SIKH HUNTERS 0 - 2 GORNAL ATHLETIC

 

WEST MIDLANDS LEAGUE, DIVISION ONE

Huxley Logistics Stadium, Long Lane Park, Essington, WV11 2AA

18th February, 2023       3:00 pm Kick-Off

Well, another dull winter Saturday afternoon in the West Midlands is forecast and I have decided to go a ground (Long Lane Park) that I visited once before on a sunny afternoon in May, 2016.That was for the West Midlands League, Premier Division Cup Final which saw a young Smethwick Rangers defeat the hot favourites, Wolverhampton Sporting by a single goal.

Now this ground is the home of Sikh Hunters FC,  a club founded in 1964 by 3 Indian football players originally from the Punjab who wanted to carry on playing the game in their new country. The club started life in the Sunday leagues and after some success, a few seasons later made the switch to Saturday football. 

I have watched this team in action before on 2 occasions, firstly when they played at the former Oldbury United ground in York Road, in Rowley Regis and then when they played at Wolverhampton United (now a defunct club).

Today they host the current league leaders of Division One, Gornal Athletic, while Sikh Hunters themselves are lying in 13th place in an 18 team division.

My journey from New Street station is at first an uncomfortable one, as Aston Villa have an early kick-off game today v Arsenal at 12:30pm. Even though 2 trains have been laid on at this time, both trains are chock a block with fans, making for a hot stuffy ride for 3 stops. It's good to see though that there will a big crowd for this match against the league leaders.  

When I get to Walsall, I first have a look around the Art Gallery but there is not much to interest me there today apart from the permanent collection which has some good paintings and sculptures.

Later on I have a meal of fish and chips at a local cafe and then catch the number X51 bus, ultimately destined for Cannock.  I find out that the West Midlands Travel website (from the night before) has given me some duff information about from which stop to start my journey and it takes me about 20 minutes to find out where to catch this bus.

When I do catch it, the journey takes about 20 minutes, just over the border into Staffordshire up the A34, where I get off near the turning for Long Lane in the village of Newtown. Then I walk 15 minutes up this road past the Wyrley United FC ground (another one to visit) on my left close to the railway line and then crossing over the canal I soon find Long Lane Park on my right.

I walk in to the car park and then go past the club house where the entrance to the pitch is to the left of it. I have made it with just 7 minutes before the start of the match. The pitch lies in front of the 100 seater stand while the team dug-outs are situated on the opposite side.

When the teams troop out, the hosts are decked out in their current first team strip of all grey with black trim, while Gornal are in their usual colours of yellow shirts, green shorts and socks.

After early pressure from the visitors, Sikh Hunters have the first real effort on goal when in the 7th minute their No.3 goes on a good long run down the left and has a shot saved at the near post.

Gornal are the next to threaten when they too attack down the left hand side and see a shot turned around for a corner.

They take the lead soon after, when they have a free kick and the Sikh Hunters keeper spills the resulting shot and the ball is eventually scrambled away for a corner. However they are awarded a penalty and I think possibly there was a handball during the melee.

The spot kick is comfortably dispatched and they double their lead when there is a misplaced pass in the home defence and the Gornal N0.7 takes advantage of this and slots the ball home from the left.

I'm now wondering if this game is going to follow the same path when they played at Gornal's, Garden Walk Stadium earlier in the season when Sikh Hunters lost 0-6? Their early season defensive frailties don't appear to be a problem now as they are definitely showing some fighting qualities in this game.

In the 35th minute, their N0.6 and captain, Sanjay Malhi, slots through a ball for their speedy No.7 to shoot past the advancing Gornal keeper but it's quickly disallowed for offside.

Half-time arrives with no further score and the home side have a lot of work to do to get back in to this match today.

During the interval I ask a guy who is writing at the back of the stand if he is writing a match report but it turns out he is assessing the performance of today's referee. He also tells me that he thinks he's doing a decent job of it so far.

At least half of the supporters in the small crowd today, appear to be from Gornal Athletic. Although they sit in first place, Saltley Stallions are just 2 points behind them in 2nd place and the favourites, Allscott Heath from Shropshire are 5 points adrift but with 4 games in hand.

For the second half I have decided to stand by the goal where Gornal will be attacking now.

In the 19th minute, the Gornal Athletic No.7 clatters in to the Sikh Hunters No.10 and eventually gets booked for his efforts, even though he keeps asking the Referee ,'How was that a foul?' To be honest I don't think it was anything malicious but he is quite a robust physical player.

    Gornal go close after 22 minutes when their No.11 goes on a good run down the left but sees his shot saved by the keeper. 7 minutes later and the visitors No.5 heads straight at the Hunters keeper from a free kick.

In the very next minute, a Gornal player breaks through and pushes the ball past the out-coming keeper in to the net but is in an offside position.

Right near the end of this match, Gornal attack down the left and a good ball is played in and their No.10 races in to shoot but over the bar.

The visitors win 2-0 and despite Sikh Hunters putting plenty of effort in to this match, have not been able to create many chances. They certainly have given the leaders a fight today and will be looking to improve their league position.

Gornal Athletic are worthy winners but they will be looking for Allscott Heath to slip up before the end of the season to have any chance of lifting the title.

Match Attendance:             40 (approx)

Entrance Fee:                      £5  (£3 concessions)

Match Programme:            none available

Match Entertainment:       7/10

  

 

COVENTRY SPHINX 1 - 1 WEST DIDSBURY & CHORLTON (1 - 3 PENS)

 

F.A. VASE   FIFTH ROUND

Sphinx Industrial Supplies Arena, Sphinx Drive, Coventry, CV3 1WA

11th February 2023    3:00 pm Kick-Off

Today sees the 5th Round of the FA Vase, taking place and although I am a bit reluctant to take on a 3pm kick-off at this time of year, the tie at Coventry Sphinx, a ground I haven't visited for many a year is too good to miss. They are taking on the Manchester team, West Didsbury & Chorlton who play in the North West Counties League, Premier Division.

Coventry Sphinx these days are playing in the United Counties League, Premier Division South, where they currently lie in 3rd place with games in hand over the top two. Their best finish in this cup competition was a quarter-final place in 2008, so they will be striving to at least equal this achievement this time around.

Sphinx are one of 3 Midland clubs looking to progress to the Quarter-Finals, AFC Wulfrunians and Atherstone Town being the others.

I make the rail journey to Coventry without any hitches and it's nice to see that all the changes to this rail station are now complete, especially at the forecourt, which was always a scene of confusion.

I have a look around the city centre and have an all-day breakfast at a cafe in the Indoor Market which is served up by not too friendly staff members. The food is OK though.

I get the No.13 bus from near the Coventry Transport Museum and get off at a stop on the Binley Road and take a 10 minute walk to the Sphinx Drive entrance to the ground. Match tickets are being sold at a table just inside the entrance and in the club house too. There are 3 coaches from Manchester parked in the car park so there will be a sizeable contingent of 'West' supporters today.

I buy a cup of tea in the club house and there are plenty of people in here today. I'm liking the cup tie atmosphere already.

Armed with my match day ticket I gain entry to the football ground itself with the stand on the opposite side with the team dug-outs situated there in front of it. The football club is part of the Coventry Sphinx Sports and Social club, which also has a bowls club and a rugby club too.

The teams come out with the home side attired in their usual colours of light blue & white striped shirts, white shorts & light blue socks. The visitors are in their away colours of navy blue & pink.

This tie is being played at a fast pace and Sphinx take the lead after 16 minutes when No.9 Matty Shipman sees his shot from the right hit the far post and rebound into the net. 

I find I am standing next to another photographer and he turns out to be one of the two photographers for West Didsbury. His colleague is covering the action on the other side of the pitch.

His side are the next team to feature when in the 25th minute, they have an attack down the left and a cross comes over for their No.7, Billy Matthews, to go close with a header.

After 32 minutes, the home side have the ball in the net again but it's ruled out for offside. A few minutes later sees West Didsbury's No.9, Ben Elliott break free but shoots straight at the keeper, followed soon after with Billy Matthews seeing his close range shot being blocked by Sphinx keeper, Scott Martin.

So after an even first half, Coventry Sphinx have the advantage but I feel this is going to be a very close contest.

These cup games seem to attract groundhoppers and today is no exception. Standing next to me are 3 friends who have travelled all the way from Norwich. Every so often they are checking the score at the Bristol City v Norwich City game with the bad news that Bristol are currently leading 1-0. We exchange a few stories of grounds we have visited and recollect the great occasion when Norwich City back in the day beat the mighty Bayern Munich in a home European tie. 

The teams troop back on to the pitch for the second half and on the hour sees a good attack by Sphinx down the left, with a cross to their No. 11 who heads straight at the 'West' keeper, Andrew Jones.

Three minutes later and the scores are all square when West Didsbury's No.3, Tom Westall, shoots home in to the right hand corner of the net.

This is greeted enthusiastically by the increasingly excited away support from Manchester, who are displaying a variety of banners today.

Although both teams are striving to get the winning goal, with Coventry Sphinx No.11, Leo Stone seeing his shot saved right near the end of normal time and even with an extra 10 minutes of injury time, there is no further score.

So now it's down to the dreaded penalty shoot-out to decide the winners of this tie.

The first 2 penalties sees the sides tied at 1-1 but two successive misses by the home side following 2 successful penalties by West Didsbury is enough to see the visitors going into the hat for the 6th Round draw. They are later rewarded with a home tie v Ascot United next month.

I'm glad I came to this game and although I am a bit disappointed to see Coventry Sphinx go out of the competition, I was very impressed by the West Didsbury & Chorlton supporters who really got behind their team today.

Sphinx can now concentrate on their title chase in the Premier Division South of the United Counties League, while West Didsbury continue in their quest for cup glory.

Match Attendance:                  388

               Entrance Fee:                £8 (£6 concession)

     Match Programme:            £1.50p     

         Entertainment Value:        8/10             

 

         

  

DROITWICH SPA U-21's 4 - 5 WORCESTER CITY RESERVES

 WORCESTERSHIRE SATURDAY CUP,  Q - FINAL

King George V Playing Fields, Briar Mill, Droitwich Spa, WR9 0RZ

28th January 2023          12:30 pm Kick-Off

I had originally thought of going to watch Pelsall Villa Colts, who I have never watched before, in their game v Gornal Athletic in the West Midlands League but changed my mind when I remembered that there was a Worcestershire FA Saturday Cup tie between Droitwich Spa Under 21's v Worcester City Reserves. Two local rivals of sorts although they play in different divisions of the Midland Football League.

I find out it's being played on the 4G pitch that lies next to the 1st team's pitch at the King George V ground and the early start means that it should be easier for me to take photos, although the forecast is for a cloudy day.

I'm able to take a train all the way from Acocks Green station in Birmingham to Droitwich and arrive in this Spa town with time to have a meal before the match starts.

I have an all-day breakfast at the 'Spats Coffee House' in the old High Street and I have to say it's the best one Iv'e ever had at a Cafe. Perfectly cooked and quickly presented too! A bit pricier than what I usually have but it was worth it.

While wandering around the town I realise I'm cutting it a bit fine to get to the ground in time but I manage to make it just as the players are starting to saunter on to the pitch. There is a high wire fence surrounding the pitch and there is space for spectators on the side nearest the 1st team's ground and the team dug-outs are located on this side too.

Both teams as expected are in their first team colours, with Droitwich Spa in red & black striped shirts, white shorts and black & red socks while Worcester City are decked out in blue & white striped shirts, blue shorts & socks.

It's the home team who have started the brighter in the first few minutes but City come back strongly and go close when a goal mouth scramble takes place and then take the lead in the 13th minute when their No.9's glancing header finds the net following a corner taken from the left.

Droitwich Spa equalise when their No.10, Sam Hurdman, manages to head the ball just ahead of the City keeper Ben Clay and in to the net.

There is plenty of end to end attacking football and it looks as if this could be a high scoring game. It's City's turn next when they score after 30 minutes following a free kick on the left. I'm not sure who has the last touch but it might be their No. 10.   

In the very next minute, there is a very promising break by the home team on the left but their N0.7 is pulled back by the City No.2 and is duly booked for his efforts. 

Droitwich do get a second equaliser when the City keeper Clay can't get hold of the ball properly and it eventually falls to the Spa No.9, Louis Mitchell to tap the ball in to the unguarded net.

At the end of this half the score stands at 2-2 and it's hard to predict the eventual outcome but I'm sure that there will be more goals to come. It's funny that when I saw Worcester City Reserves play a few weeks ago at home to Chasetown, both defenses were on top in a scoreless draw but today both teams look as if they might score with each attack!

During the break a fellow spectator tells me that the Droitwich keeper, Ryan Williams, lives in Worcester and Ben Clay the City keeper lives here in Droitwich. 

The second period of the match begins and it's Worcester City looking the stronger team now. They go close to scoring after 53 minutes when from a corner on the right a header hits the angle of the upright and crossbar and out. Then 6 minutes later and another header from a corner see City take the lead again.

In the 64th minute, the City No.11 turns well in front of goal and sees his shot well saved by Williams the home keeper.

Droitwich Spa go close themselves a few minutes later when their No.2 hits a post with a shot, which rebounds to Mitchell but he shoots wildly over the bar. A good chance wasted there.

Worcester City increase their lead in the 71st minute when their No.4 heads home from a free kick and then 4 minutes later they score a fifth goal following a misunderstanding between the Spa keeper and a defender which allows the City No.11 to roll the ball in to an unguarded net.

To their credit though Droitwich Spa make a spirited comeback late in the game. Firstly Clay the City keeper, perhaps inspired by Williams in the Droitwich goal comes racing out is dispossessed and the Droitwich attacker is brought down by a panicking defender on the left of the penalty area.

Aston Amies, the Droitwich captain makes no make with the penalty and the home side cut the deficit to just one goal when substitute Reece Emmony scores following a free kick on the left.

With just 4 minutes to go Droitwich have another goal disallowed for offside and in injury time City's Ben Clay makes a good save at the foot of the right hand post.

So City have weathered the late storm by Droitwich and achieved a win which takes them in to the Semi-Finals. A good spectacle for the neutral fan but a nerve wracking match for both the City and Spa fans today. Neither defence covered themselves in glory but it's been entertaining!  

Entrance Fee:       Free        

Match Attendance:       Approx, 30-40

 Match Programme:       None Available 

          Entertainment Value:       8/10