Liverpool (21-05-2017)

Liverpool 3 - 0 Middlesbrough (Premier League), Sunday 21 May 2017

Match ticket £45
Train £14-90
Bus to Anfield £4
Programme £3-50
Tea £2-20
Drink £1
Total £70-60

So often, Liverpool either massively overachieve (think back to their 2013/14 title charge or even Istanbul in 2005) or underachieve (think of recent 6th, 7th and 8th placed finishes). Today was their chance to change this, and hit exactly what they deserved this year. If Liverpool beat Middlesbrough, they would finish 4th, which will be a real sign of progress at the club under Klopp. They have somehow edged out tight results in recent weeks, and could even afford a bore draw against Southampton and a shock loss against Crystal Palace. I think everyone would have taken this opportunity at the start of the season.

Liverpool are starting to establish a fortress at Anfield again, and started with some energy. But this soon dissipated as the nervousness began to affect the players and passes started going astray. From our position at the very back of the Lower Anfield Road end, we could sense the growing confidence in the Middlesbrough defence as they started to intercept passes and foil the Reds’ attacking play. In recent weeks though, Liverpool have demonstrated some steely determination in seeing off these kind of tactics. There is a greater mental strength in the squad than previously. Their tenacity resulted in a late first half goal for Winjaldum, who ran into the box and smashed in a fierce shot. This settled the tensions around the stadium, where many people were nervously checking phones for the scores at Manchester City and Arsenal.

Within a short space of time, Liverpool scored 2 more after the break through Coutinho (51 minutes) and Lallana (56 minutes). This seems a favourite time to score in the games we’ve been to this year. Liverpool could have maybe had more, but this was more than enough to wrap up the win against the relegated Middlesbrough. While they will have to negotiate a potentially tricky play-off to reach the Group Stages of the Champions League, Liverpool are almost there, and will view this as progress. For once they have achieved exactly what they deserve, and there is now hope that solid foundations are being laid for the future. Let's see what 2017/18 brings!

Cleator Moor Celtic (15-04-2017)

Cleator Moor Celtic 0 - 0 Silksworth Colliery Welfare (Saturday 15th April 2017), Wearside League

Free travel
Free entry

Today's game at Birks Road, Cleator Moor, was my third consecutive football weekend in a row. Being up in Cumbria for Easter, I decided to find a local game. Often when I am up here, most of the local sides are away, but today I had a choice of Workington, Celtic, and even Carlisle City. Cleator Moor is about 4 miles from the in-laws' home so was perfect for an (almost) end-of-season match with the sun shining. Cleator Moor is a town just outside Whitehaven, with strong connections to mining, industry and railways of times past. I am often reminded that it is not part of Whitehaven but is a town with its own identity and community. The football club is renowned locally even though they are currently in the Step 7 Wearside League, so I wanted to satisfy my curiosity.

The club's Birks Road ground is located just off one of the main streets in Cleator Moor, behind a doctor's surgery. Initially I managed to get lost on the way in, going too far down the road and turning down a cul-de-sac. Needless to say I could still have got in as a gate was invitingly open next to the pitch!

When I arrived at the ground, I found a neat set-up. Most of the ground 'furniture' was clustered around the near side, with a car park, modern club-house and a covered standing area in close proximity. The area behind both goals was bounded by high fences and in the distance was a magnificent view of nearby fells and mountains.

Celtic started today at 6th in the league, whilst the visitors Silksworth were 4th. However, the home side had played 8 less games - incredible considering there are barely a few weeks of the season left. When I looked at Cleator's fixtures, it seemed they had a packed April and were still due to be playing when the rest of the Wearside had finished. 

The first half was an evenly balanced affair. Silksworth had an early shot blocked on the line, while Cleator's number 9 could only watch as he nearly made contact with the ball across the face of the goal. Silksworth's number 7 bore a strong resemblance to Michael Laudrup but his football was not quite of the same quality! There were some physical battles at either end of the pitch but the referee let the game flow without too many cards. One of the away fans from Wearside grumbled "we get nought from refs over here". Quite apart from refereeing decisions, it must be a long journey to come across to Cumbria - and in fact, teams have to come twice, with nearby Windscale also in this league.

Cleator Moor Celtic came out firing on all cylinders in the second half. They hit the post early on with a header and had a cluster of chances which flew wide or were foiled by a tenacious keeper. Celtic's number 10 very nearly made the breakthrough but a fantastic diving save by away keeper (in front of the distant fells) put paid to that. So it finished all square, and I headed back to base via a bracing walk with the wind blowing strongly. As I am writing this in mid-May, I can now see that Celtic finished a creditable 3rd in the league (behind Jarrow and Redcar), whilst Silksworth finished 6th. Cleator Moor are one to watch, and they may well be on their way up to Step 6 in years to come.

Campion (08-04-2017)

Campion 3 - 0 Brigg (Saturday 8th April 2017), NCEFL Division 1

Train to Bradford £12-50
Entry £5
Programme £2
Tea (x 2) £2
Bus £3
Total £24-50

After an extended sabbatical (with the new arrival) I headed on my first longer distance ground-hop since Hereford. Campion was a decent one to do given they are relatively new to the league, and the ground is relatively close to Bradford Interchange.

It was a beautiful sunny day as I set off from Sheffield, and while I had a bit of concern over the impact of the rail strike, it was set to be a good day. Campion's ground was located about 2 miles from Bradford, very close to the iconic Manningham Mills, which hark back to perhaps a more glorious era for the area.

Campion's Scotchman Road ground is located just behind a new-ish looking bar/clubhouse, which also seems to double as a DSA driving test centre! The ground is shared with a cricket club, so (like Hallam) one side is fairly exposed, and presumably the metal pole can be removed for matches in the summer. Upon parting with £5 entry and £2 for the programme, I surveyed the ground. The main covered area was on the far side, where scaffolding held up a long roof covering a couple of blocks of white seats. Some of the seats were discarded on the floor as if someone had forgotten about them or was planning some work over the summer! All in all it was a nice set-up and it was a day to relish football with the weather so good.

This was an intriguing game in prospect. Campion lay in 8th, having done superbly in their maiden season here, while 16 points behind them were Brigg in 13th. It was the home side who started quicker, attacking at a ferocious pace, and with players who were able to find space in all areas. They took the lead when Jason Davis lobbed the keeper superbly from a fair distance out - as someone next to me said 'you won't see that in the Premier, on TV'. Although Brigg had a handful of chances - Ben Kendall's volley well caught by an alert keeper and then Ryan Thompson's drive being tipped over - I could see that Campion were going to dominate proceedings if they continued at this pace.

Brigg came out for the second period with a degree of intensity. But they could not find the equaliser when they had possession - their nearest chance came when Nathan Peat had an effort cleared off the line. In the Campion ranks I noticed that the physio resembled Paul Lambert, whilst the centre back looked like Peter Crouch! Back to the football and Campion made it 2-0 when Jason Davis curled in a low shot from around 35 yards. He was in form today as was the industrious and pacey Kieron Batey. Brigg attacked but could not find a way round or through a stubborn Campion midfield and defence. Then after a brilliant flowing counterattack, Campion were awarded a penalty when the pony-tailed Eli Hey was denied a goal-scoring opportunity. Brigg's red-head Charlie Clemenshaw was red-carded and stood ashen-faced behind the goal as Davis smashed in the spot-kick to claim a hat-trick. There was still time for the home side to rattle the post (the second time they had done so in the game) but 3-0 was just reward for their efforts. 

It is great to see a new team do so well in the NCEL and illustrates how strong this league is. I headed back to Bradford for the 17:27 train amid blazing sunshine, which makes a complete contrast to the freezing conditions in Hereford back in November. My first trip out for a while was a decent one, and saw me tick off another Yorkshire ground.

Liverpool (01-04-2017)

Liverpool 3 - 1 Everton (Saturday 1st April 2017), Premier League

Match ticket £46
Train £18-15
Tea £1-95
Bus to Anfield £4
Tea £2
Toilet 30p
Total £72-40

Finally Liverpool had a midday home kick-off! After a string of endless 5:30 Saturday and 4PM Sunday kick-offs, it was a nice change to have an early match to go to. Although this meant an early start in Sheffield and the 8:40 train, it also meant that we would get home at a reasonable time (and in time for tea!).

Everton were today's opposition, in what was a key Merseyside Derby. As mentioned in my previous blog, Anfield now towers over Goodison, and the gap between the two sides is widening once more. There was a period in 2013/14 when Everton looked destined for a Champions League place, but now they would just be happy to get into the Europa League.

The start of the match was marked by tributes to the legendary Ronnie Moran ('Bugsy'), with seat signs in the Kop marking out his nickname. The number of trophies and years read across the tannoy was incredible, and just illustrates the historical size of this club.

Today's Liverpool could be going places if they can close out this season. As against Arsenal they started superbly, taking the lead through Mane after a one-two with Firmino. They huffed and puffed, but couldn't blow the Toffees' door down a second time. Everton looked handy on the break and I was particularly impressed with the young Tom Davies - pacey, able to turn quickly and with an eye for a pass. Meanwhile, Ross Barkley (supposedly the great white hope of English football) was having a shocker, fouling at almost every opportunity and unable to put together more than a couple of passes. But, with this being Liverpool, there is always an opening, and Pennington took full advantage when a simple corner wasn't dealt with by Liverpool's back line. The fans were deflated. But within a couple of minutes, the home side took the lead again when Coutinho's effort flew into the top corner.

The second period saw Liverpool further stretch the away side, who looked tired and devoid of ideas. So it was no surprise when Origi made it 3-1 on 60 minutes to confirm Liverpool's dominance, and take the edge off a slightly nervous Anfield crowd. This was another excellent performance, and if they can keep getting results in their final few games, they should be on the way to the Champions League for the first time since 2014.

Liverpool (04-03-2017)

Liverpool 3 - 1 Arsenal (Saturday 4th March 2017), Premier League

Match ticket £53
Train £23-70
Bus £4
Tea £2
Taxi (£10/2) £5
Total £87-70

We are back! After a couple of months away from the football scene - with the arrival of one Baby Groundhopper - we headed back to Anfield for a key match against Arsenal. In fact we should have been here for Spurs on February 11th but that was scuppered by a suicide on the line. Today's journey was circuitous, taking us via a bus from Stockport, due to a landslide which had closed Lime Street. We haven't had much luck on recent travels to Merseyside.

Today was actually the first time we had been in the Main Stand Upper. Needless to say the views are impressive and, while the steps are steep, there is much more leg room than the old Main Stand. The views from the main concourse take in the Mersey and a small blue ground in the distance - oh yes, that will be Goodison Park! With Spring on the horizon, the game almost kicked off in the light, with the sun setting over distant terraced houses.

Liverpool approached this game with an intensity and desire that stunned the North London side. Within 9 minutes, they were ahead when Firmino slotted in at the near post. There was a strength to the attacking play which seemed to shock Arsenal. When the Gunners did have a period of dominance, Liverpool held them at bay well and withstood a mini-onslaught, just as they had against Manchester City in December. There are signs that this Klopp side are developing a tougher underbelly, and are starting to adapt to different situations they encounter. Deservedly Liverpool then made it two through the excellent Sadio Mane from a flowing forward move, on 40 minutes.

The arrival of Sanchez in the second period unsettled the Reds for a period, and they saw little of the ball in a fallow 20 minute spell. Danny Welbeck pulled one back on 57 minutes and then suddenly Liverpool looked a bit ropey. But again they stuck to their task and while there was always a feeling that Arsenal could score, they never managed a breakthrough. Then a fine counterattacking move resulted in Winjaldum slotting in right in front of the Kop in the 91st minute of a cracking game. So honours to Liverpool, whose remarkable results against the top teams continues. If only they could beat the Bournemouths and Burnleys of this world!

Our journey back was beset by delays, with a misprint in the bus replacement timetable - and chaos outside Lime Street - meaning we finally got home at midnight. We shall add this to the list of travel disasters which seem to occur on a semi-regular basis these days. But it was all worth it. Waking up the next day with the sun shining I got a definite sense that this was our last game of Winter.

Handsworth (14-01-2017)

Handsworth Parramore Reserves 0 - 0 Stocksbridge Park Steels Reserves (Handsworth win 4-2 on penalties) (Sheffield CFA Association Cup), Saturday 14 January 2017

Free entry
Free travel

Unbelievably it has now been almost 2 years since I last visited Oliver's Mount. Today's 1pm kick off was an ideal opportunity to revisit, particularly given the proximity of the ground to home. As luck would have it, this was one of only a few local games on - when I checked later on, games at Stocksbridge and Hallam had been called off due to frost or water-logged pitches. The ground has changed relatively little since my last visit, except for the removal of the trees behind the far goal.

Handsworth are the holders of this county FA competition, and came into this Quarter-final looking to retain their title. At almost every level, Handsworth's teams are challenging for silverware season after season, so it was no surprise that yet again they are in the hunt for honours. Their opponents were a Stocksbridge Reserves side who are no pushovers themselves.

Like last week's match at the 'Swal Siro' this was a tight game. Neither team genuinely dominated for a long period. The first half was largely played in compact triangles across the pitch, which is a compliment to both sides. Each team had a 5-10 minute spell of possession and half-chances and then it would swing the other way.

The closest clear-cut chance came in about the 25th minute, when a curling free-kick from Stocksbridge's 8 rattled the crossbar. Later in the half, their striker (9) rounded the keeper but could only slide his shot onto the outside of the post. Handsworth had the odd effort, most notably when 5 was played through and could only ping his shot wide at the 'Railway End'.

The second period was as tight as the first. Just when it seemed like an opportunity or goal would arrive, a defender would make a key intervention and the pendulum would swing the other way. Stocksbridge - in bright yellow shirts and blue shorts - had the best of the half-chances. Their number 7's header over the keeper was cleared off the line by an alert defender, and then 10 weaved through the home defence before blasting over.

Extra time was played out in a similar fashion. I had a feeling that even if these teams played all day, there would be no goal! The second period of extra time nearly brought a breakthrough - firstly when Stocksbridge's 12 had a good effort palmed away by the keeper, and then when a goalmouth scramble looked like it had resulted in a goal. But it had not crossed the line, much to the protestations of the away side. Handsworth's main threat came on the right, where 11 and 12 frequently opened up play, but they couldn't carve out any genuine chances.



So to penalties. I believe this is actually the first match on my blog to go to penalties (apart from Eccleshall, when I had to leave early to catch a bus). Both sides scored their opening two spot-kicks. Then at 2-2, Handsworth's 12 planted a brilliant kick into the top corner - it takes some nerve to do this in a shoot-out. Someone had to blink, and it was Stocksbridge's 11, whose effort was turned away low at the keeper's left. Advantage the Ambers. They went 4-2 up when 7 converted. Stocksbridge's captain (number 6) stepped up and smashed his penalty to the right of the keeper only to see it brilliantly turned around the post. The home side ran jubilantly from the centre circle, and celebrated their march to the semi-finals. For absolutely no cost today I had seen a decent, if tight match, across 120 minutes, plus penalties. Thanks to Handsworth for a great afternoon of entertainment.

Swallownest (07-01-2017)

Swallownest 1 - 0 Frecheville (Sheffield and Hallamshire County), Saturday 7 January 2017

Tea £1
Free travel
Free entry

As most of my recent blog entries are starting with a reminiscence of things past, I may as well start this one in the same way. I have visited Swallownest twice before - one in January 2013 and again in December 2015. On the latter occasion I managed to scrape the side of our car on a post when reversing - a lesson to look where you are going even in the dark! Today I opted for the 45 minute walk from home.

Since my last visit, the refreshments and entrance hut has been given a lick of paint, and now looks in good nick. The section of old terracing along one side was out of bounds though some spectators ignored the warnings anyway. The club are again looking to progress to the NCEL next year so no doubt they will be looking to put in seating and other facilities required for that level.

On the pitch this was a top-of-the-table clash with nearby Frecheville, who I saw a few weeks ago. This was a tight but entertaining match. Frecheville - in orange and black - rattled the crossbar early on with an effort from their midfield, whilst at the other end 4 and 9 both had shots solidly saved by the away keeper. The home number 9 then saw a goal-bound shot cleared off the line shortly before half-time. It was a solid battle but with relatively few clear-cut chances.

After a cup of tea (bringing my day's outlay to £1!) I picked a spot for the second period. Swallownest began to dominate the game, and early shots from 8 and 10 were again foiled by the increasingly busy away keeper. At the other end, where Frecheville were increasingly limited to counterattacks, they did forge the odd chance, with 4 firing just wide, and then 17 blasting over from a good position. The pressure on the away side began to crank up at the 'Swal Siro', and they were pretty much camped inside the away half for long periods. But there was still no goal. When 4's free kick went wide it seemed that this would end in stalemate. 

But there was just time for a crucial goal. Swallownest launched the ball into the box again, and it was half-cleared away, before a loose ball fell to number 16 who rifled in a low strike to break the deadlock. The players and the large crowd of fans at the home end were delighted, and there were jubilant celebrations at the final whistle. This was a key win over title rivals, and gave Swallownest a commanding points cushion at the top of the division.

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.