After much prevarication I have finally decided to go to watch the Div 3 top-of-the-table clash between 2nd placed Rostance Edwards against the visiting leaders of Alcester Town, today at Grosvenor Park in Bloxwich, in the Midland Football League.
Originally I had been looking to go to either Kington Town or Highgate United for their respective top table matches but thought I'd give this game a go as I have been meaning to check out Alcester for a while now.
After making my way on the train from Worcester to Walsall, the weather has turned in to a bright sunny day but with a stiff south-westerly wind. I get an egg & chips at the Gardenia Cafe and then I stroll over to the nearby bus station and catch the No.301 bus that takes me in to Bloxwich.
I have been to this ground 3 times before in the past. When I get there, I make a mistake at first by trying to get in to the club house as this was the entrance route last season. The have re-opened the turnstile gate now though and when I get in I have plenty of time to have a cup of tea and a look at the 50p programme (which has some good jokes inside).
Alcester Town and Rostance Edwards are the top 2 teams but they are being chased hard by Austrey Rangers, who are playing at 3rd placed Smithswood Firs this afternoon.
The teams come out in their usual first team colours, Rostance in their all-blue strip and Alcester in their red and black striped shirts.
This ground has a slope going down from the entrance end (north), where a low seated stand can be found. The club house and tea bar are to be found along the western side opposite the dug-outs and there is some high fencing that encloses the southern end of the ground, which is where I go to take photos.
The game is turning out to be an even affair with the visitors threatening after 11 minutes when their No.9 curls in a cross from the left that one of his fellow forwards just fails to connect with in a good position.
In the next 3 minutes, Rostance Edwards (who are kicking up the slope) hit back with 2 free kicks that are awarded to them on the right. The first is well held by the Alcester keeper, who then tips over the next one over the bar after it had been on target to go in to the top right corner.
I can't help noticing that the Rostance Edwards No.5 looks as if he's had a few good lunches recently. Joking aside though he's proving to be the main prompter of some of their attacks.
On 27 minutes, from the half way line and using the following wind to good effect, he arrows in a good ball to one of their forwards on the left who then puts in a good shot across the visitor's goal.
Six minutes later and the home side have taken the lead. I must admit I have missed this due to fiddling around with my camera at the time.
(The dejected Alcester players watch the Rostance players celebrating their goal)
A few minutes later and Rostance Edwards have a lucky escape. Alcester are awarded a free kick to the left of the home goal and from it the ball is flicked on where a desperate defender touches it on to the post and out!
Their reprieve does not last long when in the 43rd minute, the Alcester No.11 runs on to the ball in to the Rostance penalty area and is adjudged to have been pushed in the back by a defender.
The fouled Alcester player takes the penalty himself and slots the ball in to the net for a vital equaliser (as shown below).
Half time sees both teams with still everything to play for and I must admit I can't see how it will go. I do know that it will be another tight contest, as these two teams look evenly matched.
With the home side attacking the southern end where I'm stationed, I see that their No.11 looks to be impeded in only the 2nd minute but nothing is awarded.
In the 21st minute the Alcester No.6 is helped off the pitch after injuring his right knee.
3 minutes later and a good ball sees it go to the Rostance No.11 on the right. He manages to turn past a defender only to see his shot saved. Another home attack sees them go close again when a header comes back off the post, hits the keeper's knee and goes out for a corner.
In the 38th minute, a cross from the left by the home team sees a desperately attempted clearance by an Alcester defender hit his own arm but penalty appeals are dismissed by the referee.
Then in the next Alcester attack, one of their forwards is allowed a free header but it's just not strong enough to trouble the keeper.
An honourable 1-1 draw for both teams which keeps Alcester in top spot and 3 points ahead of Rostance Edwards. I later find out that Austrey Rangers have displaced Smithswood Firs in 3rd spot after thumping them 5-1. They are now 4 points behind Rostance but with 3 games in hand over them and Alcester.
It's been a keenly fought if at times scrappy contest, no doubt not helped by the blustery wind blowing up the pitch which hindered goal kicks going over the half way line, even down the slope.
Match entrance fee: £2
Match programme: 50p
Match attendance: approx 35
Match entertainment: 6.5/10
After dithering over which ground to visit this Saturday, I eventually plump for the Stafford based village side of Brocton who are playing Walsall Wood. Brocton are in their first season in the Premier Division of the new Midland Football League.
There are similarities between these 2 clubs. Both have won the title in the last 2 seasons of the Midland Combination Premier and both have had good cup runs in this season's FA Vase competition (both going out to Northern clubs in the 4th round).
I have a trouble free journey on the train from Worcester (via Birmingham) and get to Stafford in time for a spot of lunch and a look round the shops and town centre. I'd noticed that when coming in to the town that there is more cloud coming over and by the time I am waiting at the bus stop for my journey to the ground, the town is suddenly hit by a hail storm that lasts about 5 minutes. I'm glad it stops as I was worried it might affect the match.
Even though my bus is nearly 10 minutes late, I arrive at Silkmore Lane in plenty of time. There is a prominent sign for the ground at the top of the drive that leads you down there.
Brocton moved to this ground in 2006 after getting a lease from the council. It used to be the Old Police Sports Ground but it had fallen in to disrepair over the years after the police had ceased to use it. With the help of various funding schemes including the National Lottery fund, Brocton have brought it up to the standard required for them to compete in the Premier Division of the Midland Football League.
There is a car park at the entrance that extends round to the north part of the ground and then a path leads to the portacabins that house the changing rooms, toilets and tea hut. Looking down the ground, to the right is the 100 seater stand, with trees lining the back and also the southern end. On the left there is another pitch that is used by the youth section of the club. It's a neat and tidy ground with a pretty good looking playing surface too.
I make my way to the tea hut area at the end of the portacabin area and get myself a cuppa that's served in a ceramic mug. Also I am able to buy a club lapel badge from here to add to my collection.
Before the game I meet Bill Ward the First Team Secretary of Walsall Wood, who I have met twice before this season at FA Vase games and who I sent photos once for publication in their club programme . He tells me about their Vase replay at Shaw Lane Aquaforce where he says they didn't get much luck at all in their cup exit.
Both teams come out in their usual first team colours, Brocton in green & white and Walsall in all red.
(Walsall Wood captain, Harry Harris on the ball)
It's Brocton who start the strongest and go in to the lead after just 6 minutes. It's scored by their experienced striker Dave Berks after being set up by a pass from the right.
Walsall Wood go on the attack and one of their players goes close with an attempted chip from about 25 yards.
Brocton continue to trouble the Walsall Wood defence down the right flank where their No.7 Jack Edwards is proving to be a speedy opponent and he provides the cross in the 21st minute that Sam Bell dispatches in to the net for goal number 2.
The hosts go close again 7 minutes later when Berks sees his free kick fizz past the far post.
The Wood press strongly near the break and their No.7's shot is deflected off a defender and just over the bar. Their pressure pays off on the stroke of half time when they are awarded a penalty when the Brocton keeper, Callum Barrett is adjudged to have brought down a Walsall attacker.
Walsall's Drew Aiton takes the spot kick which is saved but he slams in the rebound (as shown below).
So Walsall Wood have kept themselves in the game and it's all to play for in the second half. They are currently in seventh place and with their games in hand on the teams above them, have an outside chance of mounting a title challenge.
At half time I have a chat with a guy called John Miller who has travelled all the way from Edinburgh to see this match. He tells me he does this on a regular basis and has already visited many grounds in the north of England. A dedicated groundhopper! I later find out that another groundhopper called Nick Palmer is at the match and has covered the match in his Blog called simply 'The Groundhopper'. I had noticed him with his camera but had thought he might have been the official Brocton photographer.
The second half comes round and Brocton in the 16th minute have a volley from Sam Bell that sails over the bar. Walsall respond with a shot from their No.8 that is saved from close range.
( Carl Morris, the Brocton skipper looks to set up another attack )
The longer the game goes on the more Brocton get on top of the play and their threat is usually coming down the right with Jack Edwards (on loan from Stafford Rangers) the main danger. He scores the important third goal in the 26th minute (shown celebrating below).
Walsall Wood still pose the occasional threat and after 28 minutes minutes their No.8 goes round the Brocton keeper only to see his shot hit a defender and out.
Sam Bell sees his shot turned away by the Walsall keeper, Dale Faultless (great name for a goalkeeper!) The last action I see before leaving to catch my bus back to the train station is the Brocton No.12 shooting just over the bar.
I have enjoyed my visit today and am impressed with Brocton who from their humble pub team beginnings in 1937 have made steady progress over the intervening years and strike me as being a very well run club. Although they are in the lower half of the table in 17th place, when I saw them play at Westfields in August they then occupied bottom place,so obviously have improved. They looked full of confidence today after their 3-0 win at league leaders Lye Town in midweek.
Walsall Wood were outplayed today and need to regroup to consolidate their league position. They finished in a worthy sixth place in their first season in the Premier Division in 2013-14, so could well finish in a higher place this time round.
Match attendance: 89
Match entrance fee: £5
Match programme: £1
Match entertainment: 8.5 / 10
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
Due to the adverse weather conditions today, I have had to change my travel plans. Originally I had been looking to see the Worcestershire Junior Cup semi-final at Studley between Feckenham and Inkberrow. This has been postponed so I am going with Plan B and am going south to see the Hellenic Premier League clash between Cheltenham Saracens and Oxford City Nomads. This will be a new ground and a new league for me too.
I haven't visited Cheltenham for at least 2 years, so it will be good to have a look around.The weather is cold and cloudy when I leave Worcester on the train. 30 minutes later I am walking out of Cheltenham station and I take the footpath to the town centre that follows the route of an old railway line.
When in town I come across the Art Gallery & Museum, which had undergone some refurbishment. There is a small collection of paintings, featuring a diverse range of artists and in the museum section is a great collection of Arts & Crafts period furniture, beautiful hand made pieces. Well worth a visit if you like a bit of cultchar!
After a bite to eat, it's time to catch the bus to the ground which is situated to the north west of the town centre, just off the Tewkesbury Road. The bus driver kindly stops as close to ground as possible after I had told him my destination and then I make the 3 minute walk to the ground. It's situated right along side the railway track on the east, with a housing estate to the north and west, with the River Chelt just behind it to the south.
After paying my entrance fee, I walk in to see that to my right is a small club house, with a toilet block on the other side. To my left is a small stand with the seats painted in the club colours of blue and yellow. Looking down the pitch, on the left are the dug-outs and beyond them is a small covered standing area for spectators. On the opposite side is another small stand with seats. The teams come out on to the pitch from the north west corner, down a path from where the changing rooms must be located.
Cheltenham Saracens are having a very tough season and find themselves at the foot of the 20 strong division with Nomads in 13th place. The Saracens have been in the Premier Division since the 2011-12 season. Their opponents today play at the same ground as Oxford City and are now an integrated part of their development squad. They were crowned champions of this league in 2012.
The teams are the very picture of colour co-ordination, with Cheltenham in royal blue shirts, shorts and yellow socks. Nomads are in yellow shirts, shorts and blue socks.
Cheltenham Saracens attack from the start and in the very first minute, go very close to scoring. They continue in this vein and after 5 minutes have the ball in the net...only for it to be ruled out,... for offside maybe? (as shown below).
They certainly don't look like a team rooted at the bottom of the table with just 5 points to their name so far.
After the first 10 minutes, Oxford City Nomads start to establish themselves in this contest and the 16th minute finds them too having a goal disallowed. 2 minutes later and they have a shot from the right that goes in to the side netting.
The first half is turning out to be an even affair and the Saracens are the next team to go close when their No.8 produces a dipping shot that just go's over the wrong side of the bar.
In the 41st minute, Nomads are awarded a penalty but their captain and No.5 has his shot saved by the keeper. No need to worry though as their No.10 shoots over the keeper and under the bar on the stroke of half-time.
During part of the first half I chat to the Saracen's club photographer, who also happens to be their Chairman's brother. There is also a photographer in attendance from the local press. She leaves after 20 minutes, probably for another local sports assignment.
I warm myself up in the small club house and have a quick look at some of the match photos on the walls.
The late first half goal looks to have galvanised the Nomads and sucked the confidence out of the home team as the second half is a very one sided affair.
Oxford City Nomads increase their lead after 15 minutes from a header and 11 minutes later their No.6 taps in from close range after the ball is passed in from the right wing.
( The Nomads scorer is congratulated by his team mates )
It gets worse for the Saracens when goal number 4 comes courtesy of a penalty which is awarded when their No.6 brings down a player. As he had stopped an almost certain goal scoring opportunity, he is duly shown a red card by the ref. The spot kick is dispatched by the Nomads No 10.
To my surprise Cheltenham get a consolation goal right near the end when their No.10, their best attacker in my opinion, cuts in from the left and beats 2 defenders before slotting the ball home.
So the game ends in a convincing defeat for the Saracens, which had been a bit surprising given their spirited first half display.
Match attendance: Approx 25
Match entertainment: 7/10
Match entrance fee: £4
Match programme: £1
Today I am visiting the Queen Street ground of Bilston Town Community FC in the Black Country. This has been on my radar for some time and will be my second visit to this town. I had gone there last July in order to see a friendly match before the start of the new season but due to bad weather it was cancelled.
It's a cold but sunny day and I take the train from Worcester as far as The Hawthorns station and from there I travel on the adjacent Midland Metro tramway. About 20 minutes later I alight at the Bilston Central station and take the short walk in to the town centre.
I have a quick look around the Market area and then double back for a meal at the Cafe Metro which is situated opposite the Town Hall. After a some lasagne and salad at this eaterie which has a nice relaxed atmosphere I walk up the road to the Bilston Craft Gallery. It's situated within the same building as the local library. I visited it the last time I came here, when it had a good exhibition of glass ware. This time round it's not so interesting to me personally. It's about felt, the textile manufactured from wool, featuring sculptures as well as clothing.
On my way to the Gallery, I noticed the locally and probably nationally famous music venue called the 'Robin 2' which holds concerts most nights of the week. It's certainly a venue I would visit if I lived in this area.
I then make the 10 minute walk to Queen Street and soon I am walking through the gate to pay my entrance fee and buy a programme. The ground has a fine stand painted in orange, which backs on to Queen Street. By the side of it lies the club house. Opposite to the stand there is space for cars to park and behind them above the wall are cube like structures on top of the wall, which have netting that look as if they are there to stop any footballs leaving the ground.
I take position at the far end of the ground to the entrance. Today's opponents are Sporting Khalsa, who lie in 3rd place in the league table but who have plenty of games in hand on the leaders, Gornal Athletic and second placed AFC Bridgnorth and look likely champions.
The sun is still shining when the teams take the field, with Bilston in orange and Khalsa in their blue and yellow strip. It certainly makes for a colourful spectacle.
(The Bilston defence clear with Craig Bannister closing in)
Unfortunately today I was not able to make my usual notes during the game as my pen inexplicably decided to cease working even though I had just been using it for a week. Also, my camera's battery packed up after just 20 minutes. I'd noticed when I took it out of my bag that the it was already switched on so it must have been active for some time. So I have had to take notes from the Sporting Khalsa website match report for this Blog post.
The lively Khalsa forwards, Craig Bannister and Marvin Nisbett both go close to scoring in the first 10 minutes, especially Nisbett who shoots wide with just the Bilston keeper to beat and I was certain he would score. Although Khalsa have a few more chances they are unable to break the deadlock.
Although Bilston match the effort of their opponents they are not able to test the Sporting Khalsa as much as they'd like.
During the first half I realised that Khalsa have at least 5 ex-Gornal Athletic players from their West Midland Premier championship winning team of 3 seasons ago. This makes sense as the Khalsa manager is Ian Rowe who had managed that team.
I buy myself a cup of tea from the tea bar/club shop and also a club badge, with the help of the 2 friendly ladies working there. I am also impressed when just after play has resumed, one of the club officials, makes his way around the ground to make sure that everyone knows the winning draw ticket number.
The second half sees Sporting Khalsa stepping up their efforts and are soon seriously testing Bilston's defence. The home side finally concede the first goal when Craig Bannister fires home after 55 minutes. In the next 15 minutes they score 2 more to effectively make sure of the 3 points. First Nisbett scores with a lob and then Bannister strikes a great free kick in to the corner of the net.
Although Khalsa's keeper, James Pemberton, denies Bilston Town a consolation goal right at the end of the match, Khalsa have sealed a comfortable victory today. They have set themselves nicely up for their vital clash at Bridgnorth on Tuesday night.
(The Bilston No.5 clears from the watching Bannister and Nisbett)
I have been impressed by Bilston today. They are a friendly club who are striving to make a good connection with their local community. They run a local youth competition and also have started a soccer school for youngsters on Saturday mornings.
They have played at Southern League level in the past and it would be great to see them acheive that in the future.
Match entrance fee: £4
Match programme: £1
Match attendance: approx 50-60
Match entertainment: 6.5/10
I have decided to venture in to the Herefordshire Football League and visit the Palmer's Meadow ground of Tenbury United, which will be my first ever visit there.
Tenbury Wells is a small sleepy little town (approx population, 3300) in the north west corner of Worcestershire which is bordered by Shropshire (other side of the River Teme to the north and Herefordshire just to the west.
When I get up today at about 7am, it seems to be blowing a gale outside and it's raining too! I do know though that the weather conditions should be improving for the afternoon, so I'm not panicking just yet.
By the time I go to Worcester bus station, the weather has improved although it's getting colder. I catch the 12:00pm, No.758 bus for Tenbury Wells and about 50 minutes later, we arrive on the main shopping street (Teme Street). It's been a scenic journey, mainly along the Teme valley with views of the surrounding hills.
I find a chip shop for a pie and chips. Just the ticket! There's time for me to have a wander around before the game. It's the 3rd time I have been here, the last being 3 years ago. I remember seeing the Pump Rooms, which I see is described as being Chinese-Gothic in style! Well it's certainly an exotic sight in a rural English town, (as shown below).
They were constructed in Victorian times to house baths using the local mineral water when Tenbury Wells was being developed as a Spa town. It never really took off and it was closed down in the 1930's. They were renovated in 2001 and are used mainly as offices for the Town Council.
Just on the other side of the Knyre Brook to the Pump Rooms, Palmer's Meadow can be found. Housed here are a leisure club and the local swimming pool. To the back of this complex are 2 football pitches and 2 rugby pitches, plus a playground and skate park area. Tenbury United play on the pitch nearest the Brook. There is no hand rail round the pitch and the dug-outs are housed in a roofed metal cage construction. Very basic! I'm a bit surprised, as I know Tenbury had played in the West Midlands League until 2 seasons ago before deciding to go back to playing at a more local level for financial reasons. Maybe this was a good idea, as I had read in a local newspaper 20 minutes earlier that Ledbury Town (who had re-joined the West Midlands League after playing in the Herefordshire League for a short while) had folded due to those very reasons.
Just before the 2pm kick-off I notice another photographer from the local press. The 2 teams come eventually come out, with Tenbury decked out in black and white striped shirts and Hinton in their usual red and black stripes.
The game kicks off at 2:07 pm, which seems par for the course for a lot of Non-League games these days. Even the, game I saw at Sutton Coldfield the previous week,had started 5 minutes late.
It's the visitors who start the more strongly and look as if they mean business today.
The rather young looking Tenbury keeper saves a shot after just 3 minutes. Tenbury create a chance of their own after 14 minutes, when their No.9 has a shot saved when cutting in from the right. 7 minutes later though they should have taken the lead when one of their players found himself in a one on one situation with the Hinton keeper but fails to make a good enough connection while trying to lift the ball and justs end up guiding the ball in to the keepers arms.
Hinton are generally still the more dangerous looking team and after going close when their No.9,Damion Gallimore, can't make a good connection with a header in front of goal, they take the lead after 27 minutes. This time their No.10 is put through with a great pass to shoot past the keeper with a deflection off a Tenbury defender's boot (as shown below).
The first half ends with neither side having any more good chances. I notice the press photographer had left after about 25 minutes, so probably was going to another local match, maybe Bromyard Town?
It's certainly a chilly day and hot cup of tea would be most welcome but without a club house I have to go without and just have my whole nut chocolate bar to comfort me.
I wonder if Tenbury United can score a quick goal after the break and make a come back today?
(Tenbury United midfielder, Sam Williams, is tackled by the attentive,Mike Marsden)
They do create the first chance 3 minutes in to the second half when their No.9 is put through but his shot is well saved.
Tenbury have an escape 7 minutes later when their keeper drops the ball but a fellow defender manages to clear the ball to save his bacon. I don't think he is their regular goalkeeper as when I look on the United website, it looks as if he a midfield player called Robbie Farrar. I notice he is also struggling to get much distance with his goal kicks sometimes but the strong wind is certainly not helping him.
The next chance after 30 minutes falls Hinton's way when Damion Gallimore goes past 2 defenders but shoots straight at the keeper. They do increase their lead just 3 minutes later after Gallimore plays in a good ball for a fellow forward to shoot home.
Tenbury have a half chance a few minutes later when one of their players tries his luck with a stooping header but his effort proves to be of no trouble for the Hinton keeper.
The game ends in a fairly comfortable win for Hinton, which keeps them in fourth place while Tenbury drop a place to 9th, just above Leominster Town. Tenbury look to have a mainly youthful team and Hinton's more experienced team were certainly the more dominant in midfield today.
Overall I have enjoyed my trip to Tenbury but this ground I certainly don't recommend to visit if it's raining, as there is no immediate shelter except for the sports complex wall if it's raining from a westerly direction.
I do have time to have a warming cup of coffee at the 'Spotted Dog Gallery' which has some good paintings to view on the walls. Unfortunately the Regal Cinema (opened in 1932 and closed in 1966) nearby is just closing down for the day when I walk past. It has been restored recently with the help of Lottery money and has Art Deco style fixtures and fittings and would have been worth a quick wander round. As well as film showings they also feature live shows too. The last bus for Worcester arrives a few minutes later and I soon doze off in it's warmth on my journey home.
Match entertainment: 6/10
Match attendance: 20
Match entrance fee: free
Match programme: none available
With a dismal looking forecast for today I am not that hopeful of seeing a game at my choice of venue today, the Palmers Meadow ground of Tenbury United who play in the Herefordshire Football League.
I receive an email from their Fixture Secretary that their game is off today, so my Plan B is to go and see Barnt Green Spartak's game in Kings Norton. I receive a text from their Secretary just before reaching the University rail station in Birmingham that that game is off too. I would have had to change trains here to get to that ground.
So it's Plan C, to visit the 3G all weather pitch at Coles Lane to watch Sutton Coldfield Town's local derby against Stafford Rangers. As they are both riding high in the league table I reckon it could be a good game to watch. Not so good for photography though due to the 3pm kick-off with falling light levels in the second half.
After getting safely to New Street station in Birmingham, I get the next train to Sutton Coldfield. The weather is cloudy with occasional drizzle now. When I arrive at my destination, I have time to have a look round the shops and a bite to eat. It's a good place for shopping with most major stores located here.
Then I make the 15 minute walk to the ground. It's a place I have been to several times over the last 4 years, to watch the home side, plus also Romulus FC and Aston Villa Ladies, Sutton Coldfield and Romulus Under-21 teams and Walsall Wood when they had a re-arranged FA Vase tie played here.
Sutton have an average gate of approximately 150 so it will be interesting to see if it's a bigger crowd with the visit of nearby Stafford who usually have good support.
Both teams are riding high in the league this season, with Sutton top of the table and Stafford lying in 5th place. The teams come out with Sutton in their all royal blue strip and Stafford in black and white striped shirts.
I go to the far end of the ground and am joined by a contingent of the Stafford supporters just before kick-off. Stafford who are attacking the goal at this end, seem to be inspired by their fans in the early stages as they have the best of the play.
(Mc.Naught of Stafford Rangers has a shot blocked by Sutton Coldfield's defence)
Sutton do go close though when their No.8, Jamie Sheldon, has a shot that hits the post after the Stafford keeper, Adam Whitehouse, fails to hold on to an effort by Scott Lycett.
I am impressed by the Stafford Rangers No.9, Ryan Wynter, who is proving to be a lively opponent for the Sutton defence. He also has a distinctive shaving brush like hair style (shown below).
Wynter has a good effort saved by Lee Evans in the Sutton goal but the latter stages of this half, see Sutton Coldfield imposing themselves more on the game. So it's 0-0 and all to play for both teams in the next half.
I hear from a Sutton Coldfield fan, wearing a Villa scarf, that Birmingham City are 0-2 down at half-time, in their away 3rd Rd FA Cup tie at Blyth Spartans, so no wonder he looks to be in good spirits!
There seems to be a decent crowd at today's match and it's good to see 2 local teams doing well. Stafford were relegated last season and will be looking to book a play-off place. Sutton Coldfield have been there or close to it in the last few seasons and look to be a more consistent side this time.
I have a chat with a guy who is wearing a WBA scarf. He tells me that he doesn't watch the Albion very much these days but instead watches non-league matches, mainly at Tividale who now play in this division.
There are a number of Sutton Coldfield fans who come down to the end of the ground where their team will be attacking in the next period. They have some musical accompaniment with 2 guys playing a trumpet and drum respectively. They are both decent players and should have no trouble in getting a regular gig at home games.
It's Sutton Coldfield Town who are fast out of the blocks at the start of this 45 minutes. In the 48th minute, they take the lead courtesy of Justin Richards from a well struck shot.
(scorer, Justin Richards in the centre of the photo is congratulated by team mates)
Stafford Rangers come back at Sutton and Nathan Smith and Dan Cope have chances but it's Sutton who are the more threatening.
It's only some good goalkeeping from Adam Whitehouse that keeps the score line down to one goal as he makes saves from Sheldon and Turton near the end.
(Sutton Coldfield on the attack late on in the game)
So Sutton Coldfield have won against a useful Stafford Rangers team. They have done well to bounce back after their recent home defeat to Tividale, while this game marks the end of Stafford's unbeaten run.
Both Mickleover Sports and Spalding Town have games in hand over Sutton and are the current favourites for the league title and automatic promotion. Sutton Coldfield and Stafford Rangers both look strong for a play-off place at the end of the season.
Match attendance: 362
Entertainment value: 7/10
Match entrance fee: £8
Match programme: £2
