BRIDGFORD CLOSE THE GAP ON LEAGUE LEADERS

Notts Senior League

Division One

WEST BRIDGFORD FC 2 UNDERWOOD VILLA FC 1

Up to yesterday, I wasn't going anywhere today having been laid up in bed with flu since Monday and Hazel feeling under the weather too. This morning, it was a early start with Shawn's Boys Brigade having their Christmas Fayre, feeling abit better I rang the secretary of Keyworth United Fc and he explained that it best I not go over to Platt Lane today as a couple of their committee were away this weekend and could I have the groundhop meeting at their next home game. I then rang Baz at West Bridgford FC to check they were at home today and to call a Groundhop meeting with them after their match. Funny I should go today as this was the reverse Groundhop fixture from last season that resulted in a 2-2 draw.

 

A nice greeting on arrival was met by both clubs and by todays Referee Colin White, then was approached by Underwood's new signing Scott Thorpe who asked f we could give him a lift home, after he had caught the bus from Mansfield to this game.

 

As the players entered the pitch, I looked around to find I was the only spectator whilst the players did the respect handshake, then I was joined by a few locals and a few of the visiting sides dads..

 

The First Half saw West Bridgford hit the bar and go close from a free kick whilst Villa had a couple of chances of their own, just as I was thinking of my half time cuppa, the homesters gained a corner which bounced around the area until JORDON McKENZIE swept home to give his side a half time lead.

 

After my half time cuppa, I joined Baz for the Second Half and had a good chat about football with both sides playing some good football, but it was West Bridgford who looked the most likely to score and that is infact what they did after 58 minutes when PATRICK NEWSON doubled the lead.

 

This game was far from over, as Villa had their best spell of the game and the home keeper was called in to action a couple of times before being beaten in the 68th minute by JOSH HUNT to set up a end to end last 20 plus minutes.

 

A good GROUNDHOP meeting with West Bridgford FC after the match and they are really geared up for Saturday 12th April and look to welcome all to their ground, where they will be issuing their FIRST EVER MATCHDAY PROGRAMME.

 

For More Information on the NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP

 

 

Photo's from todays match can be seen on this LINK

 

WEST BRIDGFORD FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/westbridgfordfootballclub/

https://twitter.com/wb_fc

 

UNDERWOOD VILLA FC WEBSITE

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/underwoodvillafc/

 

 

TOWN BING INTO THE THIRD ROUND

Notts Senior League

League Cup

Second Round

BINGHAM TOWN FC 5 BEESTON AFC 0

 

Last season, I  came to Butt Lane and saw Bingham Town FC beat FC05 5-0, but on the way to this cup tie, I felt this would be a close affair with Bingham in the top half of the League One table hosting Beeston AFC flying high in the Senior Division. How wrong can one be?

 

On arrival, I met in the car park, former referee Geoff Siddons and headed for the clubhouse for a cuppa, sat there was local hopper Derek Clowes, so first half I stood between the two markouts near the halfway line.

 

The match kicked off and it was visable that Bingham seemed to be first to the ball and picking up every stray ball and looked more pumped up for the tie than their opponents from the west side of Nottingham.

 

A few meaty tackles were going in and the referee was having strong words with a few players whilst trying to keep the play rolling. From a corner from the left side, the ref's whistle blew and everyone looked at him in the 25th minute, as he indicated a push and pointed to the spot. Up stepped ADAM SENTANCE to pump home the ball to put the hosts in to the lead.

 

The game then went through a five minute spell when a Bingham Town player had to leave the field of play with a bad looking gash on his eye. Within a minute of the re-start, the Beeston forward and home keeper collided and the ball was cleared but the keeper stayed own and needed aid, but got up and was able to carry on.

 

Just before half time, I stood with 2 officials from Burton Joyce FC and at half time had a bovril with them and a good old chat. The Second Half kicked off and Bingham were soon on the front foot, with their attackers running through at well, whilst the away defence struggled to cope with them. It was through a through ball to GEORGE ABBOTT after 58 minutes who slid the ball past the oncoming keeper to double his sides lead.

 

Beeston tried to get back in to the game,  but their forwards had the wrong boots on today as any shots went well over the bar or wayward. This left gaps at the back and after 74 minutes, a fine cross from the left wing, was delightfully met by the head of JACOB WALL to increase the score to 3-0.

 

With me thinking of my burger and chips and sign of extra time today, the scoring hadn't finished as JACOB WALL on 82 minutes hit the ball goal bound and the opposition defender helped the ball over the line to make it 4-0. Bingham could have added to their tally when hitting the post and also brave keeping by the Beeston keeper, but he couldn't stop ADAM SENTANCE scoring his second and his teams fifth of the game after 88 minute to wrap up the tie.

 

Photos from todays match can bee seen on this LINK

 

BINGHAM TOWN FC WEBSITE

http://www.binghamtownyouthfc.com/

 

BEESTON AFC WEBSITE/TWITTER

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/beestonafc/

https://twitter.com/BeestonAFC

 

The NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE..Only £15 for 5 matches at 5 grounds with 5 programmes. There is a coach to all Saturday games from Nottingham Train Station though only 9 seats left. For more information, please e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk some information on this LINK

 

The Charity Blog's total as it stands today is £309.75 for THE OAKLANDS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS..A massive thanks to all donators

BLOG'S CHARITY RUNNING TOTAL & DONATORS

 

A BIG Thanks go to these people and clubs for their kind donations towards this seasons charity..THE OAKLANDS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. After each match I will update the Charity Running Total and the donators list and goals seen.

Andy Cruddice

Ashland Rovers FC
Bedford Groundhop Stall
Beeston AFC

Blidworth Welfare FC

Clipstone FC

Danny Staley(Kimberley MW FC)

Dave Norris

Dudsey

Ian Marshall

Jimmy Jazz

"Keith" The Pinxton Gnome

Lee Cook(Pinxton FC)

Linby CW FC

Moorgreen FC
Netherfield Albion FC
Nuneaton Griff FC

Richard Lane

Rod(Nuneaton Griff FC)

Sherwood Colliery FC

Welbeck Welfare FC

194 GOALS

RUNNING AMOUNT

£312.00

After raising over £800 for the Cancer Unit at Kings Mill, me and hazel felt we should look to help a project or charity that is a bit smaller for the forthcoming season.

This season 2013-14, we are to aiming to support a small vital community group, where adults with special needs learn life skills and get help with housing and living independant but with support, cooking, ironing and some things we all take for granted.

We have found over the years, there are groups and charities for children up to the age of 16 years but then as they advance in years, there is little or no support at all.

This season we have decided to help a charity called The Oaklands. I will advertise a few of their upcoming events and when they have updated their website(which they are doing at present) I will add it to the blog.

This charity gives the adults with special needs not only great support but confidence and also respite from their family or carers also.

If you see me at a match and wish to make a donation, no matter how large all small, all will be gratefully accepted.

SELSTON FC TAKE HOME THE POINTS

Notts Senior League

Senior Division

COTGRAVE FC 0 SELSTON FC 4

 

Today took the Charity Blog over to the East of Nottinghamshire to Cotgrave FC, who are the hosts for the Friday Evening match of this seasons Notts Senior League Groundhop. Their visitors Selston FC were over the moon with last weeks result where they beat AFC Mansfield in the Notts FA Senior Cup, a result which made me place a vote for them for the Notts FA Team of the Week.

 

On arrival, I got chatting to a couple of players from each sides and got my programme, a nice effort from the club at just a quid. It was then in to the refreshments lounge/hut for a cuppa and a wispa bar, whilst Hazel sat in there with her knitting.

 

A greeting from todays match officials and the ref John Beckett, a friendly face from previous matches Ive attended was hoping to get a Groundhop match this season. Infact today, he didn't have a bad game, keeping it flowing when he could.

 

The First Half was a matter of a midfield battle, with both sides cancelling each other out and neither keeper really being called in to any action, so te half time cuppa had to warm me up.

 

The Second Half and the visitors stepped up that extra gear and looked to have opened the scoring after 50 minutes, but a last ditch tackle by the home defender stopped the attacker getting his goal bound shot on target. The pressure did pay off on the hour mark, when a cross from the left side was met by JAKE WRIGHT who tap home from close range.

 

Cotgrave pushed forward and had a couple of chances themselves but they didn't really test the keeper in the visiting net that much. Selston continued to press forward and the homesters started to look a bit tired and the visitors took advantage of this in the 87th minute, when DOMINIC CARRAHER doubled the score.

 

This seemed to put a spring in to the step of the away team and  on 90 minute, they were awarded a penalty to which RICHARD JEFFREY duly converted to make it 3-0. With some spectators thinking it was all over, you always say don't leave until the last kick of the game and those that did leave missed the final goal as RICHARD JEFFREY hammered home from a acute angle on the right hand side to make the final score 4-0.

 

Photos from todays match can be viewed on this LINK

 

COTGRAVE FC WEBSITE

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/cotgravewelfarefc/

 

SELSTON FC WEBSITE/TWITTER

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/selstonfootballclub/

https://twitter.com/SelstonFC

 

The NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE..Only £15 for 5 matches at 5 grounds with 5 programmes. There is a coach to all Saturday games from Nottingham Train Station though only 9 seats left. For more information, please e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk You can read all the information on this LINK

 

The Charity Blog's total as it stands today is £308.50 for THE OAKLANDS FOR ADULTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS..A massive thanks to all donators

MAGDALA PAY THE PENALTY

Notts Senior League

Senior Division

WOLLATON FC 3 MAGDALA AMATUERS FC 0

 

After last week's shock Cup exit to FC Samba, Wollaton's new management team were hoping to pull their club out the bottom two of their league table. Today they face mid table Magdala Amateurs. It was quite clear from the kick off that Wollaton were more up for the game. As early as 5 minutes, they were awarded a penalty after a push in the area, CHRIS ATKINS stepped up and blasted the ball in to the net.

 

Wollaton continued to push forward and should have gone 2-0 up when missin from close range on a couple of occasions. The game then went away from the visitors as they lost their discipline during a 5 minute spell. The away keeper pushed the home attacker and picked up a yellow card and CHRIS ATKINS dispatched his second penalty of the game after 37 minutes. On 42 minutes, the senior Magdala attacker kicked out in front of the referee, which gave the ref no choice but to get out the red card.

 

The second half started a lot more even and Magdala had a couple of long range chances to cut the arrears and after 54 minutes, saw a shot bounce off the inside of the post.

 

On 56 minutes, a quick attack by the Homesters, saw a ball whipped in from the right wing to the far post where MARK MIDDLETON headed home from about 15 yards out.

 

Ten minutes from time and Wollaton were awarded a third penalty, when the visiting keeper bought down a home forward and was duly shown a second yellow card. Up stepped Atkins for his hat-trick of penalties but the Magdala stand in keeper saved with his legs.

 

MAGDALA AMATUERS FC WEBSITE

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/magdalaamateursfc/

 

Photos from todays match can be seen on this LINK

 

The NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE..Only £15 for 5 matches at 5 grounds with 5 programmes. There is a coach to all Saturday games from Nottingham Train Station though only 16 seats left. For more information, please e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk 

why not reward a unsung hero/volenteer at your club with a ticket!!

 

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP ADVANCED TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE FOOTBALL GROUNDHOP 2013/14

The Notts Senior League will host the Annual Football Bonanza Groundhop in April 2014, with fans flocking from all over the World and Advanced Tickets have gone on sale.

Having been hosted by numerous leagues in the past, the Football Groundhop has a proud and famous history of providing non-league football fans from all over the globe with a unique and well-organised experience.

This year’s Groundhop will feature five games between clubs from the Precision Notts Senior League over two days from Friday the 11th of April to Saturday the 12th.

Rob Hornby, the man behind the event’s thorough organisation, knows only too well the prestige and history behind it: “Bonanzas, or as the fans sometimes like to call them, groundhops, began in the Northern League in 1990. Since then, the Devon League, the South West League and others all around the country have hosted their own event.

“It has gathered quite a bit of a following over the years. I have organised  nine years for the Central Midlands Football League and last seasons Notts Senior League was a massive success and it’s an extremely fulfilling experience.”

Perhaps the biggest aspect of participating for the clubs is the potential revenue. Advance tickets to see all five games and get all 5 programmes can be booked for £15, with proceeds being split between the clubs.

The event also has a far-reaching appeal, boosting a club’s publicity above and beyond the British Isles.

“Home clubs make quite a bit of money,” says Hornby. ”All clubs make a bit as well through Advanced Ticket sales. So even if someone is only going to do 3 or 4 of the games, it is well worth buying a Advanced Ticket, so each club gets a fair cut.

“Through advertising the event, it is well-known worldwide. It puts the clubs on the map and brings football fans to clubs that they wouldnt usually come and see.  we have far from as far as Sweden & Germany as well as from all over the UK buy the Advanced Tickets, as well as those who pay on the day.

“Clubs will make money through food and refreshments and the ticket sales on the day. The money non-league clubs can generate benefit them massively in terms of helping to run the club as costs can often be more than expected.”

There will be a different choice of food at each ground, all costing under the £2.50 mark and each club will have its own stall with old shirts, programmes and club Badges etc on sale.

On the Saturday, the coach has been  booked to ferry the fans to four separate games in a bid to cover as many grounds in the area as possible. 

First on the list will be Wollaton FC’s 10:10 game against Beeston AFC at their Wollaton Road Ground, then we head to Elms Park for a 12.50pm kick off, where hosts Ruddington Village FC entertain Boots Athletic FC

Next up, it is off to Platt Lane, the home of Keyworth United who face Sandhurst FC with a 3.40pm kick off, with the Groundhop coming to a close as West Bridgford FC play Bingham Town FC on their Regatta Way Ground.

The event will kick-off at 7.45pm on the Friday Evening however, at the Welfare Ground, as Cotgrave FC take on Burton Joyce FC. 

Hornby’s sentiment on the revenue generated through the Football Groundhop undeniably rings true.

The Notts Senior League Committee are fully aware of how important the groundhop is and how the clubs will welcome the financial boost with open arms:
 “It’s a costly venture, running a football club. Any sort of extra money they can get into the club is more than welcome.

“This is where the Football Groundhop comes in. It represents both a short-term and long-term financial boost for the clubs involved. It’s a great experience for the fans as well. Rob has been running these kinds of events for years now and he ensures that everyone has a great time, no matter where they’ve come from. It also puts the clubs along with the Notts Senior League on the Map not just in this Country”

But where exactly do the fans come from? You’d certainly be forgiven for assuming that flocks of Nottinghamshire’s non-league supporters will provide the bulk of the attendance, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

In fact, the term “worldwide” would be more than apt to describe the event, it seems.

People do book from places like Swedan, Holland, we have even had a Australian and his wife from Japan come as well, Rob believes it’s the offer of good entertainment at cheap prices.

“You can get tickets for all the games for £15 which includes all the 5 programmes as well and travel on the coach oin the Saturday round the grounds to the matches for £15 but the seats do get booked up very quickly” says Hornby. “Factor in food prices and travel and it’s a fun-packed day for a relative pittance.”

“You won’t see the bigger clubs doing stuff like this, so to get really involved and immersed in the game it’s great to see clubs at the lower level taking part. It’s such a unique experience and I’d really recommend it.”

For more information or a booking form 

  please e-mail hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk or
phone Rob Hornby on 01623 486678  / 07973517603.

END TO END CUP TIE SEES BEESTON THROUGH BY PENS

NOTTS FA INTERMEDIATE CUP
Second Round

NETHERFIELD ALBION v BEESTON AFC

3-3 after 90 minutes

4-4 after extra time

5-6 on pens

 

With the raining hammering down when leaving Mansfield, I was a bit unsure if this Cup Tie would be on, but as a back up plan, Burton Joyce were kicking off down the road just 30 minutes later, but what a choice I made..A Fantastic Cup Tie between two very good sides.

 

On arrival, I met Lee the Albion Secretary and Beeston Manager Tom, then had a chat with todays referee Steve Bingham. As we walked out to the pitchside, it had cleared up and was just a bit dull looking.

 

I was then introduced to Beeston's Chairman Richard and his wife and we had a chat for a while.

 

The game kicked off and Beeston took the early upper hand when a 25 yard shot floated in to the top corner of the net. At this stage, the rain lashed down and poor shawn broke my umbrella, the camera had to go under my jacket, so missed taking a shot of the 21st minute equaliser by the homesters.

 

10 minutes on and a good cup tie being played, off the pitch, the sun began to shine very strongly, whilst we had a gale force wind straight down the pitch, making it very difficult for players from both sides.

 

Beeston though they had re=taken the lead on 34 minutes when a header had just been tipped on to the crossbar by the Albion keeper.

 

Halftime came and went and it was now the home side that had the bite between their teeth and after 55 minutes, they took a deserved lead. They say most games have a turning point and this one certainly did as on 62 minutes, the home left winger found himself infront of goal just 5 yards out and scooped the ball on to the crossbar, with a open goal gaping in front of him.

 

Beeston pushed a few more players forward and it paid off after 74 minutes, when a ball came in from the left side, the keeper seemed to have caught it, but with the wind behind the ball, it hit his chest and bounced over his head and in to a empty net.

 

With in 2 minutes, the away team were in front 3-2 and the home side couldn't believe they had conceded two goal in a matter of minutes, but give up, no way and within a minute in the 77th minute, they were back on level terms.

 

Both sides then seemed to take their foot off the ball a bit and seemed to want Extra Time, as the supporters on thee touchline who were now freezing wanted just one more goal for either side..me included!

 

Extra Time kick off and it was Albion who started the brighter and looked more likely the victors of this tie and got their 4th goal in the 96th minute..could they hold on?

 

Both team were now finding tired legs and the weather elements very challenging and with everyone looking at the referee on 120 minutes, he awarded Beeston a corner on the right hand side, the ball came across and the home keeper sliced punched it and it went straight behind him in to the net to the horror of his teammates.

 

So it was now down to the horrid penalties, Beeston gained the first advantage, when Albion missed their second penalty, but then things were evened up when the away side missed their 4th, so now it was down to sudden death. with the penalty score at 5-5, the home player skyed his shot and the Beeston player kept his cool to put his team through to Round Three of the Competiton.

 

We then ventured back to the pub with  both clubs and Shawn enjoyed his chip sandwich, whilst I had a quick Groundhop Meeting with Tom & Richard of Beeston AFC.

 

I would like to thank both clubs Netherfield Albion FC & Beeston AFC for their kind donations to the Blogs Charity which now takes the running total to a amazing £306.75..a big thanks folks.

 

Photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

 

Netherfield Albion FC Website/Twitter

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/netherfieldalbionfc

https://twitter.com/NethAlbionFC

 

Beeston AFC Website/Twitter

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/beestonafc/

https://twitter.com/BeestonAFC

 

The NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE GROUNDHOP TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE..Only £15 for 5 matches at 5 grounds with 5 programmes. There is a coach to all Saturday games from Nottingham Train Station though only 16 seats left. For more information, please e-mail me on hornby60uk@yahoo.co.uk 

why not reward a unsung hero/volenteer at your club with a ticket!!