It's Boxing Day and I'm heading off to see a top of the table local derby in the 2nd Division of the Midlands Football League. It's taking place at Fairfield Villa (2nd place) against the visitors of Droitwich Spa (3rd place).
Fairfield is a village situated a few miles North West of Bromsgrove. They play at the local recreation ground there. I am travelling with a group of 3 Droitwich supporters. The driver is Ben Lloyd, the club website and programme editor, with Andy and Luke, who he picks up in Fernhill Heath and Droitwich respectively. We make it to the club by 11:00am, an hour before kick-off. The ground is situated at the back of a row of houses on the Stourbridge Road (B4091). A small drive leads up to the car park. The one end of the pitch adjoins this and the club house/changing rooms are situated in the bottom left corner. Further along the left are the 2 dug-outs. The pitch slopes down after the half way line and the opposite end is bordered by woodland. The right side is bordered by a children's play area and Fairfield First School.
After some refreshments in the bar, we go outside just before kick-off. Fairfield are in their home strip of red shirts with black shorts and red socks. Droitwich are in their away strip of white shirts, black shorts and socks.
(Droitwich's James Lennon, battles for possession with the Fairfield defence)
Although it's a sunny day, there is a chill westerly wind behind my back which is blowing down the slope (the end that Fairfield are playing toward). Also the pitch looks a bit bobbly and not really conducive for flowing football.
So it proves in a scrappy, competitive first-half, probably typical of a local derby.
The home side create a chance in the 21st minute with a good attack down the right but Spa's keeper, Matt Oliver, saves the shot down to his left.
In the 32nd minute, Droitwich's Nick Seabourne collides with the home keeper, Chris Hancox, who takes most of the impact with his left shoulder.
Hancox carries on after some treatment but is clearly still in discomfort. Seabourne is booked but I don't know if he could have avoided the collision.
Oliver makes another good save from the Fairfield No.11 just before half-time to preserve their clean sheet. When the teams troop off the field, it looks as if this is the kind of game that will be settled by a single goal.
Fairfield Villa were formed way back in 1902, became members of the Bromsgrove League and won it in their first season. They moved to their current ground in 1959 and joined the Midland Combination in 1985 after years of success in the Bromsgrove and then Kidderminster Leagues.
They are a club who regularly finish in the top 6 plus they have won the President's Cup twice and the Worcestershire Junior Cup once (losing finalists, 6 times).
During the interval while enjoying a coffee in the club house, the guy serving behind the bar tells me that Fairfield have 5 first team regulars out today and their keeper is the reserve.
When I go back outside just as the teams are going back on the pitch I soon realise that Chris Hancox has been taken off and has been replaced in goal by an outfield player.
This seems to inspire Droitwich to up their game and with the wind behind them, they look more dangerous now.
In the 56th minute the Spa left back, Jamie Smith's free kick is parried by the keeper, it falls to Seabourne but he manages to shoot against the post from close in.
Just 4 minutes later, Crowther goes close when he places the ball over the bar after being set up with a lay off from No.9, James Lemon. Then another Spa defender ,Matty Hunt, then sees his header pushed over the bar by the substitute keeper, after a period of sustained pressure by the visitors.
Fairfield still look dangerous on the break and in the 81st minute, their No.9 Connor Collins goes on a determined long run to the right of the Droitwich goal and his cross shot goes wide of the far post.
(Collins starts his run on goal after getting away from Andy Crowther)
2 minutes later though, Droitwich score the winner when their Man of the Match, Jamie Smith, crosses in to the box for substitute, Macaulay Finch to head in to the far corner of the net.
Lemon almost doubles the lead for Droitwich right at the end of normal time but his shot hits the post after he has rounded the keeper.
Droitwich have won and so they swap league places with their old rivals and have also done the league double over them too. I am sure though that Fairfield will be competing with Droitwich all the way for the rest of this season.
Match attendance: 50
Match entrance fee: free
Match programme: none available
Match entertainment: 6/10
Today sees the much anticipated clash between local rivals, Droitwich Spa and Worcester Raiders in the semi-finals of the Worcestershire Junior Cup. Both teams have been in good form recently and Droitwich won against the Raiders in the Final of the competition last year by 3-2 in a very close game.
The Raiders chairman, Kevin Jenkins, has said in the local press that his team are looking to get revenge this time round. The 'Salt Men' of Droitwich will probably have different ideas though, especially after their record 10-1 league victory last week.
It's good weather today (a bit chilly) and after my short train journey from Worcester, have a cooked all day breakfast in town and then walk to the Spa's Briar Mill ground.
When I get there 10 minutes before kick-off (@2pm) I have a chat with the Raiders secretary, George McPherson. He is a bit worried as his side have 2 regular defenders out today.
There looks to be a healthy 3 figure crowd today and I just know it's going to be a close game. Finally the 2 teams come out, with Droitwich in their home strip of red and black and the visitors in their alternative dark blue kit.
Straight from the kick-off, James Lemon puts through Nick Seabourne on the Raiders goal and his effort goes just the wrong side of the left hand post.
Both sides in the first 20 minutes fashion chances but it's the hosts who go in to the lead when in an attack down the left, the Worcester keeper, Dan Stevens, rushes out to the edge of his area to meet the Spa striker, James Lemon, changes his mind but it's too late as Lemon chips the stranded Stevens for an easy goal.
From then on it's Droitwich who gain the upper hand and it's Lemon again in the 28th minute to score after being put through by Seabourne. Mr. McPherson's fears seem to have credibility. It gets worse for the visitors when the lively Luke Molloy heads home just 2 minutes later.
(James Lemon hugs fellow forward, Nick Seabourne after scoring his 2nd goal)
Worcester Raiders have another set back when their No.5, Richard Tomkins, has to go off (as shown below) with an injury.
Fortunately it's not all doom and gloom for them, as they show their fighting spirit in the 42nd minute, by reducing the deficit when Martin Newman hits home from close range after the ball falls to him after a free kick from the left.
So 3-1 for 'the Spa' at half-time but Worcester Raiders are not down and out just yet.
Indeed they are getting more in to the game in the second half and after 13 minutes have a shot cleared off the line. Just 2 minutes later and they pull back another goal when their captain, Joel Hobbs, scores with a great near post header from a corner.
The almost inevitable equaliser comes from Martin Newman who smashes home his shot in to the roof of the net after good work on the right by Anthony Smith.
(Martin Newman is mobbed by his team mates after hitting the equaliser)
Droitwich don't look such an attacking force in this half and a saved shot from Lemon is their only decent effort.
(Worcester Raiders clear from this corner)
With full time and the prospect of a penalty shoot out looming, it's Raiders who seal a remarkable come back when their midfielder, Matt Tyler, shoots in to the net from the edge of the penalty area.
A few minutes later and it's all over. The Raiders are in the final and will face new club Montpellier, next April.
Most of the spectators here today would have agreed that this game was worthy of a final and it was also a great advert for the local football scene. So now Spa will have to focus more on their league campaign and Raiders will be looking to cut the points deficit with Hereford Lads Club in Div 1 of the West Midlands League.
Match entrance fee: free
Match attendance: 145
Match programme: £1
Match entertainment: 9/10
The season is nearing it's end and it seems to be the same for Droitwich Spa's promotion bid from the 2nd Division of the Midland Football League. They have to win today's home match against close rivals Chelmsley Town as they are now 6 points behind them in 3rd place and Chelmsley have a game in hand too, while Alvis Sporting Club are nearly out of sight in first place.
The weather is good today, cool but mainly sunny. I have arrived in Droitwich and have a wander around the town centre, taking photos of the old buildings and the nearby canal before going to have lunch.
(Looking down to the High Street by St. Andrew's Church)
I then take a leisurely walk down to the canal to walk along the tow path which takes me down to the Briar Mill area, where the King George Playing Fields are, the home of Droitwich Spa FC .
By the pitch, is the Droitwich Leisure Centre, where the changing rooms, toilets, bar and small club shop are housed. I buy myself a club badge and a programme and while waiting around outside, come across a guy who recognises me. I met him about this time last year at the Birmingham County Junior Cup Final. He has come from Leicester and Droitwich is a new ground for him.
I make my way down the nearest side of the pitch, which is lined by trees and will be out of the sunshine (better for photography). The teams come out with Droitwich in their usual red and black but Chelmsley are in a change strip of green and white.
Droitwich are the first to go close when their No.9 and top scorer, James Lemon, bursts at speed down the left. He crosses the ball across the goal (as shown below) but there is no one in the right place to open the scoring.
The match is being played at a frantic place with no one looking to put their foot on the ball and spray the ball around.
( Chelmsley's Chris Lloyd and Droitwich's Luke Molloy run for the ball )
Droitwich are slightly the better team in the first 45 minutes but nearly go behind in injury time but their full back Andy Crowther, clears the ball off the line from a corner.
There have been no clear cut chances in the first period and I wonder if there will be any goals at all today?
Chelmsley Town are much more of a threat in the second half and their top scorer, Chris Lloyd, cleverly volleys first time but over the bar with the Droitwich keeper, Wayne Oliver stranded.
After 69 minutes, the visitors take the lead. From a corner their No.4, James Sawyer, jumps above Oliver to head in from close range (as shown below).
11 minutes later and the Chelmsley No.9 has a shot saved after some good build up play instigated by Chris Lloyd (who has been the best player today).
The Leicester ground hopper,who has been checking football scores on his smart phone then lets me know that Hinckley AFC have ended up with just 7 men in their match against Coventry Copsewood in Division One and then it's abandoned after the referee is attacked by a Hinckley player .There will be some repercussions from that match for sure!
Hard as Droitwich try to get back in to the game, Chelmsley manage to keep them at bay for a deserved win.
Droitwich Spa now have a very busy period of 6 games in the next 15 days, including 2 Cup Finals! This includes the Worcestershire Junior Cup Final next Saturday against Worcester Raiders. So there's still plenty to play for by the Saltmen.
Chelmsley Town will be looking for any unlikely slip ups from unbeaten leaders, Alvis Sporting to take the title. I am wondering if they will be able to erect floodlights at their ground in Marston Green or will they ground share with nearby Coleshill Town to get promoted?
Match entrance fee: Free
Match attendance: Approx 50
Match prgramme: £1
Match entertainment 6/10
A top of the table clash beckons me today as I head east of Birmingham to watch Chelmsley Town host Droitwich Spa at their ground in the village of Marston Green. It's in the Midlands Football League, 2nd Division. It will be another new ground for me.
The weather is promising,cold but with no rain likely to fall for a change.
This match has been on my radar and I have been encouraged to go as 1/ it will be a new ground for me 2/ Droitwich are a local team to me and have been doing well this season and 3/ the Communications Manager of Droitwich Spa, Ben Lloyd, has been in touch with me, as he has come across this Blog and has said he has enjoyed reading about my travels. He also said that it would be good if I could take photos for the club at this match.
I journey to Birmingham on the train and after a spot of shopping and some lunch, take the London Euston bound train from New Street station to get to Marston Green. When we are approaching the platform I can see the tower blocks of Chelmsley Wood in the near distance gleaming in the sunshine.
Although Marston Green is classed as a village, it does boast a population of 5,000 and is basically part of the commuter belt for Birmingham, Solihull and probably London. While making the 20 minute walk to the ground, I can see several houses that have a cottage like look and gives an impression of a village atmosphere. There is countryside close by as well and with the sunshine and daffodils in bloom by the roadside there is definitely a hint of Spring in the air.
I soon find the ground just to the left on the Coleshill Road, make my way through the small car park and turn right towards the club house, which is behind one end of the pitch.
This end has an entrance door, through the netting, (see above) through which the players go on to the pitch from the changing rooms.
I find several Droitwich supporters in the club house and chat to Ben Lloyd before heading out to view the proceedings. It looks like that at least half of the spectators are from Droitwich today. The club have experienced an upturn in fortunes this season under the guidance of joint managers, Wayne Oliver and (ex-Worcester City player) Mark Owen.There has been talk of promotion in the Worcester News and the possibility of ground sharing with another local club, as Droitwich don't have the right facilities in place if they do finish in the top two.
Chelmsley Town club have been going since 1927 and are just behind Droitwich in the table, in 3rd place, while Rostance Edwards sit in top spot. Droitwich have also been unbeaten in their last 21 matches!
The players troop on to the pitch, with Chelmsley in light blue shirts and black shorts and shirts. Droitwich Spa are in their away strip today of white shirts, red shorts and socks.
(Chelmsley captain, Ross Casey, tries to get a grip on his opponent)
It's a game with not much quality football on show to be honest, competitive though with both sides not giving each other an inch, which you expect in a match of this nature.
Droitwich Spa go close after 23 minutes when a free-kick is dinked in and their No.9, James Lemon, is just wide with his effort.
Chelmsley go even closer on the half hour when they have a shot from the right that clips the cross bar.
It's still goalless at the interval and it's a difficult call to predict who the likely winners might be today.
At half time I go in to the club house for a much needed cup of tea. It's a pretty good facility for a club of this size and both the bar and tea bar are doing a good trade.
Also apart from the main pitch, there is another at the back of it and a smaller one on the right side of it. On the other side the ground is bordered by housing.
So the second-half gets under way and it's the home team who come to the fore.
After 56 minutes Chelmsley are awarded a penalty when they have a player brought down in the area. Their No.11 , Mitchell Thompson, duly dispatches a shot to the Droitwich's keepers left and they quickly proceed to press home their advantage in the very next minute.
Their No.9, the burly Kieron Fitzgerald, attacks down the left of the visitor's area, draws the tackle from the Droitwich captain , Mike Seeley (as shown below) and skips past on his right before bearing down on goal and squeezes in the ball through the narrow angle and in to the net, despite the keeper being in close proximity. Very good goal!
For a big guy, Fitzgerald is very nimble on his feet. So now the Saltmen have a mountain to climb to get back in this match.
Despite stepping up their efforts Chelmsley hold firm, well marshalled in defence by the silver haired Ross Casey.
Near the end of full time, Chelmsley nearly add to their tally when their top scorer, Chris Lloyd first blazes over the bar and then has another shot saved at the near post.
In injury time though, Droitwich's top scorer, James Lemon scores with a shot from the left but it's come too late to save their unbeaten record.
I think the best team has definitely won today but I am sure that Droitwich can play better than this. This win sees Chelmsley hop over Droitwich in to 2nd place. It's going to be an interesting last few weeks of the season, with Chelmsley, Droitwich, Rostance Edwards and Alvis Sporting all in the running to win the Division 2 title. Alvis have several games in hand and an unbeaten league record but have the pressure of playing at least twice every week before the finish.
(Scene near the Marston Green village centre)
Match entertainment: 5/10
Match attendance: 75
Match entrance fee: Free
Match programme: None available
Today I am visiting the Briar Mill ground of one of my local teams, Droitwich Spa. I had looked to see their recent semi-final of the Worcestershire Junior Cup v local rivals Fairfield Villa. Unfortunately the game was called off 2 weeks ago and then I was unable to make the re-arranged tie last week. They were the holders from last season but succumbed to a last minute penalty to go out 1-2 to Villa who now face old rivals Feckenham in the final.
So their game against the runaway leaders of Coventry United was a good opportunity to see them in their recent revival against the best in this division.
The weather conditions were not promising as I journeyed the short distance from Worcester by train. Cold and cloudy with possible sunny periods later in the afternoon.
When I get to Droitwich I have time to have a wander round, have a bite to eat and visit the Tourist Information to see what local walks I might do later in the year.
When I near the ground which is basically a railed off playing field near the canal in the Briar Mill area, I do spot a few spectators around, which means the match is on today. I have time to buy a pre-match cup of tea in the hockey club house which currently does the catering. The hockey pitches are located at the back and there is also a building close by which houses the local boxing club.
So to the match and when the teams kick off, there seems to be a sizeable crowd for this level. The pitch is looking muddy and Droitwich are in their usual red and black stripes while Coventry are in their 2nd strip of light blue shirts and white shirts and socks.
After just 5 minutes, Coventry's Rob Prinzel launches a speculative shot from 30 yards or more and although the Droitwich keeper, Matt Oliver, looks to have it covered, he manages to spill the ball in to the net by the post.
Then just a minute later, the Coventry captain Chris Cox tries his luck and with a terrific shot sees the ball loop over Oliver from 25 yards.
( The Coventry United players congratulate an airborne Chris Cox )
Although it's good to have goals scored in a match you are watching I don't relish the prospect of 6 or 7-0 rout, which my mind is hurriedly calculating to be the outcome. Fortunately though Droitwich are made of sterner stuff these days and battle back in to the match. Indeed after 22 minutes they are awarded a penalty, when the referee spots a hand ball by a defender when a free kick has been played in to the Coventry penalty area. James Lemon, the young Droitwich No.9 who is on loan from Worcester City, takes the kick but places his shot too close to the Coventry keeper, Jason Fox, who pulls off a good save.
Six minutes later, in another Droitwich attack, the ball is chested down for Lemon but he's unable to keep his shot down low enough and sees it sail over the bar.
Coventry do look to be the more dangerous side and occasionally manage to put together some slick passing moves despite the unfavourable playing conditions. Also the Droitwich defence, well marshalled by Mike Seeley are proving to be a stumbling block to their attacking ambitions.
Half-time arrives with no more scoring and I think Droitwich will be looking for an early goal in the next 45 minutes.
I see that another blogger is at the match today. It's a guy called Peter Rae who lives in Solihull and runs 'The Mowdog on the Road' blog , who visits and reports on a lot of matches at this level. I see him having a long chat with one of the Coventry United coaching staff.
So the second half begins and it's Droitwich straight on the attack, with Macaulay Finch shaving the post with a close range effort. Then a few minutes later, United's No.11, Gift Mussa, cleverly beats 2 Droitwich defenders on the left before launching a shot that goes just over the bar.
In the 26th minute, James Lemon turns in the box to shoot just the wrong side of the post.
On 30 minutes from a Coventry corner, the ball is headed down for their prolific scorer, Josh Blake, who sees his effort well saved by Oliver.
There are no more goals in the game and Droitwich have battled well today after the setback of those early goals. They certainly gave the visitor's defence some problems with Lemon and Finch at times combining well and Coventry United have a talented team who look like likely champions. Both teams did well in trying playing conditions.
Match attendance: 55
Entrance fee: free
Match programme: usually £1 (was given one free)
Entertainment value: 6/10
I am travelling to a new ground today but surprisingly it's close to home as I am visiting the home of Droitwich Spa at the King George Playing Field in Briar Mill for their match against Perrywood from Worcester. So it's just an eight mile rail journey to this historic small town for the Quarter-Final tie in the Worcestershire FA Quarter-Final.
Droitwich are languishing next to bottom in the 1st Division of the Midland Combination while Perrywood occupy a creditable 6th place in the division below them.
Today is a cool but sunny day and when I leave the rail station and take the 5-10 minute walk in to the town centre I find that there is a farmer's market in the town square. I think I will have a closer look there after the match.
I like Droitwich, it's got some interesting old buildings in the centre and it has an interesting history linked to the it's salt mining roots (dating back to Roman times). Also recently the local canal's refurbishment was completed and it's well worth visiting as it's just situated a stone's throw away from the main shopping area.
Below is a photo of the canal basin in Vines Park when the canal was officially re-opened in July 2011.
So enough of the tourism plug and back to the match. I make my way to the Briar Mill home of the football team by walking in a westerly direction along the canal tow path and then taking the path along the River Salwarpe which runs along the playing fields where the local sports complex lies. There is a large building where the changing rooms are and there is a building that houses the local boxing club along side it. There are 3 football pitches as well as the Droitwich Spa FC pitch which is enclosed with a rail fence. At the back is an all weather pitch for the local hockey club.
There are about 20 spectators for the match and there is also a match taking place featuring the reserve team in a Worcestershire Minor Cup game, two pitches away against Worcester Raiders.
The 'Worcester News' newspaper had informed me that the match was starting at 1:30 pm but in fact it starts at 1:45 pm. Droitwich Spa are playing in their red and black strip while Perrywood are in blue and white.
Droitwich dominate the early stages of the match although they don't create many chances. However their diminutive No.10, weaves his way into the box and is hacked down from behind for a stonewall penalty!
The resulting penalty kick is placed too close to the Perrywood keeper and is easily saved. This seems to be a continuation of their league form, playing well but not converting their chances.
Perrywood come more in to the game and the rest of the half is quite even. Defences are on top and the teams go off at half time with the game still goalless.
When I go to the toilets which I find are at the end of the corridor where the changing rooms are, I find there is a hatch open for refreshments where I buy my cup of tea and am surprised to find there are programmes for sale (groundhoppers take note). The programme features recent match reports and photos (advertised for £1 but sold today for 50p) and is the handiwork of the Secretary, Barry Schuck. One half is for the 1st team and the other features the reserves.
When play resumes, Droitwich are very much on top and after 20 minutes they eventually do take the lead with a good shot in to the top right hand corner from No.4, Mike Seeley, shown below walking back to his own half.
Although still the dominant team, Droitwich are finding it difficult to finish off the game with a decisive second goal. The longer the game goes on Perrywood sniff a chance of getting an equaliser.
With a few minutes to go Perrywood rattle the bar with a looping shot and this acts as a wake-up call because right near the end of normal time, Droitwich Spa make sure of progress to the semi-final with another goal, scored by substitute, Matthew Purser.
It's been a hard working performance by Droitwich but they didn't make it easy for themselves.
Droitwich Spa's ground is probably worth a visit on a good weather day as there is only cover to found in a small covered area in one corner of the pitch, probably enough for about 20 spectators.
Droitwich now have 4 away matches in December and Perrywood next play their League's league leaders, Paget Rangers.
