Liverpool (12-09-2026)

Liverpool 0 - 0 Fulham (Premier League), Saturday 12 September 2026

This was a rarity today, as we secured Liverpool tickets via late availability for a 3pm Saturday kick-off. After an arduous journey, we were 5 minutes late which wasn't bad all things considered. Liverpool need to sort the 20-minute queues at turnstiles too but that's another story.

Despite a great atmosphere, this was a flat match and Liverpool looked tired after their midweek win over Athletico. They seemed disjointed and lacked a coherent game plan. And they didn't seem able or willing to flex tactics in the closing stages - sometimes you need to throw everyone into the box and force the ball over the line. Still, it was a raucous atmosphere in the Kop and great to get to Anfield in the Autumn. 

Handsworth (09-09-2026)

Handsworth 1 - 0 Bottesford (NCEL Premier), Wednesday 9 September 2026

A superb win for Handsworth, to break Bottesford's 100% record, thanks to a brilliant early strike into the top corner. My first NCEL match at Handsworth for a long time as I tend to do youth/U21 matches here. A nice close one too - in the house by 10pm!

Sheffield Dev @ Steel City Stadium

Sheffield 9 - 1 Stocksbridge (FA Youth Cup Preliminary Round), Thursday 3 September 2026

Corby (29-08-2026)

Corby 0 - 2 Stafford (FA Trophy 1st Round Qualifying), Saturday 29 August 2026

Forest U23 @ Loughborough

Notts Forest U23 2 - 1 Manchester City U23 (Premier League 2), Friday 28 August 2026

Dodworth (26-08-2026)

Dodworth Reserves 0 - 4 AFC Dronfield (Sheffield and Hallamshire League Cup), Wednesday 26 August 2026

My first trip to nearby Dodworth, only a few junctions up the M1 and a ground with an impressive main stand. AFC Dronfield (the 'real' team in Dronfield?) took a 3-0 lead by half-time, and while the second half was evenly balanced, they deserved the win.

There was a boys match in progress on the adjacent pitch and I had an interesting chat with their referee for this during the half-time break. The hotly debated topic was whether there should be linesmen/people for games at this level...I politely declined the offer to run the line for their second half!

Beverley (25-08-2026)

Beverley Town 2 - 1 Ossett United (Northern Premier League East 1), Tuesday 25 August 2026

My latest visit to the Hull area, the time to see newly promoted Beverley. They have initially struggled in the league this year and had not scored before today. In a twist, they were actually put out of the FA Cup by Northwich in a previous round - the tie preceding the match I saw in Runcorn.

In a scrappy game, they managed to grab a 2-1 win against an (eventual) 9-man Ossett. It could have been a lot more comfortable but still this was a historic win for Beverley. 

A tough drive back home, due to a combination of evening roadworks, battery-watching miles and general tiredness. Reminded me of a similar drive back from Hall Road Rangers one Autumn evening. Still, my first 'new' ground for a while and in their first season at this level.

Northwich @ Runcorn (23-08-2026)

Northwich Victoria 4 - 4 Bootle (FA Cup Preliminary Round), Sunday 23 August 2026

In my first FA Cup match for 5 years, I saw a crazy tie between two North West teams. Northwich looked to have the initiative at 2-1 up, but fell behind to a penalty and 2 quickfire Bootle goals. They deservedly fought their way back into it to make it 4 all - not a scoreline I would have predicted at the start!

It's been 11 years since I first visited this ground. Going to this bit of Merseyside always brings back a flood of memories so they were on my mind for some of the match. I had not realised how close Runcorn, Northwich and Warrington are, so it's no surprise that Northwich make the short trip up here for home games. There's probably a dissertation to be written on football clubs and grounds in Northwich itself, where I believe Witton Albion still play. 

My first game of 2026/27 ticked off after a long wait.