CHASETOWN 3 - 0 CAMBRIDGE CITY

 

  NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE, MIDLANDS DIVISION

         The Scholars Ground, Church Street, Burntwood, WS7 3QL 

                     26th March, 2022         3:00 Kick-Off

Today I am going to watch a team that have been doing very well this season in the NPL, Midlands Division, namely Chasetown FC, who are based in the Chasetown village found in the town of Burntwood in Staffordshire. It's an old mining area and is the main reason of the growth of the town. I have been to their ground twice before in the past and had very much enjoyed the football on display there, seeing 10 goals being scored altogether in the process.

They are currently in second place in the table and a win today will guarantee them a place in the play-offs at least but I'm sure they are looking to capture top spot from the grasp of current top dogs, Ilkeston Town, who are there just on goal difference.

The forecast is excellent today, sunny with a temperature of 18 degrees C.

I make my way by train to Walsall yet again and this time I give myself enough time to have a quick look around the Walsall Art Gallery. They have permanent exhibits here and there is a display too by a little known British artist called Yasmin David which is quite good. She died about 14 years ago and her daughter has organised this show of her work.

It's good to have a bit of culture now and again and then I have a meal at the local Tesco Cafe. It's good but I wish the portions had been bigger. Then it's off to the nearby bus station where I catch the No.8 bus which is going to Lichfield eventually. On the way we go through Pelsall and the former ground of Pelsall Villa can be seen, with the floodlights still intact but with an overgrown pitch. A sad sight indeed and it makes me wish I had visited it in the past. I know that the club had been going downhill both on and off the pitch for sometime.

After a journey of 40 minutes, we make it in to Chasetown and there are already a steady line of fans making their way to the nearby ground. There should be a good crowd today.

When I get in to the ground and enquiring about match programmes, I'm told by a steward that they are only available online. Not what I wanted to hear but maybe a sign of the times?

The Scholars Ground, is quite a homely affair, with the main stand, club house and changing room complex on the entrance side of the ground. At the east end of the pitch is where a tea/burger bar can be found and there is another small seated stand with an electric scoreboard in the corner nearby.

I have opted to go to the southern side of the stadium where there is a long covered area for standing spectators and place myself a few yards along from it. At the western end of the pitch another small seated stand is located to the right of the goal.

The teams come out on to the field with the home team in their usual all blue kit with red and blue trimmings while Cambridge are in white shirts and black shorts and socks.  

Chasetown certainly start the match with attacking intent and go close in the first minute with a shot from the right that goes just wide. Their pressure pays off with in the 21st minute when their No.9, Joey Butlin, has an effort saved by the visitor's keeper but Chasetown's No.10 and captain, Danny O'Callaghan fires in the loose ball at the right hand post.

In their very next attack though Cambridge go close to scoring themselves when their No.10 has a shot that goes just the wrong side of the left hand post.

Chasetown are generally on top most of the time but Cambridge sometimes look dangerous on the break.

  One feature of this match I notice is that the Chasetown keeper, Curtis Pond, is adept at launching goal kicks that reach deep into the opposition's half of the pitch. This nearly pays off when from one of his kicks it falls to his team mate and No.7, Luke Mc.Ginnell , on the right and he's not closely marked and manages to get close to the Cambridge goal but his resulting shot is a weak affair and is easily saved. 

In the last minute, keeper Danny George, makes a brilliant save to deny Chasetown's leading scorer, Jack Langston, when the ball falls to him following a free kick on the left.

It's a good start for 'The Scholars' and they will be looking to wrap this game up in the second period, while Cambridge are still in the match and will be looking to spoil the party.

As a bit of background information, the Chasetown FC nickname 'The Scholars' dates back to the founding of the club back in 1954, when associates of the Chase Terrace High School formed a youth team, calling themselves, Chase Terrace Old Scholars. They later progressed to adult football and moved up to the Staffordshire County League and then the West Midlands League, becoming known as Chasetown FC in 1972.

They then later moved on up through the Midland Alliance, the Southern and then Northern Premier Leagues. Their most famous cup exploit to date was in the 2007-8 season when they beat Football League side Port Vale after a replay and reached the 3rd Round, where they lost to Championship side Cardiff City 1-3 in front of 2,420 supporters!

It's more of the same in the second-half, with the home side looking the more dangerous side and in the 55th minute from an attack down the right, Liam Kirton has a shot and the unfortunate Cambridge defender, Yan Nantini-Ofusu, gets in a tangle while trying to clear the ball but instead bundles the ball and himself in to the net.

Three minutes later and the match as a contest is effectively over when Jack Langston heads home from Butlin's cross.

City though are still looking to get a goal and are presented with a great chance to do so, when they are awarded a penalty but Pond is able to get down and save this effort by his right-hand post.

When he kicks the ball downfield following his save, the ball travels all the way to the City keeper who manages to catch the bouncing ball just underneath the cross-bar!

Chasetown manage to see the game through for what's turned out to be an easy victory.

Over the tannoy system, it's announced that The Scholars are now at least going to be involved in the end of season play-offs and then incorrectly says that they have also gone top of the table. At the time he probably hadn't heard that Ilkeston had managed to score in the last minute of their home game v Yaxley (1-0). 

It's been a good game to watch and it keeps my 100% record of watching Chasetown win at home.

Entrance fee                 £9  (£6 concession)

Match attendance          905

Match programme         free (online)

Entertainment value      7.5/10

  

OLD WULFRUNIANS 0 - 2 GORNAL ATHLETIC

 

 WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE, DIVISION ONE

                LEAGUE CUP, QUARTER-FINAL 

        CKW Stadium, Castlecroft Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 8LU

                     19th March, 2022       3:00 pm Kick-Off

I'm heading to Wolverhampton today, to the leafy suburb of Castlecroft in fact to see some Cup action, between the hosts of Old Wulfrunians against the Division One leaders of the West Midlands League, Gornal Athletic.

'The Old Wulfs' play at the same ground as their senior club of 'AFC' who play in the Midland Premier. I have visited there twice before but I decided it was time I watched some West Midland League teams again.

The forecast is good and I make it to Wolverhampton OK by train (10 mins late) and I wander over to the Molineux Stadium, home of course to the Premiership team of Wolverhampton Wanderers. To get over to the other side of the road I first have to go through the 'Molineux Subway' which has pictures of key dates in the club's illustrious past on the walls. One I definitely remember is from 1974, when Wolves beat my favourite Football League team, Manchester City, by a score of 2-1 in the League Cup final. The photo shows the then captain, Mike Bailey holding the trophy.

I wonder if the club will be winning any more silverware in the next few years?

I then walk down to the Art Gallery which has now fully re-opened after refurbishment. It's good to see again some of their permanent collection but the featured exhibition is not worth bothering with. I don't have a clue what it's about and I don't really want to know either.

Before I go I have a breakfast in the new cafe, which is a very pleasant space to have a meal, although a bit expensive.

I catch the No.3 bus, just across the road to the Gallery and the 20 minute journey takes me close to the ground. There are several sports grounds in close proximity here, as can be seen from the photo.

This also includes the football pitches of the Old Wulfrunians club, including that of their 2nd team, who play in the Premier Division of the Birmingham & District League. They are playing there today against league leaders, CPA. One to visit in the future.

I take the short walk to the CKW Stadium, with it's impressive stand. It was originally built as a training ground facility for the England rugby team, hence the red rose emblem to be seen on the side of the stand.

I pay my entrance fee and the guy who is taking the money turns out to be the Chairman/Secretary, Simon Marsh. I then proceed to the other end of the stand, as I know that up the stairs is the bar area. I get myself a cup of tea there and I'm able to buy an AFC Wulfrunians badge too. 

The teams come out on to the field in their respective first team colours; the hosts in red & white halved shirts, black shorts and red socks, while Gornal are in yellow shirts, green shorts and socks. This makes for a colourful spectacle on a sunny day like today. Gornal must be the hot favourites but only beat their hosts by one goal in the league game at their own ground.

Gornal certainly mean business when play starts, they are constantly pressing Wulfrunians and go ahead after 4 minutes, when a shot is desperately clawed out from underneath the bar by the home keeper only for it to fall to Gornal's No.9, Sam Oakley, to shoot home.

      (Every picture tells a story, as Gornal Athletic celebrate scoring)

This sets the trend for the next 15 minutes as Gornal take control and are constantly threatening the Wulfrunians goal. Their No.10 shoots just wide in the 7th minute and in another attack 5 minutes later, a shot hits the left hand post and out.

At one point, I can hear the home sides No.2 telling his team mates that they are giving their opponents too much space and to tighten things up.

They do start to make attacks of their own from 20 minutes on but find the Gornal defence a tough nut to crack.

It looks as if there will be just one goal in this first half but then Gornal score again after 43 minutes and it's Sam Oakley who gets his and his sides second goal.

 The Old Wulfs keeper has come out too far from his goal and his defenders looked as if they expected Oakley to be adjudged to be in an offside position.

So the first 45 minutes ends with the league leaders firmly in control and look to heading for the semi-finals.

I have been talking to a guy just before half time, who is wearing a Wolves jacket but with a Gornal Athletic scarf and Bayern Munich beanie hat! He's called Malcolm and is a life long Wolves fan, who has visited plenty of Non-League grounds too with plenty of local football information.

The second period starts and the home side are looking more lively now. They twice go close in the first 11 minutes and makes me think that they might just get something from this game after all.

 Gornal Athletic are still dangerous though and in one attack one of their players lobs the keeper, only to see the ball hit the bar, bounce down on the line and out again.

So the game ends with a 0-2 victory for Gornal Athletic, who now no doubt will be looking to get a League & Cup double this season.

Old Wulfrunians, although having a poor first-half showed a marked improvement in the second and can take heart from this and will be trying to improve their currently low league position. I later find out that their 2nd team managed to get a creditable 1-1 draw against CPA in their Birmingham League game. 

Next season will mark their 100th anniversary and I hope it will be a special one for them. 

Match attendance:                32

Entrance fee:                       £4

Match programme:               none available

Entertainment value:            6.5/10

 

  

 

HAMPTON 0 - 4 COTON GREEN

 

      MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE, DIVISION TWO

     The Boggery, Hampton Sports Club, Field Lane, Solihull, B94 5DX

                      12th March, 2022      3:00 Kick-Off

Well my trip today is definitely a case of lastminute.com as my first plan was to visit the ground of West Midlands League club, Sikh Hunters who play at Long Lane Park north of Walsall.

Unfortunately when I was checking out the bus times late on Friday, I found out that because of road works taking place at Perry Bar, it was affecting the journey times. So I decided to go elsewhere and then later on 'The Hunters' secretary kindly informed me that the game was called off anyway due to a waterlogged pitch.

In the end Iv'e decided to keep things simple and pop down the road to nearby Solihull and visit Hampton for their clash v 2nd placed Coton Green who I have never watched before.

When I get in to Solihull on a fine but still cool day, I see that there is a street market with plenty of food stalls of varying cuisines. In the end I plump for a light meal in the cafe of the local Theatre and then get some cheese cake from one of the stalls in the market.

I get the X 12 bus from the town centre (15 minutes late) and walk in to the ground with 10 minutes to spare. When I go in to the club house, there are definitely more people here than when I last visited in January, which is good to see.

After using the toilet I go outside and pay my entrance fee and go to the left hand side of the pitch. I get talking to a lone spectator there and he says he's seen me before, probably at nearby Knowle FC last autumn. During our short conversation he tells me that the probable champions of this division,Cadbury Athletic, haved declined promotion so that gives Coton Green a big incentive to make sure of a 2nd place finish. 

The teams come out on the field with Hampton decked out in their usual home kit of red & white striped shirts, black shorts and red & white socks. Coton Green are in their 2nd strip of mint green shirts, blue shorts and socks.

As Coton Green (who come from that district in Tamworth) are doing so well this season, I predict an away win of at least 0-2. 

The first half sees Hampton doing well and trouble the visitor's defence on several occasions but Coton Green look dangerous on the break.

    I'm beginning to wonder if Hampton can spring a surprise like the last time I watched them when they won their local derby v near neighbours Knowle FC ?

For the last 20 minutes of this half, Coton begin to dominate the play and force a series of corners but the hosts manage to keep them out. 

Their defence finally cracks in the 41st minute when Coton's No.10, Harry Howard, goes on a mazy run through the middle before poking the ball past the advancing Hampton keeper, Mark Allely. 

It's a fine goal to break the deadlock and Howard is rightly ecstatic in his celebrations, especially as it's his debut appearance for the 'Green Army'! 

On the stroke of half time, Howard volleys the ball at the far post from a corner on the left but Charlie Noakes is credited with the goal as he's adjudged to have had the final touch before the ball crosses the line.

So the visitors at half time find themselves in the driving seat and it's going to take a big effort for Hampton to get back in this game, especially as they have a general difficulty in scoring many goals this season.

When play resumes, Coton Green are very much on top and determined to ensure they win today.

In the 52nd minute they surely put this game to bed when their No.3, Jay Payne, goes down the left wing and cuts the ball back inside for the skipper, Corey Powell to shoot home. Another fine goal for the visitor's.

          (Jay Payne on his way to passing the ball for the 3rd goal)

Mr. Payne is involved again with the 4th goal for 'The Green Army' as his assist enables their No.11, Chris Lloyd to place the ball in to the right hand corner of the net just 3 minutes later.

This purple patch just before and just after half time has produced 4 goals and their captain is urging them to score more.

Hampton to their credit do get more in to the game and go close with efforts in the 71st and 78th minutes.

Hampton are unable to breach the visitor's defence though and Coton Green come away with a comfortable win, which strengthens their position as their nearest rivals, Knowle, have drawn today at leaders Cadbury Athletic. This puts Coton Green six points ahead of them and 3 points behind Cadbury but having played 2 games more.

Hampton are now in 12th place just 4 points ahead of the basement boys of Bolehall Swifts but I think they should be safe of relegation, if they could only score more goals!

They have a nice ground at Field Lane and I wonder if they are looking to install some floodlights in the future?

Match attendance:         76

Entrance fee:                 £3 

Match programme:        none available

Entertainment value:     7/10 

RUSHALL OLYMPIC 1 - 2 BANBURY UNITED

      SOUTHERN LEAGUE, PREMIER DIVISION CENTRAL

            Dales Lane, Rushall, Walsall, West Midlands, WS4 1LJ

                    5th March, 2022         3:00 pm  Kick-Off

I had earmarked the fixture I am attending today, for a probable visit three weeks ago. Rushall Olympic who have been in great form since the new year and who are currently in second place are hosting the runaway leaders of the Premier Div Central in the Southern League, Banbury United. I have seen 'The Pics' of Rushall Olympic, twice in the past while I have watched 'The Puritans' of Banbury United, just once at their own Spencer Ground about 12 years ago. 

Rushall is a former mining village that is now a part of the town of Walsall and their football team although being formed initially in the late 19th century, have only seriously started to rise up the ranks of the Non-League pyramid in the last 20 years. 

Banbury United were formed in 1931 under the name of Spencer Sports Club (as they were the works team of the Spencer Corsets factory) and were only named 'Banbury United' in 1965 after being known as 'Banbury Spencer' for many years.

I leave it relatively late to travel by train to Walsall, have a meal of fish & chips at a cafe near the bus station and then catch the No. 997 bus which takes me to just outside the ground. After I pay my entrance fee at the turnstile, I can see that there should be a decent sized crowd for this game, as there are plenty of Banbury supporters around the ground.

I take my place at the far end of the ground, so that the sun is behind me. To my right behind the goal is a sizeable contingent of United fans and they are in fine voice too.

The 2 teams come out on to the pitch accompanied by a fanfare of some dramatic music. There is also a minutes silence called over the tannoy system for someone, maybe a former player or official at this club and also to acknowledge the current conflict in the Ukraine but then everyone is encouraged to clap their hands. 

When the match starts, it proceeds to be action packed with Rushall taking the lead after just 5 minutes. Ben Usher-Shipway is sent down the right and his pass finds Rackeem Reid who although bundled to the ground in the ensuing melee and with the ball tucked up behind his right knee, somehow still manages to poke the ball home. I think he must have managed to get his left foot underneath the ball.

It's a goal, whichever way it's scored and it's a great start for the home team.

The league leaders have other ideas though and duly equalise just 3 minutes later. Their speedy No.9, Chris Wreh, is put through on goal but is foiled by a desperate tackle. The ball goes loose to the No.20 Jack Stevens who places the ball past the Rushall keeper, Tom Palmer.

It's a thrilling start to the game and makes me wonder if we are going to be treated to a goal feast today?

There is a chill wind blowing across the pitch even though we have plenty of sunny spells and it's not long before I have to put my gloves on.

I am pleased to see Tom Thorley playing at No.4 for Rushall today, as in the past he played for my home town team of Worcester City. He was always a very dependable player for us and he looks to be in good form today, helping to keep the ball moving around and switching the play to probe any spaces in the visitor's defence.

There are chances created at both ends, especially when Wreh goes past a few Rushall players on a good run but there is no further score in the this first period.

I notice that there is a photographer at the left side of the pitch to me and I think it might be a guy called Steve Walker, who now takes photos for Rushall and is well known for his work in Non-League circles.

I decide to move across to near where he is standing, for another view of the pitch and I have the misguided idea that it might be there warmer too but no such luck on that score.

The second half proves to be a close affair too and 'The Puritans' take the lead after 58 minutes when it's their danger man Wreh who volleys home when the home team aren't able to clear the ball.

    (Some of the Banbury United fans celebrating their teams 2nd goal)

Although the Banbury fans are understandably very excited by events on the field, there is no excuse for someone throwing on a smoke flare just behind the Rushall goal. It had happened before after the first Banbury goal and just before the start of the second half too.

These events don't spoil the good footballing contest that is taking place today and 'The Pics' threaten the visitor's goal on a few occasions.  

Their substitute Tyler Little, who has scored 11 goals so far this season, is the closest to scoring an equalising goal near the end with an effort just going wide of the post.

Also I'm pleased to see another Rushall substitute come on to the pitch, who happens to be another ex City player, a striker called Danny Glover. He didn't stay at the club as long as Tom Thornley but did score plenty of goals in his one full season with the club.

Despite the best efforts of 'The Pics' the match ends with yet another victory for 'The Puritans' of Banbury and on the balance of play, probably they just about deserved it but they have been pushed all the way, in an absorbing contest for all the fans.

Banbury United look assured for promotion while Rushall Olympic will have to fight all the way to acheive 2nd place, especially with Coalville breathing down their necks.

I'm very glad I came to this match and I hope that the remaining games I see this season, will be as good as this one.

 

Entrance fee:             £10,  (£7 concession)

Match programme:     £2.50

Match attendance:      626

Entertainment value:  9/10