tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12964001909795741202024-03-13T04:09:34.672-07:00The Mind of an Imp. Just a little old blog when i charter my journey watching football and rebuilding my mental health and confidence while hopefully entertaining,educating and re-addressing the past.west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.comBlogger455125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-85034176627379510062021-09-10T10:11:00.000-07:002021-09-10T10:11:30.852-07:00Sherwood Colliery 2-2 Buxton September to me has always seemed to be the worse month of the year by far. I think it started back when I was at school as it signifies the start of another year at school and thus another year of misery for the most part. Add in the fact that as soon as September rolls around you know the long nights of summer and semi decent weather are all but gone. In COVID times its even worse as who knows what will happen over the winter both in terms of the virus and the economy here in the UK. To say I feel its an anxious time is somewhat of an understatement. However, one very small light in a sea of awfulness is that we still have football and especially the FA Cup.
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There are some weeks that I don’t really start planning and looking forward to the Saturday game till Friday morning. Then there are some that as soon as the dreaded Sunday night rolls around the only thing that keeps me going and able to get up in the Morning is that thought of a match on the Saturday. This past weekend’s game between Sherwood and Buxton in the FA Cup was most defiantly in the later camp. For the past four years since I have lived alone, I have struggled with Sunday evenings. And now that the nights are drawing in, I have felt even worse with only this blog and the darts to try and keep my mind active and away from thinking about Monday and whatever shitshow the week ahead will bring. Last Sunday though after scrolling through the fixtures this game just shone out like a beacon and it is what have kept me going. The lure of the road to Wembley is strong for me and although the big clubs see this as 3rd in line after the Champions League and Premier League the FA cup carries huge significance for clubs in L1 and L2 and throughout Non-League.
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Over the years I have enjoyed watching clubs have their “Big Day” so to speak in the cup. This is normally either when I club gets further than it has ever done in the Cup or is a club plays host to a side in a higher division and thus the match attracts a much larger crowd than they normally would. We experienced this last season when we watched West Bridgeford perform well on and off the pitch against Halesowen in the 1st qualifying round, the same stage as todays match.
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The hosts Sherwood Colliery seem to be on a bit of a roll at the moment. They are currently top of the NCEL premier division and had already won two matches to reach this stage of the competition. In the extra preliminary round, they defeated Boston Town before causing a cup upset by beating Sheffield FC a side one division above them in a match that was streamed online by the BBC 2-1
Buxton not only sat two divisions above their hosts but (like their hosts) were also sitting top of their division. Buxton is a ground that I have only visited once before but it does have the rare distinction of being one of the few grounds that Lee Houseman has attended a game at all be it about a decade ago when we watched Buxton take on Macclesfield in a pre-season friendly.
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Sherwoods Debdale Park stadium is located just behind Mansfield Woodhouse train station. The road up to the ground seemed quite busy but thankfully there was plenty of room in the station carpark. Walking up to the ground it was obvious that the game had attracted a good crowd with the bar and food hut doing a roaring trade. It looked like plenty of locals had taken the opportunity of watching a side top of the league and on a great cup run. Let’s be honest it’s a long time since the good folk of Mansfield had the chance of witnessing such a feat. Buxton too had travelled in good numbers so a good atmosphere was pretty much guaranteed. Today’s admission was £5 with a well-produced programme coming in a £2. Club pin badges were also available at £3. On paying you entrance fee a club official stamped you hand in a throw back to the days of going up the Poterhouse and various other clubs. It brought a tear to Felices eye and memories of him being a Thursday-Friday-Saturday man up the Doghouse wearing black slip on shoes with white socks in the midd 90, s.
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Buxton were quickly into their stride and looked good in possession with Sherwood looking to hit them on the break. Buxton may have had more of the ball, but they didn’t get to many shots in on target. Sherwood weren’t being played off the park, but their decision was letting them down from time to time in their efforts to hit on the counter. The main excitement in the first 20 minutes came when one of the linesmen had the ball hit at him from point blank range thus breaking his flag. The game was held for a good five minutes as a replacement was found.
Buxton eventually took the lead on 27 minutes following a free kick that was lofted into the box and finished off from close range by Clarke. The visitors held onto the lead until the break and at that point in the game you have to say it was deserved. The rest of the first half continued in much the same vein with Buxton having more of the ball but Sherwood defending well when the visitors got within 25 yards or so of their goal and pressing well as a group. You can tell they are well coached and worked well for each other even if their discipline occasionally let them down.
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At halftime we had a stroll around the ground and made a quick visit to the clubhouse, naturally the clubhouse was very busy, but it looked smart enough even thought there were a few to many Mansfield Town pictures for my liking. They do have a few dartboards up though which is always great to see.
Buxton doubled their lead on 53 minutes when Ash Chambers chested home a cross from a foot out. At that point the game looked to be over. But this is football, and this is the FA Cup
If Sherwood were going to get back into the match, then they needed to strike back straight away which is exactly what they did when Liam Theakstone finished off a great move when he turned in the cross from the left wing. Suddenly the crowd came to life and Sherwood started to believe again. Two minutes later they were level thanks to a great finish from Gareth Curtis. We now had a real cup tie on our hands and they game was genuinely end to end stuff. Both sides started to look good from corners and free kicks. The game really deserved a winner but alas it finished 2-2. Both clubs can take huge credit from this with the 400 plus in attendance definitely getting their money’s worth.
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If you get the chance to visit Sherwood Colliery, I do recommend you give them a visit. Its easy to get to, the clubhouse is smart, they sell programmes and badges. Oh, and the team arnt half bad either.
west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-58020535797469361312021-08-30T11:40:00.000-07:002021-08-30T11:40:12.872-07:00Retford United 1-2 Club Thorne <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6oLtWP71gg/YS0k14LCTJI/AAAAAAAAHUY/dQBzvQgwEHAgNQWOZnvHapI55fabhzT3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/RUT2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6oLtWP71gg/YS0k14LCTJI/AAAAAAAAHUY/dQBzvQgwEHAgNQWOZnvHapI55fabhzT3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/RUT2.jpg"/></a></div>
Sometimes I have my weekends planned well in advance football wise. However, this weekend I wasn’t sure if I would make a game at all as I was teaching a Nunhuck seminar in Lincoln. Something I had been looking forward to doing for a few weeks. As my life has been in a rut for the past few years I have needed a new project to get my teeth into and although darts has filled some of this void I don’t want to be drawn into spending all my time in the pub (much fun as that would be and as much as I would enjoy it) I do like to practice at home a few evenings each week but I still have plenty of free time and a potential return to Taekwondo coaching could be a way to give me a much needed purpose in life once again.
Having got back into the ghetto at 1.30 it gave me time to get changed nip into town to get the cats some treats and make my way up to Cannon Park who were taking on Thorne a club that I have a lot of time for and that have been “There or there abouts” for the past couple of seasons in the CML North as have the hosts Retford United. I choose to take the scenic route to Cannon Park walking along the cannel and arriving just after 2.30.
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One of the things that I have noticed over the years is that there are basically three types of clubs in Step 7. Firstly, you have clubs that are having their first crack at Saturday football and are a more organised version of a pub team playing at a very basic ground which in many cases is a roped off pitch with players that are just happy to be playing Saturday football (and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that at all) More often than not these clubs fold after a year or two or merge with other local teams. Next you have clubs that are happy to be a Step 7 club and don’t have to budget to spend on the ground but always turn out a competitive side and often have decades of history at this level and set themselves up as real community clubs with thriving youth sections. Then you have clubs that are looking to get out of step 7 as soon as they can in order to advance up the pyramid. Often these are traditional clubs with classic old school grounds that played at a higher level in days gone by or clubs that have had a decent amount of investment in order to bring the ground up to scratch. The biggest challenge is for clubs to install floodlights as they are a requirement at Step 6. The two teams on show today are most definitely focused on taking the next step and getting out of the CML North and are defiantly in the third category.
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Before the game I held the view that the CML North will be a three-horse race between Retford, Thorne and Clay Cross with Nathon Arnolds Newark Town being a possible Darkhorse and having watched this game I have no reason to change my mind. All four clubs would be great additions and thrive as a Step 6 club but with only one promotion place up for grabs it will be a real scrap to get out of this league.
Going into this match both sides had a 100% record with Thorne having won all five of their fixtures and Retford having won all three of theirs so on paper we knew it was going to be a good match. We saw these two teams lock horns in the first game of last season when Retford hit two late goals to record a 1-2 away win in match that was very competitive.
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It’s been quite a while since I had been up to Cannon Park with my last visit being the Retford derby a couple of years ago. Back then the ground was looking a little tired, but it does seem to have been given a lick of paint and it seems a tad smarter even if the structure remains the same. Although I wouldn’t class myself as a regular attendee over the years, I do remember some fun times up there with the FA Cup 4th qualifying round match against Alfterton Town back in 2008 being the high point. The Badgers lost 3-1 that day with over 1,500 fans being present. With pretty much every man and his dog who had the remotest interest in football in the town showing up. Back in the early to mid-2000s most local Football League sides send teams down here for pre-season games with the likes of Doncaster, Sheffield United, Chesterfield and of course the Imps all rocking up at some point over the years. Some things never change however as the first person we saw on arriving at the ground was Mr Retford United and Groundhopping legend Dave Wathall who was on fine form and on the hunt for a team sheet. If you are ever looking for a random game and want to know anything about Retford United past just ask Dave, the man is a mine of information, always happy to help find a team sheet and chat about the good old days.
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Today’s admission was the CML norm £3 with a programme costing a further £1. We headed over the food hut and sampled a wonderful chip butty which was very nice and no doubt the Duke of Edinburgh would have approved off. The club seem to have done up the club shop which had a nice range of programmes, and the club house looks like it has had a lick of paint too. We took out food and settled in to watch the match from the seated area on the far side of the ground.
Looking at the teamsheet we got a reminder of how old we were. Back in 98/99 Lincoln were starting their 1st season in the 3rd tier of English football for Christ knows how long with the big summer signing being striker Leo Forutne-West, a player that had always looked great against the Imps and battered them into submission for Gillingham at the first home game of the 1995/96 season. As soon as Lincoln signing him, I was sure they would stay up and he would score bucket loads of goals in the Red and White. Sadly, it didn’t work out for Leo at Lincoln and his was transferred within a couple of months. He had a great career in the game though scoring goals pretty much everywhere he went. Today his son lined up for the visitors with Leo in the crowd watching on. He still looks in great shape and dare I say he would properly be better up front that what Lincoln have now with the current injury crisis at the club.
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We didn’t have to wait long for the first goal as the hosts took the lead in the 7th minute thanks to a header from Bruno Holden. It was one of those headers that seems to hang in the air for what seemed like ages, but it nestled right in the corner just beyond the outstretched arm of the keeper. As the game wore on a couple of things became apparent. Firstly, these are two very good teams with no quarter asked and none given and secondly that the ref was a tad whistle happy which didn’t let the game flow and thus it became littered with freekicks. In truth neither keeper had much to do in the way of proper saves and a close game was always on the cards. On 36 minutes Thorne got their equaliser thanks to a great volley from Evan Fortune-West. It was no more than the visitors deserved and the next five minutes turned the game on its head.
On 37 minutes Retford main goal threat Mark West suffered a knock and had to be substituted. Whenever I have seen the Badgers much of their good attacking play come through him and when he plays well the team tend to play well. Then on 41 Thorne took the lead thanks to a dreadful own goal when the Retford full back under pressure from Morgan Brown hit a back pass then slowly trickled past the dive of the keeper and into the bottom of the net. It was a tough one to take for the hosts but from an attacking point of view it’s another example of chasing lost causes and never giving up.
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Halftime rolled around which was our cue to take a stroll around the ground and check the latest scores. The Imps were busy getting their asses handed to them and trailed Oxford 2-0 at the break which was a surprise to exactly nobody. Its still early in the season of course but I feel this Lincoln season will be more like 19/20 than 20/21. Let’s just hope to God its better than 98/99.
The second half seemed to fly by with very few real chances for neither and more whistle happy refereeing. As the game petered out Retford started to run out of ideas and Thorne happy to try and play on the counter. Sorry for the rather brief description of the second half but sadly not a lot happen. Thorne saw the game out and thus laid down an early marker in the battle for the title. But obviously there is still plenty of football to be played.
Well, that’s it till next time. The Imps have a blank Saturday coming up so we will be back on the non-league scene somewhere but as to where… Who knows?
west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-86721959632790764182021-08-23T12:08:00.002-07:002021-08-23T12:10:51.418-07:00Hucknall Town 2-2 Aylestone Park After a few weeks of watching the Imps, it was time to get back on the non-league scene this weekend. Although I have enjoyed watching the Imps, I was more than happy to get back watching non-league and the feeling you get when watching a random game often at a new ground between two teams that for the most part you know very little about and often with either a beer in hand.
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Today seeing how Felice was in Nottingham and Baz at work it made sense for me to meet Felice in Nottingham (a city that the Duke of Edinburgh had visited several times over the years) and then go to a game from there. To get to Nottingham from Retford you have two choices by public transport either the train or the bus. The train is quicker by roughly half and hour but just over double the price. Therefore, I decided to take the bus it may take just over 2 hours but its quite relaxing winding through many Nottinghamshire villages on route to the city. The bus came in at 12.25 and the plan was to meet up with Felice at 2.00pm then head over to the game. This gave me an hour and a half to kill, in times gone by I would just have headed to a pub somewhere. But with the early football kick offs not being very appealing I thought I would take a stroll around the city centre and try to find some rare post boxes but alas all that I could find were a handful of ER II era ones. The most common in the UK.
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As a city I really like Nottingham and it is a city I would dearly love to spend more time in. What it seems to lack in vintage post-boxes it more than makes up for in geeky shops, bars that cater for all tastes and stylish women so basically the opposite of what Retford sadly has to offer. On the plus side Retford does have 4 of the 6 different Royal Crests on post-boxes that you can see in the UK so its swings and roundabouts, eh?
Our original plan had been to watch Bilbrough Town take on Sandiace Town in the NSL but this game suffered a last minute change of venue to one that we had been to in the not to distant past. This meant we had to change our plans. I want to give whoever runs the Bilbrough twitter account a hat tip for letting us know. Little things like that leave a good impression on people and we will most definitely be heading over to watch them at some point this season. With Felice spending quite a bit of time in Nottingham I am sure plenty of chances will present themselves and I look forward to visiting them.
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The match chosen was Hucknall Town v Aylestone Park in the UCL division one (Step 6 of the pyramid) I have been to Hucknall before, but it would have been around ten years ago or so watching them play the Imps in a pre-season friendly match. I don’t remember much about the game apart from 1) I had an all-day session in Nottingham pregame and 2) Baz bottled the game to take in Retford v Worksop. I think the Imps won but I couldn’t be sure. I do remember us getting into a social club with cheap beer after the match in Hucknall but again I couldn’t tell you what it was called.
Today’s entry fee was a reasonable £5 with a smart programme costing £2. Hucknall have had a tough time over the past decade having dropped from the hights of the conference north and an FA Trophy final to the CML. It does appear though that the club is on the way back up and the club must be one of the best supporter sides at step 6 in England. The ground appears to have changed very little since I was last here but with a new stadium on the way its not surprising. I do like it however as it’s a proper old school ground. The clubhouse is a cracker too with a decent range of beers and club merchandise available. There is also a separate hatch selling food, I didn’t eat anything myself but Felice stuffed his chip butty down in record time so I can assume it was decent. I did have a cup of tea that is an early contender for cuppa of the season as it was a cracker.
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So, onto the game itself. A quick glance at the league table in the programme told us that Aylestone Park sat top of the division collecting 10 points from their 4 games. Hucknall had collected 6 points from their opening 3 games winning two and losing one. It was obvious early on that both sides were looking to get on the front foot early. We didn’t have to wait long for the first goal as the visitors won a freekick in the 4th minute on their right. The ball was fired into the boxand with the Hucknall defence not being switched on it allowed Ben Tansey to finish well leaving the keeper rooted to the spot. When a side concedes early there is always a worry that they will buckle but credit to Town as they went straight back on the attack and on 8 minutes they were level thanks to a header from former Imp Liam Hearn. Hearn was one of the better pre-Cowley era players in the Imps non-league years so its great to see him still involved in the game. On 27 minutes the hosts took the lead with another well taken goal thanks to Sam Sims. The game had been end to end all half only broken up by some clinical fouls from both sides. Aylestone were back level just before halftime on 42 minutes following great work on the right wing allowed Shay Brennen to finish from close range.
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With it being 2-2 at halftime we needed a pint or two in the bar to calm down. In the bar we checked the scores elsewhere to find that the Imps were losing 0-1 at Wycombe. I wasn’t very confident of the Imps getting anything at Adams Park before the match and when I saw they had gone 1 down after 3 minutes all hope had pretty much gone.
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You very rarely get two very good halves in a football match and sadly this followed that pattern. It was for no lack of trying and both sides went at it hammer and tongue to get a winner. The main talking point of the second half came when Lee Barratt was shown a second yellow card for an aerial challenge. Hucknall forced a flurry of corners late in the game but just lacked that final touch in the box. The game finished 2-2 and although both sides will feel that could and should have won it, I think secretly they were both glad that they didn’t lose it. I thoroughly enjoyed this match, and it was the perfect tonic after a dull week where I got nowhere fast. If you get a chance to watch either of these sides, then don’t pass up that opportunity, on this showing you won’t be disappointed.
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We caught the final minutes of the Imps game on the radio as Lincoln went down to Wycombe with barely a whimper. With Oxford and Rotherham coming up next in the league I have a feeling its going to get worse before it gets better for Lincoln. As for us I am not at a game this coming Saturday so hopefully I can bag a midweek game somewhere.
Till next time.
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west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-34065590034553129262021-08-19T12:35:00.002-07:002021-08-19T12:35:46.196-07:00Back at the Bank.
Finally, we are allowed to go back to Sincil Bank. And not only once but twice in four days. As the week leading up to the first home game against Fleetwood ticked over in slowly sank in that we would be going back to watch professional football. The more I thought about it however relief overtook excitement as my main emotion. Relief that by the grace of God I am still alive and able to attend whereas many thousands here in the UK and around the world are sadly not and won’t be able to receive a vaccine for a while let. I still think the virus has a trick or two up its sleeve however so my aim is to enjoy every game as much as I can and never take going to football for granted. As impressive as the vaccine roll out has been across Europe and North America still only 15% of the world’s population has had at least one shot of a vaccine.
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So, what are my expectations for the Imps this season? Its quite simple and maybe a tad on the boring and conservative side but it is to simply to remain a League One side at the end of the season. This may sound negative after being 90 minutes away from the Championship last season, but I have a few reasons for this.
This will be Lincolns third season at League One level since promotion and should they survive it I think its fair to say the Imps would be an established League One side and for as long as I have supported the Imps I have always though of that as a decent and realistic goal that is within the club’s expectations and budget. Obviously, it would be great to get to the Championship at some point but for now I think becoming a fixture in the top half of the League One table would be a decent steppingstone. Long term I could see the Imps becoming a Rotherham or Doncaster kind of club that is a solid top 6 League One side that has the odd flirt with the Championship, but I think that is a year or two off. Furthermore, with Notts County and Chesterfield in the National League and Mansfield in League 2 it makes Lincoln along with Burton on of the most attractive clubs in the midlands for the large Championship midlands clubs to send players out on loan to and to even attempt to sign players from those clubs. If the Imps were to drop back into League Two it would set the club back in recruiting players from these kind of clubs.
Over the past week or so the Imps have been publicizing the improvements that have been made to the ground over the past few months and I have to say that they have done a pretty good job. The first thing you notice when you approach the ground is the expanded “Fan village” this is basically more outdoor drinking and eating areas. There is now a good array of choice, and the food does look pretty good. My choice of pre-match football will always be chip shop for Saturday games or Kebab for the night ones. For the first game against Fleetwood the Chip shop was our port of call. I have to say it was kind of disappointing as the chips were slightly undercooked. However, they were still consumed with great enthusiasm.
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First up for the Imps was Fleetwood Town. Many have tipped the “Cod Army” to struggle this season, but they made life difficult for the Imps right from the start. Over the years the Imps have often struggled to break down sides that come to Sincil Bank looking for a point and I have no problem with sides doing this. One of the first aims in football is if you can’t win the game then don’t lose it. If any side is going to be successful than finding a way to beat sides than defend deep (Or in a low block as the trendy kids like to say” is paramount. We say how important it was during the 2016/17 National League title winning season when the Imps simply physically battered teams into submission with direct play and superior fitness. This Lincoln City team is a much different beast with a playing the ball out from the back and maintaining possession mindset and although the fitness levels are excellent so are all the clubs in League One. The National League this isn’t.
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The Imps have lost a lot of creativity over the summer with the likes of Grant, Rodgers and Johnson leaving the club so its going to take a while for the Imps to gel in the attacking part of their game. The Imps had more of the ball but didn’t really make any clear-cut chances in the first half. Fleetwood took the lead on 32 minutes when Andrews scored a peach of a free kick which left Griffiths grasping at fresh air. It was a quality strike and reminiscent of the free kick I fired past Felice back in the old Retford and District 5 a side league, a goal which I still get asked about from time to time to this day. The goal failed to spark the Imps into life sadly and it was Fleetwood who took the lead into the
break.
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It was obvious that if the Imps were going to get anything from the game, they would need to show the same cunning and bravery that the Duke of Edinburgh showed at the battle of Scilly in 1943. Alas as the game wore on my hopes faded of getting a point. The two bright points for the Imps all game long had been the contributions of Tayo Eden and Antony Scully and it was that burst into the box on 69 minutes. At first sight at the ground, it looked like a close-range goal but it wasn’t till I watched I appreciated the quality of the finish. The Imps were now the only side that looked likely to bag the winner and this they did on 87 minutes when Scully converted from the penalty spot. Lincoln just about deserved the win in the end but my feeling at the way home was that there was much work to do if they were to break down sides looking to “Shut up shop” as it were.
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A few days later the Imps were brought back down to earth and given a reminder on how tough League One is as Bolton Wanderers took all three points at the Bank. Lincoln were by no means outclassed but Bolton were just a little bit better all over the pitch. From a Lincoln point of view, it was an awful goal to lose and one that Griffiths won’t want to see again as he was hopelessly out of position. It must be said though that Lincoln had several chances to clear the danger in the build up to the goal. It’s been a tough start to the season for the new Imps number one, I am not saying he has been garbage by any means, but he needs a clean sheet to give his confidence a boost. It also must be said that he is playing behind an Imps makeshift back four and one that at times plays a little too much football instead of just booting it out for a throw in. However, as the Imps get defenders back and the team gel more, I expect we will se these mistakes ironed out.
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So that’s that. Three games down, 4 points on the board and the Imps tucked in midtable. Not a terrible start all things considered even if the only real high point from the Bolton game was the pre-game kebab.
We won’t be seeing the Imps for a few weeks as we hit the non-league scene in the local area. However, there will be plenty of darts, beer, bad food and awkwardly seeing a girl you took out a handful of times earlier in the year but got told she wasn’t ready for anything more with another guy in a pub in town on a Saturday night.
On to the next.
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west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-71215427442981439182021-08-11T11:44:00.002-07:002021-08-11T11:44:20.378-07:00Gillingham 1-1 Lincoln City<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The first game of the season is always one of the highpoints
of the season and something that fans of all clubs from Real Madrid to Ashland
Rovers all look forward to as soon as the fixtures are released. For this
season though it seems even more special for several reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I will start with the obvious one. Apart from last seasons
playoff final this is the first</span><span style="font-size: large;"> Lincoln game I have attended since the Imps
beat Burton 3-2 back in March 2020. Added to that it is the first Lincoln away
game I have been to since a 3-1 kicking at Sunderland on the 4</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: large;"> of
January 2020 (My birthday no less) It is also over a year since Baz, Felice and
myself all attended the same match which given how many games we have done
together since 1999 seems a totally crazy statistic. There have been plenty of
false dawns during the pandemic and I for one am not thinking that this whole
shit show is over but it does feel like better times may just be upon us and
just getting to spend a day with friends, taking the piss out of each other all
day, eating bad food and watching 22 blokes kick a bag of wind about for 90
plus minutes seems like a big step back on the road to recovery and something I
don’t think fans up and down the land will take for granted again in a hurry.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another reason is that I have always felt there is something
special about being away from home on the first day of the season and have
always thought its an advantage to be away on the opening weekend. My theory
for this is that if you lose an away game, you have a home game next up to get
back on track quickly. Get a poor result at home you then have one (or
sometimes) two away games up next and normally most sides find results away
from home harder to get than ones played in their home stadiums. Thus, a home
defeat can quickly turn into 2 or 3 games without a win and whilst its true the
league is a marathon and not a sprint its always important to get that first
win just to calm everybody down and keep both morale and confidence high. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the past few years Lincoln seem to have
had quite a few “Home openers” as my American friends would say with only one
away opener since Lincoln came back into the Football League in the 17/18
season. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAb-NHeRqD0/YRQXihMVbtI/AAAAAAAAHQ0/KA4FqfEHI2YJq0xBRW6TY2fanuoJE43qQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1316/G2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1316" height="156" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAb-NHeRqD0/YRQXihMVbtI/AAAAAAAAHQ0/KA4FqfEHI2YJq0xBRW6TY2fanuoJE43qQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/G2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thirdly over the years we have had some great trips on the
opening day of the season. Ranging from the jolly boy’s weekend at Bournemouth
in 99(which ended in a 0-2 defeat), the start of the Keith era at Kidderminster
(1-1) and the two wins in the respective recent title winning seasons, Woking
(3-1) in 2016/17 and Northampton (1-0) in 2018/19) The last time Lincoln were
away on opening day was the 1-1 draw at Wycombe on the Imps return to the
football league in 2017/18. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
honestly only remember two duff away trips on the opening day of the season and
they both came at the Don Valley stadium when Rotherham beat Lincoln both times
when Jacko was in the dugout in 2008/09 and Chris Sutton in 2010/11. The Don
Valley was the worse ground I have ever watched League football at (it’s even a
contender to the worse place I have watched football at full stop) and given
Lincolns record at Rotherham is dogshit its perhaps not surprise that both
trips were stinkers. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ahEtNrl1ZE/YRQZwaUOqEI/AAAAAAAAHRk/upBg9kbINxM5Jy7RzNKURpybhISZRyCBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s604/G8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ahEtNrl1ZE/YRQZwaUOqEI/AAAAAAAAHRk/upBg9kbINxM5Jy7RzNKURpybhISZRyCBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/G8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Don Valley. An awful place to watch football.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The final reason is a more personal one and nothing to do
with football. Being single now for over a year and for the second time in 4
years I have found Saturday night and all-day Sunday to be by far the most
challenging for me mentally. For some reason Saturday seems to be couples’
night in pubs etc and has a different feel that other nights of the week. Add
in the fact that Saturday TV is to be blunt shite it all adds for an awful
feeling once the post-match reaction football shows have finished on the
wireless. I mean I could paint Warhammer models and knock back a few German Biers,
but this seems to only add to the sense that my life now seems a million miles
away from somebody who is 42. With this match being a decent length journey
wise it was a most welcome respite from this world I have been living in since
May 2020. It means more conversations for longer into the day and generally
keeping my mind was thinking about random crap.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">With my personal income still reduced due to the pandemic I
am having to think carefully about away games and before the season I drew up a
priority list of away games that I would like to attend. This was before the
fixtures was announced and was based purely on grounds I hadn’t yet visited or
grounds that I knew would be great trips. Its fair to say that Gillingham were low
on the list and had this not been on opening or closing day or a relegation or
promotion decided I would have given this a bigger swerve than Felice gave
Nantwich town and Colyn Bay. This is not a particular slur on Gillingham as a
place, it’s just that there are about 20 odd places in this division that I
would rather visit. I have only been to “The land of shouting men” once before
and that was to see Lincoln take all 3 points back in 2008/09 on a cold evening
game courtesy of a last-minute winner. I don’t remember much about that night
bar the winner, a cracking goal from Geoff Horsfield and some decent pre-match
fish and chips.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">But that was 2009 and this is 2021 so on with the show as it
were. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFSQWnFpWo8/YRQZ5u65wUI/AAAAAAAAHRo/ESPO3CeI0fcnaRvlnMUvvpU8AiXfm4zFACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/G9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="778" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OFSQWnFpWo8/YRQZ5u65wUI/AAAAAAAAHRo/ESPO3CeI0fcnaRvlnMUvvpU8AiXfm4zFACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/G9.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Alas much of the back end of the of the past week had been
waiting for the tickets to arrive. For the vast majority of games these days
tickets are required to be bought in advance instead of paying cash on the gate
thus it means ordering tickets in advance and waiting for the jolly postie to
deliver them. For the past 4 seasons this has been fine, and I have encountered
zero problems ordering said match tickets. However due to Gillingham sending
the tickets late it meant that tickets only went on sale 8 days before the
match. And when it got to Thursday and the tickets still hadn’t shown up, I
must admit I was a tad nervous. A quick check on twitter however seemed to
prove that many others were in the same boat. This seems to be down to the fact
that the post office is having a few staffing issues at the moment. Having put
out a tweet about it I received a couple of condescending replies about being
in a pandemic which completely missed the point of my original tweet. In much
the same way England’s top three batsman have been missing the ball in
England’s test matches this summer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then just after 1.00pm it was announced that the event of
any tickets not arriving Gillingham would be able to re-print them off at the
away upon arrival. Now on the one hand this was great news, but I must admit
that at the back of my mind was the feeling that things could still go tits up.
As most fans who are well travelled in the footballing world will tell you away
stewards etc can be known to make things as awkward as the can for away fans. However,
I am delighted to say that the chap dealing with this at the away turnstiles
was first class and gaining admission to the ground was a doodle. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r24gkWdbMcI/YRQXKbf0KzI/AAAAAAAAHQo/ZTUP_-_vMVgOZ9bwRBtI3nS1E62GzLb5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/G1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r24gkWdbMcI/YRQXKbf0KzI/AAAAAAAAHQo/ZTUP_-_vMVgOZ9bwRBtI3nS1E62GzLb5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/G1.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The day featured a 10am departure time and with the spirit
of the Duke Of Edinburgh in our hearts we made good time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only real awkward part with a trip to
Gillingham is that parking appears to be a bit of a pain in the arse. We
arrived just before 2pm and it took a good 15-20 mins to find a space. It’s one
of those grounds where local knowledge would be a bonus. Failing that some
pre-journey research would have helped, alas we had neither. We did manage to
get parked up about 10 minutes’ walk from the ground, but I wouldn’t have liked
to rock up 30 mins before kick off and be looking for somewhere to park. However
awkward they are too park at I much prefer grounds to be in the centre of the
town that on the outskirts with nothing but overpriced fast-food outlets
surrounding them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPD7NBP2opU/YRQYXXUtnZI/AAAAAAAAHRU/jJC-C8zqZAYq3iXD5hMWQ5EVxWM6WUYKACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/G6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPD7NBP2opU/YRQYXXUtnZI/AAAAAAAAHRU/jJC-C8zqZAYq3iXD5hMWQ5EVxWM6WUYKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/G6.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">As todays blog is a tad longer than normal, I will go into my
thoughts and expectations for the Imps this season on next weeks blog and just
talk a little about this match. Before a ball was kicked, I would have taken a
point at Gillingham. The Gills are managed by fan favourite Steve Evans of whom
plenty has been written about so there is no need for me to add to the coverage
he gets. What I will say though is you know that apart from all the touchline
antics and mind games he comes out with you know his sides will be organised
and have a game plan. It’s a very basic plan and its one that a “Footballing
mind” should be able to out coach in theory but in reality, a very tough one to
overcome and requires a lot of mental strength not to fall into his traps. In a
way it’s like the John Beck system but not quite as good. Steve Evans may have
lost his knack of getting teams promoted and you can forget about blooding
youngsters into a team (see his work, or lack of it at Mansfield for this) but he
won’t get a club relegated and will just about keep them in the hunt for a top
half finish. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Weu2nQHi9uI/YRQXtyZKDmI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/n3gOTACv8l0oNRFEwyT2IZI4YJWyWqfKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/G3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Weu2nQHi9uI/YRQXtyZKDmI/AAAAAAAAHQ8/n3gOTACv8l0oNRFEwyT2IZI4YJWyWqfKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/G3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lincoln started the game much the better side and were
knocking the ball around nicely. After not being at games for so long it took a
while to work out who was who etc but that didn’t really matter as it just felt
fantastic to be back at a game. When the Imps took the lead after only four minutes
it felt like they would pick up where they left off last season after having
the best away record in League One. Sadly, from our perspective Gillingham
started to get into the game and it wasn’t a huge surprise when they equalized one
minute before the break. It was a sloppy goal to conceded and only just
squirmed over the line, but they all count as they say. Quite often in football
a goal just before halftime can really be a hammer blow for the side that conceded
it but thankfully this Lincoln side is made of sterner stuff. There were one or
two half chances for the hosts in the second half but at the final whistle a
point each was fair in my view. I know todays write up on the actual game was
brief but today felt more about the day than the game is you get my drift. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_kTRjAF8Xc/YRQX0ilOeZI/AAAAAAAAHRE/pPIg_b3RaOYq5rqdMFzp-xsMv5IQplJiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/G5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_kTRjAF8Xc/YRQX0ilOeZI/AAAAAAAAHRE/pPIg_b3RaOYq5rqdMFzp-xsMv5IQplJiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/G5.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">We had decided that we would be eating post game instead of
pre match given that none of us had any plans for the evening (That’s been the
story of my life for much of the last 18 months) Gillingham didn’t really
appeal as a place to dine and once you get to the A1 motorway heading north you
are very limited, so we decided to head for the town of Bishop Storford to get
our first kebab of the season. Back in 2010 Baz and I attended a pre-season
game between Bishop Storford and Lincoln and had a pre-game kebab at the
wonderfully named “Kebabery” takeaway. After a quick detour to park up at
Sainsburys we were soon munching on large Lamb donners that came in at £8.50
and came will tubs of sauce and salad for you to add yourself instead of being poured
on by the chef. Somehow this made them taste even better. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AF33Sh7lFZk/YRQYfBS8P8I/AAAAAAAAHRc/6fHjo9vslU0HG3yxc0USv7E6j7u9r_tKACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/G7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AF33Sh7lFZk/YRQYfBS8P8I/AAAAAAAAHRc/6fHjo9vslU0HG3yxc0USv7E6j7u9r_tKACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/G7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, all in all a decent start to the season. The Imps didn’t
lose, we ate well, and fun was had by all. After the past 18 months today felt
better and hopefully a sign of things to come. Now if England could just get
better at batting and a could get a reply from a facebook message or two that I
have sent then things really will be looking up!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>#</o:p></p>west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-3097402231920819442021-08-01T04:33:00.003-07:002021-08-01T04:44:26.408-07:00Retford FC 0-3 Parkgate <p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Retford FC 0-3 Parkgate<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">In truth this this was my third game of the season having
taken in Gainsborough v Lincoln and Kirkton Brickworks v Ashland Rovers
reserves over the past couple of weeks, however I wanted to start this year’s
blog when the real action started and with today’s game being on the opening
weekend of the NCEL season it felt like the right time to start blogging. I
managed to keep the blog up to date last season until lockdown 3 put the brakes
on the 20/21 season so I am relatively confident I will be able to do the same
this season if the COVID situation remains relatively under control (and by
that, I mean not the total chaos it has been in the UK for the past 16 months).
Plus given that my dating life is still a total shitshow I should have plenty
of time to write and hopefully enjoy both life and writing once again. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSQFgedmxf4/X3oBiKZAJmI/AAAAAAAAHD8/BFY74MvSHjAoGKWrsg8yqEgVi-Muy1G2ACPcBGAYYCw/s960/pic%2B18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSQFgedmxf4/X3oBiKZAJmI/AAAAAAAAHD8/BFY74MvSHjAoGKWrsg8yqEgVi-Muy1G2ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/pic%2B18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The weekend has got off to a decent start on Friday. Over
the various lockdowns I have been busy practicing darts ahead of playing for
the White Lion this upcoming season and after a decent showing at an inhouse
knockout Tuesday another win was recorded on Friday evening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was followed by ordering tickets for the
Imps opening game of the season at the shit tip of Gillingham next weekend.
Since most Imps away games when all ticket ordering the tickets has been my job
for the Retford Imps Cateraday club and one that I am very good at if I do say
so myself. Not only that but given Felice is to computers what Bella my cat is
to speaking Latin it’s a good job that I am. Everybody needs an Adam in their
life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0z0PyL4B1go/YQaEgG1RrFI/AAAAAAAAHOk/Zfk82a0h2A4k6sdnuYMqyCC6bWTt1S-LwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/RFC4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0z0PyL4B1go/YQaEgG1RrFI/AAAAAAAAHOk/Zfk82a0h2A4k6sdnuYMqyCC6bWTt1S-LwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/RFC4.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whenever I check in on Retford FC’s social media channels
the club is always doing something new be it building up the club’s structure
on the playing side or completing work on the Rail ground itself. Over the long
break the club appear to have added a hospitality area and bar which are most
welcome. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To go along with this
some covered standing has been built along the side of the pitch which has fixed
the grounds only real draw back up until now. I have always had a soft spot for
this ground due to playing a handful of games for the BRSA cricket team 2<sup>nd</sup>
X1 way back in the early 90’s that played on the pitch behind where the ground
is now. Indeed, one of my favourite memories is as a fresh faced 14-year-old
clean bowling Felice when he was in his mid 20’s with three balls of my left
arm medium pace reverse swing being too much for him. I remember telling the
story of this part of Retford sporting folk law to a girl working in a chip
shop in Colchester before an Imps game a few seasons ago alas it’s hard to see
who was more unimpressed, her or Baz. The Fish and Chips were very nice though.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today’s entrance fee was £5 with a further quid for the
programme. There has been a lot of chatter about the future of matchday
programmes and if they still have a place in the game these days. In my humble
opinion they absolutely do. If you need any more proof just check out the @NonLgeProgs
account on twitter to see the great range of programmes being produced up and
down the country was clubs at all levels of the pyramid. For the record FC’s
programme was more than adequate for the first game of the season and it goes
without saying you show buy one of you ever visit “The Rail” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6laMfJjGkY/YQaEziUqb4I/AAAAAAAAHO4/CDq0vDRH9KYXpdyrck8Sy8edu_xE-PelQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/RFC%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6laMfJjGkY/YQaEziUqb4I/AAAAAAAAHO4/CDq0vDRH9KYXpdyrck8Sy8edu_xE-PelQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/RFC%2B1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The NCEL has always been a tough league and Retford sadly
found that out again going 0-2 down in five minutes. The first being slotting
home by Sam Ackroyd following some poor defending after only a couple of minutes,
a tough start for the hosts that was going to get a tad harder 3 minutes later.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The second Parkgate goal was one of those moments that
happens once in a hundred games or so when the keeper was caught in possession by
Ackroyd closing him down thus losing the ball and allowing the striker to roll
the ball into an empty net. In the modern game lots of teams don’t bother to
chase down so-called lost causes but as Parkgate showed if you do you can reap
the rewards. Now obviously it’s never great news for a team to go 0-2 down
after five minutes but as ever in life it’s how you react to setbacks that
defines you and to their credit Retford did stick their passing style and tried
to get a foothold in the game. Parkgate however are experienced campaigners at
this level and were perfectly happy to let Retford have possession until the
final 3<sup>rd</sup> then win the ball back and hit them with a digital ball
over the top. This led to Parkgate have the better of the chances to add to
their lead with the one of note crashing down off the inside of the cross bar
but thankfully for the hosts not crossing the line.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1Ma8L9f8aE/YQaE94GjMQI/AAAAAAAAHPA/dkQXOZ45WOUhNdasUg1LO7UGUdqawNoJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/RFC3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1Ma8L9f8aE/YQaE94GjMQI/AAAAAAAAHPA/dkQXOZ45WOUhNdasUg1LO7UGUdqawNoJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/RFC3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Halfway through the 1<sup>st</sup> half I felt <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>it was a good time <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to grab a beer in the bar area and have a
quick word with Martin Keeton who has worked tirelessly for FC over the years
and a man that has forgotten more about local football than most people will
ever know, the old chap was in good spirts about the club despite the score and
was (rightly) proud of the progress the club is making both on and off the
pitch. FC continued to plug away but found clear chances hard to come by with
the best chance falling to the impressive Dembele just before halftime when his
curling shot was tipped around the near post by the Parkgate Keeper. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The second half followed much the same pattern as the first
with Retford having more of the ball but not really creating chances of note. It
got worse for the home side on 63 minutes when Bennet was sent off for an off
the ball incident. I must confess I missed it so can add little more to it than
that. Parkgate rounded off an impressive performance on 75 when Ackroyd drilled
a low shot into the far corner to complete the scoring and his hattrick. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBKFJYh0-fA/YQaGED2RAUI/AAAAAAAAHP4/tVuTrRMJpSoKVyVjQV5b99hwq1b7lmVagCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/RFC%2B7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBKFJYh0-fA/YQaGED2RAUI/AAAAAAAAHP4/tVuTrRMJpSoKVyVjQV5b99hwq1b7lmVagCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/RFC%2B7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s obvious to say that this wasn’t the start to the season
that Retford FC wanted but I always try and find positives in life and the big
one for FC was the crowd which looked to me to be well over 200 including local
pub landlord legend Graham Ince amongst many others. On the pitch it was a
rough afternoon, but you must tip your hat to Parkgate who were the better side
on the day and look to be a much-improved side from recent seasons. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">In fact, the NCEL Division one looks like being a tasty
league to watch this season with plenty of local interest now that Shirebrook, , Ollerton and others have all joined its ranks. After League One and the Regionalliga
Nordost it could well be the league, I keep an eye on the most. And its one
that you should most definitely to. I always like to follow the Scottish
Premiership but given the results on day one that league could already be over.
… </span><o:p></o:p></p>west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-58798001022937002272020-10-11T09:26:00.002-07:002020-10-11T09:26:52.219-07:00Bourne Town 0-4 Loughborough University <p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqX1JJm0bSI/X4Mt-l289EI/AAAAAAAAHFE/TbRCU8pcTyE4_oVjdWUDD_NGuRMEDMMpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/121240443_10158190733226785_917519047838017704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NqX1JJm0bSI/X4Mt-l289EI/AAAAAAAAHFE/TbRCU8pcTyE4_oVjdWUDD_NGuRMEDMMpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/121240443_10158190733226785_917519047838017704_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Monday evening saw us visit Sheffield Town FC to watch their
Under 21 team take on (and beat) Retford United U21 The final score being 3-1
and it could have been a bigger margin of victory if truth be told had it not
been for a great display of goal keeping from the Retford keeper. I didn’t
hear the attendance number but there was around 150 people watching and the
best atmosphere i have ever experienced at a youth game. It’s been a tough start
to the season for the two main Sheffield Clubs with the City's leading club
Sheffield United starting the season losing every game in the Premiership so
far and the city's second club Sheffield Wednesday propping up the Championship
(due in no small part to starting the season on -12 points) So it’s good to see
a good news story in the form of Sheffield Town FC. I tip my hat to them. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJPlMzX0oa4/X4MuGDQsktI/AAAAAAAAHFI/3Ze3ccZ6MvQpRMNHcnfV1AgxiLRTsSLPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJPlMzX0oa4/X4MuGDQsktI/AAAAAAAAHFI/3Ze3ccZ6MvQpRMNHcnfV1AgxiLRTsSLPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B35.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: left;">Saturday began the way that every Saturday should; having a breakfast
in the White Lion and catching up on the latest news in the paper, this morning
however something different was going on in the pub. Saturday the 10</span><sup style="text-align: left;">th</sup><span style="text-align: left;">
of October was world national mental health day and as such the pub had allowed
a local mental health support group called Muddy Fork </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">who people could meet, talk with and find out
about the group, what they do and how they can get involved. Mental Health is a
huge topic at the moment and thankfully it is now starting to be taken seriously.
My own mental health has taken a huge battering over the past few months what
with COVID and the economic impact it has had on my life, getting dumped via
text message during lockdown and the sobering thought i am now 41 and living
alone with two cats. Not really where i planned on being at this stage of my
life. To know there are organisations like this are a huge help and if anybody
in the Retford area who feel they need somebody to talk to i strongly suggest
they check them out. They can be found here <a href="https://www.muddyfork.org/">Muddy Fork wellbeing</a></span></span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Today’s game saw us taking in the FA Vase second qualifying round
tie between Bourne Town v Loughborough University. Bourne play their football
in the United Counties League division one and have collected three wins, two
draws and three defeats from their opening eight games and currently sit in eleventh
place in the table (out of twenty clubs) There opponents Loughborough
University play a league higher in the United Counties Premier division and are
currently sixth having won four drawn one and lost two matches so far this
season. On paper it looked like a tough game for Bourne and that’s exactly how
it turned out. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ74o0bGcbg/X4MuUW3ds-I/AAAAAAAAHFM/Y_ZMukMJl0Idrokl41jEkH72afsxLHPwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/121309704_10158190735046785_8435832871984934247_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQ74o0bGcbg/X4MuUW3ds-I/AAAAAAAAHFM/Y_ZMukMJl0Idrokl41jEkH72afsxLHPwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/121309704_10158190735046785_8435832871984934247_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">We picked this game to take in today because the home side
are currently managed by former Lincoln City player Nathan Arnold. The 2016/17
season will go down in history as one of the finest seasons in the clubs history.
The Imps won the National League that season with Arnold playing a huge role in
it. The two moments that really stand out for me are his famous last minute
goal that gave the Imps the win over Ipswich Town in the FA Cup 3<sup>rd</sup>
round reply and another last minute goal when he bagged the winner away at
Gateshead, a goal which all but gave the Imps the title and broke Tranmere
Rovers hearts in the process. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R0mqaxtlD1g" width="320" youtube-src-id="R0mqaxtlD1g"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Bourne is a sleepy little place in the south of Lincolnshire
with the journey taking a little over an hour from Retford. On the way we discussed
England’s comprehensive midweek win over Wales. It was a tough one for Felice
to take given he always wanted to sing with the Pontypridd male voice choir and
failing miserably. All joking apart i have always wanted to do some non league
hopping in Wales; sadly my goons don’t feel the same so it looks like i will
have to do a weekend in Wales at some point once all the COIVD bollocks is
over. Beer, a new ground or two and kebabs what could be better? Plus i have to
admit the Welsh accent is my favorite in the UK. Come get me you Welsh ladies.
</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv3TT6wgIZ4/X4MwArW0AsI/AAAAAAAAHF4/l1fssBYJyYI4n0APg_DcIpgT7w85otkbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/wales-flag-std.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lv3TT6wgIZ4/X4MwArW0AsI/AAAAAAAAHF4/l1fssBYJyYI4n0APg_DcIpgT7w85otkbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/wales-flag-std.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">We pulled up opposite the ground and a little after 2.30. There
were plenty of cars around so it looked like a decent crowd had turned up for
the match. The continued ban on fans attending games in the Football League
seems to be benefiting non league clubs as we saw a handful of people wearing Peterborough
United hats/ coats in on the quick walk up to the ground. Admission was £5 for
adults with a raffle tick costing an extra quid. The ground is dominated by a
proper old school style stand covering two thirds of the near touchline. Half
of this is a covered terrace with the other half consisting of wooden benches.
The dugouts are in front of the stands and the clubhouse and toilets below it. As
is the way of the world right now there is a one-way system in the clubhouse
with drinks served via table service. The rest of the ground is open with hard
standing all the way around. All in all it’s a tidy little set up. The cricket
ground is behind the near goal that you enter in and the bowls club is behind
the touchline opposite the main stand. All in all it’s a nice area but i
imagine that it’s annoying for the folks playing bowls when stray footballs get
booted out of the ground and onto the Bowls pitch.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViOcCdNkG8U/X4Musy8-LBI/AAAAAAAAHFY/nvwmqHWOoFwLlqaxcVcrGbLOKShBZ_1JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/121279982_10158190733806785_8494817549840475972_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ViOcCdNkG8U/X4Musy8-LBI/AAAAAAAAHFY/nvwmqHWOoFwLlqaxcVcrGbLOKShBZ_1JwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/121279982_10158190733806785_8494817549840475972_n.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">About 10 minutes’ before the kick off the heavens opened up so
we took cover in the stands. About 5 minutes into the match the rain stopped so
we made our way round to stand behind the goal that Loughborough were
attacking. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Bourne lined up playing five across the back but sadly it wasn’t
enough to stop their much quicker opponents. They had already missed several
half chances by the time they took the lead in the 13<sup>th</sup> minute. The
visitors had been causing problems with their pace and they finally made the breakthrough
when Tope Fabamunsi was sent through and coolly finished a one on one against
the goalkeeper. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On 17 it was two nill
when Ronan Silva applied the finish after a neat passing move. The hosts were
putting in plenty of effort but were really struggling to get a foothold in the
game. The visitors could have had a third when Loughbrough cut through again , the
shot beat the keeper only for Scott Lock (who was by far the team’s best
defender on the pitch) made a last ditch goal line clearance to keep his side
just about in the tie. Arnold had selected himself to start the match and you could
easily see why as he was head and shoulders above the rest of his players
quality wise. The visitors had looked very impressive with number nine Tope
Fabamunsi really catching the eye. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44CFszAwBiE/X4Mu1zwgzRI/AAAAAAAAHFc/7LFTPjpT4Iw2SX5Vr9OAuT7cyn-18hC_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/121243851_10158190734046785_609557934421688703_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-44CFszAwBiE/X4Mu1zwgzRI/AAAAAAAAHFc/7LFTPjpT4Iw2SX5Vr9OAuT7cyn-18hC_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/121243851_10158190734046785_609557934421688703_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Half time called for a gentle walk around the ground and a
visit to the tea hut for a hot drink. There looked to be a decent crowd in and
i hoped that the home team would raise their game in the second half and give
them something to cheer. Alas that didn’t happen. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">On 50 minutes Bourne had a great chance to get back into the
match when a Cummings cross was narrowly headed wide by Arnold, it was a chance
that could have changed the game but a minute later Loughborough sealed the
game when they added a third curtsey of a quick breakaway allowing Silva to
grab his second of the game. The game now became much more even although the
visitors still had the better of the chances. Things got even harder for Bourne
when they were forced to play the last twenty minutes of the match with ten men
as having made their three allowed subs Josh Spencer suffered an injury and was
unable to continue. Given all this it is to their credit that they only
conceded one more goal but it has to be said some of this was down to poor
finishing from Loughborough The final goal coming in the 82<sup>nd</sup> minute
when Fabamunsi grabbed his second of the game from close range. During the
final ten minutes the rain returned and as we were stood on the open side of
the ground we got piss wet through like a couple of doughnuts. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rA0HmJZF9oo/X4MvDaVrsNI/AAAAAAAAHFk/NQGYXDS8sIIWBqlF26hbUhBtwPe93OTzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/121328352_10158190734781785_6858954841620780535_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rA0HmJZF9oo/X4MvDaVrsNI/AAAAAAAAHFk/NQGYXDS8sIIWBqlF26hbUhBtwPe93OTzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/121328352_10158190734781785_6858954841620780535_n.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">At the final whistle we trudged back to the car piss wet
through, disappointed at hearing of a 1<sup>st</sup> league defeat of the
season for the Imps <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but glad that we
had ticked off yet another new ground. It was a shame for Nathan Arnold that
the result didn’t go his way but looking at their form in the league there is
plenty to build on going forward. Good luck to Loughborough in the next round,
they were a pleasure to watch and they look like they have decent set up and
well drilled team. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Given the conditions i must also give credit to both sets of
players for the way they conducted themselves and the referee Amiee Kier who
commanded the respect of both sets of players and looked to let play flow
whenever she could.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lZOmAOwFFo/X4MvVxKCwWI/AAAAAAAAHFw/5dVwEfjoBAQpyiS04sz8yWSE9nGp8DdaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/121309704_10158190733991785_8021732413947781944_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lZOmAOwFFo/X4MvVxKCwWI/AAAAAAAAHFw/5dVwEfjoBAQpyiS04sz8yWSE9nGp8DdaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/121309704_10158190733991785_8021732413947781944_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-901623395496180652020-10-04T10:14:00.001-07:002020-10-04T10:22:50.680-07:00Selston 4-6 Sporting Khalsea<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Over the years i have been watching football i have seen absolutely<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>awful games at all levels of the game.
But ever so often you get a classic that sticks in the memory for years to
come. Normally these games come along when you least expect it. Selston v
Sporting Khalsa definitely falls into this category and from a pure footballing
point of view it was one of the best games i have seen in quite a while. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The ironic thing is that i almost didn’t bother with a game
this weekend. The weather not to be blunt was <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>shite and what with the “Rona” still on the
rise i did think twice about doing a game thankfully i did. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">We had a few choices of game today but after a quick deliberation
the Midland Football League clash between Selston and the league leaders
Sporting Khalsa. Before this season the Midland league was an unknown quantity
to me but having seen Newark FC a month or so ago and having seen this match
today i can only conclude that it is a pretty decent standard of football and
if you haven’t dipped your toe into it yet i strongly suggest you check it out
because from what i have seen you won’t be disappointed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfHGcQdLf3U/X3oBVxasi9I/AAAAAAAAHDw/TuelzIvZ1Eg-c7RElfgUDMFQ2bIljaV1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s313/MidlandFootballLeague.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="312" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jfHGcQdLf3U/X3oBVxasi9I/AAAAAAAAHDw/TuelzIvZ1Eg-c7RElfgUDMFQ2bIljaV1ACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/MidlandFootballLeague.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The day started yet again at the White Lion pub in Retford
with a quick sausage sandwich washed down with a couple of cups of tea to blow
the cobwebs away. During lockdown i got pretty good at cooking breakfasts at
the weekends but just recently i have lost the motivation to cook in the
morning as much. Just after 1.30 pm we set off on our merry way to the
Nottinghamshire village of Selston near Kirkby in Ashfield. En route Felice was
in good spirits given the Champions League draw had put his respective sides
Bayern Munich, Manchester United, and Real Madrid in different groups. It’s a
win/win for him to over in Group G as eternal Champions League bottle jobs
Juventus have been drawn to face Barcelona, another couple of teams who’s
results he looks out for with great interest and owns several knock off replica
shirts of each club bought on a beach in Turkey (though they are a bit snug
now) As a lifelong Dundalk fan the thought of them playing Arsenal, a club
where he had a membership at for many seasons also fills him with excitement. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSQFgedmxf4/X3oBiKZAJmI/AAAAAAAAHD0/Niog4oHdcnkec4jVF8ZJin_jSIXY-qz3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSQFgedmxf4/X3oBiKZAJmI/AAAAAAAAHD0/Niog4oHdcnkec4jVF8ZJin_jSIXY-qz3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Weather wise rain was pretty much the order of the day
across the UK and i did wonder if many games would get called off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we parked up i was more than happy <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to see that the ground offered enough cover so
as we could keep dry. The club is really on the ball regarding its COVID policies.
Simply scan the NHS trace and trace app at the gate, then a quick temperature
check, pay your cash and you are in. Entrance was £6 for adults and it what was
a nice touch NHS staff got in free. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The ground is shared with the local cricket club and the pavilion
acts as the clubhouse for both clubs. It was pleasing to see a small club shop
in the clubhouse selling a range of hats, scarf’s and t-shirts and best of all
club badges. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_smP28DTlk/X3oBrkW0jgI/AAAAAAAAHD4/QFwi1yt4fYU4Zwr4rMu5mfy2oXqLSja4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B37.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n_smP28DTlk/X3oBrkW0jgI/AAAAAAAAHD4/QFwi1yt4fYU4Zwr4rMu5mfy2oXqLSja4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B37.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is a well planned out one way system in the ground
which goes around the cricket pitch to the football pitch. The pitch is
slightly lower than the stands so where ever you view from you get a great view
of the action. Had it not been pissing it down then it would have been good to
stand behind the goal. Alas it was the standing cover for us just to the left
of the halfway line as we looked at it. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tqC70ldzOrs/X3oB1H-BcVI/AAAAAAAAHEA/3wTBnuYsQvEJvs82O8M9XAW413DRvyK8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B35.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tqC70ldzOrs/X3oB1H-BcVI/AAAAAAAAHEA/3wTBnuYsQvEJvs82O8M9XAW413DRvyK8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B35.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sporting came into the match top of the table and early on
it was very obvious as to why. They knocked the ball around well on the deck
and looked to play out from the back. For the first ten minutes or so it looked
like they would run away with this game but Selston were more than playing there
part in this game and they took the lead when a shot was saved only for the
ball to be recycled and crossed into the back post allowing Kenan Layton to
apply the finish. Sporting didn’t panic however and continued to stick to their
way of playing. On several occasions they had caused trouble for the Selston
defence by crossing from their left to the back post and after 21 minutes this tactic
paid off as a cross was headed home by Rikardo Reid for a deserved equalizer.
The goal didn’t affect Seston to much however and they took the lead again on
29 when Layton added his second of the game blasting the ball into the roof of
the net from 15 yards out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lead didn’t
last long however as Sporting produced a lovely bit of football that ended up
with Lee Chilton finishing via a great first time shot. No further goals were
added and the two teams went into halftime level. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9U7l540p6Zs/X3oB9uC1rxI/AAAAAAAAHEI/R9DmbB-JxZMXvq0pSfpj1Dm7k8KcvZP9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B36.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9U7l540p6Zs/X3oB9uC1rxI/AAAAAAAAHEI/R9DmbB-JxZMXvq0pSfpj1Dm7k8KcvZP9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B36.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just five minutes into the second half we got a great
example of the fine lines that exist in football. Selston were kicking up the
hill second half and they had a great chance to take the lead when they had a
three against as the winger broke down the left he chose to shoot instead of
crossing to an unmarked teammate. Moments later Selston had a free kick near
the cornor flag. The ball was crossed in and partially cleared to the edge of
the box. A Selston player picked up the ball, blasted it in hard, but with the
keeper beaten all ends up the shot was headed over by a defender on the line.
Once these two golden chances hadn’t been taken i had a feeling what was going
to happen next. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">After this let off the league leaders took the lead for the
first time in the game when Selston gave the ball away in their own half
allowing Jake Gosling to beat the keeper one and one. Two minutes later on 54.
Sporting doubled their lead after patient build up around the box was finished
by Gurjit Singh. It looked like the visitors were on their way for another
three points. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaqRq1M_6Lg/X3oCFfNMIJI/AAAAAAAAHEQ/lCMXM_42wSMQWxbkRdcF-hyUbcg887PxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B32.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaqRq1M_6Lg/X3oCFfNMIJI/AAAAAAAAHEQ/lCMXM_42wSMQWxbkRdcF-hyUbcg887PxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B32.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">But Selston weren’t beaten yet. On 61 Layton completed his
hatrick via beating the keeper one on one before coolly finishing low into the
bottom of the net and it was suddenly game on again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sporting restored their two goal lead 3 minutes
later thanks to a scrappy goal via a corner with Rikardo Reid. We then had to
wait a whole ten minutes for the next goal but it was worth the wait and it was
the pick of the ten goals. Layton turned provider and played in Jordan Black whose
fantastic chip over the keeper from the edge of the box to get Selston back
into the game once again. Any great game isn’t complete without a controversial
moment and on 84 we got ours. Selston thought they had equalized only for the
linesman flag on the far side to discount the goal. It looked very tight to me
and i am glad it wasn’t me making the call. Who would be an official eh? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">That incident did seem to kill the game off slightly as it
became very scrappy for the last ten minutes or so. Right on the final whistle
Sporting Khalsa completed the scoring via Sean Williams from close range. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Full Time score: Selston 4-6 Sporting Khalsa. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kU6I0SIMbrI/X3oCOo9KHMI/AAAAAAAAHEU/CfVHLPsClZMmhdvUVy1UjVZXfW8FUY-jACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kU6I0SIMbrI/X3oCOo9KHMI/AAAAAAAAHEU/CfVHLPsClZMmhdvUVy1UjVZXfW8FUY-jACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B38.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Once the dust settled i had the following thoughts. Firstly
it will take a very good side to stop Sporting Khalsa from winning the league.
Before the game i had no idea that Selston were bottom of the table and having
watched this i have no idea how they are bottom but i am confident that if they
play like this then the wins will surly come. It’s also only right to give both
sets of player’s and management teams huge credit for serving up such a great
game of football in such dreadful conditions. All in all one of the best non
league games i have ever seen. If you get a chance to watch either of these
teams in action take it. You won’t be disappointed. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cVnyZ1FuzM/X3oCWbBuczI/AAAAAAAAHEc/hAMf1YMgkXkSs5j0wxxa9PiTEWOYzLusgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B39.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cVnyZ1FuzM/X3oCWbBuczI/AAAAAAAAHEc/hAMf1YMgkXkSs5j0wxxa9PiTEWOYzLusgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B39.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">It would be wrong for me not to mention the Imps. A 3-2 away
win at Blackpool kept up the Imps 100% record in the league and sent them to
the top of the table in League One. Throughout this pandemic i have tried not
to think about what could have happened and focus on what we have. However in
the case of missing Blackpool away it’s very tough to do this. I love visiting
Blackpool and it’s my favourite place to escape to in the UK. So When Lincoln
score two in the last five minutes two win the game it’s hard not to picture the
scenes. We would have been on the piss Friday, banging back the shots etc then
off to the club before Baz kicked off in the kebab shop late at night. More ale
would have been drunk before the game and after claiming a famous win the party
would have continued. Then on the Sunday morning after rolling in at 3.00 am
Baz would have fallen asleep in his breakfast. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dam you COVID 19 </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-19640299674590530982020-10-02T09:52:00.006-07:002020-10-02T10:07:46.397-07:00West Bridgford 0-1 Halesowen Town <p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesday evening the FA cup continued so it gave us the
perfect chance to tick of a ground that we wanted to do in the previous round
as we visited Step 6 West Bridgford played host to Step 4 Halesowen Town. Once
upon a time when i started watching non-league football regularly i had a goal
to tick off all of the grounds in Nottinghamshire in the pyramid from Steps
1-7. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the years i have neglected
this goal a little and it’s become a bit harder with the NLS becoming a Step 7
league but it is still something i would like to achieve. This season has seen
Newark FC ticked of the Notts list and now West Bridgford can join them.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jc5Ty4IiuVE/X3dXeGUYg1I/AAAAAAAAHCw/kJw11yXAQ2oytP9HGyAAPOk31LKUKGj9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B26.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jc5Ty4IiuVE/X3dXeGUYg1I/AAAAAAAAHCw/kJw11yXAQ2oytP9HGyAAPOk31LKUKGj9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B26.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nottingham is one of a handful of cities that i could
actually see myself living in. Mainly down to all the great times i have had
there over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed the
drive through our county town as it’s very rare that i see the city when i not
either 1) very drunk 2) nursing a hangover. We found the ground relatively
easily even with Baz’s dodgy sat nav on his phone being a tad slow. On our
way to the ground we pasted Notts County’s Meadow Lane that was hosting the
Magpies FA Trophy semi final v Harrogate Town. As we got near to the ground i
took over the navigational duties thus ensuring we arrived in good time. Whenever
you watch football in Nottingham you cannot help about thinking of Nottingham
Forest and their golden era of 1978-1981. It’s crazy to think they have as many
European Cup/Champions League titles at Juventus despite not playing in it for
over 30 years. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l21206t6rUQ/X3dbeSYM1NI/AAAAAAAAHDk/XDJDSLmYH4UwY5kOvhQQEeiG1_DmdXGmACLcBGAsYHQ/s450/pic%2B31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l21206t6rUQ/X3dbeSYM1NI/AAAAAAAAHDk/XDJDSLmYH4UwY5kOvhQQEeiG1_DmdXGmACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The evening was a big deal for West Bridgford as it was the
first time the club had hosted a side from step 4 in their history thus they
were dealing with a crowd much bigger than they would normally attract. A big
shoutout has to go to Baz for pre-booing the tickets for the big game. Given
that the crowd was capped at 300 and the away side had been given 75 tickets a
was a tad worried that it would sell out if we arrived late. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcYjwsiU6bg/X3dXrwvOd_I/AAAAAAAAHC0/3om-EXl11IcLRASD5oswK_wU-lG6Fh6ZACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DcYjwsiU6bg/X3dXrwvOd_I/AAAAAAAAHC0/3om-EXl11IcLRASD5oswK_wU-lG6Fh6ZACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B28.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The ground appears to be part of a larger complex and one
that is very well looked after. Plenty of parking was on offer and everything
seemed to be running smoothly. A large table was set up for taking track and
trace details and selling tickets, programmes and badges. All the club officials
were doing a great job given the crowd was much bigger than normal and when you
take in all the COVID regulations we have nowadays the club can look back on a
job well done. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The ground may be a tad basic but it’s tidy and is adequate
for the clubs needs. Its mainly three sides hard standing, there is a small modern
seater stand on one side of the ground which offers the only cover in the
ground. The club had set up a burger stall outside of the ground near to the
table selling tickets to feed the masses requiring refreshments but also inside
there was a stall selling Pie and Peas along with the Nottingham specialty, a
simple pot of peas. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCROJ_KNie8/X3dX6i4hevI/AAAAAAAAHC8/RSlRVs7ilEA-xLd1z11F2ZBpx8ZJThR5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCROJ_KNie8/X3dX6i4hevI/AAAAAAAAHC8/RSlRVs7ilEA-xLd1z11F2ZBpx8ZJThR5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B30.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">As the game started Haleswoen came out of the blocks pretty
fast and really took the game by the scruff of the neck. After the first ten minutes
or so it looked like this could be a very one sided game but to their credit
the hosts rallied and started to settle. Sadly for West Bridgford just as it
looked like they had weathered the storm Halesowen took the lead when Holmes
fired in low from long distance with the keeper view obstructed by the many
players in the box. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Halesowen had the lion’s
share of the play in the first half but never really looked like getting the
second goal that would have killed the game off. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79qazdIxlsg/X3dYFlplREI/AAAAAAAAHDE/DFLDlOOl0Mku-oTwspUMPyXmLC6xU6OUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-79qazdIxlsg/X3dYFlplREI/AAAAAAAAHDE/DFLDlOOl0Mku-oTwspUMPyXmLC6xU6OUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B27.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Half time was spent catching up on the latest Bullshit announcement
from Boris about the country’s ongoing battle with the Corona virus. Needles to
say the UK isn’t covering itself in glory in its attempt to beat this wrenched
illness. It’s going to be interesting to see how history judges Boris and co in
5, 10 years time. My guess is it will be viewing alongside the first day of the
battle of the Somme or the first months of WW2 when the British and French were
woefully unprepared for what awaited them. At halftime we also discussed which
TV shows we have been watching. I then told them about this fantastic video i
watched on Youtube about Billy the Kid. I told them to watch it and you all
should too. Here it is, thank me later. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DJF3lkwTsyk" width="320" youtube-src-id="DJF3lkwTsyk"></iframe></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The first twenty minutes or so of the second half was pretty
none descript with not much happening. Then with twenty minutes to go West
Bridgford started to believe and took the game to Halesowen. Sadly for us neutrals
they didn’t get to the goal to force penalties but it was great to see them try.
All in all the hosts did themselves proud on and off the pitch; they are defiantly
a club to visit if you get a chance. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsULQCpQljI/X3dYQNbgSJI/AAAAAAAAHDM/nOcL96ufo_UpNsIosm_uYRsir7p7dB9egCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsULQCpQljI/X3dYQNbgSJI/AAAAAAAAHDM/nOcL96ufo_UpNsIosm_uYRsir7p7dB9egCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B29.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">On Thursday it was something a little different. Having disposed
of Crewe and Bradford Lincoln were drawn to play Liverpool at home in the third
round of the League Cup. As i spoke about on my last blog these was a huge deal
for Lincoln and was picked up for TV coverage. Now the big question.. Where to
watch it? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">We decided on the Vinn Inn in Retford. Nowadays there are
very few options to watch sport that is on Sky in the center of town these
days. Back in the day this was where Felice strutted his stuff on the dance
floor in between knocking back cans of Red Stripe. This was also the first
night of pubs being forced to close at 10pm and table only service in pubs in
the UK so it would be interesting to see what the new “Normal” would like for
the next few months.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Given all this i have to give the girl working the bar that
night a huge amount of credit. Drinks were served promptly and all in all it
went pretty well. Sadly for Lincoln on the pitch this wasn’t really the case. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Noa6daQs6ZQ/X3dYZMpEtsI/AAAAAAAAHDU/auuRTkMszukpiHzXkoSV4um2PKGnhZ1SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s707/pic%2B25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Noa6daQs6ZQ/X3dYZMpEtsI/AAAAAAAAHDU/auuRTkMszukpiHzXkoSV4um2PKGnhZ1SgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B25.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lincoln were to be blunt outplayed with Liverpool looking a
class above. A world class free kick started the route and the top class goals
kept coming. At halftime it was 0-4 and i feared a double figure scoreline. The
second half was a little better with the Imps getting on the scoreline not once
but twice. It’s just a shame that Liverpool hit seven at the other end as the
goals went in the pints flowed even more and made me glad that i had booked the
next day at work off. The game reminded me of a game Felice and i had on a
football arcade game at a service station en route to Wycombe in 98 when
playing as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia i demolished his Italy 5-1. To give the
Imps huge credit they dusted themselves down from this beating and dispatched
Charlton 2-0 at the LNER Stadium 2-0 on Sunday. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I didn’t attend a game Saturday. But i did have a fun Sunday
going on a date with a very nice younf lady. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever since i suffered a dumping via text a
month or so in lockdown my confidence with women has been through the floor. (i
will be writing a blog about this at some point in the future) Although it
looks like we are just going to be friends it was great to get out there and we
have had a few text conversations this week so that a win in my humble view. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">We go again. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-25570448955272324602020-09-20T09:49:00.009-07:002020-09-20T11:12:56.135-07:00Mansfield Hosiery Mills 1-4 Mickleover FC Reserves<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Before we get into this week’s game day blog (and basically
because plenty of people have asked me about it) i thought i would share my
views about the big football stories in my life over the past week or so. You
really are lucky buggers aren’t you? </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">On Tuesday night Lincoln routed Bradford City away by five
goals to nil in the second round of the League Cup and therefore setting up a
match with Liverpool at home in the third round. Now in ordinary times 1) We
would have gone to Bradford and 2) we would have been buzzing about the prospect
of playing the side that won the Premiership last season. Obviously these aren’t
normal times and thus the game will be played behind closed doors and in the process
killing much of the excitement from my point of view. It will of course be a
great occasion for the Imps to host Liverpool and the news that the game will
be live on Sky Sports has defiantly added a little charm to the occasion not to
mention the chance to head to the pub for a few beers and shots of sambuca
thrown in for good measure.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4hGJRm5NvM/X2eCCM869LI/AAAAAAAAHBU/IprQ-p4_C8Yn3S-bmzE0VkH6aOrO7YJKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s417/313309_2309358249977_525490064_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="417" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D4hGJRm5NvM/X2eCCM869LI/AAAAAAAAHBU/IprQ-p4_C8Yn3S-bmzE0VkH6aOrO7YJKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/313309_2309358249977_525490064_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">As for the chances of Lincoln getting a result? Well let’s
be honest, even with the Imps great start to the season (five wins from five in
all competitions) it’s hard to see a Lincoln win. It’s not impossible, but it’s
very, very unlikely. Given that Liverpool play Chelsea this weekend and Felice’s
Arsenal next weekend i would doubt we will see Liverpool’s first choice
starting eleven in action. But even a 3<sup>rd</sup> string Liverpool side
would be packed with quality, to get onto the books at whatever level at any
Premiership club you have to be hugely talented let alone the Champions of
England and one of the biggest clubs in Europe. The only thing that gives me
hope is that last season Liverpool played at Shrewsbury in the FA Cup and drew.
(Before winning the reply at Anfield) With no relays and extra time in the
League Cup should the game be a draw at 90 minutes then the game goes straight
to penalties. And as we all know penalties is a total lottery, I mean it’s still
very unlikely and up there with the
chances of me going on a date next weekend but it could happen in theory... </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mS8M-M0hLsQ/X2eCQ00UcBI/AAAAAAAAHBY/x-tttdxtk1EbY2ZyzkTh1DdXwEw6djZnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/303699_2309371730314_1328015854_n%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mS8M-M0hLsQ/X2eCQ00UcBI/AAAAAAAAHBY/x-tttdxtk1EbY2ZyzkTh1DdXwEw6djZnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/303699_2309371730314_1328015854_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me at Anfield in 2011. A couple of stone lighter and with hair<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Meanwhile it was another a fun week in the Europa League. The
Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar bowed out of the competition losing 0-5 at home
to Glasgow Rangers. For much of the game Lincoln performed well only running
out of steam in the last 15 minutes or so. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I obtained a programme from the game to add to
my random collection and i must say it was a fine issue that befitted the
match. Elsewhere there was good news for Felice as he had a few teams playing
and winning in it. Wins for AC Milan, Spurs, Wolfsburg, Aberdeen and Standard Liege among others put a smile on his face. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dYfTMAsEPE/X2eC3NI0q8I/AAAAAAAAHBk/P-CLaWcyt1MHo-_xv45tLpGCH9mPXp8zQCLcBGAsYHQ/s679/Pic%2B17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="679" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--dYfTMAsEPE/X2eC3NI0q8I/AAAAAAAAHBk/P-CLaWcyt1MHo-_xv45tLpGCH9mPXp8zQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Pic%2B17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">So onto this weekend’s game originally we had intended watch
Retford United away at Clay Cross to tick off another new ground. However it
was announced late on Friday night that the game was called off due to “Unforeseen
circumstances” Baz had written this in our Whats App group chat but due to my
large intake of alcohol Friday i didn’t read this message till a late night toilet
visit in the early hours of Saturday morning. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">As with most cat owners i was up early on Saturday morning
and gave Felice a ring to sort out an alternative game to take it. After a
quick look i suggested ticking off Mansfield Hosiery Mills FC who were at home
to Mickleover FC Reserves. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The White Lion again was the first stop of the day for myself
along with a couple of very good friends whose company has been a huge help to
my mental health this weekend, and this time the medium full English was consumed.
This consists of two eggs, two hash browns, two sausages, two bacon, beans, tomatoes,
mushrooms and toast all for the price of £5.50. They do a larger one to which
consists of three of every item for the fat bastards among us for only a
quid more. They open at 10 AM in the morning and the fact that we were stood
outside waiting for the pub to open tells you all you need to know about us.. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foambJaUwqM/X2eEPxf3exI/AAAAAAAAHBw/CgPcjeUYD0Uf55nhceCGwFZaSne6Hp3kACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-foambJaUwqM/X2eEPxf3exI/AAAAAAAAHBw/CgPcjeUYD0Uf55nhceCGwFZaSne6Hp3kACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now i have to be honest and admit i kind of messed up picking this game.
I am always one for saying a little research goes a long way and i really
should have done some in this instance. Our aim this season is to tick off new
grounds while the Imps crowds are restricted. I knew we had never been to a
Mansfield Hosiery home game so immediately suggested them. As we set off on our
merry way it dawned on us that the club play at Sutton Towns old ground which
we had both visited in the past (in my case about 12 years ago) at least this
proved than even the very best of us make mistakes. We have now decided to draw
up a “Hit list” of new grounds so if we need to find a new ground at short
notice we will not be flapping about to think of one. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEhMmRBC1Xc/X2eFI5Rb1CI/AAAAAAAAHB8/TkQPzcebk1IGVmHGIcubHh9xW4lJAvPmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kEhMmRBC1Xc/X2eFI5Rb1CI/AAAAAAAAHB8/TkQPzcebk1IGVmHGIcubHh9xW4lJAvPmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">We made it through Mansfield and Sutton in Ashfield (AKA the
land of a thousand traffic lights) in good time and pulled up in the car part
with the best part of an hour to kill. There is a large clubhouse at the ground
divided into two parts. After signing in for the track and trace we were directed
into function room half of the building. It was all very well organised and
seems to work very well. After a well deserved pint we headed into the ground. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoEnG_JujuU/X2eFQyb70pI/AAAAAAAAHCA/l6O48vFex3MiP-pm2WyVTuTflsEznz_DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qoEnG_JujuU/X2eFQyb70pI/AAAAAAAAHCA/l6O48vFex3MiP-pm2WyVTuTflsEznz_DQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B20.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Outside the ground there are plenty of Mansfield Hosiery
signs and areas painted with the club colours of blue and white but you can
still see signs that Sutton Town once played here. The entrance was the
standard step 7 £3 with more track and trace antics on the gate. The ground
looks pretty much the same as the last time i visited apart from the odd splash
of paint here and there. The first thing walking around the ground is how it
slops from one end of the ground to the other. The pitch was looked very good
and all in all it looked like a decent set up. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRmgdGaeM3Q/X2eFZ3k-8DI/AAAAAAAAHCI/SevBoqf6f5cRMsrlVGTzPu9C9yDnMKilACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uRmgdGaeM3Q/X2eFZ3k-8DI/AAAAAAAAHCI/SevBoqf6f5cRMsrlVGTzPu9C9yDnMKilACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B22.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Both of these sides had won their previous game but early on
it became clear who was going to win this game. When you watch reserve teams
you normally see one of two things. Either they are full of players annoyed that
they aren’t in the first team and players who think the reserves are beneath
them. Or they are full of young hungry players who are finding their way in the
game and being primed to play at a higher level. This Mickleover side most defiantly
fell into the second category. They looked to play out from the back wherever possible
and stuck to their philosophy at all times. They were ahead after only a couple
of minutes’ due to a well worked goal. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did have the advantage of kicking down
the slope but some of their football was a joy to watch. Their coach was very supportive
of his side not getting on the officials backs and encouraging his side even
when moves broke down or mistakes were made. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySDTNc57XCU/X2eFg1MaRvI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/c20G6NBD7Q47y50p3VmSgvuyspGK3DYuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySDTNc57XCU/X2eFg1MaRvI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/c20G6NBD7Q47y50p3VmSgvuyspGK3DYuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B21.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">After about 6 minutes the game was effectively over due to
the most controversial moment of the game. Mickleover sent in a deep cross in
to the Mansfield box and with no attacking players near the keeper he took what
looked like a standard catch. The linesman however adjudged that the keeper had
taken the ball over the line and thus gave a goal. We were stood right down the
other end of the ground so we had no way of knowing if it was over the line or
not. The home players protested strongly which gave me the impression that it didn’t
go over but i am not the ref. I think the only person that will really know is
the home team goalkeeper</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The rest of the first half followed a similar pattern, attack
versus defense. Although the home side didn’t see much of the ball they worked
very hard to keep their shape and never gave up. The visitors added a third but
thanks to some good goal keeping and poor finishing the halftime score finished
up 3-0 in favor of Mickleover. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BX0xWVqltSY/X2eGAXNEg3I/AAAAAAAAHCg/r5mnCWFWrAwL4yGDKulrCG5_rRdrnk56QCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BX0xWVqltSY/X2eGAXNEg3I/AAAAAAAAHCg/r5mnCWFWrAwL4yGDKulrCG5_rRdrnk56QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic24.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Halftime signaled a retreat back to the bar for another
pint/ half a coke depending if you were driving or now. The Imps were leading
at halftime so all was well with the world. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The second half was more of a contest. Maybe it was because
Mansfield were kicking down the slope or maybe it was because Mickleover had
the game wrapped up. The visitors added a fourth when a long range effort left
the keeper flat footed with Mansfield getting on the score sheet midway through
the second half thanks to a well taken penalty. The real star of the show was
the number 7 for Mickleover nicked named “Scholsey” due to his resemblance to
Paul Scholes who ran the game in the centre of the park.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">All in all another good day. We may not have seen the game
we had planned or a new ground but we visited a ground we haven’t been to in a
decade, found a good club house, saw a really good footballing side and the
Imps have a 100% record in all competitions this season. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">As the saying goes.. We go again! </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Other scores of note.</u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">MK Dons 1-2 Lincoln City</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Arsenal 2-1 West Ham United</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dynamo Berlin 6-2 Bischofswerdaer </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-91680972430131960052020-09-14T12:41:00.004-07:002020-09-14T13:18:56.432-07:00Thorne Colliery 1-2 Retford United <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The back end of last week was tough, as has my life since
suffering a text message dumping during lockdown<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in May (But that’s a story for another day)
thankfully i have some awesome friends in my life to drag my sorry ass along
when required. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">In a non COVID world i would have been roughly 4000 miles
away in the USA for a long overdue holiday to Pittsburgh,and on Saturday
instead of taking in a local CML North game i would have been at PNC Park in
Pittsburgh to see the Pittsburgh Pirates (The worse team in baseball no
less).take on the Kansas City Royals. Even though i knew back in April the
chances of getting to the US were a big fat zero, what could have been has been
on my mind all week. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTdTVC46Na4/X1_FXibBNMI/AAAAAAAAHAY/j0YYMTfDk4oBvARt6POYIYCS7tB-aHcpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s720/pic16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YTdTVC46Na4/X1_FXibBNMI/AAAAAAAAHAY/j0YYMTfDk4oBvARt6POYIYCS7tB-aHcpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic16.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Up until the Thursday we had intended to follow the FA Cup
to watch West Bridgeford v Lincoln United. However United have had an outbreak
of the “Rona” and thus had to withdraw from the competition. Thankfully there
is always another option so we chose to tick off another new ground and take in
the match between Thorne Colliery v Retford United. The opening game of the
Central Midland League season (Step 7 of the non league game) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday morning was very much a case of “The morning after
the night” before kind of morning having partaken in drinking a few beers on
Friday. Thankfully i live next to the White Lion a, cracking pub that has
recently started doing cooked breakfasts on a Saturday morning. I didn’t go for
the full Monty though and settled for a sausage sandwich and a cup of tea for
£2.50 and it was the best £2.50 i have spent for a while. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_n-DulwM2Y/X1_FeDS_88I/AAAAAAAAHAc/dyb_4jYNTIwb7Wkmpg1ZL1eJXUZAecYWACLcBGAsYHQ/s707/pic15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_n-DulwM2Y/X1_FeDS_88I/AAAAAAAAHAc/dyb_4jYNTIwb7Wkmpg1ZL1eJXUZAecYWACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic15.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">After reading the paper, another couple of cups of tea and
an hour on the dart board it was time to head off to be picked up for today’s
adventure. Felice was driving this week and he was on fine form when he picked
me up. His Arsenal were leading 1-0 at Fulham and after winning the FA Cup last
year his hopes are high for the Gunners this season. He will even renew his
membership next year if fans are allowed in. As it was quite warm there was no
sign of his Arsenal jacket but i would imagine it’s a bit snug nowadays anyway. It was good to see that Baz had survived a late fitness test to make the game after his arse had been on fire the previous night much of which was spent on the toilet apparently. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The journey over to the far side of Doncaster was largely
uneventful with the time being filled up listening to the build up to the
Lincoln v Oxford game on BBC Radio Lincolnshire. It may have been the start of
the EFL season but i just can’t get overly excited about it all till fans are
allowed back into the stadiums in some numbers.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI4BAGDethI/X1_GHp31muI/AAAAAAAAHAo/RsWPyK1s8_YSt0hMgjgWZh03qvx3oo-nQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZI4BAGDethI/X1_GHp31muI/AAAAAAAAHAo/RsWPyK1s8_YSt0hMgjgWZh03qvx3oo-nQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B11.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thorne's ground is in a leisure area of the town. Next to
the football ground is a cricket pitch, and just around the corner is a rugby
ground with a small children’s play area thrown in for good measure. The
turnstiles went open when we arrived and the players of both sides were warming
up on the cricket pitch. As always the Retford fans were out in good numbers
and looking forward to the game. Thorne's ground is dominated by one large old
school style stand with standing around the rest of the ground. There is quite
a lot of room to expand should the club ever need to. The ground was very clean
and tidy and you can tell that it is well looked after. The turnstiles opened
up about 2.30 ish with entrance being the standard £3.00. The standard COVID
procedures were all in place and well managed by the club officials. As soon as
we entered the ground my two cohorts heading straight to the food cabin and
were soon scoffing away. The prices were reasonable and by all accounts the
food was very nice, with me watching my figure i just had a cuppa. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDxgm-GxIag/X1_GRizVR6I/AAAAAAAAHAs/keQPh6lzTJ896o67dy_UMYiVbAHEh8XWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NDxgm-GxIag/X1_GRizVR6I/AAAAAAAAHAs/keQPh6lzTJ896o67dy_UMYiVbAHEh8XWgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B14.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am not going to claim to be an expert on the CML North or
even have a semi decent amount of knowledge on it. But i do know a half decent side
when i see one and overall i think we saw two sides today that will be much
nearer the top of the table than the bottom come May. I felt Retford had more
of the ball in the first half but never really looked like doing much with it in
the final third. A few minutes’ before the break the Badgers did have what
looked a decent shout for a penalty but the ref was unimpressed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was good to grab a word with legendary Retford DJ and
blog fan Ian Beach at halftime along with the old warhorse Dave Wathell who wasn’t
overly impressed at what he had witnessed in the first half. It takes a very special
team to impress Dave. He judges all sides against the Spurs side that won the
double back in 1961. He did most of the home games that season. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YW8BwXIcudE/X1_Gayu5EqI/AAAAAAAAHAw/BSH4z8HH2TojqVwAtde-dcb74yOE7xPzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YW8BwXIcudE/X1_Gayu5EqI/AAAAAAAAHAw/BSH4z8HH2TojqVwAtde-dcb74yOE7xPzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B13.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just a couple of minutes’ into the second half the home side
took the lead when a Retford defender turned a cross into his own net at the
near post. It’s hard to blame the defender in all honesty. He had to go for it
with a striker bearing down on him. To be honest i would rather praise the
quality of the ball in as appose to blaming the defender. In hindsight this
kick up the arse did Retford a real favor as they took control of the match
and starting to look a lot better thanks mainly to some excellent wing play. They
got the equalizer on 83 when Mark West was fouled in the box. West then picked
himself up to dispatch the penalty giving the keeper no chance. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">On 87 minutes Retford grabbed the winner! A shot from
distance was only split by the Thorne Keeper and allowing skipper Tom Brook to
slot home the winner. The spill brought back memories of watching Felice commit
goof after <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>goof in his old 5 a side days
and getting a lot of stick from his teammates in the bar after while drinking
his pint of Shandy Bass. Ah the late 90,s. What fun they were. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lYbsf02i2s/X1_GiaIFiYI/AAAAAAAAHA4/7Zc3pcrxnLooSjgNOPqc8SEy-m_Az1nNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lYbsf02i2s/X1_GiaIFiYI/AAAAAAAAHA4/7Zc3pcrxnLooSjgNOPqc8SEy-m_Az1nNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B12.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Overall i have to say it was a good day out. A decent old
school ground that had a real charm about it and two teams that looked to play
football. If you haven’t ticked this ground off i highly recommend you do. </span></p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Other scores of note.</u></span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lincoln City 2-0 Oxford</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fulham 0-3 Arsenal</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Newcastle 2-0 West Ham</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Kansas City Royals 4-3 Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB) </span></p></blockquote></blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-26620747792378756172020-09-07T12:51:00.005-07:002020-09-07T12:54:36.048-07:00The FA Cup Returns!<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Newark FC 4-0 Deeping Rangers </u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Firstly a big thank you to everybody who read last week’s
blog. Needless to say i was pretty chuffed with the views and kind comments
that it received. Let’s hope that the content and views continue throughout the
season ahead. I must also add my general mood and state of mind has improved
slight knowing i now at least have football to look forward to once or twice a
week and that i get to share the journey with you all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLVeWrqrdqw/X1aNI136FsI/AAAAAAAAG_A/5pKT7G6h2KEMWgYSLDsX03hu_2fHLvgogCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLVeWrqrdqw/X1aNI136FsI/AAAAAAAAG_A/5pKT7G6h2KEMWgYSLDsX03hu_2fHLvgogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic%2B8.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Over the weekend results were mixed. Lincoln lost their
friendly away at Oldham but there was a first win of the season for Dynamo
Berlin thanks to a 3-1 away win at Berliner AK07. One game to look out for is
the Lincoln Red Imps of Gibraltar being drawn against the mighty Glasgow Rangers
FC in the Europa League second qualifying round.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lincoln have come through two qualifying
rounds to get here but the run will surly come to an end at this stage. In the
other ties there is plenty of interest for Felice who has links to about 40% of
the teams in it including Spurs and AC Milan. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PiltQ00Zlk/X1aNQXeHeuI/AAAAAAAAG_E/P3YGxuuAbskJyFOOXlYFv2kCZ2yYFA9ogCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/118762412_10158090374001785_2758379452294957241_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PiltQ00Zlk/X1aNQXeHeuI/AAAAAAAAG_E/P3YGxuuAbskJyFOOXlYFv2kCZ2yYFA9ogCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/118762412_10158090374001785_2758379452294957241_n.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Football fixture lists have been thrown upside down by the
whole Corona virus pandemic and as such the FA Cup is starting before the
various leagues kick off, needs must and all that though. Our FA Cup journey
was to start at The Lowfields, home of Newark Town for their extra preliminary
round match with Deeping Rangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
Brucie Bonus of doing the match was that this was my first new ground i have
been able to tick off since Sunderland away back in January. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fohcsaLLyUw/X1aNXxkSdfI/AAAAAAAAG_I/TMj2x6k2yAw0bRHPnIwXnmmTvgcxgnKeACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fohcsaLLyUw/X1aNXxkSdfI/AAAAAAAAG_I/TMj2x6k2yAw0bRHPnIwXnmmTvgcxgnKeACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/pic10.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Last season Newark Flowserve (The Company that’s grounds the
club plays in) became Newark FC and they look like a club on the rise and one that has received
a decent amount of investment. I had seen them in their former guise on a
Central Midland League ground hop back in 2008 ish but i think this club is
light years ahead of its predecessor. Newark is decent sized town and could easily
host a step 3 club given the catchment area around it and last season the club
did have several plus 400 attendances. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Newark were just too strong for Deeping Rangers on the night
running out easy 4-0 winners. The homes fans really got behind the side with a
group in the covered stand along the touchline making a real racket with the
drum. The club reminds me of a mix between Retford United cira 2001-04 and Shaw
Lane Aquaforce. I really hope the momentum can be maintained as there is
defiantly a fan base in the town that could keep the club sustainable. I guess it’s
a case of wait and see. But so far it’s a cautious welcome from me to the local
Nottinghamshire non –league scene. </span><span> </span><span>I must
mention that Baz found the burger delicious and i was more than happy to pick
up my first programme of the season.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPumTerTZ2A/X1aNmW6STQI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/XcphcrVnfgkbR6WDDspox6xL864L5NXlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/118721266_10158090373716785_103517491952328801_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LPumTerTZ2A/X1aNmW6STQI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/XcphcrVnfgkbR6WDDspox6xL864L5NXlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/118721266_10158090373716785_103517491952328801_n.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Wombwell Town 1-4 Retford United. </u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">You wait nine months to visit a new ground then you do two
in five names. This time we headed to Barnsley to watch County league Wombell
Town lock horns with Retford United of the Central Midlands League North. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9o4rdjAE_Ps/X1aOAyiLvRI/AAAAAAAAG_g/1vItDJy3ZuoojIMmp64sMwtL2xforhkWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/118807668_10158098525746785_1596547336238250272_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9o4rdjAE_Ps/X1aOAyiLvRI/AAAAAAAAG_g/1vItDJy3ZuoojIMmp64sMwtL2xforhkWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/118807668_10158098525746785_1596547336238250272_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was a tad rough after a heavy night of drinking ale and
sambuca shots in the White Lion but made it to the pickup point in good time
ready to navigate our merry way to the ground. After bottling the sambuca
Felice was driving and we made it in good time. The ground is a real old
school effort and one that i rather liked. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gg9yw8Hb-Tc/X1aObPVjONI/AAAAAAAAG_s/XO2dl-MI3vwx8ktJecTrK5Fbn24pEJwTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/118837756_10158098526966785_3554795190450682878_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gg9yw8Hb-Tc/X1aObPVjONI/AAAAAAAAG_s/XO2dl-MI3vwx8ktJecTrK5Fbn24pEJwTwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/118837756_10158098526966785_3554795190450682878_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">At one time it appears that there was a running track around
the pitch. At the bottom end of the ground there is a Go-Kart track and plenty
of tyre walls can be seen. I have to say that this was one of the most
welcoming clubs i have visited for a while. The chap organizing the car park,
the old boys recording the track and track details, the lady making the tea,
everybody was first class and it made for a great day out. There wasn’t a fixed
entry charge but we all chucked a few quid in the donation bucket as i am sure
most of the travelling support form Retford did. Retford United have had their
knockers in recent years but you can’t fault the diehard band of fans they take
to away games week in week out. It was especially good to catch up with Dave
Wathall. He may be knocking on in years these days but his commitment to cause is
as strong as ever. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owiLc5vs9IE/X1aORGw2yuI/AAAAAAAAG_o/_B-o8vxORq8lTfBGURehxUiVBl5nfdJOACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/118866523_10158098526831785_3782713228367104153_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owiLc5vs9IE/X1aORGw2yuI/AAAAAAAAG_o/_B-o8vxORq8lTfBGURehxUiVBl5nfdJOACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/118866523_10158098526831785_3782713228367104153_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Retford play their football at a higher level than their
hosts and it showed as they dominated much of the game. The visitors ran out
4-1 winners but squandered many chances including a missed penalty. Credit must
go to the hosts to however as they never gave up and i was glad they got a goal
back late one. If you are busying planning which clubs to visit i thoroughly recommend Wombell Town! </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><u>Elsewhere here are a few scores that caught the eye.</u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Crewe 1-2 Lincoln (League Cup</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Iceland 0-1 England (Nations league)</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Italy 1-1 Bosnia (Nations league) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">FSV Lukenwalde 2-5 Dynamo Berlin </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4HR1QorJ1U/X1aOhMkbUCI/AAAAAAAAG_0/JEg4t1igDgkfONqhN6ZeBZ9C9c6fe2QGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/118818864_10158098527351785_9002138711768324892_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4HR1QorJ1U/X1aOhMkbUCI/AAAAAAAAG_0/JEg4t1igDgkfONqhN6ZeBZ9C9c6fe2QGgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/118818864_10158098527351785_9002138711768324892_n.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span><br /></span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-6211952700504976392020-08-30T10:36:00.002-07:002020-08-30T10:36:27.301-07:00The season is underway!!<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">For me the 2020/21 season finally got up and running this week as myself and my sidekicks were finally able to take in some live football action. The fact that non league clubs are finally allowed to let supporters attend is a huge boast to both clubs and fans alike as i am sure plenty of clubs would start fearing for their future had games been behind closed doors for much longer. <br /><br />Our season opener was a short drive into South Yorkshire to the picturesque village of Maltby to see Maltby Main FC square off against Retford United. Incidentally when ex number one left me a couple of years ago after 17 years together she moved to this quaint little village with two cats that we had rescued , Onyx and Sapphire. I do hope the cats are ok as i do miss them so. </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IQBXUvxzas/X0vfPtR6yaI/AAAAAAAAG9M/8KLP048iVZs-i8cNEtd9Q5XzUwfSAtNJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/Kebab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IQBXUvxzas/X0vfPtR6yaI/AAAAAAAAG9M/8KLP048iVZs-i8cNEtd9Q5XzUwfSAtNJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Kebab.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br />For us midweek games and pre game fine dining go together like Juventus and spectacular Champions League failures. The first Kebabs of the season were served up by the Charcoal Grill Kebab shop just around the corner from the ground. I played it safe and opted for the large Lamb donner at £6.30. It was tasty enough but could have done with being a tad larger, or maybe i am just a fat bastard. Either way it met with our seal of approval and is recommended. A solid start on the food front this season. <br /><br />There has been much speculation as to how clubs will cope with the new COVID regulations and how different watching football would be. After watching two games this week it looks like things won’t be too different. Upon entry we signed in (i helped Felice spell his name) and leave phone numbers for track and trace, after this you sanitize you hands and off you go. All pretty simple really. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttudIpo2vj4/X0vffwaRbAI/AAAAAAAAG9U/oUKFpcN9p8g-mypNP52VfvXA83lL2XrgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttudIpo2vj4/X0vffwaRbAI/AAAAAAAAG9U/oUKFpcN9p8g-mypNP52VfvXA83lL2XrgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h384/pic%2B1.jpg" width="512" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br />Maltby play their football two leagues higher than Retford United but you wouldn’t know that from this match as the Badgers gave as good as they got. Sometimes in these kind of games teams can look a little disjoined but both sides really went for it in this encounter. Maltby looking smart in there red and black home shirts with Retford rocking a kit that looks remarkably one a certain Nottinghamshire based underachieving/ Also ran’s League Two side would wear at home. <br /><br />As with all friendly matches the result wasn’t of the highest importance and its more about getting the players match fit and using different formations etc. The game finished 3-3 and featured some high quality goals with Redford’s 1st probably the pick of the bunch. All in all a decent start to the season and the 7.30 PM kick off allowed us to be back at a decent time. Let’s have more 7.30 kick offs in local football please. <br /><br />On Saturday we were meant to travel to Clay Cross to tick of a new ground. However mother natural had other ideas as overnight rain caused the game to be cancelled .Felice consulted Twitter and it was quickly decided that Kimberley Miner Welfare was to be our destination. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-276GGBzuNMg/X0vfrewYquI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/gBql10ab-cEo1udWjHKmsQM8VsEAhsm5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-276GGBzuNMg/X0vfrewYquI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/gBql10ab-cEo1udWjHKmsQM8VsEAhsm5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h384/pic%2B5.jpg" width="512" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /> The 2pm kick off meant for a 12.30 departure time and a steady journey down to Nottingham for the game. Driving through Kimberley the place looked a nice little place with plenty of pubs that looked welcoming and plenty of people going about, a completely different experience from Tuesday night. The entrance to the clubs “Stag Ground” can be found just before the Stag Inn pub on the left, it’s a real blink and you will miss it though so thank the lord for sat navs as without one i am sure we would have been travelling around aimlessly looking for it.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwQrfBDRxjI/X0vgHt2BdOI/AAAAAAAAG9s/G8iGNbCIs64P4rFC8MlibZYiUww8VIzmACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QwQrfBDRxjI/X0vgHt2BdOI/AAAAAAAAG9s/G8iGNbCIs64P4rFC8MlibZYiUww8VIzmACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/pic%2B2.jpg" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We made our way to the gate and parted with our £3 and signed in. It looked like the club had really got the COVID procedure sorted so hat tip to them. And a second hat tip to Felice for spelling his name correctly. Once inside the ground hot and cold drinks were available but sadly the clubhouse was closed. With over half an hour to go till kick off we made the decision to head next door to the Stag Inn pub for a pre game pint. It turned out to be a cracking decision as the pub is a belter, a proper old fashioned boozer with a fantastic beer garden and friendly barmaids. From the beer garden you get a decent view of the ground and what was evident was the amount of work that had gone into the pitch as it looked a cracker. I had visited the ground over ten years ago and it looks like little has changed, the ground is fully railed off with the only covering being behind the far goal next to the entrance point and clubhouse. There doesn’t appear to be much room for expansion but i wouldn’t think that would be necessary as the ground seems to meet the clubs needs. The club has been busy adding new dugouts over the closed season and with the work that has gone on with pitch it’s obvious they have used the enforced break well. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFNXZ0n8vlk/X0vgSrcUgFI/AAAAAAAAG9w/UHVPHV6fD1U_8aL_tKp7UK5gTv6UKGA3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFNXZ0n8vlk/X0vgSrcUgFI/AAAAAAAAG9w/UHVPHV6fD1U_8aL_tKp7UK5gTv6UKGA3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h384/pic%2B4.jpg" width="512" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br />Today’s visitors were Wednesfield Football Club who ply their trade in the West Midlands Premier Division, a league i know absolutely nothing about or ever seen a game in. After a quick Google search it appears that this league is at step 6 of the non league pyramid, the same level as Kimberley who still play in the EMCL. So in theory a close game was in store and that’s exactly what we got. <br /><br />I am afraid i can’t really dress this up but this game was a tough watch. Both sides really cancelled each other out with very little goal mouth action to speak of sadly. <br /><br />ak of. And whenever decent football was in danger of breaking out the referee out a stop to it with some over the top whistling. The only real high-point of the first half came in when the visiting keeper shanked a goal kick at about 30 degrees out of play when under no pressure whatsoever. It was a relief when the halftime whistle went allowing us to retreat back to the pub. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LQdmKfL56E/X0vgfeSS0HI/AAAAAAAAG94/jaPQPob2t5ArOg0ZrolCVofywMK9A7eZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LQdmKfL56E/X0vgfeSS0HI/AAAAAAAAG94/jaPQPob2t5ArOg0ZrolCVofywMK9A7eZQCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h384/pic%2B3.jpg" width="512" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />We missed the first five minutes or so of the second half but it hardly mattered as it followed a similar pattern to the first i.e. very poor. As the game dragged on it looked odds on that we would see our first 0-0 of the season but thankfully a couple of minutes before the end Kimberley were awarded a penalty that they duly converted. Only a fool would make a cast iron prediction on a pre-season game but on this showing i wouldn’t imagine that either will be challenging for honours this time around. However it’s all about getting minutes’ in players legs etc and while there was little quality plenty of effort was on display from all involved. Good luck to both clubs for the upcoming season and all that.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odQQmxdmMKI/X0vgyEfLxhI/AAAAAAAAG-E/ChJwFoWhsokW2jK3yt237wQMT7mEQiNuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/pic%2B7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="384" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odQQmxdmMKI/X0vgyEfLxhI/AAAAAAAAG-E/ChJwFoWhsokW2jK3yt237wQMT7mEQiNuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h384/pic%2B7.jpg" width="512" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><br /><p></p>west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-53727353072901635972020-08-22T13:43:00.010-07:002020-08-31T11:33:54.525-07:00Back again! <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Uf_X4YjvHrg" width="320" youtube-src-id="Uf_X4YjvHrg"></iframe></div><span face="" style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><br /></span><p></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /> Well here we are again, another season when i will attempt to keep this blog up to date. <br /><br />I do however have reasons to be optimistic that I will make a better fist of it this time around. Firstly i produce very little content either written or vocal these days so I have more than enough time. <br /><br />The second reason is far more serious. As anybody and their dog knows the world has become a much scarier place in the last six months or so and I alongside millions of others have seen their mental health plummet to new depths due to the Corona virus. Added to that fact i received a Text message dumping so for the second time in 3 years i am single and fancy-free. It’s not a situation that i am happy with and in truth i am a little scared about being alone for the rest of my life but if 2020 has proved anything to us it’s that we never know what’s around the corner. <br /><br />I must add that i don’t want to make this blog just about football/ sports. I intend to use it to act as a diary of my way back to a place where i want to be mentally and physically to thank the people who have helped me to pull through and to open up about the people who in various ways have done all they can to pull me down and. I am looking forward to writing about things other than sport and i know that will in the long term put me in a better place. <br /><br /> <br /><br />But don’t worry 90% of it will still be football/kebab/ collectibles/piss taking, and who knows there may well be a sprinkling of darts and Warhammer painting thrown in for good measure. <br /><br />I should be attending my first football match of the 20/21 season at some point this midweek so look out for it over next weekend.</span><p></p>west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-77818013104359298552019-08-08T12:30:00.000-07:002019-08-08T12:30:52.618-07:00Lincoln 2-0 Accrington <br />
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It’s been 21 long years since the Imps last played in the
third tier of English football and it’s fair to say my life and that of the
Caterday club founder members has changed quite a bit since then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lincoln opened up the 1998/99 season with a
long trip to Bournemouth and thus we made a weekend of it. It was the first
game i ever did with Baz and Felice and thus the start of two fantastic
friendships that have seen us travel all over the country (and northern
Germany) watching the Imps. Time flies as they say. </div>
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When we went to Bournemouth we had no plan. No digs booked
(in peak holiday season in August) no real idea of where the ground was or even
the best way to get there. All we had was a change of clothes for the night out
and something to wear the next day. No phones or sat</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>navs no research into
the area, nothing. In the end we found some digs (after asking at about 40
B&B, s)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After we checked in we had a
belly load of beer at various pubs along the beach <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then back to hotel to freshen up then back out
on the piss and ending up in the Opera House nightclub. On the pitch Lincoln
were soundly beaten 2-0 and were eventually relegated. </div>
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Fast forward to today and there was to be no all day
drinking/any drinking on the Friday and certainly no night clubbing by any of
us. One thing that has withstood the test of time over the past 21years has
been Felice’s inability to organise himself. The plan at 9.30 was to catch the
11.10 train to Lincoln however no sooner had i purchased my ticket the call
came through saying he would be getting the later train.</div>
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Pre-game was spent in our favourite “Up hill” Lincoln pub
the William Foster watching the Ashes. Until some fool switched the TV over to
watch Salford v Stevenage which was<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>met
with a round of boos and the cricket put on the smaller screen, not great but
we could at least see England’s tail wag to get a 90 run lead in the first
innings. The pub much like much of the city centre was full of Imps shirts and
there seemed a genuine buzz around the city. The opening of a new Imps shop in
the centre has been a welcome addition and both times i have been in it has
been quite busy and with a great range of merchandise in stock it’s not hard to
understand why. I genuinely think it’s the best we have had since i have been
going to the Bank and long may it continue. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2NOXztXTwU/XUx3xG4bxFI/AAAAAAAAG3A/QrC_-H6TiXU_CUiHcJi-iuHmUNuAKlN0wCLcBGAs/s1600/67430998_10156870996816785_1510139848785133568_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a2NOXztXTwU/XUx3xG4bxFI/AAAAAAAAG3A/QrC_-H6TiXU_CUiHcJi-iuHmUNuAKlN0wCLcBGAs/s320/67430998_10156870996816785_1510139848785133568_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a quick stop at the chippy it was off the ground to
see the Imps take on Accrington. Although as a fan i normally prefer to be away
on the opening day of the season i felt in this case started out in a new league
it was important to be at home on the first day and thus get a better chance of
the Imps getting three points. There are no easy games (cliché ahoy) in this
league but a home game against probably the smallest club in the league is as
good a fixture as you can hope for. </div>
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One curious thing in the build up to the game was what the
crowd was going to be. For this game all of the Stacey West was available to
the home fans with Accrington being placed in the bike shed stands at the other
end of the ground. As kick off approached it became apparent that there was
going to be quite a few empty seats in the Stacey West. In the end the crowd
was 8,668 which is very respectable and the 3<sup>rd</sup> highest in League
One on the day. Now you will never find me moaning about “Only” getting 8668
through the gate but after three years of crowds growing it does make you
wonder if as a club we have reached our limit. Obviously when the bigger clubs
come to town and take all the Stacey West then tickets for the home sections
will be much harder to obtain and sell outs will occur. Home ticket sales v
smaller/less well supported clubs are defiantly something to keep an eye on as
the club still wrestles with plans of moving to a new stadium or re-developing
Sincil Bank for the long term. </div>
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Accrington are always held up as a prime example of what a
club can do with a canny management team even if they have a low budget. John
Coleman was even described in the programme as “The Alex Ferguson” on lower
league football. That may be pushing it slightly but there is no denying the
bloke has done a first class job at Accrington. They always give you a hard
game especially at home. However that being said it was a game that on paper
Lincoln were favourites to win. (in my eyes anyway)</div>
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The surprising team news was that last year’s top scorer
John Akindie was on the bench. This was huge news and signaled a change in
approach for the Imps. Last season Akindie was the first name on the team-sheet
teams knew what they were in for and this change of tact seemed to surprise
Accrington as they struggled to contain the Imps slick passing game plan. </div>
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As ever i never go into in-depth match reports on here,
there are plenty of other places for that. This blog merely serves to give my
overall views on the game. The Imps new signings of Morrel, Payne and Walker
all impressed as did the whole Imps side. The first goals for the Imps game courtesy
of a header from Micheal o’Conner on 35 minutes. The Imps never really looked
in trouble at the other end but as we all know football has a wonderful way of
kicking you up the arse when you least expect it and given how dominate Lincoln
had been in the first half i did wonder if the Imps would pay for all the
missed chances. </div>
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However i needn’t have worried as the second half followed
the same pattern as the first. The Imps wrapped up the points on 82 when
Akindie slotted home a trademark penalty to wrap up the points. </div>
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First day results can often bare little relevance to how the
rest of the season is going to pan out but the signs today were positive. For
me the big take away was the fact that the Imps now look to have two systems
that can be used making them much less predictable. For much of the game City
were very open and while that is pleasant to see at home i would think they
will revert to a much more conservative style away from Sincil Bank. </div>
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So all in all a great start to the season with the Imps
gaining three well deserved and impressive points. Good beer, nice pre game
chips and a good performance. If only<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> all games were as
pleasant as this. </div>
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<br />west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-17047388841745736412019-07-08T13:07:00.000-07:002019-07-08T13:07:18.612-07:00The Festival of Lincolnshire Football. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AmxwGlYkz8/XSOgl_9v_TI/AAAAAAAAG1c/A2lQz5UCRJQBHBtb4eWvB2vCb1_s7Bn1gCLcBGAs/s1600/gain%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4AmxwGlYkz8/XSOgl_9v_TI/AAAAAAAAG1c/A2lQz5UCRJQBHBtb4eWvB2vCb1_s7Bn1gCLcBGAs/s320/gain%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After a quiet summer waiting for news on friendly games to
be arranged,the fixture list to come out and planning for the new season
football was finally back and the first Imps game of 2019/20 was the festival
of Lincolnshire football in Gainsborough. Actually i lie because it was
actually two games as the festival featured the hosts Gainsborough, The Imps
and Lincoln United. </div>
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There is something special about pre-season games, the sun
is normally out, optimism fills the air, results don’t matter and there is
normally a real buzz about going to these games. Plus you get to see fellow
supporters/ goons you have missed over the long closed season months. Another
reason i enjoy pre-season games especially in the early weeks if that it gives
you the chance to go to grounds and catch up with clubs that you don’t normally
get the chance to visit. A few years ago i use to get around many of the local
non league clubs quite often throughout the season but a combination of
purchasing an Imps season ticket three years ago and funds being needed for
more important things in life means that forays into the non league game are
few and far between. </div>
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Gainsborough is a town steeped in history that many people
in the local area don’t really appreciate. As there is so much history to
explore i suggested getting to the town early to try and find some of the
historical sites of importance. Alas my ideas fell on deaf ears. Gainsborough
gets its name after the tribe that made the first settlement here back in Anglo
Saxon times, the Gaini. Gainsborough literally means stronghold of the Gaini. </div>
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The format of the day’s event was quite simple. The three
teams would play each other once and the games would be 60 minutes long with 10
minutes for halftime. Two points were to be awarded for a win and one for a
draw. I know some people wouldn’t count these are proper games given that they
are shorter than normal but i am. Admission was a very reasonable £10 for
adults in advance and rising to 12 if paying on the day. Baz, Emma Lou and i
had used our loaf and ordered in advance but loads of money Felice opted to pay
on the day. You always get one don’t you? Incidentally £12 is what Trinity
charged last season in the 7<sup>th</sup> tier of English football. That seems
a couple of quid too much to me but what do i know? I suppose funds were needed
to support the promotion push that followed relegation the previous season, the
promotion push never really got going though which is a real shame as Trinity
really should be higher up the pyramid. </div>
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We arrived in Gainsborough just after 12.30 and although the
normal car park was reserved for “Players and media” we managed to bag a spot
just around the corner and made our merry way into the stadium. The “Special
souvenir” programme was on sale just inside the turnstiles for £2.50 and
although it looked quite snazzy it has to be said it was poor value with not a
huge amount of reading material other than pen pics of the squads and given the
large number of trialists that all three sides were playing it made this a tad
useless. However many clubs don’t issue programmes at all for friendly games so
i suppose i should be thankful that a programme was issued at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Lincoln City 4-1 Lincoln United.</b></u></span></div>
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First up was the Lincoln derby and from an Imps point of
view it was quite hard to read anything into this. The Imps named 6 unnamed
trialist’s in the line up in addition to Adebayo-Smith who recently signed his
first pro deal for the club and is one of the most exciting young prospects at
the club. Early pre season games like this are normally littered with trialists
so it’s hard for us in the stands to work out how much chance any of these
players have at getting a deal with Lincoln You also have to consider that there is a 5 division
gap between the two Lincoln teams so you would expect anybody trying to get a
deal with a League one club to look competent against modest opposition. In the
end the Imps won comfortably with Adebayo-Smith grabbing three of the goals and
the fourth coming from “Trialist E” We had the pleasure of spending the first
game in the stand with Felice as he told us all about his bird watching antics
over the past few weeks and gave us the lowdown on the puffin scene in North
Yorkshire, something he is hugely passionate about. He is almost as passionate
about it as he was the burger that he stuffed down his face at a rate of knots.
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>Gainsborough Trinity 0-3 Lincoln City.</b></u></span></div>
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This line up was far more interesting to Imps fans as it
contained players that were all contracted to the club. Much of the talk
amongst Imps fans this week has been the signings of Jorge Grant and Jack Payne
on full time deals along with Joe Morrell who arrived on a season long loan
from Bristol City. All three started in this game. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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As with the previous game City were on the front foot from
the start and never really looked in trouble. We watching this match from the
Carlise Street terrace and we got a perfect view of city missing a penalty in
the 8<sup>th</sup> minute as Harry Anderson was adjudged to have been fouled in
the box. New boy Payne stepped up to take the sport kick but it was well saved
by the Trinity keeper. The Imps didn’t have to wait long for the opening goal,
Andersons shot was well saved by the keeper but the rebound fell to Ellis
Chapman who finished from close range. On 25 it was 2-0 as Matt Rhead finished off
a good move from about two yards out. City added the 3<sup>rd</sup> in the
second half via another penalty with Jorge Grant stepping up this time to take
the kick. It was a decent penalty and one that Felice missed as he snuck out of
the ground at halftime. Shocking stuff i am sure you will all agree. </div>
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After the second game it was time to visit the world famous
Blues club for a quick pint. The blues club like much of Gainsborough is a bit
of a throwback to a bygone era but it does the trick. When we remerged it
appeared that about 70% of the crowd had decided to call it a day due to the
Imps have finished their two fixtures. This left Trinity and United to fight it
out over second place. Trinity bossed the first period whilst United had much
the better of the second. The result being a 1-1 draw thus lifting United into
second place. I have to thank my good friend Rob for giving me a life back
after the third game thus allowing me to be able to watch it as all my viewing companions
for the first two games had left for various reasons. Rob is the leading light
in the local football blogosphere so check out his version of events .<a href="https://the66pow.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a> </div>
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So what were my overall views of the day? This was the first
time that Trinity (to my knowledge) had hosted an event like this so with that
in mind i think it went pretty well and something i could see being an annual event
involving different Lincolnshire sides. Although it may have been disappointing
to see so many city fans leave after the 1<sup>st</sup> two games they had all
paid their ticket money so neither of the two non-league sides sharing the gate
money would have lost out but you would imagine the bar and catering takings
would have been better if the Imps were on last as was originally planned. The
bar and catering ques were fairly swiftly moving so from that point of view
Trinity should be applauded. From what i could see everybody seemed to have a
great day and i am sure all three management teams got something from it as
well. I for one hope to see more of these in the future years and with a couple
of tweaks i am sure this could be one of the high points on the pre-season calendar.
I could see City, Grimsby and Scunthopre taking it in turns being the league
club and another non-league side joining Trinity. If you invited say Boston or
Grantham who would both bring a decent number the event could really take off. </div>
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Food for thought as they say. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br />west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-11029834184241815182019-06-16T09:15:00.000-07:002019-06-30T12:27:21.934-07:00Pre-season plans 19/20<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9wXhsRk2uo/UbYnhLeVp3I/AAAAAAAAGZA/N4HWlIbFBg4sJniXWABkHoQRdYnZAYb0wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9wXhsRk2uo/UbYnhLeVp3I/AAAAAAAAGZA/N4HWlIbFBg4sJniXWABkHoQRdYnZAYb0wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1157.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I have always enjoyed pre-season games and the week or two
that leads up to pre-season starting. After weeks and months of checking the Tony
Kempseter Non league forum, Twitter and various blogs for interesting matches I
now have a pretty good idea of which games I wish to take in before the real
action starts on the 9<sup>th</sup> of August. However as with all things pre-season
(and in life in general I suppose) things can and probably will change. I did
have the novel idea of doing seven games<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>in seven days but that was poo pooed by the rest of the Cat Crew.
Disappointing news I am sure you will agree.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Retford FC V Hykeham Town July 3<sup>rd</sup></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">A nice and local one to kick off the 2019/20 season. It’s
always good to get a game in early and get back into the swing of it all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Retford FC has been a real success story over the past
couple of seasons and last season gained promotion to the NCEL Division One.
Off the pitch the Rail ground has seen significant investment thus making it a
great place to watch football. I have a soft spot for the club given that on
the field at the back was where I clean bowled Felice many moons ago in what
can only be described as one of the best balls ever seen in Retford cricket. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hykeham are new to the Lincs league this season
so I know nothing about them apart from it will be a new ground to visit next
season. </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">July 6<sup>th</sup> the festival of Lincolnshire football. </span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">This is a novel idea and a date that I am very much looking
forward to. It’s a three team tournament consisting of hosts Gainsborough
Trinity, Lincoln United and the Imps. Each side will play the other in a match
that will consist of two 30 minute halves with 10 minutes for halftime. First
up Trinity take on United followed by the two Lincoln teams facing off, before
the Imps play Trinity in the final match. Two points are awarded for a win and
one for a draw. Should two sides be level on points then a penalty shoot out
will decide the winners. The games will kick off at 1pm, 3pm and the bar will
be open all day which is great news all round. Tickets are on sale in advance
for a mere ten pounds which will rise by 2 quid on the day. Further more you
can save even more by getting the family ticket (as I have)which allows two
adults and two kids in for £20 thus saving you even more (chortle chortle). All
these savings come in handy as the food at Gainsborough is always top notch and
the beer is cheap in the Blues club. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5h4ot7vsmNU/URFV-_5ZSdI/AAAAAAAAGZA/j3jYu_LA_Dwfjpq2t-C1x_yJQoG7T6LuwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20130202_142745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5h4ot7vsmNU/URFV-_5ZSdI/AAAAAAAAGZA/j3jYu_LA_Dwfjpq2t-C1x_yJQoG7T6LuwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/20130202_142745.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I have a lot of time for both Gainsborough and Lincoln
United so I hope a good number of Imps turn out to support the event. To that
end I do hope that Mr Felice Del Colle does attend. His record at attending
pre-season matches is on the poor side which is disappointing to say the least.
One of his most famous no shows in pre-season was actually at Gainsborough a
couple of years ago when he missed out on the Lincs cup tie between the Holy
Blues and the Imps despite it being very close to where he lives and is often
seen stuffing his face in the local KFC, playing Bingo and attending dance
nights in the famous Blues Club. If his car has broke down (a favorite excuse
in pre-season) the he will no doubt be delighted to learn that Gainsborough Central
train station now receives an hourly service and is a mere 5 or so minute
stroll from the Northholme meaning he can catch the 2.35pm service from Retford
and make the Imps first game at 3pm. Gainsborough has a rich history so I very
much encourage people to watch this three part documentary about the history of
the town before the festival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Ilkeston Town v Notts County. 13<sup>th</sup> of July. </span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Something a little different with this game but that’s what
pre-season is all about. I often like to partake with a couple of beers with
the upper management of Barlow Enterprises and the combination of beer, sun and
football is one that is too good to turn down. This is the start of a new
Journey for Notts County as they adjust to non-league football and I am
intrigued as to how see the start of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>News of a proposed takeover has gone quiet in what is a nervous time for
fans of the Magpies. I am sure they club will pull through but as we saw with
the Imps it can take a while, but the good news is clubs like Leyton Orient
completed the turnaround in just two seasons. Keep the faith as they say. Ilkeston
have had troubles of their own over the past few years but won their league at a
canter last season so it will be interesting to see them take the next step.
The new Manor ground is a quality stadium with a large clubhouse. Let’s hope
the bar is well stoked as Barlow drinking sessions are not for the faint
hearted. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ilkeston v Lincoln back in 2011</span></td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Lincoln United v Lincoln City 23<sup>rd</sup> of July. </span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Another cracking game here and one that is not to be missed.
The Lincolnshire Cup has a very special place in the Imps history, for the
reason the Imps exist was that it was felt by people in the city that Lincoln
needed a side capable of winning the highly prized Lincolnshire cup and ending
Grimsby’s domination of the competition. For this reason alone I have always
tried to get to the Lincs cup games however my fellow Retford Imps goons seem
less enthusiastic about it. A warm welcome is always revived at Ashby Avenue so
it should be a great night. It may well be a “Lincoln City 11” take to the
field as the Imps host Stoke City the following night at Sincil Bank. The winners
of this tie will face either holders Cleethropes Town or Spadling United at
home in the semi finals</span><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pxs0UTN4xSw/UeKUgNt_BmI/AAAAAAAAGYY/97ZJQJJYl54cB9lzBbbS-AvUfidd95SdgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/DSCN1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pxs0UTN4xSw/UeKUgNt_BmI/AAAAAAAAGYY/97ZJQJJYl54cB9lzBbbS-AvUfidd95SdgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/DSCN1244.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Retford United v Worksop Town. 31<sup>st</sup> July. </span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">If you are about in the town of Retford on Tuesday the 31<sup>st</sup>
of July then you have a choice of two games to attend. Firstly and the game I
was going to attend when I saw it was Retford FC hosting Lincoln United, but
seeing how I plan on being at the Rail the previous week to see the CML North
champions play Harworth (I like to get about a bit in pre-season) I have opted
to take in Retford United lock horns with neighbours Worksop Town. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">It wasn’t too long ago that these two clubs were in the same
division and for a while it looked like United could overtake Town as
Bassetlaw’s highest ranked side. That seems like a world away now though after
Worksop ran away with the NCEL Premier division title setting records left
right and center while United had a disappointing season finishing 4<sup>th</sup>
in the CML North. I am hoping there is a half decent crowd in for this and it
will be good to see a few familiar faces. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Those are the games I would like to attend. However as i
said previously some may fall by the wayside and others may be added. The Imps
do host Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke City and Nottingham Forest but in all honestly
the only one that really appeals is the Stoke game but as the Lincs Cup game is the
day before that takes preference as it is a competitive game. The ones v
Forest and Sheffield’s 2<sup>nd</sup> highest ranked side in the football
pyramid should be well attended with both bringing a good following. The two
games will tug on Baz’s heart strings as he is a former Owl and will be
bringing his home made half and half scarf to the match. There has also be a
long standing rumour that a picture of a young Baz exists wearing a Forest
shirt posing with the European Cup from many moons ago but I haven’t see it so
I<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> won’t comment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The newly formed/rebranded Lincoln City Women have a series
of pre-season games planned too which are appealing and it would be nice to pop
along to Elland Road should Leeds host an interesting overseas opponent as they
often do. Yaxley FC also host an Imps youth side so that could be a goer but we
will see. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Till next time Cat fans. </span></div>
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<br />west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-50753700146652374082019-05-20T12:49:00.000-07:002019-05-20T12:49:55.777-07:00End of season awards 2018/19<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I am getting back into this blogging lark I thought it
would be fun to award my own end of season awards for the 2018/19 season. It’s
fair to say this have been a fantastic season for the Imps and one that will
live long in the memory <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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and this made some of these awards quite tough to call. As
ever with my blogging the main aim is to have a little fun with these kinds of
things. Some awards are serious, some less so. Some awards relate to events on
the pitch and some off it. So without further ado... </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Best away trip of the
season. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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1<sup>st</sup> Everton (L 2-1) </div>
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2<sup>nd</sup> Cheltenham (W 2-0)</div>
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3<sup>rd</sup> Forest Green Rovers (W2-1)</div>
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As you can imagine during a season in which Lincoln had the
best away record in the division there are a few strong contenders for this
award. As anybody who travels to away games will tell you the day is about far
more than just the game itself and from the baking heat of Northampton on
opening day to the long trip to South Wales and Newport to close the season out
many memories have been made. </div>
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Notts County is always a great away day (and the one I look
for first when the fixtures come out). On the pitch the Imps were below par but
as ever it was a cracking day off it. Cheltenham was excellent also – a new
ground, great day on the ale with my best friend and taking both Cheltenham and
Gloucester by storm (it was also a weekend away so that adds to the fun). Other
grounds that were memorable were Northampton, Forest Green and MK Dons. But in
the end the FA Cup tie at Everton was the clear winner. An iconic ground, huge
away following and a very good performance from Lincoln on the pitch. Plus the
staff at both Everton and Liverpool were all first class which added to the
experience. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Worst away trip of
the season <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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1<sup>st</sup> Tranmere away<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(0-1)</div>
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2<sup>nd</sup> Oldham (1-1)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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It has to be said neither of these was awful, far from it. The
reason Tranmere wins it is because it came at a time when my Asthma (which has
been quite bad this season) was starting to get on top of me. It was quite a
cold night so when you have a combination of a bad chest and a flat Imps
performance you have the perfect factors for a poor away day. In a way I feel
bad about writing this as I normally enjoy going to Prenton Park as it’s a
cracking old school style stadium with fans that create a decent atmosphere but
alas even a decent Kebab pre game couldn’t save it from this dubious award. </div>
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Oldham comes in second even though I didn’t go. Basically I
am bitter. This was one that I really wanted to visit at the start of the season,
a golden tick as it were as I have never been there. However my Asthma had
other ideas and my plans were scuppered, and therfore it remains un-ticked.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Best disappearing act
sponsored by Lord Lucan</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-AHifKHO74/XOMEmB9vCwI/AAAAAAAAGzs/IX1podQ3oyIJ_ZcGuD5Ps5U_QwroREQtwCLcBGAs/s1600/Lee%2Bat%2Bt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="714" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-AHifKHO74/XOMEmB9vCwI/AAAAAAAAGzs/IX1podQ3oyIJ_ZcGuD5Ps5U_QwroREQtwCLcBGAs/s320/Lee%2Bat%2Bt.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lee at Tranmere. </td></tr>
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Very easy one this. After failing to attend a game for over
a year the winner this award was as one sided as a North Korean election, step forward
Mr Lee Housman!! Little more I can say really. Shocking to think both mine and
Felice’s other halves attended more away games than him. He did however attend
the same as all our pet cats combined so that’s something. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Best new ground
visited <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijyZDZJq48E/XOL_GpyMImI/AAAAAAAAGyM/r57Y127QoeoqN7PBspGCgfWrCm2vfvB2gCLcBGAs/s1600/FGR%2BAway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ijyZDZJq48E/XOL_GpyMImI/AAAAAAAAGyM/r57Y127QoeoqN7PBspGCgfWrCm2vfvB2gCLcBGAs/s320/FGR%2BAway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I realise I may be going against the grain on this one but
for all the stick the club get I found Forest Green Rovers, New Lawn to be a
lot better than I expected. Yes it’s pretty small but it’s clean and it is perfect
for what the club needs as opposed to clubs that build grounds that are way too
big for them. The FGR fans really made a decent bit of noise behind the goal
which always adds to the atmosphere. Although we didn’t get time for a pint
there looked to be some decent pubs in the village and the chippy was nice if
not exactly cheap. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Best piece of
navigational skills<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmpPffCh0Yw/XOL_QbRlkVI/AAAAAAAAGyU/wKmmMOknmUo9-LzXUDqSLC1dJhTHm6RgACLcBGAs/s1600/Macc%2Baway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmpPffCh0Yw/XOL_QbRlkVI/AAAAAAAAGyU/wKmmMOknmUo9-LzXUDqSLC1dJhTHm6RgACLcBGAs/s320/Macc%2Baway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For once I am going to give this to myself. Macclesfield has
always been an awkward place to get to and Felice was really struggling with this
one. Thankfully I saved the day and got us there in good time. I won’t go into
it too much as i am not one to blow my own trumpet too much but safe to say he
would have been fooked without me. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Embarrassing moment
of the season<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7l9NaJ5mmM/XOL_6hDGXyI/AAAAAAAAGyk/1kvOejqajCI6o258ATaMTlr25hxhUZTdQCLcBGAs/s1600/FUN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A7l9NaJ5mmM/XOL_6hDGXyI/AAAAAAAAGyk/1kvOejqajCI6o258ATaMTlr25hxhUZTdQCLcBGAs/s320/FUN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Normally things that happen late on in the season stand more
chance of winning these awards however for this we are going back to the first
pre season game and a visit from Sheffield Wednesday. As we ambled round to the
fanzone the smell of pork filled the air as the visitor’s team bus pulled in.
With this Baz turned around to go and greet the players while I continued my
trip to the bar. </div>
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In second place I have myself pouring salt instead of sugar
in my tea during halftime of the Lincoln v Morecombe game. The weather was
awful and coupled with the shock of Felice getting the teas in meant I grabbed
the container with what I thought was sugar in only to pour lashings of salt
into my much needed cup of tea. What a twat. </div>
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In third it has to be Felice getting all the way to the
turnstiles at a home game only to realise he left his phone in the car. Thus
meaning he needed to go back and get it. What made this all the more amusing
was the fact he was busting for a piss and waddling like a duck. Why did he
need his phone? To check how his bets were coming along and to play some stupid
farming game on his phone at HT of course. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The icing on the cake was Bolton winning at
his beloved QPR to mess his bet up. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Best team seen this
season<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This is quite a tough one to judge as firstly I have seen
some sides three times, some<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>twice, some
once and a couple not at all. Bury really gave Lincoln a run for their money in
the televised game at Gigg Lane and ran us close at the Bank when Lincoln
defeated them 2-1. Both games v Mansfield were also close with very little
between the teams. This season however many sides have looked to sit back and
given that at times Lincoln have struggled to break teams down you cannot
really blame them for employing this tactic even though it’s awful to watch. I
have always been a believer that the best form of defence is attack and thus I
respect teams that try to win games. Not necessarily all out attack for the
first whistle but not just sitting there is with 10 men behind the ball
timewasting from the start. So to that end I tip my hat to the likes of Forest
Green, Tranmere and Bury who did try to win the game. It’s hard to pick a
winner but I would say Bury, FGR then Tranmere were the best I saw this season.
Credit also goes to Northampton who looked decent in all three games against
the Imps and were on the end of a Josh Vickers masterclass on the opening day
of the season. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Worst team seen this
season <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQo2PDMes68/XOMBDVZbteI/AAAAAAAAGy0/2UNLh4xQlg8AyNCqg22Ok44DPLb8ypynQCLcBGAs/s1600/gRIMSBY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQo2PDMes68/XOMBDVZbteI/AAAAAAAAGy0/2UNLh4xQlg8AyNCqg22Ok44DPLb8ypynQCLcBGAs/s320/gRIMSBY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Quite a few up for this one award as well. Oldham looked
totally disinterested when they visited the Bank and gave the Imps the easiest
three points of the season by far. Away from home Cheltehnam were awful with
the Imps barely needing to get out of second gear in their 2-0 win at Waldon
Road. Notts County were poor at the Bank but were unlucky not to take all three
points in the 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane. Both Macclesfield games were close
contests with little to choose between the teams and although I missed both
Yeovil games Baz informs me they were poor in the game at Huish Park. </div>
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So overall Oldham get my vote as the worse side seen this
season with Morecombe coming in second. I feel bad writing this as they are one
of the smallest teams budget wise in the league and the fact they are still in
the league is achievement in itself. As for third... let’s give it to Grimsby
because... why not? </div>
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<b>And lastly and most importantly.. The food! </b></div>
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This is the hardest one to judge. Hand on heart i dont think we have had an outstanding Kebab this season nor an awful one. So with this in mind i thought i would just post a few pictures for you all to drool over! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bury (home) from our normal joint on the High Street<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPbzYRJF11w/XOMDLi6Yz2I/AAAAAAAAGzU/6_oKBrPrEbICmljBjOfg3uPtJDPgiWSswCLcBGAs/s1600/Cheltenham%2Ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPbzYRJF11w/XOMDLi6Yz2I/AAAAAAAAGzU/6_oKBrPrEbICmljBjOfg3uPtJDPgiWSswCLcBGAs/s320/Cheltenham%2Ba.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Cheltenham away<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iebvp4tcQe4/XOMDee4FbKI/AAAAAAAAGzc/KzQCugkO8oE7M9lFyuBMtOpsFBh2ZJ9fwCLcBGAs/s1600/Tranmere%2Bkek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="714" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Iebvp4tcQe4/XOMDee4FbKI/AAAAAAAAGzc/KzQCugkO8oE7M9lFyuBMtOpsFBh2ZJ9fwCLcBGAs/s320/Tranmere%2Bkek.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
Tranmere away<br />
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WBA Away (FA Youth Cup)<br />
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<br />west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-82913896001182341982019-04-20T07:59:00.000-07:002019-04-20T08:09:30.516-07:00A trip to watch Dynamo Berlin. <div class="MsoNormal">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brandenburg Gate.</td></tr>
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You don’t have to log on to social media sites for very long
these days to see somebody taking pictures of their holiday and pronouncing
their destination as “their happy place”. Normally this is by a pool somewhere
or some sun drenched island. Up till October last year my happy place and city
of choice, if I had to get away somewhere (and cash was no object) was
Pittsburgh. Now the city of champions has been joined by another. Berlin. </div>
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I have visited Germany more than any other country. My first
trip was back in 2009 when we went to watch the Imps take on Tus Celle FC on a
pre-season tour. Through my work on the Woman’s World Football Show I took in
trips to Düsseldorf and Koln in 2015 and 2017 respectively. Although these cities were great I have to say
they are not a patch on Berlin. I have to admit I wasn’t in a great place
mentally when I was in Koln so maybe I am being unfair to that city and even
though I thoroughly enjoyed Düsseldorf I didn’t get the same vibe as I did when
I spent six days in Berlin. </div>
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So why have I taken two trips to Berlin in the past six
months? Well a number of factors and the first one may seem shallow at first
but who cares? Berlin is very affordable and there are plenty of teams to see
if watching football is your thing. Although Berlin is the capital of Germany
it doesn’t dominate the country the way London or Paris does. In Germany,
Munich and Frankfurt are the most expensive cities to visit, followed by
Hamburg and Stuttgart and then finally Berlin. I was tempted to visit Munich
last year to see Bayern Munich’s woman’s team, but then after a spot of
research I found that a six night stay in Berlin cost the same as three in
Berlin. No brainer as they say. </div>
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Secondly, as I have grown older I have become more and more
interested in the Cold War and the Warsaw Pact. I can’t really put a reason on
why but part of it comes from the fact that it was a period in which I grew up
in but knew nothing about. I was 10 when the Berlin wall came down and thus
remember nothing about it or how significant a moment it was in history. Given
that I am now 40 now I feel that it is definitely the most important event that
has happened in my lifetime. I almost feel cheated that I didn’t realise what
was going on. Most people in the UK and US will tell you that World War 2 ended
in 1945 but ask people who lived behind the Iron curtain and they will tell you
it really ended in 1989 and the more you research the Cold war era the more you
find that to be true.</div>
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There are plenty of football clubs to watch in Berlin.
Hertha Berlin is seen as the biggest club in the city and were the pride of
West Berlin. Over in the East of the city you have Union Berlin who play in the
second division and during the time of the DDR were the team of the people. In
addition to the big two, you have a handful of clubs that play in the 4<sup>th</sup>
and 5<sup>th</sup> divisions so you are never short of a game to watch on any
given weekend. However there is one team that I wanted to see play and have
fascinated me ever since I started visiting Germany and collecting Cold War football
badges and programmes of the once feared and (still deeply unpopular in some
quarters) Dynamo Berlin or to give them their current name Berliner FC Dynamo.</div>
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Across the eastern bloc many clubs were assigned to a
certain working profession. Anything with Lokomotive in the name was for the
railway workers, CSKA for the army and the most common one Dynamo for the
secret police. Dynamo Berlin were the team of the Stasi, one of the most feared
secret police services the world has ever seen. The Head of the Stasi and also
the President of Dynamo Berlin was a chap by the name of Erich Mielke who had
huge influence in East Germany and to be frank was a person who normally got
his way and somebody you really didn’t want to piss off. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ro26gXE5goA/XLszPysLdRI/AAAAAAAAGxA/rVbEXctm9QEL07faKZ8ATjJX64BLy1gqQCLcBGAs/s1600/Cwurst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ro26gXE5goA/XLszPysLdRI/AAAAAAAAGxA/rVbEXctm9QEL07faKZ8ATjJX64BLy1gqQCLcBGAs/s320/Cwurst.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Currywurst. Looks awful,tastes fantastic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After watching Dynamo Dresden dominate East German football
but fail to make much of an impact in the European Cup, Mielke decided it was
time for BFC to dominate instead and ordered the best players in Dresden to be
transferred to Berlin and let “His Boys” have a go at bringing the European Cup
to the DDR. Domestic dominance was
easily secured and Dynamo won the league for ten years in a row. Some say this
was down to the club getting the pick of the best players and some questionable
referring decisions, basically an East German version of Juventus. Like
Juventus however they failed to make much impact on the European Cup with only
three quarter final appearances being the best results. They did go on better
in the Cup Winners Cup however making a semi final appearance in 71/72 before
losing to the KGB (aka Dynamo Moscow) on penalties. One can only imagine the
phone calls between East Berlin and Moscow during the build up to the second
leg in that tie. Although Dynmao never
looked like winning the European Cup the club enjoyed fantastic nights against
the likes of Liverpool ,Roma, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest during the
glory times. For the big games the club used the Friedrich Ludwig Jahn
Sportpark close by to the wall. The stadium has changed very little since the heyday
of the GDR and this and the Stasi connection is what made me want to learn much
more about the club and take in one of their games. It is getting harder and
harder to find proper old school stadiums across the Eastern Bloc nowadays
sadly so that makes Dynamo a must see for anybody who truly appreciates
historic football venues and clubs with real history.</div>
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Since the fall of the DDR times have been tough for BFC. The
club went into rapid decline being placed in the 3<sup>rd</sup> division after
reunification and at times dropping down to the 5<sup>th</sup> tier and filing
for bankruptcy. </div>
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Amazing as it is given my good looks January marked my 40<sup>th</sup>
year on this planet and to celebrate a jolly boys trip to Berlin was planned
with a trip to watch Dynmao being one of the highlights. Most games kick off at
1.30 PM in Germany which is perfect as it gives you time to get to the nearest
pub to watch the afternoon Bundesliga games before hitting the pubs for real in
the evening. </div>
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The morning was spent checking out the East Side Gallery
which is the longest section of complete Berlin wall left in the city. The wall
has been decocted with graffiti by artists from all over the world with some though
provoking messages and images. We were all feeling delicate after the night
before and the sight of somebody casually strolling past the wall with a pint
in hand at 9.45 AM in the morning didn’t make us feel much better. </div>
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After a stroll around Alexandraplatz the centre of the
former East Berlin for some Currywurst it was finally time to head to the game.
To reach the stadium you need to grab the U2 U-Bahn from Alexnarapaltz to
Eberswalder Str which is three stops along the line, although I can’t remember
the exact journey time it is less than ten minutes. If your inner German takes
over and you want to know the precise journey time then just look at one of the
maps of the lines at the station and it will tell you the journey time between
the stop you are at and any other on the line which is pretty helpful and
accurate. Public transport in Germany is world class and puts the crock of
shite we get here to shame. The fact it is much cheaper as well is the final
kick in the teeth! On all of my trips to the fatherland I have never had a
problem with the U-Bhan,S-Bhans or trams whereas I can’t remember the last time
that I went to London and all of the underground was fully working with no
problems on the network. And don’t get me started on Northern Fucking Rail... </div>
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Anyway we arrived at the stadium with plenty of time to
spare so we took a stroll around the area. The ground is very close to where
the wall once ran and is next door to Mauer Park (Wall Park in German.) The
ground is raised up on a hill and given that the weather wasn’t great there
were very few people about and no pubs open. The outer wall of the stadium,
like much of Berlin is covered in graffiti but I have to say that for the most
part this actually works with some great images and designs and not the
standard “Anna gives head” etc that you get around these parts. Next to the
stadium is an indoor stadium that appears to be home to the local handball team
as well as a concert venue. What’s shocking here is that German legend David
Hasselhoff’s gig in October has yet to sell out. Apparently the gig is part of
his World Tour which features dates in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and....
that’s it! </div>
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As you approach the stadium tickets are on sale for <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">€</span>12
and <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">€</span>8
for concessions at a little hut on your right hand side. Normally Dynamo fans
are seated in the sections opposite the main stand however with crowds being
poor this season, for most games in the second half of the season the home fans
are located in the lower tier of the main stand, which is somewhat of a bargain
as it normally costs <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">€</span>18 to sit here. In the clubs heyday you would imagine this
section of the stadium being full of Stasi top brass watching on as Dynamo took
the pitch to contest European Cup games. As you go through the security and
walk up the steps a couple of girls were selling programmes for <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">€</span>2,
it was a decent enough effort and was a double issue that covered today’s match
and also the midweek game against league leaders Chemmitzer. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWQeF5EoeR4/XLsvQLdchlI/AAAAAAAAGwQ/R7_EKLaRp58l55n2PjTBml07EDksq_ADQCLcBGAs/s1600/53721446_10156504301121785_3622521132801851392_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWQeF5EoeR4/XLsvQLdchlI/AAAAAAAAGwQ/R7_EKLaRp58l55n2PjTBml07EDksq_ADQCLcBGAs/s320/53721446_10156504301121785_3622521132801851392_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stadium approach.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The stadium is all seated with a running track around it.
Below us some of the Dynamo fans were pinning up an impressive range of flags
and banners. Amongst them was the flag of East Germany which is not something
you see every day in Germany. At the moment there is a debate in Germany as to
whether it is right to fly the old flag. In my view the only people whose views
count on this matter are the former citizens of the DDR. Many people are still
proud of their former country and fear that history is being taken from them. I
get the feeling a lot of people in the east don’t really feel they are seeing
the benefit of reunification. The banned flag of East Germany would be seen by
them as yet another attack upon themselves by people who understand very little
about life in the East post 1989. Away from the flags, the beer and food stalls
are setting up and doing a steady trade. Normally I am first in the queue for a
beer at a football game in Germany but a combination of a hangover from the
previous night and the cold and wind made the thought of a beer far from
appealing. Thankfully the club shop was located inside the stand and had a
great range of merchandise for sale. I bagged a scarf to match the hat a bought
the last time I was in Berlin and I was ready to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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It has to be said that the game wasn’t a classic and to be
fair looking at the league standings it was never going to be. Dynamo have been
struggling this time around after finishing second last season but following
the winter break they have slowly started to pull away from the relegation
zone. The same cannot be said for their opponents Optik Rathanhow who have been
rock bottom all season long and taken a grand total of 2 points away from home
all season up to this point (they have improved slightly since this). The whole
game really was a case of attack versus with Rathanhow placing eleven men
behind the ball all match. Even when Dynamo took the lead (after missing a
hatful of chances) the visitors approach didn’t change and it almost felt as if
they were just happy to keep the score down and get out of Berlin as soon as
possible. They did come into the game a little more in the second half as
Dynamo continued to make and miss chances but in truth they never really looked
like getting anything from the game. The final score of 1-0 to the home team
didn’t reflect their total dominance. </div>
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Half time refreshments came in the shape of a brockwurst. A
lot of people when they first encounter one of these wonder why the sausage is
longer than the bread and there is a simple answer to this. The bread’s main
function is to stop you burning your hand while you eat the sausage nothing
more nothing less. It was also the only food on sale so if you didn’t want one
then it’s tough, but at only <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">€</span>2.50 it’s a total bargain. </div>
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I have been looking forward to this visit for a while but
before-hand I did have one slight concern. I had read on various sites that
Dynamo had a right wing element in their support that can be quite nasty.
Thankfully I can say that I didn’t experience any of that on this trip and although
there were one or two people looked a tad on the scary side, the fan-base was a
good mix of folks across the social spectrum. This was a low key game but the
fans still tried to get the chants going even though the weather and the game
weren’t really conducive to getting an atmosphere going. </div>
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Overall this was a great experience and one that if you love
historic clubs -<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a> you have to visit. I would love to see
Dynamo get into the 3<sup>rd</sup> division then maybe the fans would return as
would visits from bigger clubs which in turn would hopefully help get a few
more home fans through the gate. Dynamo will probably never again reach the top
division let alone add to their ten championships and appearances on the
European stage but they will always have those memories that the fans hold dear
as the club motto “A light that never goes out” implies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-77448078893939411092017-08-28T12:54:00.000-07:002017-08-28T12:54:17.418-07:00Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 Lincoln CityCat fact of the day: the longest tail on a domestic cat measured in at 16.34 inches and belonged to a Maine Coon by the name of Stewie of Reno, Nevada.<br />
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After 6 long and sometimes grueling seasons, the Imps are finally back in the Football League. The fixture computer had thrown up a trip to Wycombe first up for the Imps; a ground that my goons and I hadn't visited with the Imps since 1998. The Imps got thrashed 4-1 that day in a miserable (from our point of view at least) League One clash. The result left the Imps rock bottom of the table while propelling the hosts to the lofty heights of second from bottom. Apart from being one of the worst performances of any Lincoln game I have ever seen that match sticks out for two reasons. Firstly it was the final game the Bruce Grobbelaar played for the Imps and secondly the wonderfully named Jermaine McSporran hit a hat-trick for the home side. What was the cost of watching League One football at Wycombe back in 1998? 13 of your finest English pounds. Today's admission by contrast for this League Two game was £20 (which seems to be the going rate for this league it has to be said)<br />
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One of the brighter spots from Lincoln's time in the National League were some very enjoyable and relaxed away days. I was concerned that things on this front would change but if today was anything to go by, then we are looking at some great days out in League 2 this upcoming season. I always prefer to be away on the opening day and this was one of the most enjoyable ones in my 24 years watching the Imps.<br />
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We set off on our way at just after 9 after a hearty breakfast sandwich, and for the first time since Ipswich we had a full compliment of Retford Imps. We may have changed leagues but some things will never change . Early on in the journey I had managed to spill sauce on my shorts and Lee "Walnut bladder" Housman was true to form and needed additional pee-pee stops. Admittedly after a few beers I make regular trips to shake the snake as it were but only after one or two pints. On this front Lee really sets a new standard. We had planned on one stop en-route to Wycombe but due to bladder issues for LH meant an extra stop was needed.<br />
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Apart from that, the journey was pretty uneventful with the normal chatter about football, kebabs and cats (in that order) being the main topic of conversation. Upon arrival we parked up a short walk from the stadium which set us back £5, which isn't bad when shared between a car full but it was noted how the passenger riding shotgun developed short arm syndrome while we were coughing up the cash to park the motor.....<br />
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Wycombe's Adams Park is located at the edge of an industrial estate and as such there isn't a whole lot of things to do around the stadium itself, However since Lincoln have been away from the football league "Fanzones" seem to have sprung up in greater numbers than teams Felice has soft spots for. Fanzones are basically outside beer tents with and a burger stall or two where both sets of fans can mingle before the game. It may sound basic but I really enjoy them and long may they continue to grow.<br />
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However as good as this was it was the appearance of the huge badge stall that really took the eye (I am easily pleased it has to be said) As many of you know I am a keen badge collector having started my collection over 24 years ago when I was still at school. I have no idea how many I have but they cover 3 scarves and this season I have started on a 4th. When I started out I just collected any badges but I have a little more structure to it all now.<br />
When it comes to English ones I stick to grounds that I have visited. Over time for one reason or another I have missed a few badges so stalls like this are a great chance to fill the blanks as it were. Too that end I was able to pick up a Matlock Town one as well as the latest Maltby Main design. It was also good to get a Sutton United one finally. Felice was in charge of getting them at the back end of last season but alas they eluded him in much the same way the Champions League title has eluded Juventus. Fair play to the lad though he did buy them as he said him would.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">20 plus years of collecting right here</td></tr>
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We still had a decent amount of time before the game so we sunk a couple of beers and soaked up the atmosphere. At about 2.15 a chap in a suit came round and gave us a team sheet and welcomed us back to the league. A nice touch and another reminder that the Imps were back in the big time.<br />
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The Imps away games are all ticket these days (still seems weird saying that) this means that for some games we wont all be sat together. However with a few empty seats in the away end it did mean that we were able to all meet up and all sit together for the second half.<br />
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As you would expect the backing from the fans for the Imps first game back in the league was first class. However the Imps were under pressure in the early exchanges as the gap between the National League and League Two quickly became apparent. Lincoln did take the lead however when Matt Green finished off a good move from just outside the box, all seemed well. However the game changed in a crazy 7 minutes when Wycombe first equalised following a corner (in which the Imps marking left a lot to be desired). It then got worse as a couple of minutes later the hosts took the lead when a free kick was covered from just outside the box. It was hard and low and completely took the Imps defence off guard. What made this all the more annoying was the fact that Lincoln had scored a few like this last season so you would have thought they would have been a little more aware of this kind of set piece. Apparently not. It wasn't all bad news in the first half though as I had a rather tasty burger. Felice on the other hand had a crappy half cooked hot dog. It's the small victories in life. <br />
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In the second half our entourage was back together as Felice and myself made our way to join Lee, Baz, Josh, and Amer (who has lots of cats).<br />
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Within minutes of the restart the Imps were level thanks to on loan Burnley winger Josh Ginnelly's cool finish. After looking like a team of nervous kittens for much of the first half the Imps were the cool cats of the second half and looked much more at home. The fact that Wycombe had a corner in injury time and instead of going for the winner, decided to play tappy-tappy in the corner was a sign of how well Lincoln had played.<br />
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Its always good to get in the car after an away day when you haven't lost and reflect on the game. One thing that has helped us do this in recent years is a visit to McDonalds, normally just for a shake but today it was more of a full blown pig out. It seemed quite a few others has the same idea as the queue was one of the longest I have seen and even had Lee shaking like a shitting dog in fear, as he was worried that he would be late home and receive an ear full from his better half. Thankfully it was all ok even though Felice didn't get his favorite Fillet O Fish.<br />
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So all in all a great start to the season. Had I been offered a point at before the game I would have snapped your hand off. The fact that the Imps played pretty well too made it all the better. On to the next one as they say.<br />
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<br />west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-25777113294884039412017-08-01T13:07:00.004-07:002017-08-01T13:07:46.046-07:00Lincoln 2-1 Walsall<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cat fact of the day: A cat can jump between five and seven times its own height in a single jump. </span><br />
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This was the Imps final preseason game of the year thus making it the last time for 11 months you had the chance to watch the Imps stress free and not giving a rats arse about the result. The Imps opponents today were the crowd pulling west midlands footballing giants of Walsall. Apart from being the final chance for the Imps management to cast an eye over a couple of trialists and fine tune things for the season opener at Wycombe this coming weekend this game was also Lee Beevers testimonial game with funds raised from the game going to the popular Imps (and former) Walsall defender. <br />
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And speaking of popular Imps defenders, it would be wrong of me not to mention the man who was in the opposition dugout. Walsall manager Jon Whitney was at part of the great 97/98 promotion team and was a huge figure during the reign of John Beck from 95 to 98. Jon was a hard as nails left back who flattened many a fancy winger during his time at Sincil Bank. The guy was the epitome of the fighting spirit of the Imps in that era. Jon joined the club in October 95 and was a part of the side that kicked and fought their way to safety that season.<br />
I was in my late teens between 95-98 and at the age when we are most impressionable, and it is that era that remains my favorite as an Imps fan. I (and many other Imps fans) were gutted when Jon was transferred to Hull City halfway through the 98/99 season, a move that still makes no sense almost 20 years on. Its fair to say John Beck has his fair share of critics but several of his players from that time have gone on to make capable managers Jon Whitney at Walsall, Gareth Ainsworth at Wycombe, and Terry Flemming who has worked at a respectable level in non league football. Beck was clearly an inspiration to many of his troops.<br />
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Sadly even the presence of Imps legends past and present were not enough to get my fellow Retford based Imps along to the game. This is even more shocking given that the admission was a very reasonable £10 and it was pay on the gate. Oh well, they missed a decent enough game (for a preseason game) and racked up the Part Time Twat Points into the bargain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fellow Retford Imps take their seats for the big game.</td></tr>
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Its been a while since i saw the Imps. In fact i hadn't seen the first team since the 1st preseason game at Lincoln United. Since then the Imps have been on a tour in Portugal where they lost to Benfica B 1-3 and beat Millwall 1-0. Since arriving back in the UK they have lost 2-3 at home to Peterborough and beaten Nottingham Forest U23s 4-3. The club also played host to Manchester United's youth team when they took on the Imps youngsters. I missed this game and due to Felice attending earned my first part time twat points of the season. The fixture has a special place in Felice's heart as he has a soft spot for Manchester United and even wore his vintage Mark Hughes replica away shirt from the year the Red devils won the European Cup Winners Cup. Its a bit snug now though mind. <br />
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I always like to attend at least one Imps home preseason game. For me its a chance to get reacquainted with all things Lincoln City before the season starts for real. The routine was pretty much the same as normal. Pre match pints in the Anchor, followed by a visit to the Back of the Net Chippy. It has to be said BOTN is a fantastic chippy and a must visit for a Saturday home game.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proper Fishcake, chips and peas. Yours for a bargain £2.30</td></tr>
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Although i have been in there plenty of times i didn't know that the owners of the place use to live in Florida. This only came about as they spied my Florida Gators T-Shirt. We chatted briefly about the Gators then a went on my merry way. I was tempted to do the "Gator Chomp" but i thought better of it. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this sporting tradition here is a quick video to help you out.<br />
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On to the game. I have to be honest here it wasn't really much to write home about. The main point of interest being the appearance of a couple of trialists for the Imps. This is a tad out of the ordinary as you would expect the final pre season game is the one where you would play much of your first choice 11 ready for the opening match of the season. I do not feel there is any need to panic however. Danny Cowley is renowned for taking his time in getting recruitment right and taking the time to get the right players in.<br />
The first half was pretty much a non event. The Imps managed to contain their league one opponents without really creating anything else at the other end. The high point of the game has come at the end of the game when the two teams formed a guard of honor for Lee Beevers as he walked out and greeted the 2,300 plus who has come to show their respect for a player who has never let the Imps down when wearing an Imps shirt in his two spells at the club.<br />
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The game did finally liven up in the second half thankfully. Walsall made a much better start to the second half than their hosts and took the lead after some poor Imps defending. Over the course of the preseason the Imps have been shipping more goals than i would like but hopefully this will all be sorted when the rumored new centre-back arrives this week.<br />
On the hour mark the obligatory raft of changes were made by both sides and after all these the Imps started to look more of a threat going forward. They equalized when Josh Ginnelly crossed for Nathan Arnold to head home.<br />
In a throw back to last season Lincoln hit the winner in added time when Sean Raggett headed home when his header hit the post and went in following a corner. The biggest cheer of the afternoon however came when Lee Beavers was brought on for the last couple of minutes. Beevers is still in rehab following his injury but it was great to see him be able to play a small part in his big day and although you could tell it was painful for him to run he was still quicker than 90% of people reading this blog.<br />
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So there you have it. Preseason is over the now the action for real begins. I haven't gone into to much detail on the players performance in this game (or the other friendlies) as i have never felt that preseason is the time to pass judgment. There will be plenty of time for that over the next nine months.<br />
So on to Wycombe and my 23rd season watching Lincoln City. A full complement of Retford Imps is expected at Adams Park for the trip to a ground i haven't visited with Lincoln since 1998 (a 1-4 defeat incidentally).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming to a League 2 ground near you during 2017/18</td></tr>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Part time twat league standings after the conclusion of preseason.</span></u></b></div>
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Lee 19</div>
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Amer 19</div>
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Felice 17</div>
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Barry 14</div>
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Adam 2 </div>
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<br />west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-61663135867900802082017-07-16T13:02:00.000-07:002017-07-16T13:02:59.814-07:00Gainsborough Trinity 4-1 Lincoln City Cat fact of the day. A cats heart beats at almost double the rate of a human heart (typically between 110 and 140 beats per minute)<br />
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My second Imps game of 17/18 and another nice local one, this time a trip to Gainsborough Trinity to see the Holy Blues lock horns with the Imps in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup. Sadly it was a no show from my motley crew of cat lovers and what a game they missed! To be fair Felice had got his excuse for missing this in early as he was away on holiday. However given the fact he was in the UK meant that he could still have driven to watch this fantastic cup tie.I mean who can turn down the chance to watch cup football. Rumor Felice was practicing his dance moves just like Boss Hog in this short video clip<br />
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I realise that the Lincolnshire cup may not be the biggest prize going but for me its still a step up from a normal bog standard friendly and i always look forward to the draw, and then the matches themselves. The competition format has chopped and changed over the years but i think the current format is the best it has been. The competition was first played way back in the 1881/82 season when Spilsby defeated Brigg Town in the final. The Imps won the competition for the first time in 1886/87 with Trinity's maiden win coming in 1889-90. In total Lincoln have won the cup on 38 occasions with Trinity having lifted the cup on 10 occasions,the last being in the 2002/03 season. Whoever won this tie would go on to play host to Grantham Town in the semi final. On the other half of the draw, holders Lincoln United had lost at home to Boston in midweek meaning the Pilgrims would face either Grimsby or Scunthorpe in the other semi.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chips, peas and sausage £3<br />
Program £2.50 </td></tr>
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If the phrase "Traditional non league club" were to appear in the dictionary then i am sure you would find a picture of Gainsborough Trinity, and i am not meaning to be disrespectful. Gainsborough is a smashing club and have a ground that oozes tradition. At a time when grounds are slowly starting to look the same with identikit kit stands etc the Northholme still retains its charm. The club have been playing football here since the 1884 (although the ground was used for cricket as far back as the 1850's) and up until 1912 they were in the Football League, until they were replaced by of all teams, Lincoln City.<br />
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For much of the past 50 years or so Gainsborough have always been in the second tier of non league football. Never relegated nor promoted, and also for years both on posters advertising matches and over the PA the phrase "On the Northholme today" has been used, never "at the Northolme". Alas though, the ground has been named after a sponsor and thus this charming quirk seems to have ended. Another tradition that Trinity are famous for is the supporters club known as the Blues club. The club is another throwback with its darts, dominos, and dance evenings (which Felice has been known to attend). but it does a decent pint and it's a decent place for pre/halftime and post game drinks. I have been in the club a few times before but this was the first time i had ever visited the best room. In it lies a small cabinet full of club memorabilia with one item really catching my eye. That being a player pass for a certain B Oxby.<br />
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Gainsborough has its knockers and there are parts of the town that have seen better days but it is a place that is changing and seems to be caught between its past and future unsure as to which it prefers. The Town has a hell of a lot of history about it, a small snippit of which I learnt today; the crown on the club badge is a nod to the fact that the town was firmly on the side of the Royalists in the English civil war. Furthermore the area around Lea Road station was the scene of a Civil war battle which saw the Royalists routed. Just up the road from the station is a memorial to this battle, and the ground in the area is reputed to contain numerous bodies from the battle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Trinity badge £3. Note the crown on the crest.</td></tr>
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Last season Trinity left it late before securing their Northern Conference status for the 2017/18 season. It was only a few years ago that the club were one win away from promotion to the Conference premier however they lost at home in the playoff final and things have never been the same since. Although it would be great to see the Blues get that long awaited promotion the odds are stacked against them. To put it bluntly the conference north is in my view one of the toughest leagues in England.<br />
There was a time not to long ago that the likes of Southport, Boston and to a lesser extent Gainsborough were considered big fish in the non league world. Now though with the likes of former league clubs Stockport, York, Darlington along with sides with big budgets such as FC United of Manchester and Salford City plus clubs with decent support bases like Telford, and Kiddeminster you can start to see the challenge that Trinity face to retain their step 2 status. Of course football is an unpredictable beast and as we saw with Lincoln last season a good management team can go someway to counteracting big budget sides.<br />
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On to the game. Before the game i was firmly of the belief that Trinity would turn the Imps over today and that is pretty much how it panned out. Lincoln's entire first team are currently over in Portugal for some warm weather training and a couple of friendlies v Benfica B and Millwall (who they beat 1-0 today) This means that the youth side would be sent over to contest this game. Now i fully realise that Lincoln have some decent prospects coming through the system however there is quite a step up from competing against players who are in their own level of development and battle hardened conference north players who are looking to put on a show in front of their own fans. Last weekend a young Imps side had gone down 5-1 at Rossington Main who play their football 3 leagues below Gainsborough, so today was a real test for the young Imps. Trinity have had a steady start to pre season with two away wins at Winterton and Frickly respectively each by the scoreline of 1-0. <br />
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Gainsborough were quick out of the blocks and had the Imps on the back foot for much of the first half. The Holy blues were ahead on 4 mins when Alex Simmons fresh from being released by Lincoln cut in between the two Lincoln centre backs and fired into the roof of the net. I must admit I feared for the Imps going behind early. Trinity kept on creating but not taking chances and with Lincoln unable to get out of their own half for much of the first 45 it seemed a case of when not if Gainsborough would add a second. The only surprise was that it took till the 38th minute and when it did arrive it came via the penalty spot as Ash Worsfold dispatched the spot kick after Tom Davie was adjudged to have been fouled. It was a tough call but probably just about the right one from where i was stood.<br />
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The Imps may have been second best for the first half but they competed much better in the second. As the game went on they started to take the game to Trinity and manged to force a few corners and half chances. On 72 it looked like they had got back into the game as they made it 2-1 thanks to the best piece of football they put together all match. Ellis Chapman chased down a seemingly lost cause down the left then crossed the ball in low for Kyle Watkins to fire past Trinity Keeper Richard Walton, who by the way is on a season long loan from Lincoln.<br />
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However the Imps joy was short lived. For much of the match Michael Antkowiak had a fine game in the Lincoln goal thwarting Trinity on many occasions. However on 77 he misjudged a freekick from Simmons wide on the right, dropping the ball under no pressure. Things like this are hard on keepers and its always tough to see young keepers make errors like this but overall i think he can look back on his work this afternoon with pride. Its all character building as they say. Trinity grabbed the final goal with virtually the last kick of the game when sub Bradley wells rounded Antkowiak to make it 4-1 and give the scoreline a one sided look.<br />
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Although they bowed out the Lincs cup there were positives for the Imps to take from this. At one point in the second half Lincoln's team consisted of 6 sixteen year olds, 4 seventeen year olds and one 18 year old on the pitch and just about managed to hold their own. These youngsters wont get to test themselves against players of Gainsborough's quality in the youth league so for them the experience is invaluable.<br />
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As for the hosts they did what they had to do. Alex Simmons looked sharp and i for one hope he has a good season. He didn't get much game time at Lincoln but never let anybody down in the games that he did play. This game may not have been the toughest challenge Trinity have ever faced but as the old saying goes you can only beat whats in front of you and they did just that. Over the next few weeks the Holy Blues host Rotherham, Mansfield, and Doncaster so we may get a better indication of where they are after those matches.<br />
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So all in all a pleasant day out. I haven't been to Gainsborough since the Imps visit in the previous pre-season but hopefully it wont be a year till i return. Trinity is always a fun day out and they are very much a club that tries to do things the right way. I can only wish them well.<br />
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The next challenge for the Imps youth team is a friendly away at Skegness Town on Friday night. As Skegness have a newish ground it will be a new stadium for us to tick off. All plans rely on Felice being allowed out however so the trip is far from confirmed. If you are desperate to know if we will be there so you can pose for selfies and ask us questions about cats etc follow you me on twitter @ferretimp for all the lowdown on our potential adventures.<br />
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west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-26070998974561915012017-07-11T12:26:00.000-07:002017-07-11T12:26:09.687-07:00Lincoln United 0-4 Lincoln City Cat fact of the day. Most female cats are right pawed while most male cats are left pawed.<br />
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The Lincoln derby is always one of the main high points of the pre season. I have long been of the view that this game should always be the first game that the Imps play and this game simply backed my view up as well over 1200 supporters made their way to Ashby Avenue to watch this celebration of Lincoln football.<br />
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Lincoln United was the first venue that i watched a non league football game at way back in 1998 where they took on Whitley Bay in what was then the Unibond League. I don't remember much about that night. All that i can remember was that the ground layout was pretty much the same as it is today and that it was bloody cold (which was the total opposite of the weather today) I think United won that night as it was a time that the club were very much on the up but i can't be sure nor can i be arsed to look it up.<br />
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I almost didn't make this match at all. Unbeknownst to my good self till the evening before the game, there was industrial action being undertaken by the staff on Northern trains (the train company that runs the service between Retford and Lincoln) over the weekend. There was a replacement bus service was in operation which, although being a pain in the arse, would allow me to get there. Getting back would have involved getting the train to Doncaster, then the Doncaster to Retford train which was far too much messing around for myself but thankfully i grabbed a lift with a former work mate who helps out with stewarding duties at United. The staff at Northern rail were not the the only ones on strike today as there was a no show from Felice Del Colle of all people but more about that later. <br />
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Arriving quite early gave me chance to soak up the atmosphere and also appreciate the planning that United had put into this day. For those that dont know Lincoln United normally attract a crowd of between 80-150. It has been well documented the rise is interest in Lincoln City following last seasons title win with over 5,500 season tickets sold and with this in mind tickets were on sale in advance for this fixture. Ashby Avenue holds 2,200 and 1,200 tickets had already been sold before the day. Add into the mix that there was cricket match on the pitch next door and the residential area surrounding the stadium then you can see how this presented United with a huge logistical challenge that they not only met but excelled at.<br />
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The club were well prepared. The club house had been set up so that drinks were easily and quickly obtained and another bar was also placed outside which on a hot sunny day was most welcome. Programmes were onsale as you approached the ground so nobody could complain on missing out on one. This may not have been a full United issue but many clubs dont issue at all for pre season games so another pat on the back to United for that.<br />
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Aside from being the Imps first game of 2017/18 it was also the first day in the Retford Imps Cataday crew part time twat league championship. Away from this game the Imps youth team took on Rossington Main. Mr Barry Oxby attended this game thus avoiding being given any PTTPs Amer and Lee failed to attend either as did Felice as i believe he was spending all day looking at cat pictures on the internet and trying to count how many European cups/champions league titles Juventus are behind Inter.<br />
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It was well publicized in the media that the Imps were going to play 2 teams in this match.One in the first and one in the second and thats exactly what we got. This kind of practice is common in early pre season games and it gives all the players the chance to get minutes under their belts after over a week of training without a game. The Imps have (at the time of writing) only made 3 signings with the most eye catching being former Mansfield and Birmingham striker Matt Green, and it was Green who gave the Imps the lead when he headed home a cross from trialist Brandon Otterwill on 12 minutes. United had knocked the Imps out of the Lincolnshire cup last year but a repeat of that result was already looking very unlikely.<br />
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City doubled their lead on 15 minutes when Alex Woodyard, fresh from signing his new deal at City, sent in a cross to the back stick allowing Green to score his second and put the game beyond United. The Imps got there 3rd on 22 minutes when trialist James Rowe fired in a low shot from just outside the box and it was beginning to look like city would be running up a cricket score. To United's credit they did buckle down and worked really hard to contain City without really looking likely to score themselves. It did feel like City could score whenever they wanted to. The Imps hit the woodwork, missed a few chances and found United keeper Jake Turner in fine form but generally looked very comfortable for all of the 1st half.<br />
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The second half followed the pattern of the first really with the Imps making (and missing) chances with United working their socks off to keep City honest. The Imps did add a 4th near the end through Nathan Arnold to round off the scoring and send the Imps fans in the crowd home happy.<br />
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Its hard to draw any conclusions from this from a City angle. From the trialist perspective i would have though that the Imps management team would need to see them up against a side a little higher up the footballing pyramid before they make a judgment on them especially the ones in defensive positions who had very little to do. Not of them made any huge blunders but likewise not will have cemented a deal on this display. <br />
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Over the next week both of these sides will be in action in the prestigious Lincolnshire County Cup. United host Boston while City travel to Gainsborough Trinity. Given that the Imps first team will be in Portugal the Lincoln team is expected to be made up of youth team players. This shouldn't deter Imps fans from making the short trip over though as its always a good away day and its a chance to see the Imps stars of the future.<br />
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<br />west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-21247056976462190912017-07-09T07:36:00.000-07:002017-07-09T07:36:06.738-07:00Retford United 1-1 Worksop Town Cat fact of the day. Abraham Lincoln kept four cats as pets in the White house. <br />
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Well its finally here. 4 weeks after my personal 2016/17 season ended in Cardiff with the Women's Champions League final, the 2017/18 season commenced with the Bassetlaw Derby as Retford United hosted Worksop Town.<br />
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Although its only been a few weeks i must confess that i have missed the pleasure of live football. There has been plenty going off in the sporting world in the meantime though. I thoroughly enjoyed a trip down to Lords this weekend just to watch Nottinghamshire win the Royal London one day cup thanks to a thrilling win over Surrey, and of course Baseball season is in full flow but you just can't beat watching random non league football games with your mates.<br />
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Football is a game of ups and downs and its fair to say that both clubs on display tonight have been experiencing the latter of the two emotions over the past few seasons. When i first got into this ground hopping lark Worksop were in the Conference north and knocking on the door of the playoffs to the Conference. Alas nowadays they are struggling to escape the clutches of the NCEL premier division despite being by far and away the biggest club in the league in terms of fan base and history. Unfortunately neither of these two factors win you football matches on their own.<br />
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Retford did escape the NCEL premier division last season but sadly at the wrong end as they suffered relegation after finishing rock bottom. There were few highlights for the Badgers last season but one of them was a fine win away at... Worksop Town. The lesson for all football fans from these two clubs is make sure you enjoy the good times because in this game (and sport in general) they seldom last.<br />
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As this was the first game of the year for many Cannon Park was full of local footballing celebrities who i haven't seen for a few months or so. Stars such as blogging legend Rob Waite, author of the marvelous 66 POW Blog was in attendance as was Ian Beech the brains behind the Retford United Supporters club; a man who has done more than anybody to keep the club together over the past few years in these tough times.<br />
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Although many of the great and good from Retford in attendance, there was one notable exception; the Godfather of Retford ground hopping and non league football, Mr Dave Wathall. The phrase legend is often bandied around way too much but it Dave's case it is truly deserved. The man has been a beacon of light to the hopping community over the years and is always ready to welcome hoppers from all over the country to Cannon Park and share a tale or two with them about the game we all love. (As well as chatting about Spurs, Lincoln, NBA basketball or any of the other clubs he is supporting at the time) All joking aside a Retford game isn't a Retford game without him and i look forward to catching up with the old boy at the Retford v Gainsborough game in a few weeks.<br />
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From legends to bellends and sadly it was a no show from Retford Imps' Lee Houseman, but otherwise the other Retford based Imps were all in attendance.<br />
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As with all pre season games you can never really take much from the results of them and at this level many players can turn out for 3 or 4 clubs over the course of the pre season. Quite often it feels like the players are assessing which club to play for instead of the clubs assessing the players. I must confess having not seen Retford (or Worksop) play in 2017 i didn't have a clue who any of the players were but there were a few good performances with the Retford goalkeeper probably being the pick of the bunch. <br />
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Retford took the lead with a goalmouth scramble on 25 minutes only to be pegged back some 9 minutes later thanks to a shot from close range that was deflected into the net. From then on Worksop had the better chances but a combination of poor finishing, bad decision making, and good goalkeeping kept the scores level.<br />
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All in all i think both sides will be happy with what they saw and the result. This early in pre season its mainly about fitness levels and on that score both sides looked in decent nick. Its impossible to use games like this to assess each side's chance of success for the upcoming season, but it looks like Retford should have a much better time of it this time around. As for Worksop, they will again be the biggest club in the NCEL and have all the pressure that goes with that. If they can get their home form right then they could mount a challenge but the crowd will need to be patient. I have been at Worksop home games when things haven't been going well and the crowd tends to get on the players backs to early thus making it even harder for the Tigers to get results.<br />
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It was great to see the lads again with much of the conversation being centered around planning jolly boys trips for the coming season with the Imps. Oh and the cats. We mustn't forget about the kitties.<br />
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Admission £5<br />
Programme 0<br />
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<br />west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1296400190979574120.post-63246548968194273572017-06-26T10:36:00.000-07:002017-06-26T14:02:05.501-07:00What is a Part time twat?<br />
Cat fact of the day: Himmy, a cat from Australia weighted 21.3 KG at his death in 1986. (He was 10 years old) <br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the past few seasons while this blog has lain dormant, one footballing question has burned more strongly that any other. What is a Part Time Twat? In this blog I will try to address this question and proposes a system as to how we can measure the strength or weakness of ones part time twattishness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Firstly how did the phrase come about and when is it used? Well it normally it goes something like this. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Hi mate, are you up for Colwyn Bay away Saturday" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"No mate" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Why? Its the biggest game of the season,1st round of the FA Trophy and all that" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Errr working mate, and.... My lad had a game oh and the cat is at the vets " </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"You part time twat" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's just one example that came to mind over the past few years. There are loads more but I dont have time to write them all down here sadly. Everything from walking dachshunds to going out on all day benders on Boxing day have been offered up as excuses for not attending mighty Imps games over the years. We are all guilty of it from time to time and there are more important things in the world that football so I am told (Yet to be confirmed though I hasten to add) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So now that we know what it is how do we measure it? After much thought I have devised a system that should find out who is the Retford Imps Caturday crew part time twat champion of the 17/18 season. I think that a points based system would the be best, and the member with the highest amount of points takes the title. Here is a brief run down of the rules. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1) The PTTL (Part time twat league) will apply only to Lincoln City matches. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2) Only games that at least 1 Caturday Crew member attends will count. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3) 1 PTTL point for a home game missed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4) 2 PTTL points for a pre season game missed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5) 5 PTTL points for an away game missed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6) 10 PTTL points for any cup game missed home or away*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7) 25 PTTL points if you jib out of driving to an away game in the 48 hours leading up to a game. (without a valid reason) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8) 50 PTTL points for jibbing out on a jolly boys weekend away after arrangements have been made. Trains and hotel booked etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course everybody has the right to an appeal. However for the appeal to be successful you need to convince 50% of the membership of the group that your cause is just. And lets be honest there is more chance of getting a North Korean 15 year hard labor sentence being overturned than that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">* Cup games include all matches in the FA, League, and Lincolnshire Cups and the Checkatrade Trophy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Obviously a lot of this is tongue in cheek and a bit of fun. Football can be bloody expensive these days. I certainly don't expect much change from £20 quid when gaining admission to League Two stadiums this coming season and nobody is safe in a job in this day and age, but while we are all in employment we can have some fun with this eh chaps? </span><br />
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<br />west street sithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18188154213781381299noreply@blogger.com0