free
Att: 178
The game started off at a slow pace with not much action, infact it as one of those games that better as the game went on. At Half time, each keeper had only been called in to action just the once, so the half time cuppa was appriecated to keep me awake. The Second Half began a bit more brighter but needed that spark of a goal to liven things up and that came after 60 minutes when ASH HARRISON headed Boots in to the lead. Both sides then opened up and began playing some entertaining football.
 
On 71 minutes, JACK MATTHEWS saw himself in the clear and slotted the ball through the advancing keepers legs to level the scores. Both sides were really going for it and must have believed that the next goal would be the winner and after 78 minutes veteran striker KEV WALKER shot Boots back in front.
 
Rolls changed their tactics and threw a extra man forward and after 84 minutes this paid off for them when Man of the Match KANE MATTHEWS equalised.
 
So we went in to extra time and the wind took control with the ball flying all over the place and difficult for both sides to control. With just 2 minutes to go in the first period of extra time, HARRY ALLEN fired Rolls in front for the first time in the tie.
 
The Second Period of extra time saw a gale blowing across the pitch and heavy rain and whilst both sides tried to add to their tallys, the scoreline remained at 3-2 to Hucknall Rolls Leisure in their final match in the Notts Senior League before they cross to the Central Midlands League for next season.
 
Again I must thank everyone who had a go on the Charity Raffle that Hazel ran at the Final and raised a great total of £116.
 
My Photos from the First Half of the game can be seen on this LINK
 
BOOTS ATHLETIC FC WEBSITE
 
HUCKNALL ROLLS LEISURE FC TWITTER
 
My Facebook Non League Football Group can be found HERE
 
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
AFC Mansfield
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 x 2
Malc Storer
Mark Wilson (Selston FC)
Mark Pruddis
Martin Williams
Michael Squires
Moorgreen FC x 2
Netherfield Albion FC
Newark Flowserve FC
Notts Senior League Groundhoppers
Notts Senior League Cup Final
Nuneaton Griff FC
Radcliffe Olympic FC
Richard Lane
Rob Waite
Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)
Sandhurst FC
Sherwood Colliery FC
Southwell City FC
Steve Reading
Terry Dance
Welbeck Welfare FC
364 GOALS
 RUNNING AMOUNT
£1,248.86
 
 

Sunday 4 May 2014

THE BULLS RETURN TO LIFT THE CMFL LEAGUE CUP

Central Midlands League Cup Final
AFC MANSFIELD 2 THORNE COLLIERY 1
 

 
After a phone call on Saturday morning to CMFL Chairman John Cornwaite, I was invited to this final as special guest and asked to present the trophy of the CMFL League Cup Final.
 
Met a lot of local groundhoppers as well as representives of different clubs from around the area. In the First half I sat with Robin and Dec Bourne and Dave Plowright.
 
The First Half of the game was quite decent and within 15 minutes, from a corner from the left hand side MARK CARTER rose high and headed home the first goal of the game to give the Bulls the lead.
 
To Thorne;s credit, they fought back and were on level terms after 29 minutes through KIRK FROST who rifled home a volley from the right hand side.
 
On 39 minutes, a long high ball was played in to the Thorne area which the keeper mis-judged and again MARK CARTER headed home.
 
The Second Half saw both sides go close but no more goals were scored and after last seasons League Cup  Final defeat, The Bulls of AFC Mansfield claimed their first ever League Cup trophy on their final match before they are promoted in to step six football. Thorne also played a good part in this game and both sides both tried to play football throughout the game.
 
I must thank Andy Saunders of AFC Mansfield for his kind donation to the Blogs Charity from his club.
 
Photos from the game can be seen in this LINK
 
AFC MANSFIELD WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
THORNE COLLIERY TWITTER

 
My Facebook Non League Football Group can be found HERE
 
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
AFC Mansfield
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 x 2
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
Notts Senior League Cup Final
Nuneaton Griff FC
Radcliffe Olympic FC
Richard Lane
Rob Waite
Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)
Sandhurst FC
Sherwood Colliery FC
Southwell City FC
Steve Reading
Terry Dance
Welbeck Welfare FC
359 GOALS
 RUNNING AMOUNT
£1,132.33
 

Saturday 3 May 2014

ASHLAND OPEN SIX POINT LEAD

Notts Senior League Division Two
ASHLAND ROVERS FC 4 GREYFRIARS FC 0
 
Ashland Rovers went in to this match knowing a victory would put them 6 points clear with Moorgreen FC in 2nd place with 3 games to play. Ashland made the perfect start after just 5 minute when RICHARD MILLS fired them ahead after just 5 minutes.
 
Greyfriars FC proved they were not going to give up and tried to push forward at every chance they could but found Ashland Keeper Stephen Boot in good form.
 
At half time the homesters made a sub and IAN ALLSOPP the sub only waited till the 51st minute to double the score with a volley on the right hand side.
 
It became one way traffic as Ashland went on the attack and it came as no surprise on 70 minutes when RICHARD MLLS made it 3-0 to Rovers.
 
At this stage the game began very open and end to end with Boot saving a couple of tremendous saves but in the final minute KYE PILMORE slotted home to make it 4-0.
 
The Referee Tom Tolund had a superb game for a young lad and will go far in the game. He impressed me with e way he spoke to players to explain why he had made decisions to stop players questioning his decisions.
 
After the game we return to the pub and I must thank all Ashland players for their kind reponce to my 9 year old son who has autism and making him feel welcome
 
Photos from the game can be seen on this LINK
 
ASHLAND ROVERS FC TWITTER
 
NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE TWITTER
 
 
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 x 2
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
Notts Senior League Cup Final
Nuneaton Griff FC
Radcliffe Olympic FC
Richard Lane
Rob Waite
Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)
Sandhurst FC
Sherwood Colliery FC
Southwell City FC
Steve Reading
Terry Dance
Welbeck Welfare FC
356 GOALS
 RUNNING AMOUNT
£1,111.58
 
 

Friday 2 May 2014

PENALTY SAVE TURNS JUNIOR CUP FINAL TO LINBY

Notts Senior League
Junior Cup Final
LINBY COLLIERY WELFARE RES FC 4 RADCLIFFE OLYMPIC RES FC 1
Played at Platt Lane, Home of Keyworth United FC
Att: 165

First of all I would like to sat a few thankyou's, to the Notts Senior League Committee who allowed my wife Hazel to conduct a Raffle on behalf of our Blog's Charity "The Oaklands for Adults with Special Needs", also to the players and supporters of Linby CW FC and Radcliffe Olympic FC and also all those who kindly donated during the evening and helped raised £107.
 
The game kicked off and was a very even affair, but Radcliffe looking the more sharper in  front of goal, so it came as no surprise on 11 minutes when they took the lead when BRETT SOIZA slipped the ball home from inside the area. Linby continued to battle and on 32 minutes, LUKE PRICE made it 1-1.
 
The second half  kicked off with Radcliffe on the attack and a couple of near misses until the 52nd minute, when Referee Steve Sears awarded them a penalty. Man of the Match Guyatt pulled out a top drawer save to turn the tie, as this gave Linby the shot in the arm they needed and within 2 minutes, they had taken the lead through COUPE and he beat 3 players and shot deep and low in to the bottom corner of the net.
 
On 63 minutes, a perfect cross from the right wing, saw COUPE raise and head Linby in to a 3-1 lead. Radcliffe then pushed men forward but it left holes at the back and on 67 minutes, CHEESEMAN made it 4-1 for Linby to taste Cup success for the first time in 17 years.
 
LINBY CW FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
RADCLIFFE OLYMPIC FC WEBSITE/TWITTER
 
NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE TWITTER
 
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 x 2
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
Notts Senior League Cup Final
Nuneaton Griff FC
Radcliffe Olympic FC
Richard Lane
Rob Waite
Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)
Sandhurst FC
Sherwood Colliery FC
Southwell City FC
Steve Reading
Terry Dance
Welbeck Welfare FC
352 GOALS
 RUNNING AMOUNT
£1,110.58