Sheffield United (31-12-2016)

Sheffield United 1 - 0 Northampton Town (League One), Saturday 31 December 2016

Ticket £21
Bus into Sheffield £1-50
Total £22-50

It has been almost 5 years since I last visited Bramall Lane, so today's lunchtime kick-off was an ideal opportunity to revisit. Truth be told I am not that keen on the Blades, even though they are my closest Football League side. Still, at it's best 'The Lane' offers a crackling atmosphere, and this post-Christmas fixture should hopefully blow away some cobwebs today.

After catching the bus in, collecting my ticket and taking some photos I headed inside to the 'Kop', where my seat was fairly central, for a perfect view of the action. Via it's back entrances the stand is exposed to the elements, with a kind of platform elevated high above nearby terraced streets. Despite their long stay in tier 3 of English football, United still feel like a big club, and the crowds building up outside supported this.

This should be a straightforward win for the Blades who were second going into this one. They went for Northampton from the outset, creating some early pressure which the away side withstood. But Northampton - in a striking fluorescent away kit - looked decent for the first half an hour. Although they did not create any shots on target in the first half, they did have a few handy runs and attacks which should perhaps have resulted in more. In particular Hoskins was excellent for the Saints when they did forge forward towards the Kop end. Sheffield United were clearly the better team but were often caught out on the odd counter-attack - this was not going to be an easy win today. 

Northampton ran out of their counter-attacking intensity in the second period, but still put up a strong resistance to United. The stats showed that overall the home side had 22 shots compared to 7 for the Midlands side, which reflected the pressure exerted by the Blades throughout. Gradually, the away defence began to stutter and it seemed as if United would finally blow the doors down. Loose balls on the wing and too much space for United eventually turned into a couple of goal-mouth scrambles. Northampton were on the ropes. 

But there was still no goal, and as the countdown at the far end dropped to 2 minutes, the vociferous Kop were getting more frustrated. To be fair to United they continued to pour forward, and their patience paid off when Kieron Freeman banged a loose ball in the box right into the roof of the net. 89th minute and a collective sigh of relief rang out across 'The Lane'. They still had time to hit the bar in the closing stages, but 1-0 was enough to see them win again. 

Their manager Chris Wilder has been named the EFL Manager of the Year for 2016, and I could see why. This team look hungry, capable, and ready for promotion. They are top of the league going in to 2017, so there is much optimism in these parts. I headed back into the centre and walked all the way back to Handsworth, where I watched Final Score as results across the country flooded in. My rollercoaster 2016 footballing year has finally come to an end.

Frecheville (17-12-2016)

Frecheville 4 - 2 Wombwell Main (Sheffield and Hallamshire County League), Saturday 17 December 2016

Free entry
Free travel

Frecheville sounds rather like a Sheffield-based dairy, but is actually a football club on the South East of the city. In fact it is only about 3 miles from our house, so I decided it was finally worth a visit. I had nearly opted for Sheffield Wednesday today but then saw the crazy price of £36. This was completely free and involved no more than a 45 minute walk each way.

The ground is just off Birley Moor Road, but I reached it from the A57 side, taking back streets up hills to get there. It is actually both a cricket and football club, so the football was being played at the far end, down several leaf-covered steps from the main clubhouse and changing rooms. Frecheville have a small covered terrace area at the near end of the pitch, and the standard white pole along one side. On one long side was the obligatory blue rope separating the pitch from the spectators.

Frecheville have a reputation as a decent team in these parts, and I have heard rumours that they may apply for the NCEFL at some point. Dressed in a distinctive orange and black kit they started brightly, but Wombwell took the lead when Frecheville's 11 mistakenly headed back across his goal with the keeper stranded. This provoked a reaction from the home side, and they made it 1 apiece when 10 bundled in from close range after the away keeper couldn't hold onto a stinging shot. They then made it 2-1 with a goal from number 8, who found space in the box and turned and shot. The first half ended on a bit of a sour note, with Frecheville's 6 sliced down in an industrial tackle, before then himself launching into a high challenge. The referee did well to calm the melee which ensued.

After a full half-time break (not always the case at this level), the second period began. The skies were starting to darken so it definitely felt like a winter game. The home side extended their lead when their left-back scored a peach of a goal - right in the top corner - and began to look far superior to the away side from Barnsley. Frecheville's left winger ran half the pitch at one point and nearly scored what would have been an outstanding goal. The home side then rattled the angle of post and bar via the away keeper's finger-tips. Wombwell's main threat came when they were direct and launched the ball into the box - they were not going to win this game by skill. 

Their keeper had a bizarre posture as Frecheville launched yet another attack, standing like a frog ready to jump! The fourth goal came when 15 turned a cross in superbly on the near post. To their credit Wombwell continued to toil away, and grabbed a consolation when 9 was brought down in the box and converted the penalty (right into the top corner).

Overall this was an entertaining match, far better than the awful one I had seen at Stocksbridge 2 weeks ago. On this evidence I will try to find other matches in this league as it is cheap, local and of a fairly good standard. I headed back to Handsworth via Richmond Park and made it through the door at 4:35, just in time for Final Score.

Hallam (10-12-2016)

Hallam 4 - 2 Teversal (NCEL Division 1), Saturday 10 December 2016

Bus Sheffield £3-90
Tea x2 £1-40
Entry £5
Total £10-30

I feel like I have let Hallam FC down over the years! Despite being in Sheffield since 2008, I'd only actually been to Sandygate once before today. It has slipped down my list when I have been gallivanting around the North West and other places. So this, combined with a relatively easy cross-city bus ride, made this a perfect one today.

(Obviously) Sandygate is the oldest football ground in the world, so is something of a 'Mecca' for the non-league community. It sits high up in the Sheffield suburb of Crosspool, and is bounded by rather magnificient grey stone walls, making the entrance not dissimilar to Stocksbridge's Bracken Moor. The club share the ground with a cricket club, meaning that only 3 sides were accessible to spectators today. Apparently there was a Father Christmas here today, as well as free mince pies! I made the most of the latter when I had a cup of tea before kick-off. My diet will have to wait!

The first half was relatively short on chances but high on interest. Teversal, sitting near the bottom of the table, came out with a Leicester-city style plan, launching the ball forward and making the most of opportunities to counter-attack. After an early warning drive from Hallam's right-back was saved, Teversal took a lead when Jason Dawson headed superbly in. Unbelievably they then doubled their lead when David Cockerill - a larger man who nonetheless had a clever sleight of touch - took down a high ball, and planted it brilliantly into the top corner.

The second half brought a passionate response from Hallam. James Reed halved the deficit with a rifled effort, and you felt that Teversal were now vulnerable. Teversal nonetheless continued with their game plan, and their number 11 did resemble one Jamie Vardy in his gait and playing style - running onto loose balls with a fierce tenacity. 

The crucial phase of the match was when Teversal's 7 slipped clean through but could only skew his shot wide. That would have made it 3-1. At the other end, Hallam were awarded a penalty, and while they couldn't convert at the first time of asking, Jake Currie made it 2-2 with the rebound. There was now only one winner. Teversal looked exhausted. Tom Roebuck made it 3-2 to the home side with a header, before slotting in from a late counter-attack to add a gloss to the scoreline. Hallam had most certainly deserved the win, but I felt a bit sorry for the Mansfield team, who could have pulled off a shock had they been able to maintain their momentum for the second period. I hope that I'll be back at Hallam sometime soon, and that I don't leave it another 8 years before visiting again!

Stocksbridge (03-12-2016)

Stocksbridge 1 - 2 Basford United (Evostik Division 1 South), Saturday 3 December 2016

Entry £7
Petrol £5 approx
Tea x2 £2
Programme £1-50
Total £15-50

After a Saturday morning at work, and last week's long trip to Hereford, I decided to head to Bracken Moor for my first December game. Up until February this year it had been almost 8 years since I'd visited, so I felt it was high time for my 3rd trip to Stocksbridge. The ground is beautiful, despite it's three sides, and I had a camera handy for the impressive views across the nearby valley. From our house it was only about a 40-minute drive up the M1 and the Woodhead Pass, so it was an ideal one today.

I was also attracted by the potential of seeing a 'Roy of the Rovers' type player. In my first visit back in 2008, I had unwittingly seen Jamie Vardy in action up here, so anything was possible. As the teams warmed up I had visions of an epic non-league encounter, and flowing, box-to-box football. 

To be frank the game was awful! The game was sadly defined by a bizarre refereeing decision in the 6th minute. Basford took a corner, the whistle went, and a Steels player caught the ball in his box. To the bemusement of all players (on both teams), the referee awarded a penalty to Basford! Despite the rather embarrassing circumstances, Basford's Ben Hutchinson kept his head and made it 1-0, with vocal protests still continuing from the home side. Courey Grantham then doubled the lead with a superb run and shot. Stocksbridge's effort in midfield finally paid off though, as Nathaniel Crofts cut the deficit when he cut in from the wing and had a go.

Chances were very limited in the second period. Basford forced a couple of decent saves from the home keeper, whilst Stocksbridge's striker saw a flicked header drift frustratingly wide. The Nottingham side seemed determined to sit on the lead for a somewhat fortuitous win. The main on-pitch event of the second half was when there was a clash at the far end of the pitch, resulting in a couple of yellow cards. As darkness fell, the main entertainment off the pitch was a loud group of Essex ground-hoppers, who were making bizarre noises and comments as the away keeper took goal kicks. I have enjoyed my visits to Stocksbridge, but unfortunately today had just been one of those days when the football is absolutely devoid of any entertainment! I was relieved to get into the car, warm up and head back down the motorway in time for tea.

Hereford (26-11-2016)

Hereford FC 5 - 0 AFC Totton (Southern League South & West), Saturday 26 November 2016

Parking at Sheffield £4
Sheffield-Derby train £11-30
Derby-Birmingham train £16-70
Birmingham-Hereford train £16-40
Entry £8
Tea £1
Programme £3
Provisions £3-68
Total £64-08

Just over 10 years ago I briefly visited Hereford on a cold January morning. In my external photo of the ground from that occasion, the wall of the ground is visible but the rest is pitch black! So I felt it was time to finally visit what is regarded as a classic league ground. The club have had a tumultuous time recently, and (like King’s Lynn) went bust before reforming and starting to climb the leagues again. They are currently storming to the Division 1 of the Southern League, having only dropped a couple of points all season.

I set off early for this one, joining Mrs Groundhopper on a train to London, before changing at Derby and Birmingham. Catching three trains was worth it as I saved a considerable amount by breaking the journey. Hereford can be reached on a direct train from Birmingham, which takes you through the changing landscapes of Worcestershire, the Malvern Hills, before finally landing in the county capital. The trains were predictably packed with travellers to Christmas markets so I was relieved to arrive at Hereford at about 1PM. 

The town has intrigued me for some time. Technically, it is a city, with a prominent cathedral in the centre, and also acts as something of a border settlement. Wales is nearby, and yet it has a very English feel to it. For me personally, seeing the ground was of significance as it was one of the last ones I have left to see north of the diagonal line from the Wash to the Bristol Channel. 

Making the most of my visit today, I visited local grounds at Pegasus Juniors (near a metals plant just outside the city) and Westfields (nestled near a park barely a mile or so from Edgar Street). The Step 5/6 Midland League and its South West equivalent are relatively unfamiliar to me, so I was interested to have a gander at these new grounds. I headed back into the centre past Edgar Street, taking some external photos of the magnificent floodlights, before heading to the cathedral, one of the more impressive pieces of architecture I have seen on my travels! 

3PM crept closer, and I headed up to the ground to get in early. Based on advice on the website, I headed to the only cash turnstile in the Merton Meadow End (they still ask that supporters buy tickets beforehand which is unusual for this level). What a cracking ground!

On my entrance, I was at the top of 24 sweeping terraces, which curved around to form a c-shape behind the goal. At the far end was the Blackfriars Street End, which has been closed off (possibly – like Wrexham – due to safety concerns). To my right was a narrow seated stand running alongside the main road – I vaguely recognised it from my futile attempt to get a decent photo in 2006. On the left was the less interesting Family Stand. On all sides supporters were starting to fill into the ground, and the ground reminded me of Victoria Park (Hartlepool) and the Racecourse Ground (Wrexham).

So were Totton – the visitors from Devon – going to make a fight of it? They tried their best but the gulf between the sides was obvious from the first whistle. Hereford took the lead through Tristain Plummer, and then doubled it with a tap-in from Pablo Haysham. The away keeper made a great finger-tip stop to prevent a third, but shortly afterwards the unfortunate Totton left-back (Jamie Oliver!) turned the ball into his own net. Could it get any worse? Yes! Mike Symons was brought down in the Totton box, and coolly converted the resulting penalty to make it 4-0. Then – to rub salt into the wound – Symons found himself clean through and took his chance confidently to make it 5.

This could end up a cricket score, and I hoped that the game didn’t fall flat in the second period. Totton had an early shot wide and showed some resilience at the back when Plummer’s effort was turned away by the busy Charlie Searle. Symons and then Plummer rained in further shots, and it seemed that a sixth was inevitable. But it did not arrive, and Totton have to come away with some credit for the way they stuck at this game, and prevented further goals in the second half. Their 21 fans in attendance – out of the total of 2522 – also deserve some credit for their travelling and support.

The temperature had dropped considerably in the second half and it was with some relief that I headed to the centre for provisions. The train was at 5:40 so I also attempted to find somewhere to buy a cup of tea but ran out of time, so headed to the station. After further delays on both trains I arrived through the door at about 9:45PM. The trip was long and tiring but I was delighted to have finally seen a game at another classic ‘Football League’ ground.

Stourbridge (29-10-2016)

Stourbridge 1 - 2 King's Lynn (FA Trophy 1st Qualifying Round), Saturday 29 October 2016

Train (Sheffield-Derby) £11-30
Train (Derby-Stourbridge) £17-20
Entry £10
Programme £2-50
Tea £1
Provisions £2-36
Bus £1-50
Total £45-86

Like last week’s game against West Brom, King’s Lynn’s FA Trophy trip to Stourbridge felt like the end of a chapter. The game today meant that for 14 consecutive seasons I have been to at least 1 King’s Lynn away game. This has taken in FA Cup and FA Vase runs, the glamour of the United Counties league, right through to the Unibond, Evostik, and Southern Leagues and our one solitary season in the Conference North. With our new arrival on the way, I may be less able to get to games in future, so it was nice to have one final opportunity – and in a ground I’ve not been to before.

Stourbridge is not too far away from Kidderminster, and has a similar feel about the town. There are winding streets with independent shops and it is good to see that the town has retained its identity with so competing many towns and cities nearby in the West Midlands. The town’s football ground – the War Memorial Athletic Ground - is a vintage Southern League ground. The ground is set back a little from the main road, behind some red gates and some high stone walls. With brown leaves now under foot, this felt like a worthy way to close a chapter this season.

Inside, the ground did not disappoint. Behind the far goal was some covered sweeping terracing, with a corrugated iron roof, while the main stand to the left was something of a classic. The intimate feel of the main stand reminded me of Gresley Rovers’ Moat ground. From a distance the main stand looked like a barn or even a cow shed - inside there was a narrow walkway at the back, with red seats seemingly squeezed into any available space. To top it off, there was a row of covered terracing just alongside the stand, where supporters were starting to gather for a smoke and chat before kick-off. Like Gresley’s ground, the War Memorial Ground is three-sided, as they share their grounds with a cricket club (internet research now reveals that international cricket has been played here in the past!). I could also wax lyrical about the floodlights, but there is not enough space here to do them justice!

So to the game. Stourbridge actually currently play in the Evostik Premier, and are doing very well this year, and have had a magnificent FA Cup run (they eventually reached the 3rd Round in the end, defeating Northampton en route and losing only to a late goal from Wycombe Wanderers). King’s Lynn were very much underdogs today, as they are now pretty much an average Southern League side. To put the cat amongst the pigeons, we scored early on, when Toby Hilliard slotted in from a central position in the box. Stourbridge were huffing and puffing but couldn’t carve many opportunities – the most I noted was a catalogue of penalty appeals, and an effort from Kayelden Brown which went askew. Then just as the half began to close out, Stourbridge’s Stuart Pierpoint gave away a penalty, which Michael Clunan coolly converted. What a first half!

In the second half, a decent cup tie emerged. While there were not too many chances, the midfield battles grew in intensity and the pace quickened. An early effort from Stourbridge’s Brandon Hague was parried away, and then soon after (just when it seemed we had weathered the storm) Lee Smith’s own goal for King’s Lynn gave the Worcestershire side a lifeline. The home side’s switch to 3-5-2 seemed to be paying dividends.

The banter and atmosphere from the home crowd was building – at one point the ball came flying towards the terraces and a fan punched it straight back. One home fan yelled out ‘That’s the beach volleyball team sorted – and you’re in George!’ The game was on a knife-edge now. King’s Lynn were reduced to 10 men when Kurtis Revan received a second yellow card. But still we clung on. Luke Benbow rifled a free-kick about a foot wide for the home side, and then Alex Street pulled off a brilliant point-blank save to tip another effort over. The pressure continued as Stourbridge grabbed corners and free-kicks in dangerous positions. Somehow we withstood the pressure and came away with a fantastic 2-1 win, taking us into the FA Trophy 2nd Qualifying Round. This was a special trip and will live long in the memory even if I don’t make it to a King’s Lynn away for a while.

Liverpool (22-10-2016)

Liverpool 2 - 1 West Bromwich Albion (Premier League), Saturday 22 October 2016

Prawn salad £2-60
Water £1-50
Toilet at Piccadilly 30p
Tea at the Walker £2
Bus to Anfield £2
Bus to Sheffield centre £1-50
Taxi (£10/2) £5
Train £15-35
Ticket £48
Total £78-25

Games in October can be brilliant, resting as they do on ‘the turn’ – the fulcrum between Autumn and Winter. About a year ago (Oct 2015), we were in Liverpool for Klopp’s first league game as manager, which feels like an age away now. West Brom’s game at Anfield would be the last one I would go to there for some time, so this felt like the end of one of 2016/17’s chapters. The Birmingham side have seemingly taken Stoke’s place as Liverpool’s bogey team, having picked up plenty of points home and away against the Reds in recent years. 

As with the Hull and Leicester games, Liverpool were dominant and raced into a 2-goal lead after first half goals from Mane and Coutinho. A highlight of the season so far has been the linkages between Firmino, Mane and Coutinho, who defences must dread playing against. In the second half, Liverpool could not turn their dominance into any further goals, and had a slight wobble at the end when McAuley grabbed a consolation in the 81st minute. It is in situations like this when concentration and confidence at the back is crucial. There were a nervy few minutes as West Brom made Liverpool panic somewhat, but the Reds had enough to get over the line and grab 3 points. It is winning games like this that will turn Liverpool from a team with the odd cup run to one challenging for titles and Champions League places. So hopefully this is a good sign.

Our journey back was beset with disaster. First an announcement blared out over Anfield saying all trains from Lime Street had been cancelled. Then I foolishly decided to walk back to the centre, where we only just made our train. Predictably it was packed, and it was held up for about half an hour (somewhere near Warrington), meaning we missed our onward connection in Manchester. We ended up catching a later train from Manchester, and must have got in at about midnight!

Boston United (08-10-2016)

Boston United 0 - 0 Worcester City (National League North), Saturday 8th October 2016

Bus in Sheffield £3
Train (Sheffield-Nottingham) £13-60
Train (Nottingham-Boston) £16-10
Entry £13
Tea £1
Programme £3
Total £49-70

Let me take you back. It is 1999-2000 and it is my first away game with King's Lynn, before I started ground-hopping or even taking photos. Back then I made the short journey to Boston by coach, and saw an incredible and dramatic win over then league-leaders Boston United. We triumphed 2-1 thanks to an unlikely goal from the halfway line from Dave Robinson, our key central defender. 

As it had been over 16 years and I had no photos of the ground, I wanted to return before the club move to a new proposed ground outside the town. As a bonus, I planned to meet up with some family at a pub pre-match for food and a catch-up. Boston is an intriguing place, with an ethnically diverse community in a geographically isolated town at the end of a cul-de-sac. Today I reached the town by train from Nottingham, on a branch line taking in Sleaford and Swineshead Bridge. This added to the intrigue as I had never travelled there by train so was curious about the route it took over the flat landscapes of South Lincolnshire.

After the aforementioned lunch, and a mini-exploration of the town, I headed into the ground. Today was a Conference North game (sorry - Blue Square!) so should be a decent one. In fact it began auspiciously, with Boston's Joe Burgess being stretchered off after an early injury. After a fairly lengthy period, the game slowly got going. The two sides exchanged blows in a physical encounter but no-one could quite find the breakthrough. Boston scored an offside goal, before their Liam Agnew screwed wide from a decent position. At the other end, Worcester were threatening, with both English and Hughes firing half-chances wide. There were an incredible 7 minutes injury time added at the end of the first period.

Boston really should have wrapped up 3 points in the second half. They saw a lot of the ball but could not make the advantage count. At different points, Rollins, Smith, and Adams all fired over, mainly after neat build-up play in and around the box. Chippendale's late free kick was caught well by the away keeper Ryan Boot. It had been a half-decent game but one of those frustrating days when nobody can convert. In spite of this, I was delighted to have revisited Boston for another match, all those years on from my first. As I left the town on the train the sun was beginning to set and I had a sense of satisfaction that I'd got this one in before the nights really started to draw in.

Shrewsbury (01-10-2016)

Shrewsbury Town 1 - 1 Swindon Town (League One), Saturday 1st October 2016

Match ticket £20
Train (Sheffield-Stockport) £17-70
Train (Stockport-Shrewsbury) £22-80
Tea £1-80
Total £62-30

Like Wrexham, Shrewsbury is one of those in between places. On my spreadsheet of grounds this is listed as 'Midlands', along with Hereford, Wolves and others, but it could just as easily be in the North West. Today I cycled into Sheffield station, then caught the Trans-Pennine service to Stockport. It is possible to do the journey via Birmingham, but I opted for the slightly cheaper route of going via Stockport and Crewe.

Shrewsbury is a curious place. As it began to pour it down, I had a quick explore of the town. It has the feel of a university town like Oxford or Cambridge, with rows of independent shops, winding streets and a meandering river. There is plenty of history here for those interested.

Shrewsbury Town's Greenhous Meadow is located a few miles from the town centre, and is one of the newer Football League grounds on the block. Sadly I never made it to Gay Meadow, though I did pass the old site (which has been transformed into blocks of flats). 

I arrived at the ground absolutely sodden, having been caught in "that fine rain that really soaks you". E-ticket in hand, I took up my place in the ground, and after a cup of tea, began to dry off. The pre-match entertainments were impressive, with a helicopter landing on the pitch before taking off again. There was a large military contingent in and outside the ground, particularly from the West Mercia Regiment.

The opposition were the source of an unlikely problem for the home side. Apparently if you Google "STFC", Swindon Town comes up as the top result rather than Shrewsbury! So the home side owed them a beating today for that reason alone. In fact it was the Wiltshire side who took the lead when John Goddard headed in early on. Swindon dominated the opening gambits, and their right-back fired narrowly over shortly after. The most noticeable away player was Kasim, who resembled Diego Costa in his gait and appearance. Shrewsbury scraped back into the game when Ivan Toney (on loan from Newcastle) made it 1-1 shortly before half-time. This was a welcome relief to the home fans who were starting to get twitchy.

At half-time I admired the club-themed vending machines dotted around the concourse of the stand, before part 2 commenced. It fell a bit flat - the first shot I noted was on 74 minutes when Swindon's Brophy fired over, while his opposite number (O'Brien) hit high and wide shortly after. Shrewsbury then suddenly came alive for the last 10 minutes, and a swift counter-attacking move was nearly converted by Leitch-Smith, only for him to be foiled by the away keeper.

There was still time for some final drama, with Shrewsbury's Gary Deegan sent off in the 88th minute for a second yellow card. This was a decent point for Shrewsbury who were in the relegation zone of League One. As a game it had been fairly scrappy but overall it had been worth the visit. I arrived back home at 8:30 after luckily catching a delayed train from Stockport to Sheffield. This was an excellent trip to do on what was something of a miserable October day.

Liverpool (24-09-2016)

Liverpool 5 - 1 Hull City (Premier League), Saturday 24th September 2016

Bus Sheffield £3
Bus Liverpool £4
Tea £2-10
Train £16-85
Pasta £2-80
Water 80p
Match ticket £42
Total £71-55

My description of Liverpool’s previous home match against Leicester could apply here too, where Hull were left battered and bruised by the home side’s excellence. For the first time in what felt like ages, this was a 3PM kick-off at Anfield, where for today we were in the Kop. It is quite rare to be in this stand for league games, so it made a nice change to be at the centre of the atmosphere as it spread through the ground.

Within 30 minutes, Liverpool were 2 goals up and Hull a man down. Lallana opened the scoring on 17 minutes, and then Hull’s Elmohamady was sent off for a handball in the box. Milner converted the resulting penalty (he is reliable as ever!). Before Hull had a chance to respond, Mane (who has started his Liverpool career in brilliant form) made it 3-0 in the 36th minute.

At half-time, I genuinely wondered if the Reds could wrack up 6 or 7 today given they dominance. On 51 minutes, David Meyler smashed in a consolation for Hull, which dampened the atmosphere somewhat, before Coutinho restored the euphoria with a superb long-range strike. 4-1 and Liverpool were tearing Hull apart. To cap it off, Milner coolly converted a second penalty to make it 5-1. Hull were left clutching at straws and focusing on damage limitation. Liverpool are now eagerly looking up the table, and lie in 4th place after 6 games - within a point of Spurs (2nd) and 5 away from Manchester City (1st).

Kidderminster Harriers (17-09-2016)

Kidderminster Harriers 4 - 0 Tamworth (FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round), Saturday 17 September 2016

Train (Sheffield-Derby) £11-30
Train (Derby-Kidderminster) £17-20
Entry £13
Tea £1-50
Total £43

Kidderminster Harriers was always one of those teams which intrigued me on Final Score. When I first started watching football, they were always in and around the Conference. The name intrigued me – where was this place? Well today I would find out. The town is in Worcestershire and is just South of the edge of Birmingham (not far from Stourbridge and Halesowen). Some years ago, I stumbled on a defunct ground for Halesowen Harriers so the appended nickname must have some local significance. Anyway, for today’s game, Kidderminster welcomed Tamworth, from the other side of the M6, almost on the opposite side of Birmingham. On a brief exploration of the centre of Kidderminster (which is worth a visit by the way) I was careful as I was aware this was a potentially fiery derby match.

In reality, this was a bit flat for a derby. Kidderminster still regard themselves as a bigger club than Tamworth, who have flitted between the National League and its regional equivalents in recent seasons. On entering the terracing at the near end, I found a spot right at the back. This was a nice neat ground, with terracing behind both goals, and plenty of seating bedecked in red and white on either side. The far end was closed off to spectators so a cluster of noisy away fans were located at the far end of one of the seated stands to my left.

As I mentioned, this FA Cup tie fell flat quite early on. Kidderminster, who should be just about favourites today, took an early 2-0 lead, thanks to 10 sliding in from a corner and then 9 tapping in after excellent work on the wings. Tamworth had a slither of an opportunity through number 10, before the home side banged in a 3rd when 9 grabbed his second. Tamworth were trying in vain to match their opponents but to no avail.

The second half was dreadful. On 52 minutes, Kidderminster’s 11 made it 4-0 when he converted after going through. After that there were hardly any chances for either side, and the action was limited to a midfield kick-about. There was a decent attendance for this one (1050), which included 98 travelling supporters, so while this wasn’t the best game ever, some fans had a good day out. I headed back to the station, where the train to Birmingham and the next one onto Sheffield ran without delays.

Liverpool (10-09-2016)

Liverpool 4 - 1 Leicester City (Premier League), Saturday 10 September 2016

Ticket = £53
Programme = £3-50
Parking (Sheffield station) = £7-50
Bus to and from Anfield = £4
Water = £1
Tea at ground = £2-50
Train = £15-45
Total = £86-95

‘Crash, bang, wallop…’. Today’s match against Leicester reminded me of the old Batman series, where painful parts of fight scenes were covered up with cartoon descriptions. Leicester – the reigning Premier League champions – were thumped at Anfield.

If I rewind a little then… The backdrop to today’s match was the impressive sight of the completed Main Stand, which has uplifted Anfield’s capacity to 54,000. Today’s 5:30PM kick-off was the first home match since the renovation work had been completed and we were lucky enough to be able to get tickets for this one. If Gerrard’s last home game against Palace in May 2015 was the end of an era, this one was the start of something.

Liverpool did not disappoint. Within 13 minutes they were ahead through Firmino, and then doubled their lead when Sturridge back-heeled to set up Sadio Mane. They seemed to have a stranglehold on the game for almost all of the first half. Then bizarrely, Lucas laid on a peach of a back-pass for Jamie Vardy to latch onto and plant the ball in. This kid is a poacher and will take advantage of any weakness in the back-line. Lallana re-established Liverpool’s two goal advantage with a 56^th minute rocket, and then Firmino grabbed a brace after a set-up from Mane. 

There were so many positives in midfield and attack, and after this match Liverpool have 7 points from 4 games (3 of which have been away from home). They have hit the ground running – let’s hope this continues through 2016/17.

Basford United (03-09-2016)

Basford United 2 - 2 Northwich Victoria (Evostik Division 1 South), Saturday 3 September 2016

Petrol (estimated) = £10
Entry = £6
Tea = £1
Total = £17

Another Midlands ground (this time in Nottingham) awaited today. Although Basford was not quite on my shortlist for the season, it was probably the easiest journey from Sheffield, with a short drive down the M1 to Phoenix Park and then a 15-minute walk to the ground. The club have only recently entered Step 4, having played a season apiece in the NCEL and the East Midlands Counties League.  The catchily titled Mill Street Playing Field housed a modern ground, with a 3G pitch, and relatively newly installed stands/terracing on three sides. There is a further pitch adjacent to the new ground and I understand that the club’s first team may well have used this in the past.

Today’s clash with Northwich Victoria was exactly what I’ve come to expect from the Evostik League. Again I shall rely on squad numbers where names are unknown! Inside 2 minutes, Basford were ahead through Ben Hutchinson, and then doubled their lead when Ricketts poked in a cross. 2-0 is apparently the most dangerous scoreline, and it proved today, as Northwich’s 8 began pulling the strings in midfield and their central defender (6) kept a stranglehold on the home attack. By the end of the first half, the Cheshire side were in the ascendancy, and had a late claim for a penalty turned down (a dubious looking handball).

They came out looking hungry for the second half, with Northwich’s 11 forcing a terrific point-blank save from the home keeper and then 10 driving a left-footer into his arms. Between them, Basford’s 7, 10 and 6 had a cluster of chances and half-chances, with defensive blocks, solid goalkeeping and bad luck denying them. It was almost inevitable when Northwich made it 2-1. Like Basford in the first half, Northwich scored soon after their first when 10’s diving header flew into the net. The game turned into a crazy ‘next goal wins’ competition, with the players dashing furiously from end to end. Northwich’s 12 so nearly grabbed the glory, but his effort was cleared onto the post and away by a fortunate home defender. In the last couple of minutes, Basford made a final push into the away half and could have sealed all three points if they had been more incisive and accurate with their passing. 2-2 was probably a fair result. I strolled away from the ground and back towards the car, and was through the door by about 6pm – it was then that I realised again why I had chosen this ground today!

Hednesford (27-08-2016)

Hednesford Town 1 - 1 Whitby Town (Evostik Premier), Saturday 27 August 2016

Train (Sheffield-Derby) with £8 discount = £3-30
Train (Derby-Hednesford) = £19-20
Entry = £11
Tea = £1-50
Team sheet = 20p
Apples = 68p
Total £35-88

After a brilliant 2 weeks in Sicily, and my first week in a new job, I headed to my first game for a few months. My last game was England’s victory over Wales in the Euros, way back in mid-June. It felt surreal to be back, perhaps for my last collection of new grounds before our new arrival lands. Hednesford is in the direction of Walsall, and I found my way there easily enough, and even benefited from a rail voucher to get a discount (I think this was part of the refund for our much-delayed trip to Liverpool vs Watford in May).

Keys Park was a relatively short walk from the station, and after parting with £11 entry, I entered the ground. It was a low-key, cloudy afternoon and the ground was fairly empty when I arrived. There was ample terracing, and in my view the stadium could easily host National League games (or at least have the capacity to expand in future). 

I managed to obtain a team sheet before kick-off but somehow lost it, so I shall rely on squad numbers here! Hednesford dominated proceedings in the first half, with 10 skimming the cross-bar early on, and efforts cleared off the line by Whitby. 10 also hit the post, and forced a magnificient tip around the post by the away keeper. In one bizarre attacking sequence for the home side, I noted down no less than 8 shots on goal, with none being converted. The North Yorkshire side did have the odd chance, mainly with counter-attacks (generally easily snuffed out without too much bother) or long-range efforts.

At half-time, a group of local schoolchildren braved the torrential rain and had a relay race on the pitch. They were soaked through by the end, but didn’t seem too bothered! The second half was more evenly balanced. 10 again had an early shot deflected over, whilst at the other end Whitby’s 14 rattled the cross-bar after a ricochet off a home defender. Just as it looked as though this was heading for a stalemate, Hednesford substitute midfielder/striker (17) made it 1-0 with a tap-in after a quick attack.

For their relative dominance of the match, they deserved to be ahead. But Whitby did not give up, and there was a warning sign when 12 hit the post late on. In the dying seconds, their 16 rifled in a low shot from near the edge of the box, and it flew in to make it 1-1. On the basis of the second half, that was a fair result, but Hednesford could perhaps be a little aggrieved they had not wrapped up 3 points today. So on a cloudy and muggy day in the West Midlands, my 2016-17 football season had started again.