Wythenshawe Amateurs 5-0 Chapel Town – We did not deserve that!

An obvious choice was to go to follow Chapel Town to top of the table side Wythenshawe Amateurs. I woke up early but didn’t set off until 11:50. I spent the morning preparing a flask and layers to wear as I froze at the game on Friday. All went well and I headed down to the bus stop.

The bus journey into Stockport took a pleasant one hour, the fare was £4.60 and I was rather glad to be off and away after a bad few weeks hopping. The previous day had been enjoyable and I start to believe partly railed off pitches are the way to hop. I waited around in Stockport station for 20 minutes for the 370 down to Northenden, I switched on Google Maps to find where to get off however I needlessly did as I found my way easily. I got off at Moor End, took a left down there and a left at the bottom into Longley Lane, the ground was on the right after a few hundred yards.

I entered up the driveway to find a cricket pitch and clubhouse with a pitch in the background, after going past the clubhouse I saw the pitch directly ahead and no teams with ten minutes to kick off. The ground is basic, tight against houses at the near side, the cricket pitch on the near side, railed on the far side and open at the far end. I made my way to the far side to the dug-outs.

Wythenshawe Amateurs in their blue & white kit kicked off. Chapel started the brightest having around 5-6 corners in the opening 15 without really threatening. Stacey Wild went close on 12 when he curled just over and the table toppers manager was going bonkers, a shock was being sensed. Ryan Stafford fired over on 20 as Wild pulled back and Chapel were the better.

The home side took the lead on 38, a beautiful 30 yard free kick finding the corner it was cruel on Chaps as even a local reporter said Chapel had done well. It was 1-0 at half-time and I took a few photos from the dug-outs and the pitch before having a cup of tea and two cold chocolate croissants I’d brought along. Chapel were right in the match and the home side were looking to get another to kill the game off.

A lot of the home side’s play was on the break and as Chapel tried to break down the Amateurs they were always in danger of conceding however their finishing was awful and it was still all to play for.

Unfortunately Chapel Town were unfairly taken to bits in the final 12. Wythenshawe’s manager caused controversy as he decided to walk onto the pitch and take the ball off the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision. This man was foul mouthed all game and showed no respect to the officials, RESPECT campaign? What respect campaign?

The second goal was a 30 yard belter which had been coming on 79 minutes however nothing prepared Chaps for the third, 11 was dragged down in the box as Chapel desperately tried to stop a goal and a penalty was given, 11 smashed in his third. 8 slide in the 4th on 85 and then another penalty was given more or less straight away, Annison in the Chapel goal saved but it literally seconds again 8 had the ball in the goal. Four goals in 8 minutes, 5-0 and everyone aside from the Wythenshawe manager stunned.

I made my way out of the ground and the home side could add no more goals, I left the Wythenshawe Club in disbelief and although it would have probably been expected pre-match no-one could have said 5-0 was fair after it.

I walked back for the 370 back into Stockport, a simple 30 minute trip and after phoning my Mum & Dad in Stockport I ran across the town centre to get a lift back home.

Sorry for the late posting. Wednesday post to follow.

Tom

Cheadle & Marple Sixth Form College (Marple Campus) 1-4 Gateshead College – Now that is daring!

Being a ground-hopper I will watch anything at any notice without a general regard for anything else. The story starts at 7:30am  as I woke up, bad throat and no real intention of turning into College for the day at all. I put the kettle on, put some croissants in the oven and rushed round trying to pack my bag. Within less than 5 minutes to walk 400 yards I decided to put the tea in a commuter mug and dissappeared off to the bus stop.

I was still weary and felt pretty bad even more so when our driver decided to be late again, eurghh not my idea of fun. I got on and was instantly told about an afternoon match, once in college and in the refectory Gossy fully told me it was an important college cup-tie and I had to be there. Oh yeah, I’ll skip out of lessons.. not

I went on the computers for a while as my first lesson wasn’t till 1130, I dossed about then went upto the bookies with a few mates, had a flutter and came back for a while.

After a hard slog of a history lesson I decided to go home, I told my mate Lewis I’d not be in politics and gave him back notes to give to a nicee lass that I’d borrowed. I was off for the afternoon but it really was pathetic, I was certain I’d not pull it off.  Just after 1:20 I set off for the walk down to Wood Lane. Wood Lane is home to Mellor FC of the Lancs & Cheshire League.

I arrived in good time and quickly found an extremely boggy pitch with muddy surrounds. Its railed off on 3 sides and I was kinda chuffed, grounds like this are great.

Gateshead in all dark blue started better from the off and out muscled the Marple lads in their yellow/black quartered kit. Just after the half hour Gateshead took the lead, a lovely cross from the right was volleyed into the corner by 9 for 1-0, soon after though a disgusting two footed challenge and kick out by the Gateshead striker went almost unpunished, just a yellow given! On half-time it was 2-0, a penalty given to the away side after a trip, it was superbly stuck into the corner.

I walked round onto the shaded far side where it looks as if dug-outs have stood and after a quick half-time the game was back under way. Gateshead had chances to go 3-0 up as weak Marple defending allowed plenty of room, it was fair to say that the North East lads were cruising until the 62nd minute, 9 volleying home a cross for Marple, 2-1 and game on.

73 it was 3-1, 11 driving home left footed into the bottom corner and the boggy pitch wasn’t helping either side. I was joined by my mate Tom Goss in the closing 10 minutes after navigating through the awfully muddy surroundings at the far end to the near side, I told him the story of the game and before we knew it 14 drove high into the goal from long range to cap a brilliant display by the Gateshead College players.

We made our way back to College with a new ground under my belt, it was weird but a good day watching footie. We walked back into Marple itself then caught the bus home at 4.

Wythenshawe Amateurs v Chapel Town later.

Tom

Salford Victoria 2-1 Wilmslow Albion – Phew! At least I saw something!

On Friday evening I experienced deep dissappointment as I travelled to Halewood for Everton U18 v Blackburn U18. I never made it due to a 40 minute and 20 minute delay getting there. I was £12.00 out of pocket and needed a nice assured trip to see me through Saturday happy. The original plan had been Pilkington v Gamesley but picked Fives Athletic v Monton Amateurs as I woke up late on Saturday morning.

I quickly showered and got directions done, with back-up of Salford Victoria. I headed for the train station and the conductor never made it round to charge me £5.50 as the carriages swelled from huge passenger numbers! Fortunately on arrival at Manchester no hired goons were there to inspect tickets so I was free to buy my £2.00 return to Walkden.

I headed up to the lounge for Platform 13 and 14 where the goons were waiting. I went for the train and quickly grabbed a seat where a load of travelling Birmingham fans burst into voice. I was however off at Salford and waited patiently for the 10 minute trip to Walkden.

Once in Walkden I headed up the road to the ground, it was simple and I made it within 10 minutes, the car-park was empty and once I reached the main gate my fears were confirmed, it was off. Unphased I walked back to the station and saw a crowd of people waiting for a train, surely not?? Yes, a late running train! I squeezed on and it was literally sardines, no more room and the doors closed leaving passengers behind.

The train pulled into Salford around 15 minutes later and I was left with the task of finding a ground with only Google Maps to help me. The directions said 1.8 miles and a 30 minute walk looked likely. I came out of the station and headed for Frederick Road, taking a left up Seaford Road towards Castle Irwell for the university. From here I headed up Gerald Road and across right at the roundabout into Littleton Road, after a half an hour walk in fear I saw the complex on my left.

On arrival I found a game to be taking place, unconvinced I checked the Manchester-League website to find it was the Reserves 1pm game! That was lucky, the entrance is past the car-park through a gate on your left. The pitch is fully railed with hard standing and of course with a 3pm kick off it was floodlit. This artificial surface benefits Beechfield United and Salford Victoria greatly as in theory you could get both sides and their reserves in one day without any damage to the playing surface.

I watched the closing stages of the game with Victoria struggling to equalise for the 4th time Walshaw Sports A holding out 4-3. I took a walk round the ground, its enclosed by a green fence and is probably the league’s best venue. It would only need a turnstile and a stand and this ground would be Step 6 standard.

The game itself was pretty awful, Salford bottom and Wilmslow not much better, on 9 11 ran through mazily and buried from 20 yards. Until half-time it was rather drab and Wilmslow struggled to break down the hosts, Salford held out for a  1-0 half time lead.

In the second half the game wasn’t that much better Salford Victoria taking a 2-0 lead after half-time with 9 slotting past the keeper a swift counter attack. It was cold and the rain started to come down on the coverless ground, without any waterproofs I got soaked.

Wilmslow equalised halfway through the second half, 9s shot cannoning off the post, off the keeper and back off 9 into the goal, 2-1 and Salford looked like crumbling. The cookie however didn’t crumble and the white shirted Wilmslow had surrendered, Salford Victoria had won for the first time in the season.

With time on my side it was 40 minutes to try and reach Salford Crescent station, the surroundings intimidatory and I had a real feeling of fear as I made my way back to the station.  However I wasn’t mugged or each approached, the explaination for a late blog post is fatigue and as I made it to Salford station I saw the 1709 to Buxton set off! Great.

I caught the 1726 into Manchester and was back home for 1838. The conductor approached me just as the train pulled into the station and asked if I wanted to buy a ticket, I said no and it was £2.00 day out!

Sorry for the week late post.

Tom

Wakefield 6-0 Harrogate Railway Athletic – Tick that weather!

I had initially planned trip to Carlisle but the weather wiped out that on Friday evening so drew up a list of possibilities, these were mainly Step 7 games. I woke up and contacted a number of clubs without a positive response or in most cases no response. At 11am I decided to go onto a Unibond League match as I was not convinced by the weather in the North West and didn’t want to dissappoint myself by turning up to a game that was off. I then noticed this game, impossible to do midweek and over the right side of the Pennines.

After having a shower I came back to check whether about trains, prices and admission. It all suited me, 1319 departure from Chinley at £6.55 and £3.00 admission for students. Excellent. I fed the dog and then started to make my flask after clearing my rucksack out. 12:40 came and I was just about ready to set off on a pleasant November afternoon.

I made Chinley within 30 minutes giving myself 10 minutes to wait for the train, I took one last check to see whether it was off on the Unibond website, no change. I was off to Wakefield! The ride into Sheffield was good, rather relaxing for a change and it didn’t involve any worrying at all, it was in theory the perfect day out. I wasn’t charged which was bad, I needed a ticket! The train terminated at 14:02 and I went to find the conductor, I asked for a ticket and when she said £6.65 I told her I’d been charged more than what the National Rail website said for some trips in the North West, she was visibly shocked but happy I’d actually got my ticket.

I headed down the platform to wait 15 minutes for my connection to Wakefield, a train headed Aberdeen! It pulled in 5 minutes early and the sound of Scots and Southerners in the same room was almost funny. Only on a Plymouth to Aberdeen service would you have so many accents floating about. This express service belted upto Wakefield, I had a cup of tea out of my flask in my Simpsons mug and wrote up some notes, before I knew it I was in West Yorkshire!

I took out my map and had 12 minutes to walk 1 mile, I was on a mission to make kick off… I immediately followed my nose and ended up somehow on the correct street. I headed down Rishworth Street then York Street and a left into towards the ground. I headed through the car-park and entered, I paid my £3.00 student admission and the game was barely 2 minutes old.

The ground probably isn’t the best for Step 4 on the near side is hard standing and some terracing that backs onto the hockey club. The near end is home is the bar, toilets and burger van. I walked towards the far side where there is more terracing albeit far better and a seated stand for perhaps 300 people, yellow and black seats and this is where I watched the game from.

The game was set to be typical of the Unibond League (from what I’ve seen this season), hoof, hoof and the occasional bit of inspiring football. After 15 minutes this looked likely, what happened in the next 16 minutes was absolutely terrifying for Harrogate, this game needed seatbelts it was that intensifying. On 15 John Froggatt curled a free-kick into the top corner for 1-0, 9 minutes later it was 2-0, Danny South tapping at the far post. With 26 minutes played Harrogate Railway had fallen apart, Froggatt heading home his 2nd and just minutes after again South notched in his 2nd and Wakefield’s 4th. Yes 15-31 minutes, Wakefield had scored four!

Wakefield only looked like adding more to that and squandered a couple of attacking moves but came close from 45 yards! It stayed at 4-0 at the break and despite Harrogate’s plight I was almost willing on Wakefield to score half a dozen more!

I took a walk round and took some photos of the ground before going back and having a drink at my seat. Clearly disgruntled, Harrogate turned out a few minutes early with the second half kicking off at 16:05. They were almost ripped apart and hit for five just minutes in but 8 fired straight at the keeper. They competed until the hour then collapsed. Froggatt on the hour turning well to slam home hit perfect hat-trick then he slide in his fourth a minute after.

Harrogate Railway came more and more into the game and could have had a goal or two back, at the same time Wakefield missed a few chances themselves so 9-2 wouldn’t have been an unfair reflection of the game. I headed on my walk round the whole ground as Wakefield continued to press but it wasn’t to be and at 16:54 the referee blew up for full-time.

I headed back to the station, I followed the signs for the correct way but somehow ended up going wrong, then thinking I’d corrected myself was wrong again. I went back the same way I initially went, saw the station over a 6ft gate so I just climbed it and went through the car-park. Pathetic map.

The train arrived on time but there was no seats despite a ton of people getting off so I resigned myself like 5 others to standing in between the carriages for the journey back to Sheffield. This took longer than it should have taking 40 rather than 30 minutes, I had a 10 minute wait back in Sheffield after the stressful journey back before my train arrived.

The 1810 TransPennine Express was packed or so I thought and I landed in a reserved seat, got turfed out then was told by the conductor the back carriage was empty! I headed down the train finishing off my flask and wrote up some more notes. I texted home to see if I could get a lift home from Chinley, the journey went well albeit 5 minutes late and I was home for 1845 thanks to my dad.

Next game: Man City Res v Hull City Res for 79 without a 0-0 on a new ground.

Tom

Maine Road 2-3 Ramsbottom United – A night of near misses

Maine Road had been on my priorities list all season however with nothing else looking likely due to the weather I decided to bring my trip to Brantingham Road forward by just a week.

In the afternoon the weather turned dire but at 4:00pm the game was declared on and it was a good job as I’d spent my hour off planning my trip out and I was glad to be hopping again. The bus ride home wasn’t bad but I was relieved to arrive home with 35 minutes to prepare.

Once in I was on William Hill’s website and stuck in a triple on Leeds, Colchester and Oxford United wins. This £2 stake stood to win me £5.79… I did myself a flask of tea and despite my lack of things to do I managed to be running late setting off at 17:20 for the bus. This was partly due to trying to find my scooter that I’d launched over the wall over the road; this failed and was to prove an almighty blessing in disguise

I caught the 199 into Stockport, this was on time and because of this I struggled to keep myself awake after a long hard day. This fine driver had me in Stockport for 1815, giving me apt time to reach Manchester for my connection. I wandered into Stockport station, paid £1.70 for the train to Manchester and headed for a Pendolino going to Manchester.

After finding a copy of the London Evening Standard I had a read then had to concentrate once in Manchester as with the rain I had to find my bus stop. It was 18:35 and found my bus; I didn’t catch it instead opting for the 19:00. After 6 86s the 85 turned up, bought a day rider and was off to Chorlton.

The weird thing was I didn’t have a clue where to get off but Google Maps on my phone kept me up to date and after recognizing Alexandra Park got off. The journey down Brantingham Road is described as 0.4 miles and I wandered down there. I phoned home to say I was ok and crossed Withington Road, a car was coming but I didn’t think anything of it until it came 6 feet from me. I jumped like a cheetah in pure fear knowing I was milliseconds from collision; I somehow avoided it and was much shaken. Had I been on the scooter I would never have made the game, I would have been in hospital.

The walk was just another 200 yards or so and I was apprehensive after, it was shocking to think I was that close to being hit. I paid my £3.00 entrance fee and was shocked, that is a lot for this standard but it was under 16s price and I’m what? 17 now.

This ground from previous pictures seen was to be one of my least favourites… no it wasn’t! You enter at one end and there is 2-3 steps of terracing and hard standing (all in the open) and I walked to my right where a large stand sits spanning 2/3rds the length of the pitch. It’s a low roofed affair that looks like it was fall to bits at any second, there is 3 rows of benches attached to concrete strips and railway sleepers. On the other side is a stand 1/3^rd of the size with half the roof missing and the other end is just hard standing.

I sat down to get out my notepad, the roof shook and water started spilling through the gaps. I moved then got out my Football Fantime mug and flask pouring myself a lovely cuppa.

The game wasn’t far away and Maine Road turned out in light blue and Rammy in red and black. These two sides always produce a few goals and I was hoping this wasn’t going to be any different. It started on time and Ramsbottom had the best of the opening stages but couldn’t work the ball in the box.

Maine Road took the lead after some dreadful defending, Liam Beckford played in Hibbert he turned and fired one into the corner, a lovely goal and it was nice to see Beckford playing as he is a good player. Soon it was two, useless defending gave Road a corner and it was knocked it off a Rammy player for an own goal. Ramsbottom had problems and a man standing against the rail gave a continuous torrent of abuse towards the players at their inability to play the game.

The away side moved the ball well and had several decent chances, Road’s dogged defending and slices of luck kept it 2-0 and it was a thrilling game to see. Rammy won a penalty on 36 and it hammered in, the guy standing against the rail shouting and swearing had stopped. The turning point came not long after; a seemingly onside Maine Road play converting but the goal was dissallowed. Half-time came and the MR manager scurried onto the pitch in anger letting out a mouthful of abuse and this continued, he was sent off but he had a point. It was unfair.

I decided to have another drink and moved further down the terrace. It was cold and I was thankful for this drink. My bets weren’t going smoothly as only Colchester had the advantage. The second half came pretty soon and it turned into a bit of a drab affair. The rain started to come down and Road lost their momentum and struggled to get forward as Rammy piled on the pressure.

The game was fading away until the captain of Rammy Alan Connell volleyed home a set-piece and it was game on. Maine Road had a man sent off a minute later for a second bookable offence and in the rain Maine Road’s chance of victory was fading away! Rammy piled on the pressure and as the game was headed towards the final 3 minutes I shot off for the bus. I made it there within 5 minutes and had about 8 to spare. Leeds were still 0-0 and Oxford’ game was still 20 minutes from completion…

The bus arrived and just then I had a feeling that the Leeds game had ended 0-0, it hadn’t!  Leeds had won 1-0 and I frantically messaged my contact at Forest Green v Oxford. Just as I crossed the metrolink tracks outside Piccadilly Gardens Oxford had won! I was also headed for the early train somehow managing to catch the 2204 and not the 2207 . It had been a good night despite almost getting run over.

The train left me with 12 minutes to get 300 yards to the bus stop. Getting to it was almost a problem having almost got skittled again by incompetent drivers! The guy who ran across with me referred to them as idiots. The bus came a bit late, but I arrived home just before 2320.

Tom

Apologies for being 3 days late.

Radcliffe Borough 2-1 Burscough – Year total doubled

Back in the start of 2009 I was on 54 grounds and could only dream of hitting 80 at tops by this time in the year. Unbelieveably this ground meant I’d doubled that 54 and added one, I’m very happy with it and it will probably be 65 if I keep hopping well. This game was chosen purely because nothing else looked likely and the Metrolink was back so was tempted to try it out and see a game.

Tuesday wasn’t a bad day, a bit of football and it was dry helping my cause, I wanted a match to go to! The bus pulled in at Chapel at 4:55 and I printed off a map, had a quick bite to eat, had a cuppa and set off with the scooter. The scooter’s status is almost legendary getting me places quicker, yes I’m nearly 17 but that doesn’t mean anything, leg powered transport is the best! It didn’t fail getting me to Chinley station within 16 minutes and I was away.

I was tempted to pay my train fare and metrolink separate at a cost of £8.85, I paid nothing like that. The conductor gave me a return to Radcliffe for £4.05….. from New Mills! From New Mills fares half (as its past 6pm once there) I wasn’t particularly happy as I was returning to Chinley not New Mills. I headed straight to the Metrolink once in Piccadilly and walked straight onto a tram upto Radcliffe.

At Bowker Vale a guy stepped on with two other passengers then I realised he was a plain clothes ticket inspector! The sods! GMPTE and their Hitler like brigade, you can’t win and you can’t fault them, £100 fine for not paying a fare is ******* and I bet they deter people well.

I got off at Radcliffe and with a brief idea of my bearings had 35 minutes to make kick off, the journey was easy and despite earlier rain scooting conditions were good to decent. It reminded much of Bury, very similar architecture and I love Lancashire, it all seems too nice! I scooted into the car-park at 7:20 and I could see Radcliffe weren’t expecting a brilliant ground with a man saying “Well be lucky to get half crowd here” and once inside the ground I could see about 10 other spectators.

The ground impressed me, a big main stand behind one goal, terracing on the other three sides, covered down half of the near side, raised at the far end and with crush barriers on the far side. I went to stick on the back row of the stand and I put my phone away, SMACK! A wayward shot hurtled towards me and I somehow batted it away when it was gonna break my nose such was the venom in it.

Radcliffe wore claret and blue both sides creating a few chances on a tricky surface with Radcliffe looking more like scoring. Both sides had efforts cleared off the line and it was entertaining for those bothered to turn out and watch On 44 David Roberts arrowed a shot beyond the Boro keeper to send the Unibond Prem visitors 1-0 up at the break.

I went for a half-time walk taking a few more photos and then came to the bottom corner…. too late. My foot was already in deep water and my other on the grass. The rain started to come down so headed for the near side cover.

In the second half Boro looked the far better team, Roscoe pounced in the box to knock home from 6 yards on 51 and on 60 Mark Drew pinged a shot from the far edge of the box home for 2-1. Burscough attacked well and had a few shots blocked with Boro hitting on the counter. With three minutes left I decided to leave and pray for a 2-1 result.

Just as I left the rain got worse and heading down Unsworth Street I got soaked, 8 minutes later I was done for. I arrived back at Radcliffe metrolink soaked so badly that I slipped in the underpass in a panic and felt onto my arse grazing it badly. 3 Bury bound trams turned up but no Piccadilly bound, eventually at 2144 one arrived and it pelted back to Piccadilly. The journey was largely actionless and about 10 Metrolink workers jumped on at Victoria, checked tickets before departing at Piccadilly Gardens.

Once at Piccadilly I had 10 minutes to wait, the wait dissappeared and I was on the front carriage of the train before I knew it. I had 25 minutes to pull off a con and I had a prayer in stupidity…. HE NEVER SHOWED! THE CONDUCTOR NEVER TURNED UP! I was in Chinley for 11 and scooted in for 11:15, writing my usual forum post and this…
Its 12:36 am, so good night
Tom

Stoney Middleton 4-3 Queens Reserves – 1 short now!

After two dissappointing games midweek I was looking forward to getting back to some proper football, yes Hope Valley League B Division, always worth the watch and never shy of entertainment. I had intended to do a double with Chesterfield Youth but stayed at home just in case my plans were shelved due to the weather. In actual fact at 11am my plans were shelved as it was no longer Eyam v Calver, they’d switched across the road to Calver to allow Stoney Middleton to reverse their away game at Queens Reserves. Of course it was only a change of game at The Avenue and I was glad to know it was on!

I got a rucksack together and put in the usual; notes, clipboard, pens but with a Football Fantime mug and flask of tea. I was in jeans, jacket and fleece but it wasn’t raining, my sister told me it was cold having beaten Whaley Bridge 13-0 down at Darley Dale. Come 11:55 my Dad dropped me 1 mile from Chinley station and I looked like a hiker, oh god! The train was obviously late and didn’t arrive till 12:30.

I paid my £4.80 and was quite looking forward to seeing a romping home win, it was 3.3 mile walk to the ground from the station but I wasn’t fussed and when the train got to Grindleford I set off having to complete the walk in just under an hour, ideally a lot less as if it was 50 minutes or more I’d be struggling to make the train.

I set out and followed the road out of the station to the B6001 and passing Grindleford + Calver’s grounds on my way down to Stoney. It isn’t particular difficult just 3 miles following the same road up and down hill, I arrived 42 minutes after departure to a very wet and windy Stoney Middleton F.C.

The ground is of course basic but a lot different to when you pass it by road, the A623 runs behind the near goal, which you must cross to get in! There is a car-park as you go in and the old shed changing rooms have gone, now just a green portacabin to blend in with the trees on the lane behind. The far side is home to a 2 foot drystone wall, it is concreted on top and sits just a metre or so from the touchline enclosing the ground well. At the top end is a kids playground.

I waited for the game to start but noticed the referee hadn’t turned up then I was told that it was Kevin O’Neill, uh oh! A referee known for his comedy decisions but you can’t mock him, he is one of the very few you enjoy watching more than the game! That said after 5 minutes he decided to award Queens Reserves, the perennial strugglers a PENALTY for a push a few yards outside the box! It was converted and the men in green had the lead.

Stoney Middleton in their red & white tried valiantly to find an equaliser and the pitch didn’t help, it sort of falls away on the near side and from the wall on the far side you can’t see the ball! The rain came crashing down and my rucksack got meaning I had to take notes via my phone! I occasionally went for a cup of tea in my Football Fantime mug and as the only one of the three spectators actively enjoying this game I actually quite happy. It was wet, the game was bad and I was lovin it!

At half-time the referee decided a 2 minute half-time was enough and we kicked off again dead on three. Stoney came out raring to go and hit the bar, flashed a 6 yarder wide and missed an open net on the angle, Queens Reserves should have been about 6-1 down and this was going well for them. As the rain eased off Stoney scored, as much as their finishing was poor Queens left a hole at the back, the striker gently lobbing an on rushing keeper. 2 minutes later it was 2, a corner stabbed home from a few yards for number two and by 64 it was three, a hint of offside but the ball scrambled home.

I went to stand behind the near goal and sympathised with the Queens keeper for a bad decision against his side, Stoney pushed on for a fourth but Kevin O’Neill decided to give a few more offsides and Stoney’s finishing turned bad again. They finished it off on 83, a prod home inside the box before Queens immediately battled back to 4-2, an unorthodox move resulting in a goal! With my train 46 minutes away I decided to leave, Queens scoring for a 3rd time and I dashed across Calver F.C’s ground to the main road.

The intake of tea had not done me good and I was thankful to make it back to Grindleford in the slowly darkening sky at 4:10, the hill upto the Maynard Hotel is terribly steep but even still I was back at Grindleford station for 4:20, a good 38 minute 3.3 mile walk. I was early for the train and had a mini celebration knowing I’d be finishing the league in perfect style, the Hope Valley League at Hope on my 17th birthday. This time next week I’ll be 17 and have a league under my belt, not many people my age can say that!

The train got back to Chinley in half an hour and despite a conflict with the local 13 year old chavs I was fine and through the door at 5:30

Tom

Manchester Metropolitan University 0-2 University of Central Lancashire 2nds

My new passion; university football. This game had been planned just a week but was seemingly quite easy. I’d gone to Altrincham on Tuesday and really didn’t feel like going and woke at 6:30am and just thought, go for it! As you will learn in the next few hundred words I pushed my own boundaries of insanity one step further.

Hunters Bar v Dronfield Town A, a 3 mile walk either way to and from the ground from Dore station. I quote a fellow football fan “Your absolutely ******* insane” I tell you now my friend, this was beyond that February trip.

7:45 I set off with full waterproofs and a few extra layers in my bag. I headed straight over to Buxworth and then down the canal towpath, this 7 miles was horrific… mud? Mud? Mud? It was a bog most of the way and I can sympathise with mountain bikers who were visors as drops of mud splattered all up my back and onto my face.

I wasn’t going too fast and pulled into Marple car-park looking a total mess, I locked my bike up, took my waterproof trousers off and my jeans underneath were muddy round the bottom. My mate called me over and asked what I had done, he told me to look in a mirror.. I got into the building and found my face was covered in spits and spots of muk, the eyelids were brown! I hurried upto the second floor to politics and no one suspected it, except Lewis. Lewis Wilkes, the politics man asked why I had mud in my ears, ermm well..

This lesson went well on political factions and then it was down to the canteen for a Dr Pepper. Economics went well after and at 11:15 I popped over the library for everything. Just after 12 I came out and sat down outside the Lecture Theatre before having a quick 20 minute game of footie, successfully smashing the ball over the boundary walls again, a full 35 yards onto the road. The ball went and I was off.

I rode out of Marple on the A626 and down the hill the A627 junction, I felt fresh and after climbing out of the junction I was down to Offerton. Offerton, a nice place just outside the town centre of Stockport and home to Stoconians of the Lancs & Cheshire League, ignore that its just future hopping knowledge. As a matter of fact I have no fewer than 5 planned grounds in Stockport, Cheadle Town, Linotype/Cheadle HN, Mellor, Hazel Grove and of course Stoconians. Must say though, look out for these sides on my blog posts as two are priority grounds! I didn’t really too good but wasn’t exactly knackered, more like psychological breakdown.

Anyway back to topic, I was in Stockport town centre 1315 and after some confusion headed up the Didsbury Road. It was here fatigue started to kick in and I reached the A34 at 1345, I had a few miles to cover and it was mainly on pavements but it was a nice day to cycle and after nearly skittling students and dosile people in Didsbury covered the final 2 miles in 18 minutes. I got to the venue at 1414 and on this huge multi pitch complex had trouble finding the pitch; eventually I saw identical kits on adjacent pitches 3 pitches away. I was by now struggling to stay awake, my legs were falling apart and my bike was struggling.

So I had done it, the 12 mile trip had completely destroyed me. It was 1417 and I was badly late. Yellow, blue and blue on both pitches, it had to be Manchester. Central Lancs weren’t in grey; red & white stripes, red and red and Manchester College v the 4th side was a Division Seven match; they wore a classy white shirt with blue shorts and socks.

600+ words in; the match. Yes after Central Lancs scored it went dull. I could have wrote an English coursework monologue on it! “I laid down on the grass with 5 layers on, I had put myself through mental and physical torture. Did I really have confidence in my own sanity? I was three miles from a station and was terribly hungry. Could I really do this again for the love of hopping?”

Its true I was out of my mind. The first half was little to shout about and Central Lancashire should have been further ahead blazing a few over and misplacing a few final balls through. Half-time came at 1457, this meaning I’d missed just a few minutes and I took a few photos. UoM last week was cold, it was absolutely freezing here. Its warmer at midnight! I sat on the floor for the second half and on 54, ten fired a shot bound for top of the net from 25 yards; it was actually punched into the top corner of the goal!

Manchester Met had a few half chances that were either scuffed or blocked, UCLancs weren’t much better! I decided to leave at the end in fear of missing goals, I had considering going but my legs felt bad! It ended 2-0 and I had 3 miles of drudgery to get to Levenshulme station, I was almost in bits as I struggled through the pain barrier, the route was easy, a right at the main crossroads 300 yards from the ground and just follow Wilbraham Road and Moseley Road past the Armitage Centre onto Albert Road.

I left my bike outside an off-licence after arriving on exactly 25 minutes and just bought chocolate whole nut and a 2 litre bottle of Dr Pepper before heading onto the platform for a 12 minute wait. The wait wasn’t long and I was quickly on my way home,  I recognized I’d pushed myself to the limits both mentally and physically but do you know what? I’ll be something just as stupid within a couple of weeks!

The conductor never came round and I left the train at Chapel en le Frith station, being all downhill it was easy but then it was all on the flat even that was difficult and when I walked through the door at 17:20 my legs fell to bits!

Tom

Altrincham 1-2 Witton Albion – Now they are freak circumstances

This game marked my first ever Step 1 ground and at just over 20 miles it was a nice, simple trip. Monday had been good weather and Tuesday had been awful! I had still had a trip planned and when it got to 4pm on Tuesday I was quite looking forward to the game.

The bus got me home for 16:45 and I dashed home from there as despite a short trip I had it was also bad for times..I’d been playing football for an hour before leaving college, when I say that I mean pelting a ball as hard I could into a goal so got changed, quickly ate then ran down to the bus stop for the 1722 into Stockport.

The bus is always late, I’d arrived early; need I say any more?. I was in a panic but stayed relaxed and luckily the bus was just a few minutes late in Stockport giving me 6 minutes to get to the station and buy a ticket. I ran basically and bought my ticket down to Altrincham for £2.00 before heading upto Platform 2.

The train down to Altrincham was packed and the 18 minute journey was done standing up but despite this it wasn’t a bad journey, I exited the station with no clue of how to get to the ground, no maps, no directions just a brief memory of Google maps and the Alty website. I had just under an hour to get there though so I took my time finding my way easily and just gone 1905 I found the ground.

I entered via the Golf Road End turnstiles having paid my £2.00 I was instantly in awe at this spectacular stadium. 2 covered terraces, a large main stand and a open end; my idea of a proper ground. Since I first started to be interested in grounds about 5 years ago I’d always wanted to come to Moss Lane so was glad to have came. As it were the 45 minute wait for the game seemed to pass smoothly and of the estimated 200 here not many were expecting the holders to fall to Witton Albion. I was on the popular side getting a good view from the terraces.

The game kicked off and well.. hmm.. it wasn’t a brilliant start with neither side creating many chances until around the half hour mark. Up until that it was quite bad! John Denham was the only thing that got near the goal for the hosts while the away side squandered a few chances. However on 36 the Robins scored, Chris Senior tapping in a corner and just on half-time Denham’s acrobatic effort was well tipped over.

The crowd was tiny in the 6,000 capacity Moss Lane and at half-time we were treated to the most freak circumstances ever at a game, I’d travelled round to the main stand on one of the back rows waiting for the game to restart  and at 2049 the lights failed on the Moss Lane side. Instantly the game was in the balance, a few minutes later back on… 30 seconds later off again then back on and you guessed it failed for third time at 2058. It happened for a fourth time before the engineer fixed the lights and we started again at 2111. Great… I was chuffed to not see it abandoned but unhappy I’ll miss 11 minutes worth.

Witton Albion scored in the 49th minute and then it was game on, they dominated and by far looked the better side. I’m sorry but there is little to talk about on this game.  The extended half-time was far more thrilling. At 2144 I made my way to the exits missing just 12 minutes but despite the ground was glad to go.

I got back to the station for 2156 and waited for a 2 minute delayed train upto Stockport. This was the same service to Northwich which I used to get to Witton to see Runcorn 8 weeks previously and like on that occasion was in Stockport early.

I was tired and when I got the 2230 bus home I was almost asleep. I was in at 2310 and wrote my forum report up before going to bed just after midnight

Apologies I know it is Wednesday. Todays theatrics up as soon as possible

Tom!

 

Chapel Town 3-0 Royton Town – Tough times ahead now…

I write this on a Sunday afternoon and its a time of reflection of an interesting weekend so far. Saturday was of course hit by bad weather and the planned game at FC United of Tideswell was off at 1230, I had one option; go to Chapel Town v Royton Town. The good news was it was a nice chance to cheer on Chapel Town, the truth is that if Chapel ever did get floodlights I would be a full-time follower of them but I still love to watch them all the same.

I walked down Rowton Park at 13:45 after watching the first half of Paulton Rvrs v Norwich City and I’d had a bacon, egg and sausage buttie followed by 3 cups of tea so I thought I’d be ok for the 2 hours out. The walk down to Rowton Park is straight forward, down Rowton Grange Road and its up a track at the side of the cricket pitch. The ground is 1 side and 1 end hard standing and 3 sides walled off with a stand on the far side.

Royton in their yellow and green kit were the only side out until 2pm and the game started 10 minutes late. This match was just one of those, Royton chucked everything at Chapel with their great style of football but Chaps countered on 22, 10 running through to score. On 43 it was 2-0 a shot from 12 yards finding the corner. The Royton players walked off dispondent and rightly so, two chances two goals for Chaps.

I went to stand on the far side out of the rain and bitter cold but that game didn’t do that much and Chapel wrapped it up with 16 minutes left; a superb 30 yard volley from the centre mid to make it 3-0.

I left the game and returned home for the night. The next morning I found out I’d lost my job and so money won’t be easy from now on

Next game at Altrincham on Tuesday.