I am heading to another local game today to see Evesham United. It's only a 45 minute bus ride for me and after having had a good lunch in a newly discovered cafe, I walk down to the Jubilee Stadium and arrive there after 25 minutes on a pleasant sunny day.
Evesham have drawn one and lost one game so far, which is par for the course for them as they are known for their slow starts to the season. Their visitors Wimborne Town from Dorset on the other hand have opened their campaign with 2 victories. United though are welcoming back skipper Matt Sysum and Linden Dovey to their defence and experienced striker Adam Mann.
When the teams come on to the pitch Evesham are in their red and white striped shirts but Wimborne are in their change strip of orange and white.
It's the battle of the birds, 'The Robins' of Evesham and 'The Magpies' of Wimborne, whose use usual colours are black & white striped shirts.
The first half is a pretty uneventful affair with not many clear cut chances being created. One of Wimborne's best efforts falls to Jamie Davidson after 19 minutes who has a lobbed shot turned over by the Evesham keeper following a corner (as shown below).
Evesham's best chance falls to Lance Smith whose close range header is kept out by the Magpies keeper, Pat Flaherty, (as shown below).
So it's been a pretty disappointing first 45 minutes and hopefully we will see more action after the interval. I don't win the £20 prize draw either (which isn't a surprise).
It's the home team who score the first goal when after 52 minutes, their industrious No.10 Paul Fahy cuts back the ball from the right of the goal for Lance Smith to hit home.
From then on it's Evesham in the ascendancy and it's no surprise when after several missed chances, substitute Adam Mann prods home from close range with just 9 minutes to go (shown below on the left celebrating with his team mates).
The Robins are triumphant today and both teams contributed to a much better second half. The players coming back in to the team for Evesham I think was a major factor for their win.
I'm glad I visited the Jubilee Stadium as I think Evesham are a friendly and well run club.
Match attendance: 233
Match entrance fee: £9
Match programme: £2
Match entertainment: 7/10
A new season beckons on the horizon and today I have decided to visit my closest local team in the shape of Worcester Raiders, who ply their trade in Division 1 of the West Midlands Regional League.
When I arrive at Claines Lane, right on the northern edge of Worcester I am immediately worried when I can't hear any activity from the direction of the ground. It's 1:45 pm and the kick-off was advertised for 2:00 pm. I walk through the small car park and see that there are 2 teams going through their warm up exercises. Today's opponents were advertised a few days ago as being Hereford Lads Club.
I see one of the match officials nearby and ask him about the kick-off time as nobody appears to be in a hurry and there are only a few minutes to go. He tells me that it will be a 2:30 pm start instead and because Lads Club cancelled, this fixture was hastily rearranged and now the Raiders will be playing Sutton United from Div 2 of the Midland Football League. It will be tough on the players today as the temperature is hitting the 25 degree mark.
I had seen the Raiders play in February this year soon after I had lost my previous camera. They had lost that day and had been hovering near the bottom of the league table. Shortly after that they improved greatly in the last third of the season and finished in a respectable mid table position.
At 2:30 pm the teams are ready on the field with the Raiders in their blue strip and the visitors decked out in green and black.
After an even first 10 minutes it's the home team who score first through their top striker, Richard Smith who slots the ball home from the left.
Sutton go close soon after when the Raiders keeper has to make a good block and Richard Smith then shoots just wide in the very next attack.
Sutton look menacing in attack at times and after 30 minutes are awarded a penalty when their No.16 is barged over in the area. The kick is duly dispatched with the Raiders keeper sent the wrong way (as shown below).
In this half during a drinks break allowed by the ref, the linesman on my side of the pitch comes over to me and asks if I'm taking photos for Sutton United. I tell him I'm from Worcester and then he realises that we met before in February. It's a guy called George MacPherson whose son Neil plays for the Raiders. George has been roped in today to run the line and he tells me that he is now the Club Secretary. He says the club are planning on getting promotion this season.
In the 33rd minute the Raiders No.8 has a shot cleared off the line after goal mouth melee and in the next attack they have a shot that hits the bar.
Not to be outdone Sutton then hit a post from a free kick but 2 minutes before the break, it's that man Richard Smith to score his and the Raiders second goal after being put through by a great pass on the left (as shown below).
Soon after Richard Smith cuts the ball back after a good move down the right only for the ball to be shot over the bar.
It's been quite an even end to end encounter so far with Worcester Raiders probably just deserving their half time lead.
The hosts lose their lead straight after the restart though when Sutton's No.9 shoots home after a cute pass lets him in on the left.
After 65 minutes Sutton take the lead when one of their players chases after the ball with Raiders defender with the keeper coming out. I can't see what happens next except the ball ends up in the back of the net and the goal stands.
After 32 minutes the Raiders No.12 is put through on the right but his shot is saved.
With several substitutions in this half, the game fizzles out and Sutton United end up winning in what has been a good work out for both sides.
Worcester Raiders certainly look good in attack, especially when Richard Smith is playing but their defence does look shaky at times.
Match attendance: approx 25
Match entrance fee: free
Match programme: none available
Match entertainment: 7/10
After looking at the weather forecast for Saturday, the previous evening, I have been wondering whether it's going to be worthwhile to just go out of the house? I look out of the window at about 8 am on Saturday though and can see the expected overnight rain did not materialise and make the decision to go to my chosen match, whatever happens.
I have decided to go to another Cup Final from the West Midlands Regional League, this time involving the Division 2 teams, Bilbrook and Newport Town. This means a second trip for this season to the Garden Walk Stadium of Gornal Athletic. This is a good venue as I know there will be plenty of shelter there.
I go to Stourbridge by train and am greeted on my arrival in the town centre by drizzly conditions and a display of Morris dancing near the High Street! Then it's a sausage and egg sandwich, egg custard tart, washed down by an ample cup of coffee at a local eatery. Cheap and cheerful, just the job!
I have a mooch around a few shops before embarking on the Dudley bound 257 bus for Lower Gornal. It's a 1:00 pm kick-off today, which suits me fine as the weather has cleared up again and rain is more likely to come later this afternoon.
The bus takes about 25 minutes to get us to the small bus station at Gornal Wood and I make the 5 minute walk to the ground and arrive at 12:50 pm. There seems to be a sizeable crowd today and I make my way down the steep terrace on this side of the ground to make my way to the end that has a steep bank of grass behind it.
Bilbrook FC represent the village of that name which is situated in South Staffordshire, close to Wolverhampton. This club was founded in 1978. Newport Town represent the town from Shropshire and have had a very successful league campaign, winning the title with just 2 defeats and by a margin of 20 points between them and the 2nd placed team, Old Wulfrunians. So on paper, Newport are strong favourites today.
Soon the 2 teams come on to the pitch. Newport in an all blue strip while Bilbrook are in white shirts (with diagonal black & red stripes), black shorts and red socks.
From the start it's the underdogs of Bilbrook who are the livelier team.
Indeed it takes 15 minutes before Newport seem to get much of a foothold in this game. Although they are attacking more it's still Bilbrook who look the more dangerous side.
After 29 minutes, Bilbrook's No.7 goes on good run down the right, crosses the ball across the goal for their No.11 to bundle the ball home at the far post, despite the close attentions of a defender.
Just before half time, Newport's No.11 goes down the right to slide the ball in but the Bilbrook keeper does well to block the ball from close range from an oncoming Newport attacker.
The whistle is blown soon after and so it's Bilbrook who lead 1-0 and Newport Town look to have a real fight on their hands today.
During the interval I meet Mark McIntyre,an official from Darlaston Town and he says he is a regular viewer of this Blog. Fame at last! Also a ground hopper who has made the journey all the way from Bedford and who I had talked to earlier likes the look of my Blog when he finds it on his mobile phone.
( The teams make their way down the steps for the second half )
When play resumes, it's more of the same as Bilbrook go close again in the 48th minute when their No.9 turns his marker on the left side of the goal and slots the ball just wide of the far post.
Bilbrook go close twice more before increasing their lead after 66 minutes. A substitute of their's their No.16 goes down the right before managing to put in a good cross from the by line to the far post and their No.10 is on hand to head in from close range.
( Bilbrook's second goal hits the back of the net! )
Three minutes and it could be game over when the underdogs score their third goal. Their No.10 is on the left of the goal, with his back to it and manages to go on a run, first going out and then cutting back before managing to get in a shot that manages to elude the Newport keeper, who it looks to me as if if he should have done better. Easy for me to say though.
Soon after this, most of the crowd are diving for cover as the rain starts to bucket down. Thankfully though it only lasts for 5-10 minutes.
In the 75th minute a Newport player is adjudged to have been pushed in the back in the Bilbrook penalty area and the resulting penalty is duly despatched. Soon after this in another Newport attack, their No.8 goes down like a sack of spuds in the area. Quite pathetic! He could have had a second booking for that piece of play acting.
Close to full time a Newport free kick from the right comes over for their No.7 to bury a header in to the net. They go close again in injury time but Bilbrook hold on for a deserved win.
A few minutes later and the Bilbrook team collect the trophy and display it for their fans on the terraces behind. Well done Bilbrook!
Newport Town have been second best today but have the satisfaction of a very successful League campaign, ending as Champions and promotion to the 1st Division. Bilbrook can use this cup win as a launch pad for a better League campaign next season, after finishing in 7th place this time round.
Match entrance fee: £3
Match programme: free
Match attendance: Approx 100
PS. I was informed later on by the League Secretary, Wendy Juggins, that Bilbrook FC were found to have played the final with an ineligible player and the result was declared null and void.
Match entertainment 7.5/10
With a good weather forecast and a Cup Final to watch today, I am also looking to travel to a new ground too. It's Long Lane Park, which lies in between Cannock and Walsall, in South Staffordshire but with a Wolverhampton postcode? Also the ground is listed as being located in the village of Essington but in reality it lies 2-3 miles to the east of it and is in fact between the settlements of Newtown and Springfield.
The 2 teams taking part are Smethwick Rangers who defeated AFC Bridgnorth 3-0 in their semi-final while Wolverhampton Sporting had an epic 4-3 extra-time win over Cup holders Cradley Town.
I set off in sunshine, albeit with a cool breeze in attendance when I walk down to the rail station. I arrive in Walsall without incident and have a quick look round the town centre and the canal before having a cheap but unremarkable sausage & egg baguette at a local takeaway. Then it's off to the bus station and hopping aboard the No.2 bus where I ask the driver to let me know when we reach Long Lane. On the bus a local old guy engages me in conversation and he points out that the area where the football ground lies, used to be an old coal mining area where there are old mine shafts. This gets me wondering if we are going to see any players disappearing from view during today's match? Hope they are all insured!
20 minutes later I am told by the driver that we have arrived at Long Lane. After a 10 minute walk, I find myself outside the ground where officials are opening the gates to let a car inside. I then walk at the back of the club house to the far side, where the spectators are shelling out for the entry fee of £5. As I had let the League Secretary, Wendy Juggins, know that I was coming to take photos and she happened to be collecting the money, I get in for a reduced fee, with also a free programme and League badge! Thanks Wendy! I think this is due to the fact that I have supplied several lots of photos to the new WMRL website this season.
I find out from a League official that the current users of this ground are FC Stafford, as their own pitch in Stafford is not deemed suitable as because of the encroaching athletics track there, it is too small.
There is a decent sized crowd today even though this venue is in a fairly remote location.
The 2 teams come on to the pitch in their usual first team colours of dark blue & yellow for the Rangers and gold & black for the Sporting. When the game kicks off it's the favourites Wolves Sporting who are mainly on the offensive for the first 10 minutes.
During this period, the best chance is created by their No.10 who goes on a good run down the right, squares the ball across the goal area only for the ball to just evade 2 of his team mates.
After 12 minutes though, Smethwick take the lead when their No.8, Babucak Sauane, pushes through a great ball to the oncoming No.7,Nehemia Zazi, who slots the ball past the advancing Sporting keeper.
I take note that the Smethwick No.3 has a passing resemblance to the Real Madrid Brazilian left back, Marcelo, as they have similar afro hairstyles. His colleague at No.2,Abou Ceesay is also noted to have been putting in some great tackles.
For the next 20 minutes it's Smethwick Rangers who are mainly on top without creating many clear cut chances.
They are nearly made to pay for this in the 43rd minute when the Wolves Sporting's livewire No.7 crosses from the left and this is headed down in to the path of a Sporting attacker who fires over the bar.
The first half is completed with the favourites a goal in arrears.Maybe their exertions against Cradley Town a few nights ago are taking their toll? Smethwick with their young team look to be full of running and I think it will take a big effort from Wolves Sporting to take the trophy today.
Straight from the start of the second period, Wolves Sporting are on the attack and their No.7 sees his shot hit in to the side netting.
Smethwick are still dangerous and in the 61st minute a free kick is headed back to their No.6 and captain to shoot just past the post.
5 minutes later and Sporting's No.8 hits a rising shot over the bar from the left and in the 75th minute another Wolves Sporting attack sees a hooked shot by their No.11 from the right go the wrong side of the far post.
Smethwick's hopes are dealt a blow when 'Marcelo' is sent off in the 81st minute for a second booking after tripping the Wolves No 7 (as shown below)
Smethwick Rangers are forced back more and more by their increasingly desperate opponents and in the last minute of normal time, their ever dangerous No.7 goes down the right to dink over to their No.11 who wastes the chance by seeming to lose his footing in front of goal.
Also the Smethwick keeper has had problems in making decent goal kicks and has struggled to get them over the half way line most of the time, which has at times put more pressure on their defence.
( A late Smethwick Rangers free kick is watched by the Wolves keeper)
There is still time in stoppage time to see a Wolves Sporting substitute back head the ball over the bar and then their No.4 is sent off after receiving a second yellow.
The ref blows for time soon after and the Smethwick Rangers team receive the trophy after they, the match officials and the losing team have received their respective medals.
I later find out that the Smethwick Rangers team is largely composed of players under 21 years of age and they have put in a very encouragingly mature performance today which bodes well for their future. They have a club policy of giving equal opportunities to young players of all ethnic minority groups in their local community. Wolverhampton Sporting CFC have been disappointed today but have had a good season, finishing in a very creditable 4th place in the League. They will be playing Lichfield City this coming Wednesday evening in the JW Hunt Cup Semi-Final at the Castlecroft Stadium and the winners will be playing either Alvechurch or Sporting Khalsa in the Final at Molyneux the following Wednesday.
Match attendance: Approx 80
Match entrance fee: £5
Match programme: £1
Match entertainment: 7/10
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
It now feels like Spring today. It has been raining this morning but when I make my way to Foregate Street rail station in Worcester , the sun is starting to shine through. My destination is Redditch in north Worcestershire, where league leaders Redditch United are playing in a table topping local derby at home to fourth placed Leamington from Warwickshire.
I had visited the Valley Stadium near the end of last season when Redditch just missed out on the play-off places but this time round have been more successful and they have been unbeaten at home after losing their first match of this campaign.
I arrive at the ground 20 minutes before kick-off and it looks like there is going to be a big crowd watching today, as there is a fairly long queue at the turnstiles.
When the teams march out, Redditch are in their usual red shirts, black shorts and socks while the visitors are in their away strip of all blue.
There are plenty of photographers here and I can count 4 round the pitch.
The Leamington forward, Jack Edwards has the first chance after 10 minutes but shot over after being played in by Danny Dubidat.
The Brakes keeper, Tony Breeden made good saves from Simeon Maye and the dangerous Redditch playmaker, Ashley Sammons.
Leamington do show they still carry a threat when their tricky winger, Sam Austin has a free kick saved by Jose Veiga.
The first half has seen the home side mainly on top but with neither side looking like they can score the first goal so far.
I reckon there are about 200 to 250 Leamington fans here today, with a section of them on the far side of the pitch shown above.
Play in the second half is spoilt somewhat by the referee who does not let the game flow and gives out a lot of yellow cards, which is puzzling as it's not a dirty game. This annoys the spectators and bemuses the players.
The last 15 minutes are the most eventful of the match. George Carline sees his acrobatic scissors kick go just wide for Redditch. Then Leamington's Callum Gittings is sent off after receiving a second yellow for dissent.
Leamington are still striving to get a possible 3 points and they go very close when substitute, Ben Mackey, sees his header come back off an upright while Redditch's No.9, Sam Merson, sees his effort just go over the bar right near the end.
Leamington have a tough away trip to Weymouth coming up this Tuesday. Both teams drop down a place after wins by Poole Town and Hungerford Town who move up to 1st and 4th positions respectively and there are only 5 points separating the top 5 teams.
Match attendance: 742
Match entertainment: 6.5/10
Match entrance fee: £10
Match programme: £2
I have inadvertently come to a new ground today. Originally I had agreed to take some photos for Droitwich Spa in their away match at Paget Rangers. I had travelled as far as New Street rail station in Birmingham, was waiting for my train to Chester Road station, when I noticed an email on my phone from Ben Lloyd, the Spa Media Officer, telling me the match had fallen foul of the overnight bad weather.
At first I thought of going to a match at the 4G surface at Sutton Coldfield's ground, in Coles Lane but to my dismay find that both Sutton Coldfield and their tenants Romulus are both playing away today. Maybe Lichfield Town? Then I suddenly remember seeing on a previous rail trip, the ground of Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons lying close to the rail line just after Chester Road station. A quick check on the MFL website shows me that indeed they are at home today (playing the splendidly named Shipston Excelsior) and the match looks to be still on!
I got off at Chester Road and with the help of my map soon fInd the entrance to the ground.
Then I walked down the drive to the Sports Club where there is a club house on the left. Just before getting there I saw a guy getting out of a car and asked him if the game was definitely on? He assured me it was and said that he and his friend were ground hoppers who had originally been going to a game in North Wales. He also let me take a photo of the team line-ups that he'd borrowed off a club official.
There are changing rooms with toilets along the side and then next two 4G 5-a-side pitches before the 3 football pitches the other side of some wire fencing. The main railed pitch is directly in front of me and the other 2 are located at the bottom of this. The railway line is on the other side of the ground. There is no shelter at the ground so it's good that the weather forecast is for a mainly sunny afternoon.
When the teams troop out, Boldmere are in their home strip of red & black striped shirts, black shorts and socks while today's visitors are in white shirts, orange shorts and white socks, their away strip I think.
Shipston are in the mid-table position of 8th but Boldmere are struggling near the bottom of the 3rd Division.
Their is a strong breeze going across the pitch and the pitch itself slopes a bit from top to bottom. It's Boldmere who are attacking down the pitch in this half and they do most of the pressing in the early stages.
Indeed after just 8 minutes, they should have taken the lead when their No.8, Jordan Lengthorne, is presented with a great headed knock-down from a free kick but shoots just wide of the left hand post (as shown below).
Shipston hit back after 14 minutes when they have a close range shot blocked by the Boldmere keeper, Ryan Lewis.
The visitors take the lead after 24 minutes when the ball is played down the left and a player scores from close range and a few minutes later they double the lead. They are awarded a free kick on the right, which is knocked over to the left of the goal where a Shipston player heads it back for a team mate to loop a header in to the far corner.
Boldmere have not played badly but have a mountain to climb to get back in to the match.
They go very close after 35 minutes when an attack is launched down the right and their live wire No.7, Lewis Gorle, sees his attempted cross deflect off a defender, on to the bar and out of play.
In their next attack a loose ball is struck firmly by Gorle but is saved well by Ireland the Excelsior keeper.
Gorle is scythed down near the end of the first half by Matt Partridge the Shipston No.3 who is then booked for his efforts.
It's Shipston Excelsior in the driving seat at half-time but Boldmere can count themselves unlucky not to be on the score sheet at least.
During the interval, a Boldmere supporter asks me who I am taking photos for and I tell him it's for my Blog. He then tells me that his 17 year old son is playing in goal for Boldmere.
In Boldmere's very first attack in the second period they score when Gorle crosses for striker, Rob Tydlacka to head home.
Their good fortune does not last though when a few minutes later their keeper makes a hash of clearing the ball and it falls to an oncoming Shipston player. In a panic Ryan Lewis grabs the guy in possession and wrestles him to the ground. Of course he is sent off and another Boldmere player takes his jersey to go in goal for the penalty, which he duly saves by diving to his right.
Shipston have one of their players sent off but for some reason I manage to miss this happening. I find out later that it's their No.3 Matt Partridge.
It's certainly at times been a committed feisty encounter today and Boldmere's No.4, Reiss Johnson can count himself lucky not to be shown a straight red card rather than a yellow for this foul.
He even has the cheek to wag a finger in the ref's face after his offence, to make the point that it wasn't a foul?
Mr.Johnson goes on a run in to the Shipston penalty area in injury time only to see his shot deflected.
Also their substitute keeper goes up for a corner and sees his header skim the bar (as shown below).That would have been a great way to end this exciting match if he had scored!
I'm glad I came to this match today which more than made up for my earlier disappointment as regards the Paget match. I also met Adam 'Adji the Groundhopper' at last, whose blog I have been reading for the last 4 years. I didn't recognise him at first as he was wearing specs and a beanie hat.
We have a good chat for the last 15 minutes of the match and he then gives me a lift back to the station. Thanks Adam!
Match attendance: 25
Match entrance fee: free
Match programme: none available
Match entertainment: 8/10
