Liverpool (16-05-2015)

Liverpool 1 - 3 Crystal Palace (Premier League), Saturday 16th May 2015


Bus singles x2 (Sheffield) = £3-60
Baguette = £3-19
Drink = £1-99
Tea = £1-90
Train = £19-15
Merseyrail day pass = £3-70
Pie & tea at ground = c£5
Sundry snacks = £4
Train single to centre = £3-45
Breakfast = £8-75
Programme = £3
Tea = £1-90
Match ticket = £47
Total = £106-63

The hour is upon us. After months of media discussion and debate Gerrard is finally playing his last game at Anfield. Amazingly we'd been able to get tickets for this thanks to our attendance in 2014-15. As it was a 5.30 kick off we decided to stay in a hotel on the Saturday, in anticipation of the Anfield goodbye and the larger than usual crowds (outside the ground that is).

I have again tried to record all outgoings for the trip, which included food, travel and copious drinks & tea. Costs are a curious aspect of groundhopping and football trips in general as they are not always clearly defined - I've included everything here but you could argue that the 'expenses' should only include stuff specifically relating to the day itself.

After a pie inside the Main Stand, we soaked up the prematch build-up, with cheesy pop songs wistfully bidding lovers farewell. This set the tone for the game, which was almost a sideshow today. The players rightfully formed a guard of honour for Gerrard before those great anthems echoed around the Kop - 'Steve Gerrard, he'll pass the ball 40 yards...' 'Steven Gerrard is our captain / Steven Gerrard is a Red'.

The game from Liverpool's perspective was hardly a fitting goodbye. Crystal Palace came here as a decent mid table team, which was a massive contrast to their previous outing here in Autumn 2013. Today they looked handy and pacey in attack, with Jason Puncheon and Bolasie causing Liverpool's back line all sorts of problems. There is no sentimentality in football and Palace had clearly come here to win. At the end it was a comfortable 3-1 win, with the only bright spot for the home side being an Adam Lallana goal when he showed great pace and strength to latch onto a loose ball. They are rapidly becoming a bogey team for Liverpool having beaten them 3-1 earlier this year and snatched that famous 3-3 draw at Selhurst last year.

Still the songs rang out around the ground for Gerrard, making me recall the adage that form is temporary class is permanent. There was naturally disappointment at the final whistle but today wasn't really about the game. The players reemerged from the tunnel wearing Gerrard 8 shirts before he did the obligatory speech and lap of honour. To be fair to the Palace fans, many stayed behind to pay their own tribute. The ground began to empty as it was nearly 8pm, and a chilly wind was cutting through Anfield. This was the final home game of the season, and the end of an era. As we headed across Stanley Park and away from the shell of the new Main Stand, this felt like a definite break from the past. 2015-16 will see the start of a very different time for this football club.

Stoke City (09-05-2015)

Stoke City 3 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur (Saturday 9th May 2015), Premier League

Ticket = £40
Train (Stockport-Stoke) = £13
Tea = £2-20
Programme = £3-50
Street pie = £3
Total = £61-70

As the non league season is pretty much done, my radar has been out for any Premier League grounds I've not yet done. Stoke was a good punt, being a quicker trip and avoiding Manchester for once. I've actually been to Stoke twice already this season. Firstly for Market Drayton in November, then for Hanley Town in February, games which have bookended a long winter of ground hopping.

 

Stoke's Britannia Stadium is located 2-3 miles south of the station, and I reached it via a fairly pleasant walk alongside the canal. As I crossed over the bridge to Stanley Matthews Way, I noticed a cafe/snack bar with a serving hatch on a barge!


After collecting my ticket from the far side of the ground, I found my way into the Boothen End, grabbing an excellent 'street pie' and a tea. It was just after 2 and the ground was fairly sparsely populated. The Boothen end where I was sat formed the lower half of an L-shaped stand structure, with the 2 other stands being standalone. The ground suddenly filled up quite close to KO and a great atmosphere started building.

On paper there was still something hanging on this game, with Spurs looking to secure Europa League football. Stoke on the other hand were aiming to match their highest points total in the Premier League and their highest spot of 8th. The first thing I noticed was that when Danny Rose's name was read out for Spurs a loud boo rang out across the stadium - sounds like there is history there!


The game was, like QPR last week, a good entertaining Premier League affair. The main threats for a composed and well organised Stoke were Ryan Shawcross and Arnautavic, with the latter causing Spurs plenty of problems on the wing. Stoke deservedly took the lead when Charlie Adam - on a hot goal scoring streak - headed into the far corner after a deflected cross. Spurs have plenty of talent in their side, and very nearly equalised when they clipped the bar. Ryan Mason was one of the bright sparks in their side today. But they cannot seem to defend, and after a mix-up between Lloris and his centre backs, Nzonzi slotted in from inside the area to make it 2-0.

I realised that Stoke were doing Liverpool a favour here, with the Reds hoping to secure 5th place at least. I crossed my fingers they could continue this in the second period. The KO was delayed by a somewhat bizarre protest, with a bald chap with a moustache diving onto the pitch in some kind of jump suit! It certainly held the match up though the poster he held up was barely readable so the essence of his protest was lost.

The second half continued in the same positive vein for Stoke. Within 10 minutes of the restart, Spurs were down to 10 men, with 6 sent off for a second yellow. Despite their rather elaborate fan formation, Spurs now looked out of this game and the Potters were far superior. Charlie Adam and Jonathan Walters could and perhaps should have increased their advantage, but it barely seemed to matter as there was hardly any threat from Tottenham. To round off proceedings, Miame Diouf, who had looked ropey all game, tapped in from close range. A poachers goal to make it 3-0. I made it back to the station for the 5.20 train, and after a change at Stockport somehow made it through the door at 7.15.

Liverpool (02-05-2015)

Liverpool 2 - 1 QPR (Premier League), Saturday 2nd May 2015

Ticket = £51
Train = £23-10
Tea x2 = £3.95
Programme = £3
Juice = £1.50
Bus to Anfield =  £4
Total = £86-55

So today we headed to Anfield again for a game I really wasn't looking forward to. The Reds have slipped off the pace in recent weeks with a defeat at Hull and draw at West Brom, making Champions League qualification less and less likely. In fact the game was the best we've seen there all year - an open and unpredictable Premier League battle. In the away corner were QPR, a club in major turmoil. I recall writing about Cardiff City when they visited in December 2013, and here's another club being as badly run - maybe more so.

I have to say there was a certain atmosphere building even on the bus, unlike some games which have fallen a bit flat. Like the 2 FA Cup games we were in the Centenary, to the far right, almost directly above the Anfield Road end. The stand is by far the most comfortable and spacious, not quite as intimate as the Main Stand.

QPR did not look like a side in the bottom 3. Number 7, 8 and 9 were particularly busy and creative in midfield and attack, and an early shot by 10 was tipped wide by Mignolet. At the other end Gerrard was lining up his shots like an artillery gunner, firing wide from outside the box. Then the excellent Coutinho opened the scoring, slotting in from inside the box after a swift attacking move. He has been a player of great value this year, a bright spark in an otherwise difficult season.

The second half started with a succession of Liverpool attacks at the Kop end. Sterling had the goal at his mercy with a sitter but again found himself leaden-footed. Lovren then had a header saved, and it looked like Liverpool would comfortably win. But QPR have some fight in them, and equalised when 10 volleyed in when surrounded by some statuesque defenders.

Then the home side were awarded a penalty. As Gerrard stepped up to take it, it looked like this was the end of the game. So of course the penalty was saved and the disappointment was tangible around the ground. QPRs fighting spirit meant they then had 15 sent off for a second yellow, and began to look like they were hanging on. As if in defiance of his earlier penalty miss, Gerrard then stepped up to head home from a corner in front of the Kop. Could that be his last goal at that end of the ground, or even Anfield altogether? As we made our way back to the bus and train station thereafter, I got a definite sense that we are nearing the end of an era. Not just Gerrard leaving the club, but also with the expansion of the Main Stand, and more questions around the direction of Brendan Rodgers' management. What will the next chapter bring?

New York Stadium (01-05-2015)

Frickley Athletic 4 - 1 Nostell Miners Welfare (Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup Final), Friday 1st May 2015

Fire & Brimstone ales = £5-80
Train (Sheffield-Rotherham) = £3-20
Entry = £7
Tea & pie = c£5
Total = £21

Two years ago I saw a thrilling Sheffield and Hallamshire senior cup final between Frickley and Sheffield FC at Hillsborough. This year was the first time the final would be staged at Rotherham's New York stadium, and it was an equally entertaining - albeit more one sided -encounter. I went for a prematch pint or two with the friend I'd been to Accrington with, and whiled away some time talking all manner of things football related, mainly European and non-league football.

After nearly missing KO thanks to a longish queue outside, we parted with £7 each and took up our seats. just in time for the first Frickley attack and the first goal when 9 planted it in! The fans at our end were overjoyed, and were having a great time with some original & amusing chants. 'You're just a bus stop in Wakefield' and 'you should have come in a taxi' to the Nostell fans! Then came the most bizarre own goal, when Nostell's 6 lobbed his own keeper to make it 2-0. This was a real pity as Frickley were now huge favourites. But you can never say never in this game. Nostell's 10 absolutely walloped a free kick into the top corner, from bordering on 35 yards out. If it hadn't been for that cracker at Whitehaven that would probably be goal of the season. Sadly for the game Frickley then won a penalty and 10 made it 3-1, grabbing that crucial goal just before the whistle.

The second half was as crazy as the first. Frickley had a goal disallowed for offside (hotly disputed by the raucous fans) and 9 literally kneed over an excellent chance to increase the advantage. The main threats from Nostell came when 10's free kick flew wide and 4s left footed drive was tipped over acrobatically. 10 then cheekily chipped the keeper only to see his effort saved.  The chants continued to come thick and fast -'if you hate chuckle vision clap your hands!' and 'the evostik is upside down / we're going up with Belper Town'. Unfortunately for Nostell it only got worse, when 9 turned the ball into his own net to make it 4-1. Frickley rattled the cross bar late on, but they were already home and dry. This time I stayed to see the trophy being presented, by the same chap who was on the turnstiles! Frickley have wracked up another Senior Cup, and are chasing down Sheffield Wednesday's record of 14.

Ashton Town (25-04-2015)

Ashton Town 0 - 3 Chadderton (NWCFL Division 1), Saturday 25th April 2015

Train = £4-30
Sandwiches = £2
Entry = £5
Programme = £1
Tea = £1
Oxo = £1
Pasty & chewing gum = £2-10
Bus in Sheffield = £1-80
Total  = £18-20

Today was the last game of the regular non league season. With the summer beckoning, I foolishly assumed that it would be nice weather, setting off from Sheffield without a coat. It turned out to be absolutely freezing, and as an icy wind swept through platform 14 at Manchester Piccadilly, I regretted my earlier decision.

I'd picked a game today with at least something hinging on it. Ashton Town (3rd from bottom) were playing Chadderton, who were looking to secure a NWCFL play off place. This is the first year that the division 1 league will have play offs, and its something of a boon, keeping the season alive for many clubs.

Ashton-in-Makerfield is a tricky place to reach by train, involving 2 trains from Manchester, changing at Wigan. The town is about 4 miles from Wigan so I decided to train it on the way and walk on the way back. The town actually has two teams, the other being Ashton Athletic, who I hope to see next season.

After a 20 minute amble from Bryn station, I reached the Edge Green Street ground, at the end of a cul de sac. The ground reminded me a little of Nelson's Victoria Park. The turnstile opened out behind one goal and there was a welcoming clubhouse on the right. To the right was a white and red changing room block and to the left were two seated stands. I popped in for a cup of tea, and noticed a world map on the wall, with coloured stickers indicating countries the local amateur radio club had contacted! There was a trophy cabinet which seemed full of youth and local trophies, and a raft of club pendants on the wall from far and wide.

The programme acknowledged that Ashton had had a difficult season, and the game pretty much ran to expectations. Ashton looked disorganised throughout with no shape, and no attacking threat. Chadderton, on the other hand, were a competent NWCFL side, and took the lead on 11 minutes when their burly number 9 chipped over the keeper at the far end. They doubled their lead when the same player headed in shortly after, and thereon in the result was clear. 7 and 3 hit drives high and wide, with 9 at the centre of most attacks. Ashton really lacked any presence in midfield, particularly an enforcer, and were overrun in the middle at times. Perhaps the most noticeable thing on their side was a defender who vaguely resembled Gary Cahill!

Chadderton, playing in a rather slick orange and black kit, were not shutting up shop, and came out for the second period looking hungry for more. This may have been due to the fact that a vastly improved goal difference might nudge them up a place. I was impressed with their workrate and desire, and wasn't surprised when they made it 3 when 7 teed up 11 in the box. Then came Ashton's one moment of promise, when 11 hit a superb curler onto the top of the cross bar. Shortly after they forced a great one on one save from the away keeper, but this spurt proved to be their only real threat of the game. In the middle of the park, Chadderton's 7 was outstanding, at the centre of most attacks and spraying the ball around with ease. It finished 3-0 and as I headed out of the ground I couldn't believe another season was pretty much over, and that it had been so chilly at a game in late April! I marched back to Wigan, making the 17:59 down to Mancunia, and made it back through the door just before 8:30. Just playoffs, cup finals and a few League/Premier League games left, and another season will be over.

Liverpool @ Wembley (19-04-2015)

Liverpool 1 - 2 Aston Villa (FA Cup Semi-final), Sunday 19th April 2015

Tea x 2 = £4
Ticket = £3
Train (Sheffield-London) = £48-85
Oyster card = c. £15 each
(Another) tea = £1-85
Parking = £15.50/2 = £7.75
Total = £80-45

'Poetry in motion / Tra la la la la'. So goes one of the famous Anfield anthems. In truth their football at times has resembled a stuttering and stumbling prose, rather than the startling rhythm and pace of last season.

Thanks to the late date for the Blackburn replay, we only managed to get tickets for this on Saturday 11th. This was our second FA Cup semi final with the club, but Mrs Groundhopper was no less happy when a nervous morning on the iPod, phone and laptop resulted in 2 tickets. Phew!

The journey down on the Sunday was smooth, taking just over 2 hours from Sheffield to London, then a bit longer out to Wembley. I had planned ahead for once, loading Oyster cards before travelling. Coming out of Wembley Park station, we drank in the building atmosphere up Wembley Way, as fans streamed towards the ground.

Strangely once inside the ground took a while to fill up, but suddenly seemed full once the game kicked off. The atmosphere was great, and I have to admit far better than most England games. Disappointingly Liverpool did not rise to the occasion. From the first whistle, they were flat and lacked creativity, pinging it from side to side with little purpose. I was shocked at how much space Benteke was allowed on the ball, which was causing Liverpool lots of headaches in defence. The formation and selection was bizarre - with Henderson and Allen forming part of the midfield box, there were similar players competing for the same position. Despite their poor start, Liverpool took the lead when Coutinho played a one-two and ran through superbly to slot home. At this point I wondered if they might scrape through despite their performance. Within a few minutes, however, Villa equalised through Benteke who was seemingly unmarked in a dangerous area.

When the teams came out for the second half, I was sure that it couldn't get any worse for Liverpool. Bang! On 54 minutes the excellent Fabian Delph made it 2-1 to Villa. The red end of Wembley became quiet and flat, with the far end positively bouncing. On about 80 minutes Liverpool suddenly realised they were playing a football match, with Gerrard's free kick saved and Lovren heading over unmarked on 84 minutes. Gerrard almost looked like he had saved them when he flicked a header on from a corner, only to see it cleared off the line. Balotelli, who had actually been one of the more effective attackers, was then adjudged offside when he planted it in. Replays showed that it was onside so one crumb of comfort was that they had been a little unlucky today.

We've now seen one semi final win and one loss, and the latter was absolutely galling. It was the manner of today's defeat which was disappointing. No leadership on or off the pitch, no desire to win the game when they had half an hour to score, and a nonexistent tactical system. Credit to Villa, who played as a team, showed great tenacity and determination, and looked like they wanted a place in the cup final. Defeats happen in football for sure, but it was the manner of this surrender which was so depressing.

Accrington (18-04-2015)

Accrington Stanley 2 - 2 Stevenage (League Two), Saturday 18th April 2015

Train (Manc-Accrington) = £10-10 train
Ale = £5-80
Programme = £3
Entry = £20
Tea = £2-50
Pasty = £3-99

'Accrington Stanley? Who are they?' Accrington is something of a footballing Mecca, representing an older and happier footballing world. Today I headed off to East Lancashire for a late season League 2 game against Stevenage. This time I'm pleased to say that a friend and former colleague joined me for what proved to be a classic ground-hop as Spring made a brief sunny appearance.

Like Nelson, Colne et al, Accrington is bizarrely not accessible by direct train from Manchester. There is a direct bus but on this route it would have taken far longer than train. So we ended up changing at Preston, and ended up in Accrington at about 1pm. This gave ample time for a visit to a bookies for my friend to place an 8-fold bet on various matches taking place today. We then sidled up to the ground, and found an excellent pub - The Castle - where we stopped for a Spring Water ale. The barman gave a friendly Lancs welcome, though he did look slightly bemused when he realised we weren't Stevenage fans.

After another pint in the sunny beer garden of The Crown (Blonde Witch), we headed in to the Sophia Khan end, parting with £20. I had been slightly worried about being mistaken for away fans, but we had no such trouble. This end of the ground has about 5 rows of seats at the front with terracing and crush barriers behind. This gave it quite a nice balance, with kids and families at the front and the more vociferous fans at the back. The away end behind the far goal consisted of a completely exposed terraced block - fortunately today it was fair weather, though I did wonder what it must be like on cold January evenings. Just beyond there was a hill in the distance - a Pennine perhaps? - and another football match in full flow.

Stevenage came here today looking to cement a play off place, while Accrington were safe from relegation so had nothing to play for. Within 2 minutes of kick off there was a long delay due to an injury, resulting in a throw in near the halfway line. We later discovered on the Football League Show that Accrington had a man sent off but both completely missed it at the time! It didn't dampen their competitiveness, and they were ahead when 8's excellent run set up 19 to make it 1-0. With 20 minutes gone, Stevenage's number 8 made it 1-1 to the delight of the fans on the away terrace. Accrington looked more than a match for their higher placed opponents, and made it 2-1 when 19 scored another superb right footed goal.

The second half was as good as the first, with end to end aggression and determination. Stevenage's 18 forced an early save from the home keeper, while Accringtons 15 fired wide from a promising position. Stevenage's 32 then flicked a header towards the top corner only to be tipped around the post. Then the away side reached parity when 3 put in a superb cross, enabling 20 to poach a goal inside the 6 yard box. This was perhaps just reward for a well contested match. I have to say that throughout we enjoyed the atmosphere created by the Accrington fans, with several songs using existing tunes and new lyrics - I think that Anarchy in the UK was used at one point! Despite the awkwardness of catching 3 trains and a bus back home, this trip to the other side of the Pennines was well worth it.

Runcorn Linnets (11-04-2015)

Runcorn Linnets 0 - 3 Ashton Athletic (NWCFL Premier), Saturday 11th April 2015

Paper & fruit = £1-35
Train ticket = £11-80
Toilet stop = 20p
Entry = £5
Tea = £1
Rolls = £3
Total = £22-35

Runcorn Halton Linnets were the first team where I officially groundhopped - way back in Autumn 2004. It's been a long and eventful decade and today I was back to see the reformed club. The ground was accessible from Runcorn East, which is on the Arriva train service from Manchester to Llandudno. The town is surprisingly large, and as I wandered through various nondescript housing estates, I realised I was some distance from the Millennium Bridge across to Spike island and Widnes.

The home side were chasing the NWCFL Premier title, locked in a two-way fight with Glossop. They started with real intent, with 9 a threat and 8 hooking a volley over from the edge of the D. 9 headed over a great chance from a corner on 15 minutes, then stung the keepers hands with a snap shot outside the area. On 22 minutes the home keeper turned a terrific shot onto the crossbar, when a3 headed off the line it seemed like this was one way traffic. For the last 15 minutes of the half, Ashton threatened to score, with 2 missing after a calamitous mixup at the Runcorn back line, then 3 fired onto the crossbar after a shot from 9 was saved.

It looked like the Cheshire side would walk the second half but they came out looking slightly lethargic. Ashton its fair to say looked well up for it. A8 sent an early warning shot when his effort drifted wide, before he made it 1-0 with a right footed effort inside the box. To compound things for the home side, they then had 9 booked, with Ashton's 10 curling just wide. The same player made it 2-0 when he latched on to a through ball and planted it in (the keeper got a hand to it but couldn't stop it).  Ashton's 8 was a terrier in the midfield, and they really began to dominate proceedings in the centre of the park. To their absolute delight, 10 then made it 3-0 when he poked in after a nudge on. There were complaints of it being offside but this was not the case.

By now Runcorn players and fans alike were barracking the referee, and their burly central defender 5 was shown a yellow when he answered back again. His protesting came to nothing and he was firmly put in his place when a fan shouted 'shut up, you've been at it all game'. The game threatened to spill over, and 3 toppled the Ashton 10 with a wild tackle, receiving a yellow card in the process. So 3-0 to Ashton, and this game may well have put the kibosh on Runcorn's title ambitions. I hope to be back in these parts to visit Runcorn Town's Murdishaw Lane in 2015-16.

Whitehaven (04-04-2015)

Whitehaven Amateurs 5 - 3 (Saturday 4th April 2015), Wearside League

Costs - none except a walk down (and up!) a hill

Well today I had planned in Celtic Nation, but that ended up being shifted due to a Durham county cup tie. And my replacement - Northbank Carlisle - was out when I discovered that my train from Whitehaven would miss kick off. So I ended up heading to Cleator Moor to see the first half of Arsenal-Liverpool (it may as well have been the whole match) then walked the few miles down to the county ground for the 2.30 kick off. Whitehaven were relegated from the Northern League in the last couple of seasons partly due to the length of their turnstiles. I have some sympathy as the club is in Mrs Groundhopper's town, and is highly regarded locally.

This was one of a handful of step 7 games I've seen this year, but it was arguably one of the most entertaining. A topsy turvy first half ended 3-2 to the home side, with plenty of action and goals galore. First Whitehaven's Bradley Dryden planted a sitter into the roof of the net, before Horden's Nathan Waters swung in a superb left foot free kick to draw level. Then Dryden made it 2-1 to the Cumbrians, with a left footed shot from the edge of the 6 yard box. At the other end Whitehaven's central defender was fantastic in defence, and had a spectacular wrestle with Horden's 7 (John Bowes) at one point. Dryden had a hat trick soon after with a tap in - he was clearly a classic striker in a poacher mould. But as if in complete defiance, Horden's Ethan Payne scored a free kick which took a wicked deflection off the wall.

The second half was as unbelievable as the first. Whitehaven's right back sent a low shot wide early on, before Micheak Pattison scored an absolutely awesome free kick to make it 4-2. Think David Beckham vs Barca in 1998! They then had a goal disallowed and at the other end Horden's Waters had a shot saved then narrowly missed another chance with the keeper stranded. Whitehaven were starting to dominate and Lee Woolf (?) made it 5-2 when he evaded the attentions of several defenders before smashing in from the right of the box. I have to say I was particularly impressed with the home sides number 10, who was playing in a deep lying role and seemed cool in possession. Game over? No way. On came a very chubby looking player for Horden, who looked like he could barely move. But he had a sleight of touch and an intelligence which made up for his lack of speed. Halfway into the home half, facing the railway line, he took one touch on a nothing pass and smashed it into the top corner and in off the cross bar. Goal of the season without doubt, and an absolutely cracking Wearside League game to boot.

Handsworth (01-04-2015)

Handsworth (U21) 1 - 2 Swallownest MW (U21)

Bovril = 80p

With Handsworth apparently romping towards another piece of silverware, tonight's U21 game against Swallownest was theoretically a straightforward game. This is football of course, so the result flew in the face of expectations. This represented an excellent chance for nearby Swallownest to avenge their 7-0 trouncing in December.

The game began with one of the quotes of the season, with Handsworth's number 4 blatantly elbowing an opposition striker before claiming 'I never touched him!'. The first half was tight and evenly matched. The away side were a real threat in the box, with 10 forcing a save from a tight angle, before 9 turned, shot and again found the palms of the home keeper. Handsworth, as usual, were swift on the counter-attack, with James Dawes making some particularly dangerous runs and others spreading out around him. Their industrious running paid off when 12 was chopped down in the box with a penalty a no brainer. Dawes proceeded to miss the spot kick, with the keeper making a solid stop down to his right. It began to look as if the danger had passed and Swallownest were looking dangerous, creating plenty of space on both wings. But it is a funny old game, and the home side made it 1-0 when a cross from the right somehow dropped just inside the post.

Many other sides would have folded at this point, but not Swallownest. Barely a few minutes of the second half had passed and they were level when 9 slotted in coolly after some lax marking in the Amber's back line. Handsworth looked as threatening as ever, with Dawe's long range effort saved. Swallownest's 9 was a thorn in Handsworth's side, and netted a second to nudge the Swallows in front, latching on to a through ball which looked marginally offside. This brought a terrific response from the Ambers, with 8 testing the keeper with a couple of fierce shots, and the 17 sub looking skilful. The Swallows were not done, with 12 firing wide when they were through 3-on-1. Then Handsworth's Liam Flint clipped the heels of 9, bringing another yellow and a red. At this point the pitch was beginning to resemble a mud bath and one home player now had a completely brown shirt! The final action was when the home side's 8 had a drive saved. Swallownest deserve a lot of credit for this win, particularly how they set up in the second half - resolute in defence and skilful in the attack.

Athersley Recreation (28-03-2015)

Athersley Recreation 1 - 0 Staveley Miners Welfare (Saturday 28th March 2015), NCEL Premier Division

Paper & gum = £1-20
Entrance = £5
Programme = £1-50
Tea = £1
Bovril = £1
Train ticket = £5-20
Total = £14-90

Welcome to the Rec! Such was the friendly welcome I received at Sheerien Park, Barnsley, for my second visit. This ground is surprisingly nestled in the Athersley area of Barnsley, a few miles north of the town centre, so I opted to walk it from the station.

The black and white of Athersley were today pitted against the yellow of Staveley Miners Welfare. As the teams headed out from the near corner, I swear I heard some fans cheer for the 'banana army'! The away side looked like a decent outfit, with 9 full of handy skill, and 4 and 8 looking industrious in the middle of the park. Their first real opportunity came when 9 hit the side netting on 28 minutes, though they didn't manage to forge anything more meaningful than a stray free kick. 6 and 7 in the Sthersrley midfield were strong and skilful, looking like they could contain the threat from the Derbyshire outfit. They pretty much dominated proceedings in the first half, so were rather unlucky to fall behind on 32 minutes when 11's dipping cross rolled in off a home defender.

After the obligatory bovril at half time, I strolled around to enjoy the sounds of 'Wake up boo', Fatboy Slim and latter-day Ocean Colour Scene. The chap in charge of the music was clearly having a great time!

The pattern of play changed slightly in the second half. The Rec came out looking galvanised by the goal, with an early chip saved, and 9 skying a rebound after a run from 10. At the other end, Miners Welfare had a couple of their own chances fired over, through 7 and 9 in quick succession. Athersley's number 10 then fired just wide of the keepers right post, and Staveley's 9 volleyed just over. It was fractional to be honest. The final score of 1-0 was a little unfair on Staveley who had toiled without reward. Nonethless I'd seen another rumbustious encounter in the NCEL. Thanks to Athersley for another friendly welcome.

England (27-03-2015)

England 4 - 0 Lithuania (Euro 2016 Qualifier), Friday 27th March 2015

Tea: £1
Coach: £40-60
Ticket: £32-50
Burger: £6
Tea: £2-50
Tea: £2
Total: £80-60

This was my first England international since the Thursday night game against San Marino, and I was really looking forward to it. After another long and dark winter, we're gradually emerging into something resembling spring. The clocks change this weekend, and the summer beckons.

I was relaxed about food with this trip, having only packed a few pieces of fruit and some yogurt. As I had a voucher for a free programme (saving a fiver!) I decided to treat myself to a burger and a cup of tea outside the stadium. Suffice to say it filled a hole, though I'm not sure if the £6 burger was worth the price. In fact, I found that the tea I had inside Wembley was cheaper and better than the one I had outside. Thanks to the coach arriving in plenty of time, I made my way into the stadium nice and early, which I quite enjoy - it's great to soak up the atmosphere pre-KO. Tonight, the Coldstream Guards brass band were playing some magnificient classics, including 'Three Lions', 'Colonel Bogey' and the Grandstand theme tune.

I sat in block 511 in the East side of the ground, which was the end England were attacking in the first-half. In this qualifying campaign, we have so far been excellent, with 4 wins out of 4, which is a real contrast to the tough start to the WC qualifying in 2012. Tonight's match against Lithuania marked the halfway point of the qualifying campaign. Within a couple of minutes of kick off, Rooney rattled the post when he rolled a shot on the floor after wriggling through, That could have been 47! A few minutes later, he did actually reach the 47 mark for England, when he headed in a rebound from Welbeck's fierce shot. Then a cheeky looping header dropped kindly onto the post for a relieved Lithuanian keeper. Welbeck was very much at the centre of the attacks, showing great strength and aggression, which is refreshing to see. He hit a right-footed curler wide before he scored a poacher's goal on 44 minutes when he prodded in a low cross from the England left. 2-0 and this was already comfortable.

The second-half continued in much the same fashion. While we were not quite as dominant as we had been against San Marino, Lithuania were struggling to keep pace with us. Delph's volley was saved early on, then the ever-active Welbeck forced another save at the near post, and had a decent penalty shout soon after. It was increasingly academic, and when Sterling turned in a cross from the right for his first England goal it was game over. This was a night of firsts, and the crowd cheered at the sight of Harry Kane warming up on the touchline. Unluckily for him, he had a long wait to come on, as there was a 4-minute spell of unbroken play! It didn't affect him at all, and he came on making an immediate impact as a substitute. With his 3rd or 4th touch of the game (reports seem to vary), Kane headed in at the far post to grab his first goal on his debut. I was delighted - it is absolutely great to see three in-form strikers playing for England in Welbeck, Rooney and Kane. The only negative on the night was a late reckless tackle from Sterling, which left a Lithuanian player on a stretcher, and very nearly caused himself a serious injury. He really needs to grow up and mature at times.

So the qualifying campaign continues to be a great success. As many have predicted it is quite easy at times, but the national team can only beat who is in front of them. For the progression of this promising group of players we need to be tested against sterner opposition, so it will be interesting to see how we get on against Italy on Tuesday. I am filled with optimism when I see Rooney edging closer to the scoring record, Kane scoring on his debut and Welbeck in fine scoring form in recent games. Let's see if we can take this to the next level against the better teams in Europe.

Liverpool (22-03-2015)

Liverpool 1 – 2 Manchester United (Premiership), Sunday 22nd March 2015.

Train (Sheffield-Liverpool) = £23-10
Ticket = £56
Programme = £3
Bus to Anfield = £4
Hotel £180/2 = £90
Tea = £1-85
Left luggage = £2
Greggs roll = £2
Total = £181-95

I opted to have this Saturday completely off nonleague hopping, in favour of a leisurely train journey to Liverpool ahead of the big derby. I say leisurely - actually we ended up being decanted at Oxford Road, due to an accident further down the line, catching a slightly slower Northern train across to Merseyside. I must admit it was nice to chill out, locate the hotel and wander out for dinner rather than the usual rush.

On the Sunday morning we headed up to the ground at about 12ish, after some breakfast and impromptu shopping (cooker lightbulb!). As an extra sign of preparedness we even bought the programme in the centre!

It was a crisp bright day on Merseyside with a blue sky. The streets around Anfield were already filling up with people crowding outside the pubs and takeaways. We headed straight in to the ground - block MS in the main stand, where we were one row from the back. It was a decent seat as anywhere further down and we would be eyeballing the rather unpleasant United fans in the Anfield Road end!

In the first half Liverpool were poor, and United clearly had a game plan. The home side had a couple of decent 5 minute spells, including a fine move culminating in a shot just wide from Lallana, and a wild volley from Sturridge. Coutinho looked to be their best player, surging through midfield and showing great strength on the ball. Apart from that United looked the better side, with a highly disciplined shape and organisation. They barely allowed Liverpool any time on the ball and frequently forced dangerous back passes and errors. Joe Allen, sitting in front of the defence, looked extremely fragile in possession. It was no real surprise that United went in 1-0 up, with a superb ball from Herrera slipping Mata through for a low finish at the Kop end. I should add that at half-time, the great Pele was out on the pitch, not quite what I had expected on a day like this – a nice surprise nonetheless!

I still felt optimistic that Liverpool could get back into this match. On came Gerrard for the second half and it seemed the cavalry had arrived. Then, barely a minute in to the second period, Gerrard stamped on Herrera and was rightly sent off. I couldn't see the incident fully so credit to the referee for spotting it. For a 15 minute spell Liverpool looked all at sea, and conceded a second when Di Maria's dinked pass set up Mata for a wonderfully acrobatic volley, reminiscent of Di Canio many years ago. That sparked the home side into life, and they began to attack with greater tenacity, resulting in Sturridge pulling 1 back just before 70 minutes. After that United shut up shop and I can't recall that many clear chances for Liverpool. There was at times a lack of imagination and pace from them, with Sterling looking particularly out of sorts. Then at the other end, United contrived to miss a penalty through Rooney after a player tumbled in the box. This result was a body blow in the race for UCL football next year, and it may consign Liverpool to more Europa League football in 2015-16.

Hall Road Rangers (14-03-2015)

Hall Road Rangers 2 - 0 Dronfield (NCEL), Saturday 14th March 2015

Train ticket (Sheffield-Hull): £25-90
Tea: £1
Bus: £2-50
Entrance: £5
Programme: £1
Tea: 80p
Total: £36-20

Twice now I've visited Hull in 2014-15, and on both occasions I have found the locals to be friendly and welcoming. The city gets something of a bad press, but I have only good things to say about it. As I was waiting at the bus station for the bus out to Dunswell, I must have looked a bit lost, as a chap sat down asked me where I was heading to. When I explained, he told me the bus to get onto and even went into great detail about the road junction nearby!

Dene Park has been Hall Road Rangers' ground for some years now, but they will be moving to a new ground at the end of the season. I wanted to get this one in while they were still there - in addition, it may be that Hull United (the other residents at the ground) will be playing NCEL football next year. The ground is accessible down a track signposting an Italian restaurant next to the ground - strangely there were no signs for the ground itself nearby.

Dene Park was another nice NCEL ground. To the right of the turnstiles (nestled behind the goal) was the seated stand (is that a contradiction?!) and to the left a portakabin doubling as a tea-hut. The ground was bounded by a wooden fence on all sides, and the main feature behind the far goal was the tree roots which gradually seemed to be swallowing up the paving slabs. 

Today's game pitted 15th vs 18th, so this should be a close one today. Hall Road started blindingly, with Mike Walsh raking in a superb drive after some excellent passing from Harrison and Start. The first-half was punctuated somewhat by late tackles, and a couple of bookings. There was firstly a scuffle on the far touchline (Hall Road's left-wing), which amounted to nothing more than handbags. Then Dronfield's 7 was booked for a rash tackle, while the Dronfield keeper even picked up a yellow (I believe for dissent). The away team seemed outraged at almost every decision, even when it was obvious that they were in the wrong. There were relatively few chances in this half, and it says a lot that one of the main events was when the corner flag was knocked out of position on 16 minutes!

The second half saw Dronfield suddenly realise they were in a match here. First they forced a superb tipped save from Janney in the home goal, and then number 9's free-kick was tipped onto the bar by another great block (followed by a reaction save almost immediately after). Unfortunately for Dronfield, Hall Road went up to the other end not soon after and made it 2-0 on 58 minutes when another excellent drive - this time from Paul Morrill - flew into the bottom left of the net. According to a post-match report, this was from 45 yards! This seemed to ignite Dronfield, but not in a good way. Richie Marples was red-carded on 75 minutes (I am unsure exactly what for, but for once the away side did not complain). Their rotten luck continued when 9's speculative volley looped onto the cross-bar. Hall Road's 12 was slipped through late on, and could have made it 3, but was foiled by the onrushing away keeper (who looked remarkably similar to Hugo Lloris). 

Ashton United (10-03-2015)

Ashton United 2 - 2 Frickley Atheltic (Evostik Premier), Tuesday 10th March 2015

Fish & chips: £4-99
Train ticket (Manc-Ashton): £5-90
Entrance: £10
Programme: £2
Tea: £1
Oxo: £1
Total: £24-89

There are a small cluster of grounds which I can now realistically do in the evenings from Sheffield, and Ashton is one of them. I must admit to feeling somewhat jaded from recent travelling before this one, but came away completely invigorated by a thrilling game of football and a cracking ground. Ashton United's Hurst Cross ground is a 15-minute walk from the nearby station, on a corner nestled behind a row of houses. This isn't actually that far from the likes of Stalybridge and Mossley, though I daresay its a tricky journey by public transport. The ground was a real gem, as you enter at the top of a few rows of terracing, onto the vista of two covered stands (one seated, one terraced), with some distinctive looking red crush barriers lining the edges of the pitch. The music in the build-up was awesome - 'Relax' (Frankie Goes to Hollywood), 'All you need is love' (The Beatles), and 'The longest time' (Billy Joel).

Ashton are in the title race, and came into this one on the tails of Skelmersdale and FC United. Frickley, its fair to say, defied the odds. The Yorkshire side threatened early on when Reece Thompson's cross drifted agonisingly across the face of goal on 2 minutes, and when Luke Hinsley fired wide after a smart passing move. At the back, Luke Hornsey and John Cyrus were immense in containing the Ashton strikeforce, with first-half chances limited to Dale Johnson's shot over, and Jack Higgins' header wide. They were working incredibly hard, and I was impressed they'd got to this point at parity.

The second-half was incredibly open. Ashton went 2-0 up with goals from Martin Pilkington and Jack Higgins on 63 and 68 minutes respectively. The second had seen a particularly good top corner save from Sam Leigh in the away goal, only for Higgins to slot in the rebound. Game over? Not in this league. Frickley seemed to grow in confidence despite the deficit, and were riled even further when a rough tackle from Jack Higgins sparked an angry reaction from the away fans (I believe they used the term 'chicken shit' to describe the referee's decision!). On 76 minutes, Frickley were handed a lifeline when Thompson was brought down in the box, and Gavin Allott coolly converted from the spot. Reece Thompson, who had been at the centre of many of the away attacks, grabbed a deserved equaliser on 87 minutes when he cut inside and rattled in a goal off the inside of the post. After that, Frickley could even have won, with a couple of half-chances not quite working out for them. This game was absolutely terrific, played at a fast pace, and I have to say well done to both sides for a great game of floodlit football played under chilly conditions.

Liverpool (08-03-2015)

Liverpool 0 - 0 Blackburn Rovers (FA Cup Quarter-final), Sunday 8th March 2015

Petrol £30 (estimate)
Programme £3
Ticket £34
Parking £5 (£10 divided by 2)
Total £72

For some reason, we have been unlucky enough to see all the home games where Liverpool have stuttered and struggled this year. They came into this one on a good run of form, having beaten Man City a week ago.

Frankly you would not have believed there was a Wembley place at stake here. Liverpool looked tired and short of ideas while Blackburn evidently came to get a nil-nil. The tone for the match was set when Martin Skrtel was KO-d for a couple of minutes, which was a concern given the seriousness of head injuries. The best opportunities were half chances at best, with Toure's poked goal disallowed for offside and a couple more efforts flying into the side netting. At the other end Blackburn's Rudy Gestede was a real thorn in the side of the home defence, and they were working hard to keep Liverpool's midfield 'box' firmly closed.

The second half was not much better and began slowly to peter out. For all their negativity it was Blackburn who had the best chance with Mignolet making a great reflex save from a flicked header. At the Anfield Road end Liverpool's chances were drying up with Henderson's flash drive across goal saved. Plenty of other speculative efforts were blocked and again it was clear that the home side had run out of ideas and energy. The only faint consolation was that they were still in the cup and did have a second bite at the cherry at Ewood Park.

Hanley (28-02-2015)

Hanley Town 1 - 1 Rochdale Town (NWCFL Division 1), Saturday 28th February 2015

Train (Stockport-Stoke): £13
Tea: 80p
Entrance: £4
Programme: £1
Bovril: 80p
Total: £19-60

The last time I came to Stoke was way back in November for my trip to Market Drayton. That feels like a long time ago now we're edging out of winter. Hanley was an ideal one on a slightly bleak February day - we are in that weird Hinterland where it's not quite Spring but not exactly in the depths of Winter. The ground was about a 40-minute walk from the station, off a barely noticeable track off Abbey Lane. If it hasn't been for a tiny sign on a gate, I would have missed it altogether.

 

Hanley are relative newcomers to the NWCFL, having joined a season or two ago. The ground was simple and straightforward, with a portakabin forming the turnstile and a couple of small stands along either touch line. After the obligatory tea in the small but cosy bar, I sat down in the small seated stand bang on halfway. The ground had suddenly seen an influx of visitors with lots of kids and WAGs milling about.

The away side were Rochdale Town, who almost scored immediately when 9's attempted lob drifted just wide on 2 minutes. Hanley responded with a left footed free kick from Stair flying wide, and now we had a game - albeit a scrappy one - on our hands. Hanley repeatedly fell foul of the offside rule, with Price and Stair caught off in quick succession. The opener came for Rochdale almost bang on the half-time whistle, when Bradbury chipped over the keeper when through. Hanley were not to be outdone, and nearly equalised when a near-post effort from their own 10 (Stair) was saved.

After the usual warming Bovril, I took up my place standing next to where I'd been sat before. My notes suggest this was a game of the 10s, with both players threatening for their sides. Hanley's Stair attempted an awkward shot with what I would call a 'bicycle header' - i.e leaning back whilst heading the ball with the back of your head. The technique is nigh on impossible to perfect, so I'm not surprised it didn't really work! After Rochdale's 10 had fired wide on his left foot, Hanley equalised when Stair slotted in from inside the 6-yard box, and rattled the post with a header shortly after. Rough tackles began flying in, with a particularly contentious one from Rochdale's left-back, and a running battle (verbal and physical!) between Hanley's 3 and Rochdale's 2.

Despite gradually seizing control of the game, Hanley could not force another breakthrough. I have to add that they seemed to have an aversion to crossing the ball from either flank, which wasn't an ideal attacking move. As the game drew to a close, three young lads (maybe aged 9-10) appeared next to me, asking who was playing and what the score was. Evidently they'd decided to drop in for the closing stages. Their conversation about football (Premiership, the game in front of them etc) made me think of three old men pontificating on the game. I wonder if they'll be here in a few decades time?!

Man City Academy (10-02-2015)

New York City 2 - 0 St Mirren (Friendly), Tuesday 10th February 2015

Toastie & hot chocolate: £5-10
Water: 63p
Ticket: £10
Total 15-73

Tonight I managed to get lost at the Etihad! In the search for the City Academy stadium, I initially went the athletics ground next to the main stadium, before following the crowds across the Etihad campus to the right ground. New York were playing St Mirren in a slightly bizarrely timed friendly, in a stadium I'd not visited before (though it's in a grey area and is not on my 'list'). The academy stadium is well worth a visit, and could easily host some bigger non-league, or even League Two, teams. The only down side tonight was that I had to circumnavigate the entire ground just to get to the correct entrance, and just about made it for KO. There were no programmes, just team sheets, which made a refreshing change from the glossy advertising magazines which some clubs produce. I was fairly centrally placed in the main stand, a few rows up from the action, and was surrounded by Scots, Americans, and Mancs - what a lovely combination!

The opening half an hour of the game was played at a fast pace, with the triangles in midfield reminding me of a fast 6-a-side game. New York in particular applied themselves well and worked incredibly hard. The star of the show - David Villa - started brightly for New York, firing wide early on. New York's went close when one of their midfielders headed straight into the keeper's chest, before Sebastian Velasquez cut inside on his left foot, again going close. At the other end, the New York keeper fumbled a shot from James Dayton, before the same player had a left footer deflected wide. The ever-present Villa was caught offside, but then opened the scoring on 35 minutes when two players had failed to connect with a cross from the left. St Mirren didn't look altogether bad, and Thompson threatened when he reached a near-post cross shortly after, and McGinn lobbed the ball over.

The second half lost some of the pace and aggression of the first. This was when the game really became a friendly, albeit a very open one, with one of New York's substitutes - Tony Taylor - bearing the number 99, and several coming on without numbers at all. Velasquez again looked dangerous, hitting straight at the keeper again. St Mirren continued to work at the other end, but seemed to mistake this for a game of rugby when Dayton set up Goodwin, who scored what would have been a terrific drop-goal. As expected my favourite number - New York's 99 - scored a superb goal when he took down a long ball and smashed it, and he could easily have had a brace when he raced clear only to be smothered by the keeper. At this point, the game slowly descended into lots of long-range shots, although St Mirren did go mightily close to a consolation near the end.

Silsden (07-02-2015)

Silsden 2 - 1 Runcorn (NWCFL), Saturday 7th February 2015

Train ticket £20-90
Tea £1
Bovril £1
Programme £1-50
Entry £5
Total £29-40

Today brought more postponements left right and centre. I had a short list of clubs to visit, and had aimed for either Hanley or Ashton Town. Thanks to my weekly 'Twitter watch' for postponements I discovered that both those games were off, and Silsden was 'ON'!

Silsden must be pretty unique in the NWCFL as its the only club in Yorkshire playing in this league. The town sits between Keighley and Skipton, on the edge of the Pennines and not too far from the Lancashire border. Today I travelled via Leeds, something of a rarity for this league, though it made a nice change from Manchester.

              

According to Google maps, the Keighley Road ground is 2 miles from Steeton & Silsden. It was actually much closer being barely a 15-minute walk. As I had a spare half an hour, I wandered into Silsden itself, where the streets were lined with stone terraced houses leading up to a steep hill - 7% gradient no less.

I headed back down to the ground, and parted with the standard fiver for entry at a little white hut. The ground was small and neat, bounded by wooden fencing on two sides and the clubhouse on the other. There were two short covered areas - terracing with a space for a wheelchair at the front and a seated area painted white. The view and the relatively small ground reminded me of Stokesley in North Yorkshire.

Today's game was again fast and furious, with both sides determined to take victory. Silsden's 8 had an early shot blocked while at the other end Runcorn contrived to get offside at almost every attack. Runcorn's Curtis Cummins hit over on 21 minutes after a setup from Shanley. Silsden opened the scoring on 29 minutes when Josh McNulty's nearpost header drifted into the net. Silsden's Robert Grimes was a real handful, holding up play and distributing the ball with ease to his teammates. Runcorn still carried a threat, with Cummins scooping over after a swift counter, and Keddie firing just wide after he'd used his shoulder to control the ball.

At half time I heard an amusing comeback when a chap near me didn't have the winning raffle numbers - they're the right numbers but just in the wrong order! Runcorn came out looking absolutely determined to get a goal, with three early chances falling to Cummins and Jack Irlam. Then on 69 minutes Silsden doubled their lead when Damien Kinsey set up a deserved headed goal for Grimes. The rest of the game belonged to Runcorn so its quite incredible to think they came away empty handed. They pulled 1 back when Irlam slid a setup from Shanley to the keepers left. The big chance came when Keddie had a free header after a deep cross from the right. Somehow he managed to put it wide, and that was that. Silsden had worked hard and the real difference between the sides had been the industrious and creative Robert Grimes up front.

Marine (31-01-2015)

Marine 1 - King's Lynn 2 (Evostik Premier), Saturday 31st January 2015

Petrol = £7-50 (£30/4)
Train (Liverpool to Crosby) = £3-70
Entrance = £10
Programme = £2
Bovril = £1-40
Tea = £1-40
Total = £26

Wednesday - I manage to get 2 late availability tickets for Liverpool-West Ham.
Wednesday eve - happily give my ticket to Mrs Groundhopper's mum
Friday eve - scour websites and fixture lists for grounds to visit
Saturday 9am - on Twitter watch as one match after another falls prey to the weather
Saturday 10am - decide its either Crewe, Morecambe or Bradford
Saturday 10.30am - discover there is a game on Merseyside which is on - Marine vs King's Lynn.

And so it was that I ended up going to Marine's Rossett Park, on an almost spur of the moment decision. Heading to watch a King's Lynn away game while so many others had fallen by the wayside was beyond any expectations. Mrs Groundhopper was off to Anfield again with her mum, and her dad was happy to explore the city centre, so we headed across the M62, doing the journey in a ridiculous of time of 2 hours!

After lunch in the centre, we headed our separate ways, and I strolled into Liverpool Central for the train to Crosby. This was something of a trip down memory lane, as I'd visited Rossett Park a few times as a student in 2004-2007, and had actually seen one of King's Lynn's last games there before they went bust in 2009. There was time to visit the sea-front before kick-off, so I wandered down to see the sand dunes and sculptures. This was a blustery day and the sand was blowing wildly across the beach, giving it something of a dramatic feel.

I was delighted to find that Rossett Park was much unchanged since my last visit in 2009. This is a cosy ground nestled in between terraced houses, and like the Moat (in Gresley) has only 3 sides accessible to spectators. The end behind the far goal has a block of sweeping terraces completely exposed to the elements, while the long side is narrow and wrapped in a roof of corrugated iron. The end nearest the turnstiles has a neat stand of seats, backing onto the obligatory tea-bar and hospitality hut.

King's Lynn came here as the 'fulcrum' of the league - i.e. bang in the middle! Marine, in contrast, were in the bottom 3, and slowly being sucked into the trap-door. We had not won away since the opening day of the season, so this would be a great opportunity today. King's Lynn started stronger, but the first-half was dominated by the home side, with Marine creating a cluster of chances. Tom Peers managed to get clean through after a mistake in the home defence, whilst James Short's free-kick flew over. On 20 minutes, Menagh cut inside to forge a chance, only to fire straight down the keeper's throat at close range. They then took the lead on 31 minutes, when Lloyd Ellams converted a penalty awarded after a foul on Codling. The only away chance of note was when Peter Winn headed over just before the break.

In the second-half, King's Lynn slowly started to go through the gears. Winn's free-kick flew over, and they started to get a proper hold of the ball in midfield. On 57 minutes, we equalised in somewhat controversial circumstances, with a ball from the right being turned towards his own goal by Bembo-Leta. The keeper reached it, and time stood still while the officials decided that it had crossed the line. That was a 'ghost goal' if ever I saw one!

Within 12 minutes, we had scored again. This time, Mettam slid in an excellent poacher's goal from the right side of the 6 yard box, although there was a hint of offside from the home fans. To their credit, Marine did not give up, and forced consecutive corners at the exposed terraced end. The first one was awarded when Alex Street tipped a shot around, then he denied Marine again with a superb diving save. Unlucky Marine then hit the cross-bar from the resulting corner. Somehow we hung on to claim only our second away win of the year. I have to admit that we were pretty lucky in this one, and on another day, Marine may well have taken all 3 points. I hope they manage to stay in this league, as they are a great club, and I look forward to visiting again when time allows. I was glad to get onto a warm train, and back to the car, after an icy day on Merseyside.