LYE TOWN 3 - 2 PERSHORE TOWN

 

SMEDLEY CROOKE MEMORIAL CHARITY CUP 

FINAL 

Trico Stadium, Sallie Swan Street, Redditch, B97 4AU

27th May 2023,   1:00 pm Kick-Off

I'm going to my final game of the season and like the season before, I'm heading to Redditch United's ground for this charity cup final. Again the current holders, Pershore Town are involved. They are proving to be a great cup winning team, as they already have the Hellenic League cup under their belts this season, as well as achieving promotion to the Premier Division of their league competition, by winning the 1st Division championship.

Their opponents today, Lye Town, are also having a great season after achieving promotion to Step 4 in the Non-League pyramid for the first time ever. They did this via the play-off's, after finishing 2nd in the league. This game is shaping up on paper to be a very good one.

I have made the journey to Redditch on the train and get here just after midday. As it's a 1:00 pm Kick-Off I need to get my lunch soon. Luckily I notice a cafe, just along from the toilets at the foot of the entrance to the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and get a meal of omelette & chips. Just the job!

The stadium is located just a few hundred yards up the Bromsgrove Road and soon I am turning right down to the ground.

It's certainly good weather today and there should be a decent sized crowd for it. I pay my entrance fee and receive a free programme too before making my way to the cafe for my usual pre-match cup of tea.

When I go to find a position at the southern end of the ground to take photos, I am disappointed to find that no-one is allowed to stand directly behind the goal but have to make their way back on to the terracing behind this area. As it's a bit too far from the pitch for photography, I make my way to the western side of the ground where the main stand is located. I take a position half-way between the stand and the corner flag, with the sun behind me over my right hand shoulder.

Maybe it's a better position but it makes me wonder if there has been any crowd trouble this season, for there to be a clear space behind that goal?

Soon the teams come out on to the pitch, with Lye Town (The Eagles) in their usual all navy blue strip while Pershore Town (The Plums) are in their 2nd strip of all red.  

When play commences, Lye Town apply some early pressure, win 3 corners but without reward.

Pershore go close with an effort saved by keeper Ben Newey and then Lye's midfield maestro, Ben Billingham, in the 14th minute spots Pershore keeper, Scott Loader off his line but his effort goes wide of the left hand post.

Pershore Town are looking more dangerous now, especially down the left hand side with good runs by their No.3 Sean Cooke and with the trickery of No.11 James Baldwin and twice go close on the 20 minute mark.

Lye Town make good with one of their chances on the half hour to take the lead, when their No.9, Zidan Sutherland, is neatly played through for a one on one with Loader in the Pershore goal. He cooly slots the ball home in to the left hand corner.

Pershore show they are not out of this contest when their No.4, Steve Webb, smashes in a shot on goal but it's well held by Newey.

Ben Billingham then goes through on the right and just about manages to push the ball across the goal but it's cleared by a Plums defender. He's not to be denied though and doubles The Eagles lead when Sutherland's shot comes back off the keeper and Sutherland taps the ball across to Billingham to smash home a great shot at the near post.

Pershore Town go close twice before the half-time whistle and are still looking dangerous despite their higher ranked opponents 2 goal advantage.

During this half I have been chatting occasionally to a photographer who turns out to be another groundhopper, called Paul, who hails from Castle Bromwich in Birmingham. It turns out that he posts some of his photos on Twitter (to be found @groundhopper174) and I check them out later that evening. Not surprisingly some of his photos are similar to mine.

There are also 2 official photographers in attendance too today, with their more expensive looking gear. Not that I'm jealous of course, ha ha!

Yes, it's been a feast of attacking football so far, even better than last years final and it's going to be interesting to see what unfolds next. 

When play resumes it's Pershore who threaten first when the marauding Sean Cooke, following neat build up play on the left, cuts inside to shoot past the right hand post.

Then Pershore close the gap when the ball is passed inside to Baldwin who slides the ball past Newey.

That's what 'The Plums' desperately needed to keep themselves in the game.

Lye go close with a long range shot going just wide of the right hand post but it's Pershore who equalise through the irrepressible Baldwin. He's put through by Jordan Jones and cuts inside to slot home inside the right hand post. A quality goal!

'The Eagles' come back with a shot from danger man Sutherland and Baldwin gets through again only to be denied by Newey.

In the 70th minute, Lye's captain Sam Tye scores his sides 3rd goal, when he heads in a cross in to the opposite side of the net.

5 minutes later and a good shot from Pershore's Sean Cooke is well saved by Newey, who also later on saves Steve Webb's header.

That's how the scoreline stays for a narrow victory for 'The Eagles' in a great advertisement for West Midlands Non-League football.

The cup is presented to the Lye Town captain and the players celebrate in front of their fans with another trophy in a great season and they have the Northern Premier League to look forward to in August.

'The Plums' have played their part in an entertaining match and have their next season in the top flight of the Hellenic League to look forward to, albeit without the services of outgoing manager Danny Janes.

Match Attendance:                200

Entrance Fee:                         £5 (£3 concessions)

Match Programme:               Free  

Match Entertainment:          9.5/10     

 

 

  

BEDWORTH UNITED RESERVES 1 - 1 LEAMINGTON UNDER 23's (4-5 PENS)

 

MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE, RESERVE DIVISION

CHALLENGE TROPHY FINAL

The Oval, Miners Welfare Park, Coventry Road, Bedworth, CV12 8NN

20th May 2023           1:00 pm Kick-Off

Today I had to put a Plan B in place after finding out on Friday afternoon that I have been refused permission to take photos at the upcoming Birmingham County FA, Saturday Vase Final between Sutton United and Knowle. I knew that they had an official photographer in place but still I couldn't take photos just for this Blog. So I quickly looked at what fixtures are available and decide the Challenge Trophy Final for the reserve teams of the MFL is the one to go for.

On Saturday morning I get to New Street train station in time for the train to Coventry but then find out that as it's a London bound train it's been cancelled due to a shortage of drivers. I get on the next Coventry (London) bound train 15 minutes later and soon find out that there's no seats available. Aaarghh!

Blood pressure rising and when I look at the Train Departure screen again the next Coventry train is.......CANCELLED!!! What the f...!!!

Luckily the 10:47 pm train is OK and I board it quickly to get a seat. 

I get to Coventry, no problem but when I arrive I find out that the next train to Bedworth is leaving in 30 minutes. Not great seeing as it's just about 7-8 miles away.

I decide to eat early to save time and pop into a cafe just outside the station, for a panini and coffee.

When I eventually get the Bedworth train, I find that I'm sitting close to some young Leamington supporters who are going to the match. They are in good spirits, singing and drinking cider and they have a few club flags with them. I'm sure they are hoping that their Under-23's will bag a trophy today to help make up for the disappointment of their first team's recent relegation from the National League North.

When arriving in Bedworth I walk the short distance into the town centre, buy myself a chocolate ice cream and saunter down to the Miner's Welfare Park on this fine sunny May day.   

I have been to this ground on 2 previous occasions, both times to see the senior men's team and I think it's a neat stadium. I pay my entrance fee and decide to stand at the southern end of the ground. To my left is where the club house is situated and opposite this are located the team dug-outs and and the large main stand. In this stand, in the end nearest to me and at the back, the young 'Leamington Ultras' are singing away and also I notice there are plenty of Leamington FC banners and flags tied to the perimeter fencing. A very colourful display.

When the 2 teams come on to the pitch, they are both decked out in their usual first team colours. 'The Greenbacks' of Bedworth in an all green strip and 'The Brakes' of Leamington in gold & black.

There is a good sized crowd today, being helped by the sizeable Leamington away support.

Bedworth have done a league double over their opponents this season and will looking to make it a hat-trick.

The home side create a chance in the 13th minute when a cross from the left is headed by their No.9 but it's well saved by Ethan Pheasey  the Leamington keeper.

10 minutes later and the Bedworth keeper is called in to action to save at the feet of an incoming Leamington player.

In the 33rd minute, 'The Greenbacks' No.19 has a shot blocked resulting in a corner and Pheasey saves a header from this.

Defences have been on top for most of this half in an even contest so far and it's looking as if one goal might be enough to win this game when the players troop off at half-time.

There are 2 other photographers in action today and a young guy who's taking photos for Leamington tells me that he is the official photographer for Brackley Town FC. He says he knows some of the people at the club and has agreed to cover their game today.

Bedworth's photographer is a local guy who takes photos at some of the club's in the area, like the Bulkington Poppys, who play in the Coventry Alliance.

The second half gets underway and it's the visitors who are starting to boss the game. After just 2 minutes sees their No.10 hit a shot over the bar.

Bedworth's No.19 threatens again when he races in to head the ball but just fails to connect from close range.

It's Leamington who deservedly break the deadlock when their defender, No.16, Ben Scharzmann heads in a cross from the right.

Leamington create a couple more chances and then Bedworth start pressing them back and are rewarded for their efforts in the 82nd minute when their N0.14 is put through to take it past the keeper and stroke the ball home in to the unguarded net.

That's how the score stays at the final whistle and the games going to be decided straight away with a penalty shoot out. After 5 penalties, both sides have missed one and then after Leamington score their 6th penalty, the Leamington keeper and captain Ethan Pheasey saves the next Bedworth kick at the foot of his right hand post.

A great save and this sparks celebrations by both the players and fans.

The cup is duly awarded to the Young Brakes and they pose for plenty of photos by their fans.

I'm glad I came to this match today as it was a good close contest with Leamington raising their game to win this trophy, no doubt inspired by the vocal support of their young fans.

There were some players on both sides who I'm sure will be getting some game time with their first teams soon.

Entrance Fee:                     £7 (£4 concessions)

Match Attendance:           Approximately 150

Match Programme:          None available

Entertainment Value:      7.5/10

 

   

 

EVESHAM UNITED DEVELOPMENT 1 - 1 WORCESTER CITY RESERVES (1-3 PENS)

 

WORCESTERSHIRE CO F.A. SATURDAY CUP FINAL

County Sports Ground, Claines Lane, Worcester, WR3 7RN

29th April 2023           2:00 pm Kick-Off

For my football trip today, I am going back to my roots, namely my birthplace, the city of Worcester to see the Worcestershire County F.A. Saturday Cup Final. This features Worcester City Reserves against the Evesham United Development team.

It promises to be a close contest as both sides are faring well in their league competitions this season. City are in second place in the Midland Football League, Reserve Division while United are occupying the 4th spot in the Hellenic Football League, Division 2 West. 

When I set out on the train from my local station in Acocks Green, the weather does not look that promising, being mainly cloudy but it's supposed to brighten up a bit later. Sure enough by the time the train arrives at Foregate Street station in Worcester, it's turned out to be mainly sunny.

I nip around the corner and look in at the Art Gallery, where they have an exhibition of 'British Impressionism', which turns out to be pretty good. Then I walk down to a Cafe near the River Severn, where I have a snack and a coffee. I just have time to wander down by the river, looking across to the Cathedral, for about 15 minutes before I make my way to the Bus Station to get to the ground for the 2 pm start.

When I get in the queue for the bus, I bump into a guy called Simon who Iv'e met before, who is a Droitwich Spa supporter and he tells me that their club have 2 coaches taking fans on Monday to see their Play-Off Semi-Final against Hinckley. That should be a good match as both sides are scoring lots of goals this season.

Soon I am walking off the bus and turning into Claines Lane to get into the County FA ground that they share with Worcester City.

It's the first time I have visited the main pitch since leaving Worcester 6 years ago, when Worcester Raiders were the tenants. I get to the ticket booth and am surprised to see local football legend, Mark Owen, working there today. He helps out at the County FA and is in training to be a referee. He played as a striker for Worcester City and other local clubs before managing the City Under-21 side and then Droitwich Spa among others.

Also I don't have to pay today as Nichola Trigg of the Worcestershire FA has said that as I am taking some photos for them, I can get in for free!  

I have time to go to the club house situated at the northern end of the ground and it's at a higher level and so you have to climb up some steps to get there. This is also where the offices for the Worcestershire FA are located, on the next level I presume?  I buy a cup of tea and then take in the good view you have of the pitch from this vantage point. I then make my way back to pitch level and take up a position on the western side facing the 2 stands on the opposite side. The team dug-outs are located further down, near the centre of the pitch from where I'm standing. There is a slope running the down the pitch, from north to south.

It's a nice enough set up for this level but Worcester City have aspirations on progressing to a higher level in the future. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be any prospect of a better ground at the moment for 'The City', especially with a distinctly unhelpful City Council thwarting their plans.

The teams duly come out on to the pitch at 2 pm and it's Evesham United in their red & white striped shirts, black shorts & socks who will be kicking up the slope to start with. Worcester City are decked out in their usual blue & white striped shirts, blue shorts & socks.

The play is pretty even to start with but then disaster strikes for Worcester when the Evesham No.11, Matt Kear, pumps in a high ball into the City penalty area but there is only their keeper, Ben Clay, anywhere near the ball. It looks like a routine catch but he manages to lose control of the ball and it goes into the net. The United players are elated but the keeper looks very disappointed with himself of course.

Not a great start for 'The City' but there is plenty of time to rectify matters.

Soon after this I decide to move further down the pitch to photograph any Worcester City attacks. On my way down I bump into 'Roz' who is the wife of a cousin of mine called Chris Dale. She tells me that he is also taking photos and points to where he is standing by the side of the goal. I tell her, that is where I'm heading to and soon I'm talking to Chris. The last time we met was at his Mother's funeral last May and it's good to see him in happier circumstances. He is decked out in a yellow photographer's vest and he also has his camera mounted on a monopod. Definitely more professional looking than myself.

He used to work as the groundsman at Worcester City for 3 seasons when they were still at their old ground in St. Georges Lane and later on he worked at the County FA as the Disciplinary Officer for several years. I know he takes photos sometimes at these kind of games so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise to see him in action today.

In the 20th minute during one City attack there is a nasty looking collision between their No.11 and the Evesham No.2. After a few minutes of treatment they are able to carry on. 

Defences are mainly on top in this game so far and both teams are looking a bit nervous to me as the game is not flowing that well.

Evesham United go close to scoring when their No.10 hits a shot that goes just wide of the left hand post in the 37th minute and then 7 minutes later, Worcester's No.10 , goes close with a header.

So it's still Evesham United who have the lead when half-time arrives and I don't think that there will be many goals scored in this game.

Near the start of the game I had talked a bit with the father of the City No.5, Dan Noke and he admitted he was feeling very nervous about the match. To counter this he has been walking around the pitch a lot and sometimes he has been shouting encouragement to some of the Worcester players, especially the keeper Ben Clay.

Chris has moved up the pitch for the second half and has decided to change to a smaller lens so that he will be able to capture photos of the players located closer to the side of ground.

As in the first half, the game is not that much of a spectacle but there is occasionally some goal mouth action to keep the spectators interested.

After 69 minutes the Evesham keeper makes a great save to keep out a goal bound effort and then 11 minutes later the City No.9, Matt Pinder, is just beaten to the ball by the keeper when chasing after a good pass into the penalty area.

It's not looking good for Worcester with time running out but then in the 85th minute they are awarded a penalty and Evesham's Daniel Lee gets sent off, presumably for bringing down a player, as I was at the other end of the pitch. Matt Pinder sends the keeper the wrong way with his spot kick while placing the ball into the right hand corner of the net.      

City also go close to scoring the winner right near the end of the game when Dan Noke curls in an effort from the left that hits the woodwork and out. That would have been a great match winning goal and it would have pleased his suffering father too!

To their credit, Evesham United nearly score the winner themselves when they too hit the woodwork. A frenetic end to the match in the last few minutes but now it's time for the nail biting conclusion of the penalty shoot-out.

Ben Clay makes a great save from the first spot kick when he dives to his right.

Indeed, he saves 2 of the next 3 penalties he faces while City score 3 out of 4 to win the match. Ben Clay has more than fully redeemed himself after his error in the first half.

I see Dan Noke's father when the Worcester City team are presented with their trophy and he looks a happy man now.

I'm glad I came to this match today as although it wasn't a great match to watch, it made up for it with all the drama near the end and seeing Worcester City lift the trophy, to make up for all the disappointments of the relegation threatened first team this season. 

Entrance Fee:                    £5 ( Free for photographers)

Match Programme:         none available

Match Attendance:          Approx  100-150

Match Entertainment:    7/10

 

   

STRATFORD TOWN 1 - 0 COALVILLE TOWN

 

SOUTHERN LEAGUE, PREMIER CENTRAL

The Arden Garages Stadium, Knights Lane, Tiddington, CV37 7BZ

15th April, 2023            3:oo pm Kick-Off

The season is rapidly coming to a close and the excitement mounts with the different battles being waged for promotion and relegation across the different league competitions.

I have opted to watch an intriguing encounter between Stratford Town and Coalville Town, with the visitors sitting at the top of the Southern League Premier Central and looking to cement their quest to be crowned champions. 

Stratford Town on the other hand are looking to make sure that they avoid relegation, which looks likely after their resurgence of form in the last few weeks.

I make my way by train from Birmingham with no problems and soon I am stepping out of the station at Stratford and walking down Alcester Road into the nearby town centre. There is a market taking place, as it does on every Saturday and I am soon buying a Manchester City enamel pin badge, as I lost my previous one a few years ago (I started liking this team many years ago, before the Premier League was ever thought of). 

It's a good quality market with interesting things to buy and delicious looking food items for sale too.

I then find a great fish & chip shop and restaurant where I have a steak & ale pie and chips. They are proper chips too, thick and tasty, with no grease. I then have time to have a browse around some shops before wandering down to the river and the canal basin.

(View of the Canal Basin with the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in the background, on the left)

I don't have much time to stay around here and so soon I am making my way across the bridge over the River Avon and turning left on to the Tiddington Road. It takes me 30 minutes to reach this village and even though it's on a main road, it's a pleasant walk, with the beautiful houses lining both sides. Most of them I suspect are worth seven figure sums I'm sure. Also the weather is good, mainly cloudy with the occasional sunny interval and a temperature of 13 degrees.  

The turning for Knights Lane is on my right and five minutes later I'm walking down the drive to the stadium.

I pay my entrance fee and buy a programme inside the ground but unfortunately they have sold out of badges. I'm sure this happened to me when I last came here about 10 years ago and again it had been their last home game of the season. 

I decide to stand at the west end of the ground where there is a covered standing area. The main stand lies to my left and on the opposite side of the pitch are the team dug-outs, with a small covered stand with seating and either side of this are larger uncovered seating areas for spectators. At the opposite end of the pitch there are no stands or seating. 

The teams soon come out onto the pitch with the hosts in a very smart looking kit. Orange shirts with a vertical white stripe on the left, navy blue shorts & white socks. 'The Ravens' of Coalville Town are decked out in black & white shirts, black shorts & red socks.

'The Bards' of Stratford go straight on to the attack and their forward, Callum Ebanks goes down the right and manages to get in a shot that goes just wide of the goal. 

From a corner in the 13th minute Stratford defender, Lewis Ison sees his header pushed over the bar by keeper, Paul White.

It's certainly entertaining end to end football for today's big crowd, swelled by the hundreds of supporters from Coalville. 

Their team go very close to breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute when danger man, Tom Mc.Glinchey sees his shot hit the bar and over.

The visitors go very close again when Luke Shaw hits the right hand post right at the end of this half.

So it's still 0-0 at half-time with still everything to play for. During this half I have been standing close to one of the club's 2 photographers, Paul Grant, and he tells me that it's thanks to some good recruitment of new players that's helped his team to move away from the relegation zone. Iv'e noticed that the experienced defender, Paul McCone, who I saw playing for Halesowen Town last season is in their ranks and he's been having a fine game so far.

I move down to the other end of the ground for the second half and I hope it's going to be as good as the first 45 minutes?

Again the home team come fast out of the blocks and go ahead after just 5 minutes. After a good break down the left, Callum Ebanks shot comes back off the left hand post and Kyle Bennett is on hand to steer in the rebound.

The Stratford fans go nuts and the players are jubilant too!

The rest of this half sees Coalville having plenty of possession but the Stratford rearguard are in inspired form and they are not giving away many chances.

'The Ravens' have plenty of corners and free kicks but just can't find a way through.

They are even being helped by the referee who adds on an extra 9 minutes of time but it's to no avail and Stratford have pulled off an unexpected victory today. With Coalville's nearest rivals playing against each other today, Tamworth earn a 3-1 home victory over Leiston, which sees them reclaim the top spot after being there for a large part of the season. 

Stratford have had their biggest crowd of the season today and they will be looking to build on this performance for the next league campaign, while Coalville will be looking to see if they can exploit any possible slip-ups by Tamworth in the last 2 games.

I have really enjoyed my visit to Stratford and I don't think I will wait another 11 years to visit this stadium again.

Match Attendance:           1038

Entrance Fee:                    £10 (£8 concessions)

Match Programme:          £2

Match Entertainment:     9/10

  

ALVECHURCH 2 - 1 ILKESTON TOWN

 

SOUTHERN LEAGUE, PREMIER CENTRAL

Lye Meadow, Redditch Road, Alvechurch, B48 7RS

1st April, 2023       3:00 pm Kick-Off

Today I'm heading south down to Worcestershire, to the village of Alvechurch to see their match against Ilkeston Town, who still have a very slim chance of making the play-offs but to do this, they will probably have to win all their remaining league games. Alvechurch are heading for mid-table respectability after languishing in the bottom half of the table due to a back log of fixtures induced by a good run in the F.A. Cup, reaching the 2nd Round and eventually going down 1-2 at Forest Green Rovers.   

This will be my first visit to Lye Meadow for about 12 years, when I witnessed their last league game of the season in the then Midland Alliance, Premier Division, losing 0-9 to a rampant Coalville Town, who were crowned league champions that day.

The forecast is for a cloudy day when I set out on my journey. I make it to Alvechurch rail station with no problems and I decide to have a quick look at the Worcester - Birmingham canal that is close by.

There is a marina and boat yard located here, with a shop for supplies for passing boats.

I then make my way back past the rail station and 15 minutes later arrive in the village square where I decide to have a meal in a nearby cafe. It's not until I sit down after ordering a toasted sandwich and coffee, that I see across the road is the Tudor Rose, fish & chip shop, which would probably have been better value.

Some of the visiting Ilkeston supporters are outside the shop tucking into their takeaway meals. The cafe I'm in is nice enough but the meal is not a filling one and when I eventually make it to the ground, order a bacon bap to curb my hunger pangs.

Lye Meadow is on the southern edge of this village and it feels like you are in the countryside.

When I get to the turnstile, there are plenty of visiting supporters waiting to get in and it's good to see that they are willing to travel this distance to follow their team.

Before the game starts, I decide to stand on the western side of the ground at first where the main stand is located. On the other side are the team dug-outs, with the club house and changing rooms behind. At the northern end, there is a smaller stand for standing spectators while there is no cover behind the goal at the southern end of the ground.

Alvechurch F.C., despite being a village team, have a great history and in 1974 even managed to reach the 3rd Round of the F.A. Cup before losing to Bradford City. One of their former players, a certain Alan Smith of Arsenal fame even scored the winning goal in their 1994 European Cup Winners Cup team.

When the teams come out, they are both decked out in their usual first team colours. Alvechurch in their yellow shirts, black shorts and yellow & black socks while Ilkeston Town are in their red & white striped shirts, white shorts & socks. 

Both teams go close to scoring in the early stages, with the keeper's making smart saves, Jezeph for the hosts and Foulkes for the visitors.

          (Alvechurch's , Ben Cassidy, sees his effort fizz over the bar)

It's Ilkeston who take the lead in the 16th minute, when from a corner on the left, Finn Delap sees his effort come back off the bar and Remaye Campbell is there to slot it home into the net.

Alvechurch come back strongly and their No.11, Jamie Soule is twice denied by Harrison Foulkes.

 In the 28th minute, Ilkeston have a good shot from the left blocked by Dan Jezeph and just 2 minutes their experienced No.9, Leroy Lita, misses a good chance with a header from a cross from the right. It just grazes his forehead and goes wide.

The visitors create 2 more chances before their captain and No. 6, Kieran Fenton, makes a great tackle to deny the oncoming Jamie Soule who looked likely to score.

An exciting finish to an exciting opening 45 minutes, despite being played on a challenging muddy pitch and it's very hard to predict who will come out on top. 

During the first half I'd had a quick chat with one of the home supporters and he'd told me that the building of his club's new ground near the Worcestershire / Birmingham border is on hold as Birmingham City Council have not yet given the go ahead for this. He reckons it won't be decided until this coming June.

Play resumes for the second half and there are not so many chances being created this time but I don't think both teams could have kept that pace going on a heavy pitch.

In the 56th minute, Alvechurch have a shot cleared off the line but 10 minutes later equalise through No.9, Danny Waldron, who dives to head in a great cross from Jack Concannon from the right. A few minutes later and Concannon himself is played through and scores their second goal.

Alvechurch No.3, Brad Burton puts in a good shot from the right but keeper Foulkes makes an equally good save, to deny 'The Church' from running away with this match.

Ilkeston Town can't find a way through though and Alvechurch take the 3 points and deny the plucky visitors any chance of an unlikely play-off spot come the end of the season.

It's been a great match and also a great atmosphere,  largely helped by the good natured visiting supporters who are a great advert for their club. I wouldn't mind visiting their ground next season for one of my longer trips to the East Midlands.

Alvechurch will be playing for at least another season at this cosy little ground and I hope that their new stadium is built soon to usher in a new era for this historic club.

Entrance Fee:                      £12 (£8 concession)

Match Attendance:             366

Match Programme:            £3

Entertainment Value:        8.5 / 10

    

 

 

RUGBY TOWN 0 - 1 NEWPORT PAGNELL TOWN

 

UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE, PREMIER DIV SOUTH

                    Butlin Road, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV21 3SD

                        25th March 2023,       3:00 pm Kick-Off

It's Non-League Day and I will be celebrating this occasion with a visit to Rugby Town FC, who are entertaining the current F.A. Vase holders of Newport Pagnell Town, in a top of the table clash. The hosts currently hold top spot while the visitors lie in 4th place but with games in hand. Iv'e a feeling it's going to be a tight game today.

I have been to this ground twice before but the last time was eight years ago. Butlin Road is a ground that I admire and have often thought that (hopefully in the not too distant future) it would be great if my home town club, Worcester City, had a stadium along these lines, maybe with a bigger capacity (8-10,000) rather than Rugby Town's 6,000. Wishful thinking at the moment.

Also it's good to see Rugby Town are doing so well this season and scoring plenty of goals too!

The weather forecast is promising after all the recent rainy weather and I without too much bother I arrive in Rugby at about 12:30 pm, with time to have a look around this town again.

It takes me about 15 minutes to walk into the town centre and I find a nice Italian themed cafe for a breakfast wrap and chips. Unusual but tasty. I then make my way to the town's Art Gallery and there are 2 small exhibitions on show which are quite good but only take 20 minutes of my time. It's a nice facility and is situated above the Library.

Afterwards I have a quick look around the town centre and the local market stalls and then it's time to make my way to the ground. I walk more slowly than usual as I have plenty of time to get there. 20-25 minutes later I turn off the main road and in to Butlin Road. There is a park on my right and a row of houses on my left before I get to the ground 5 minutes later.

I make my way through the car park, pay my entrance fee, buy a programme and walk through the turnstile. There seems to be a good sized crowd here today and I'm already seeing some visiting supporters wandering around. I buy a cup of tea at the kiosk at the other side of this impressive main stand (500 seater),  near where the club house is situated too. The team dug-outs are situated on this side too, while on the opposite side there is a smaller stand with seating available, which has 2 areas of covered standing areas either side of it.

I walk down to the covered terraced area on the western side of the pitch and walk to the other side of the goal and will start to take photos from here. At the other end of the pitch there is also some terracing with a covered area behind the goal. Behind that end are 2 state of the art artificial playing and training pitches. 

The teams come out on to the pitch soon after I get settled, with Rugby Town in their usual all sky blue kit while the visitors are decked out in all green.

From the first 10 minutes of play I can tell that there won't be many goals being scored today as both defences are covering their goals very well.

It's the visitors who are the more threatening at first with the home keeper, Matt Hill saving a shot from the right in the 9th minute and then 6 minutes later, he eventually gathers the ball following a scramble in the penalty area.

Rugby Town do mount some attacks of their own and it's usually prompted by the tricky footwork of their No.7, Tom Fielding. 

( Tom Fielding looking to get free from his markers )

         Their best chance of this half sees him make a good cross from the right, which is met with a glancing header from their No.10, Jordan Wilson which hits the far post and out. Very unlucky!

Rugby Town's experienced No.9, David Kolodynski, was playing for the club the last time I saw them in 2015. I think he has been on the playing staff here 2 or 3 times altogether. He is full of running as usual and will always cause defenders problems.

( Kolodynski hooks in an effort on goal )

Despite the efforts of both sides, the game remains goalless by the time half-time arrives. There's been plenty of effort but defences have been generally on top so far. During the interval, it's announced that Rugby Town's closest and also local rivals, Coventry Sphinx, are losing 0-1 at home to Histon. So that's some good news for the home fans and maybe inspiration for their team to try harder for a win today?

When play resumes, it's Newport Pagnell who take the lead in the 57th minute. Rugby defender Keenah Rosser, loses possession and lunges in for a tackle to dispossess striker, Jake Watkinson but only succeeds in bringing him crashing down inside the penalty area.

Fellow striker, Albie Hall steps up to take the resulting spot kick and successfully fires the ball past Tom Hill.

This sparks the Newport Pagnell fans on the terraces behind to celebrate this breakthrough.

Although Rugby Town step up their efforts in search of an equaliser, the visitors defence is proving to be resolute and 10 minutes later, their manager is throwing on 3 substitutes to shake things up. I later find out that an ex-Worcester City striker called Michael Taylor (who replaced Kolodynski) was called upon. He has recently been signed up to strengthen their championship bid. He is 35 years old now and in the veteran stage of his career but he is one of those players who always has an infectious enthusiasm for the game.

Rugby Town are not able to carve out any clear cut chances for the rest of the game and it's the visitors who are looking the more dangerous side.

    Newport Pagnell are able to keep out the home side and come away with a deserved and hard fought victory. This enables them to keep up the pressure on Rugby and more importantly enables Coventry Sphinx ( who have come back to win 2-1) to shorten Rugby Town's lead to just 2 points, with a game in hand.

Newport Pagnell now have their FA Vase semi-final at Congleton Town next Saturday to look forward to and Rugby will be looking to bounce back to winning ways, albeit with a tough looking fixture at Milton Keynes Irish.

It's certainly shaping up to be an entertaining title race now. 

Rugby Town is a good ground to visit and their facilities deserve a higher level of football.

      Entrance Fee:                      £8  (£4 concessions)

      Match Attendance:             405

      Match Programme:            £2

     Entertainment Value:         7/10