ROMULUS 3 - 0 HALESOWEN TOWN

 

                   F.A.  CUP,  PRELIMINARY ROUND

     Castle Vale Stadium, Farnborough Road, Castle Vale, Birmingham

                                                         B35  7LQ

                         20th August, 2022         3:00pm Kick-Off

It's FA Cup time again and for the 3rd week running I am going to a new ground. As the rail strikes are restricting my travels, I have to keep it relatively local and the tie that stands out this time around is Romulus v Halesowen Town, especially as the home side had disposed of Sutton Coldfield Town who play at a level above them, in the previous round.

The weather is sunny again but thankfully at least 10 degrees cooler than last Saturday. Like last week I don't experience any delays in my bus journeys, first to Erdington where I manage to get an all-day breakfast and then on the No.28 bus down to Castle Vale. When I get off the bus there, I have a walk of 15-20 minutes and I take a photo along the way at 'Spitfire Island' where there is a statue dedicated to the memory of that historic aircraft. I think this must be because there was a factory producing these aircraft at nearby Castle Bromwich.

It's certainly a striking landmark! I get to the ground 15 minutes before kick-off and have time to buy a club badge, obtain a printed team sheet (programmes downloaded on-line) and buy a cup of tea.

This is the first time that I will be watching a game at the Castle Vale Stadium, after failing to do so 10-11 years ago, when I came here to see a team called 'Phoenix United' (now defunct) who were playing in the old Midland Combination, 2nd Division. The gates were closed that day and I think the game was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch, as there had been a lot of rainfall in the previous few days.

This stadium was built for the Paget Rangers club, who at that time were briefly playing in the Southern League. They went bust after falling in to financial difficulties (now happily reformed) and now Castle Vale Town of the Midlands Football League, Div 3 play there and it's ground-shared with MFL Premier team, Romulus.

They have an artificial pitch now, with the main stand on the entrance side of the ground, this houses the changing rooms with the bar at the top above the seating. The rest of the ground is open to the elements, which is certainly no hardship today.

Halesowen Town who have a sizeable travelling support today will be looking to continue their current good form of 2 league wins so far. They come out on to the pitch in their away strip of yellow shirts, blue shorts and yellow socks while Romulus are decked out in their usual red & white shirts, red shorts & socks.

In the 10th minute the home side are awarded a penalty when their No.10, Owen Watkins is adjudged to have been fouled while battling for possession with 2 Halesowen defenders. It looks to be a harsh decision but Watkins is happy to score and put his side into a morale boosting lead.

 This has clearly shaken the visitors and they fall further behind when from a throw-in from the right, their skipper, Cameron Lee, is able to score with a looping header, over the despairing keeper, Daniel Platt, despite being surrounded by Halesowen defenders.

So Romulus are 2 goals to the good and definitely on top in this contest and they follow up with a 3rd goal in the 25th minute, when they counter-attack down the right and the ball falls to their No.9, Trea Bertie, who sets himself up to smash the ball home in to the left-hand corner of the net to send the home supporters in to raptures of delight.

I noticed on the team sheet, that Halesowen's No.11 today is a player called Bailey Fuller who had an excellent season at Worcester City last season but along with most of the visiting team, is not making an impact on this game (and substituted at half-time) As Worcester is the city of my birth, it's been disappointing but it's early days at his new club.

Halesowen do mount some attacks before the interval and their best effort sees a shot cannon off the underside of the bar and out.

Half-time arrives and it's looking as if Romulus will carry out another giant killing today unless the visitors manage to regain some confidence with an early second half goal.  

During the interval, Halesowen Town photographer comes along to take his position for the next period and gives me a wry smile. I admit to him that I feel a little bit guilty, as I had earlier told him that I had seen his side lose in the Cup, at home last season to lower league opponents and feel like a jinx for them.  

The away supporters gather at the end where their team will be attacking and arrange their banners and flags and banners accordingly.

When play resumes, Halesowen certainly do have more possession of the ball but are struggling to create any clear cut chances.

Romulus are able to soak up the pressure and sometimes look dangerous on the break.

So Romulus are able to contain their opponents and gain another notable cup scalp that their dominant display merited. Today I have learned that they will have a tough away trip in the next round at Nottinghamshire's Basford United. Tough certainly but not impossible on today's showing.

Halesowen Town meanwhile will be looking to dust themselves down and continue their good early season league form.

Match Attendance:                   241

Match Entrance:                       £7 (£4 concession)

Match Programme:                  Online download

Entertainment Value:              7.5/10 

 

  

EDGBASTON SPARTANS 2 - 2 FC PREMIER

             West Midlands Regional League, Division 2

              Hollyfields Sports & Conference Centre, Woodacre Road, 

                                    Erdington, Birmingham, B24 0JT

                              13th August, 2022       3:00pm Kick-Off

Due to the current problems with the train strikes, I have decided to keep my travelling fairly local today but with another new ground to watch Edgbaston Spartans play in their first league match at Hollyfields in Erdington.

I watched them  once last season in their first full season in the West Midlands League and after struggling initially they had an improved 2nd half of the season and finished in eighth place and I think reached the semi-final of their League Cup competition.

I was wondering this morning, if going to this match is a good idea as it will likely be very hot this afternoon, probably 33 degrees + ? Not my kind of weather at all but I decide to go while taking suitable precautions, like taking plenty of liquids and electrolytes as well as putting on sun lotion. 

I surprisingly have no problems travelling by bus to Erdington and have time to have a look around the shopping centre and have a good value meal at a local cafe. I even have a problem free bus ride which takes me close to the ground on the number 25 bus. I usually would have walked to the ground but it's just too hot today.

Soon I am in Woodacre Road and at the gates to this sports ground.

This ground is principally used by Hollyfields FC who run several junior football teams who play in the Central Warwickshire Youth and also the Midland Junior Leagues. I believe that until recently this ground was used for cricket but I don't know which team/teams played here.

I walk through the car park and the club house/conference centre is to my right with the main football pitch directly in front and the other pitch to the left, on which side is also where the changing rooms are located.

I have time to have a refreshing half-pint of cider before venturing back in to the heat outside. I notice that lying in front of the club house is a decking area with tables and chairs, for leisurely viewing of the sporting action.

When the 2 teams come out, Edgbaston Spartans are in a new looking kit, mainly white except for grey shirt sleeves and red socks. I think FC Premier (who have come up from the Birmingham & District League) are in their change strip, which consists of red & white striped shirts with black shorts and socks.

At the start it's the visitors who are generally on top, being awarded 3 corners but not creating any clear cut chances.

Edgbaston though go close after 20 minutes when awarded a free kick on the right and the subsequent shot goes skidding across the goal and just past the right hand post.

Then FC Premier have a header go over the bar from a free kick and then within the space of a minute, Spartans have 2 shots, one going wide of the post and the other in to the side netting. 

The home side are looking the more dangerous team and it's no surprise when their unmarked No.9, Ermand Kaloti, strokes the ball in to the net.

They have 2 more chances and should have scored at least one more goal too.

So it's looking more promising today for Edgbaston after their unfortunate defeat last Saturday when conceding a goal in the 7th minute of stoppage time away to the Stourport Swifts Development team.

At one point during the first half I talked briefly to a young guy who was stood close by and he told me that he is joining the Edgbaston team and hopes to play up front for them. He has played Sunday league football up until now.

During the interval I venture up to the far end of the pitch where there is some shade under the tall hedge at the back.

When play resumes, FC Premier score an equaliser early on following a mistake in the Spartans defence and the visitor's No.14 shoots home for an easy goal.

FC Premier are definitely upping their game in this half and after 75 minutes they take the lead through their N0.8 and captain when he neatly side-steps a challenge and drills the ball home.

 6 minutes later and Edgbaston should have equalised but instead this time, Kaloti, blazes the ball over the bar from close in.

The home side are rewarded with their late pressure in the 44th minute when that man Kaloti makes amends and shoots home for the equaliser.

So this contest ends in a 2-2 draw and maybe that's the right result in the end as FC Premier improved in the second half.

The set up at this ground is pretty neat, with a good clubhouse and decent pitch, although not so good for spectators in the bad weather, as there is no shelter, although there is a small covered area in between the dug-outs. I'm not sure if spectators are allowed in though as it may be just for the coaching and playing staff?

I realised when looking at a map of this area before I got on the bus, that this ground lies just around the corner from Paget Road Junior School, where many moons ago my late father had gone to in his young school days. I think he always had a bit of a soft spot for Paget Rangers FC too.

On today's showing I think Edgbaston Spartans have improved from last season and will be looking to finish in the top half of the table. Also I'm sure FC Premier will initially be looking for a season of consolidation.

Both teams did really well in very trying conditions today, no doubt helped with drink breaks provided in both halves and hopefully we have seen the last of this extreme heat this year.

Entrance Fee:                   £5

Match attendance:          Approx 10-15

Match Programme:        none available

Match entertainment:    7/10

 

 

West Midlands Regional League
 

BELPER UNITED 0 - 3 LICHFIELD CITY

                 FA CUP, EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND

Raygar Stadium, Christchurch Meadows, Bridge St, Belper, DE56 1BA

                          Sunday 7th August,  3:00pm Kick-Off

I have decided to go to the wilds of Derbyshire for my first game of this new season. It's an FA Cup clash between Belper United of the United Counties League, Premier Div North (who ground share with their hosts, Belper Town) and Lichfield City who play in the Midland Football League, Premier Div.

I like to go to cup games that feature clubs from different league competitions if I can and I am thinking this could be a good one to watch with the home side gaining promotion to Step 5 of the Pyramid for the 1st time and Lichfield being a fine footballing side that finished 3rd in their division last season.

The train I catch from Birmingham (Edinburgh bound) this morning is crammed with passengers and it's a miracle that I eventually find a spare seat. When I change trains at Derby for Belper, again there are a lot of passengers and again I am lucky to find a seat. Must be the holiday season!

It's certainly a fine sunny day with the temperature set to reach 23 centigrade. Belper is a cute small town that lies on the banks of the River Derwent just seven miles north of Derby (population 22,000). It dates back to Norman times and really came to prominence in the early days of the Industrial Revolution with the help of cotton manufacture (particularly cotton stockings) when cotton mills were built in this area powered by the river.  

The town centre has plenty of good independent shops and I find a good fish & chip restaurant called 'Nik's' to have a meal.   

Afterwards I have a look around the town and go to the Belper River Gardens overlooking the weir.

 It's certainly a scenic area and one I'd like to come to again. I decide to take the short walk to the ground and soon I am walking through the gates, on the eastern side of the ground.

I pay my entrance fee and get a programme too but I'm disappointed that there are no club badges available today. I'm assured that the club had ordered some but they still hadn't arrived yet.

The pitch looks to be in great condition and at first I thought it was an artificial surface. 

The main stand is located on the southern side of the ground and that's where all the seating is available. Another smaller covered stand is on the entrance side of this stadium while there is another stand on the northern side along with the team dug-outs. The western end of the ground features no shelter and is in front of a small artificial practice pitch.

A club house is directly behind the main stand, where I manage to get a cup of tea and then make my way to the end of this stand just past the seating area but still with some shelter from the sun.

The teams come out in their usual 1st team colours, Belper in green & black striped shirts, green shorts & socks while the visitors are all in blue.

 From the off it's Lichfield with their possession game that are dominating proceedings while United favour a more direct approach.

They are creating chances on a regular basis and the stand-in keeper for Belper, Charlie Woods, is performing heroics to keep the visitors at bay. His great save from Lichfield captain, Kyle Patterson, in the 24th minute is a particularly worthy effort. On this showing he should be Belper's regular custodian.

      (Charlie Woods makes sure that this Lichfield attack is stopped)

After 36 minutes, a Lichfield shot hits Belper's left-hand post and is gratefully scooped up by Woods on the rebound.

Luke Childs has been tormenting his marker, Belper United's No.3 Jake Dodds, with his skill and elusive running and he sees a shot of his saved by that man Woods in the 40th minute.

So half-time arrives with still no score and the home side somehow are still in with a chance in this tie. It's hard to see at the moment though how they can win this game but Lichfield will definitely have to score soon to make their superiority count, otherwise they might lose confidence, the longer this game goes on.

This ground certainly has a dramatic backdrop with the now disused East Mill towering above on one side.

Also, at the entrance end of the ground you have the presence of the much closer Catholic church called, Christ Church, looming too.

I'm informed by a Belper United supporter that the club will have to look for an alternative ground after the close of this current season. I wonder if they have any plans for getting their own ground in the not too distant future? 

One of the club's officials comes round with copies of the team sheets for anyone who's interested. Very useful and much appreciated!

When play resumes, Belper are taking the game to their opponents but without creating any clear cut chances. Then normal service is resumed with Lichfield having one shot go above the bar followed soon after with them taking the lead.

It's scored by their new No.9, Ethan Muckley, after the ball is passed to him on the right, with the keeper drawn out of position and he makes no mistake with this opportunity. 

     (A very happy Ethan Muckley is congratulated by his team mates)

Belper respond a few minutes later when their No.9, Richard (Itchy) Hanslow races through to hit a shot over the visitor's bar. Their No.8, Martyn Smyth also shoots another effort over the bar but Lichfield are still dominating the game.

They do score the all important second goal after 82 minutes with Luke Childs fooling both his marker and then the keeper to stroke the ball in to the unguarded net.

At this point I decide to leave the ground as I am worried about catching the next train back to Birmingham, as there is a long wait before the next one.

Of course later on I find out that Lichfield score another late goal, courtesy of substitute, Chandler Pegg, in the 86th minute. I think I probably could have seen that goal but it's better to be safe than sorry.

So Lichfield City go through to the next round, which will played in 2 weeks time and maybe Belper United will have better luck in the FA Vase competiton? 

I have certainly enjoyed my visit to this scenic town and ground and it's certainly one I'd like to come to again.

Match Attendance:         178

Entrance Fee:                  £8 (£5 concession)

Match Programme:        £1

Entertaintment Value:  7/10

  

  

 

BROMYARD TOWN 3 - 3 DROITWICH SPA ( 9-8 penalties )

      WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE, DIV ONE

                           LEAGUE CUP FINAL

       Bilbrook Juniors FC, Pendeford Lane, Wolverhampton WV9 5HQ 

                21st May, 2022         3:15 pm   Kick Off  (delayed)

Originally I had pencilled in to watch the Birmingham FA Vase Final today between Cadbury Athletic and Tipton Town at the Birmingham County FA headquarters at Ray Hall Lane. This choice was derailed due to the excitement of the ongoing achievements of Droitwich Spa, a team that was local to me when I was still living in my home city of Worcester a few years back. I occasionally took photos of their team, having them published on my previous blog, on their website and in the local newspapers. This week they were crowned champions of the West Midlands League, 1st Division and are now chasing a league and cup double in the League Cup final at Bilbrook's ground in Wolverhampton. 

When I set out from Birmingham on the train, the weather forecast is very promising, it's going to be mainly sunny with temperatures about 18-19 degrees centigrade.

When I get to Wolverhampton I decide to have a quick look around the Art Gallery and I find out that they have an exhibition of photographs and memorabilia of well known musical groups and artists from the region, (such as Slade, Robert Plant, Beverley Knight, The Wonderstuff etc)  called 'Black Country Beats'. It also highlights the different multi-cultural music artists from the area, who are well known in the Reggae and Bhangra genres of music. 

      (Singer Robert Plant at Molyneux for a charity penalty shoot-out)

                      (The soul singer Beverley Knight in action)

I then get a good value meal at little restaurant called 'Nutmeg', (even that name has a football connection) and then hop on to the No.3 bus bound for the Fordhouses district where the ground is located. 20 minutes later I get off the bus and make the short walk to the ground along a footpath that leads in to Pendeford Lane and soon I am turning in to to the car park with the ground to the right of it.

  This ground is home to the West Midlands League Div 2 outfit, Bilbrook Santos FC and the pitch looks to have a decent playing surface. On the left hand side of the car park are some mini-pitches, while on the other side of the car park, beyond the main pitch is another full sized pitch but lying sideways on.

The club house/changing room complex lies at the top of the main pitch and the main road is beyond that, while on the other side of this road is located the huge Jaguar-Land Rover Engine Manufacturing complex.

There is a rail surrounding the main pitch with the team dugouts on the side facing the club house. There are floodlights with a small covered shelter for spectators on the dugout side in the corner.

I have a half pint of Strongbow to quench my thirst and when I wander outside I meet up with some of the Droitwich Spa's faithful followers, who have been in action at a Wetherspoon's in town on their way here (but not too worse the wear for it).

We find out that there is some kind of delay and so the match will start at 3:15 pm instead. This also means that if the scores are still level at full-time then it will go straight to penalties, as they will be having another function here at 6:00 pm.

I go to the shelter with some of the Droitwich supporters and when the teams troop out on to the pitch, both teams are decked out in their first team colours, with Bromyard Town in all blue strip and 'The Spa' in red & black striped shirts, white shorts and black socks.    

The first half turns out to be a scrappy affair and with Droitwich especially a bit too frantic in their efforts and not passing it around much. Their manager Andy Crowther is not very impressed and is basically telling them to wake up. 

Not many chances are being created and Droitwich are given a warning after 37 minutes by their opponents when their No.7 gets through on goal and his shot is saved well by Droitwich's young keeper, Ryan Williams, who usually turns out for their Under-21's side.

Bromyard keep up the pressure and take the lead in the 42nd minute when their No.11, Ben Cowlishaw fires past Williams.

                (The Bromyard players celebrating their first goal)

Just a minute later and the Herefordshire team double their lead when Andrew Hudson fires in a great shot from the right.

Droitwich leave the field in shock at half-time and will need to fight back quickly to get back in to this game. I hear one of their supporters say that it's the worst football he's seen them play this season. 

I notice that there are at least 3 other photographers here today. One of them I met at Gornal Colts last week and I think he's based somewhere in the Black Country. He tells me that he's planning to go to a cup final in the west Welsh coastal town of Barmouth tomorrow. I'm sure the scenery will be good there as it lies close to Snowdonia.

When play resumes, Droitwich Spa are looking up for it more now and they peg a goal back through their No.9, Connor Collins.

In the 72nd minute Droitwich's No.12, Connor Baker, comes through to score the equaliser for the League champions. He is certainly making an impact on the game after coming on in this half as a substitute.

Soon after Droitwich Spa's, Haydn Morris, scores to put his team in front and their dreams of a League and Cup double are looking more likely.

Bromyard Town though score an equaliser right near the end, when they are awarded a free kick on the right and the subsequent cross is powerfully headed in by Daniel Cottrill.

There is just enough time to see the Droitwich skipper, James Lemon  run through and shoot over the bar. That would have been some finish if it had gone in!

So it's the dreaded penalty shoot out and the Droitwich keeper saves the first two he faces.

Unfortunately Droitwich Spa miss 2 of their own later on and then it comes down to the 9th lot of penalty kicks and it's the 2 keepers who are taking them now. Williams hits his spot kick straight at the Bromyard skipper Alex Rhodes and then Rhodes coolly slots home his effort to the left of Williams and in to the corner of the net to win this topsy turvy encounter.

Rhodes runs off in jubilation and is soon mobbed by his team mates.

The presentation takes place a few minutes later and soon the Bromyard Town players and coaching staff are jumping around in celebration. They certainly showed great fighting spirit today. Also they finished in a very creditable 3rd place in the League. Maybe they can kick on next season with their own championship challenge? 

Then it's 'The Saltmen's' turn to celebrate when skipper, James Lemon, is presented with the Division One League championship trophy and he proudly holds it aloft surrounded by his team mates.

A great way to end the best season in the club's history (founded in 1985) which sees them promoted to Step 6 for the first time and they will be playing back at their refurbished home at the King George V Playing Fields ground.

Entrance Fee:                £4 (£2 concessions)

Match Attendance:         100-120 (guesstimate)

Match Programme:         none available

Match Entertainment:     8.5/10

GORNAL COLTS 1 - 3 DROITWICH SPA

 

 WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL LEAGUE, DIVISION ONE                     LEAGUE CUP (SEMI-FINAL)

   The Dell Stadium, Bryce Road, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 4NB 

                        14th May 2022          3pm Kick-Off

Today I am going to another new ground, this time The Dell Stadium in Brierley Hill where Gornal Colts currently play and watch their League Cup, Semi-Final v Droitwich Spa. 

Also it will be only the second time that I have watched a game at a ground with an athletics track between the spectators and the pitch. The first was six years ago when I went to The Pingles Stadium in Nuneaton Griff to watch their FA Vase tie against Salisbury. That time along with a few other photographers, I was given a pass to go near the pitch to take my photos. No such luck this time as the club secretary, Susan Johnston informed me that they have a rule for everyone to stand behind the barrier around the outlying running track, so it will be interesting to see if I can get some good shots today.

It's a promising day weather wise, as the forecast is for temperatures reaching 20 c later this afternoon, with plenty of sun too. 

I decide to go to Stourbridge on the train from Acocks Green, my local station and then travel from on from there by bus to Brierley Hill, where The Dell Stadium is located.

I haven't been to Stourbridge for some time and I have a good look around the town, have a good meal in a place called 'Stuffed' and decide to come back later in the summer to have a look at a glass museum up the road.

I take the No.6 bus headed for Dudley which takes me to Brierley Hill, High St and decide to walk the rest of the way as it's such a nice day. 20 minutes later I make it to the ground.

There is a building just past the car park, where the club house and changing rooms are. Behind it is an artificial football pitch and to the left is another football pitch, with the main pitch situated to the right of the club house. This pitch is enclosed by the athletics track, with the covered seating housed in a stand in front of the artificial pitch. On the opposite side are the team dugouts. 

Before I go in to the club house I chat with some of the Droitwich supporters who are gathered in the car park. I am able to get a cup of tea in the club house but unfortunately they don't have any club badges for sale.

Gornal Colts were formed in 2005, when most of the youth teams left the set up at Gornal Athletic. After enjoying some success in youth leagues like the Midland Floodlight Youth League, their senior side went straight in to the West Midlands Regional League. I'm not sure how long they have called The Dell Stadium their home, as I remember Dudley Town were the tenants when I left the West Midlands 6 years ago.

I decide to shelter from the sun for the 1st half and sit in the stand. There seems to be a decent sized crowd today. The winners of today's contest will play Bromyard Town, who had a walk-over  from their semi v Gornal Athletic.

Droitwich Spa are in their 2nd strip of gold shirts and black shorts while Gornal are in a mainly dark blue strip.

The Droitwich team are looking a bit sluggish, which is not really a surprise as they have been having to play 3-4 matches per week in recent times, including a vital 3-2 win over close rivals Gornal Athletic.

Gornal Colts are giving them some problems but they unfortunately give the first goal away, when there is a defensive mix up by their No.6 who heads back to his keeper, who is not where he thought he was and the ball bounces in to an unguarded net, after 22 minutes.

This helps to inspire 'The Saltmen' who then increase their lead when their forward, James Lemon is put through and he neatly sidesteps the oncoming Colts keeper to slip the ball home.

  Gornal Colts are unable to take any of the chances that come their way and so trail 0-2 at half-time.

For the second-half I decide to wander over to the other side of the ground, for a more varied view of the action.

After 73 minutes, Gornal Colts peg a goal back when they are awarded a penalty when a Droitwich defender mistimes a lunged tackle.

Leon Salmon fires home the spot kick and the home side are back in with a chance.

 Droitwich have other ideas though and seal the tie 7 minutes later when Connor Collins heads in at the far post when a good cross is delivered to him from the left.

Gornal Colts have shown plenty of energy at times in this game but have lacked that killer instinct this time round, with the experience of Droitwich Spa getting them through.

The final is going to be played at Bilbrook Juniors FC next Saturday. Also today I found out that Droitwich Spa have been awarded the league title too as they had an outstanding fixture v AFC Bentley that couldn't be fulfilled even though they had tried to get the fixture played 3 times but Bentley were unable to field a team. Not the most satisfactory way to win it but I'm sure that Droitwich would have most probably have won that game.

I'm glad that I finally visited The Dell Stadium today and I look forward to watching 'The Colts' in the future and monitor their progress.

Droitwich Spa will be stepping up in to the Midland Football League, Division One next season and will be playing their home fixtures back at their newly refurbished ground with new floodlights too!

Entrance Fee:              £5 (£3 concession)

Match Programme:       none available

Match Attendance:       80-100 (guesstimate)

Entertainment Value:    6.5/10

 

 

MALVERN TOWN 0 - 1 PERSHORE TOWN

 

   SMEDLEY CROOKE MEMORIAL CHARITY CUP FINAL

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

                              8th May 2022,    1 pm Kick-Off

A few days ago I was in a bit of a quandary as I realised that there were 5 cup finals in the West Midlands area that I could go and see, after originally planning to see the Worcestershire Saturday Cup Final at the County Ground in Claines Lane, Worcester.

I have finally decided to go to Redditch F.C.'s ground instead to watch the final of the Smedley Crooke Memorial Charity Cup between the Worcestershire clubs of Malvern Town and Pershore Town. As both of these teams have had impressive seasons, it's got all the hallmarks of being a cracking game.

The weather is good today, mainly sunny and the temperature is going to reach the 19 C mark later this afternoon. My rail journey to Redditch goes well and after having an early lunch in the Kingfisher shopping centre I walk down the Bromsgrove Road to make the 10 minute journey to the Trico Stadium. It's the first time I have been here for 6 years, when they still had a grass pitch and had the old name of 'The Valley Stadium'.  

This is a new cup competition for me and it's named after a former Conservative MP for the old constituency of Birmingham Deritend, which he served for many years. He arranged for this charitable competition to help blind and partially blind people and it started immediately after the Great War in 1919. It's contested usually by teams from the Worcestershire and Birmingham areas, from the Midland Football League and the West Midland Regional Football League.

When I pay my entrance fee, the guy at the turnstile tells me that they collected £5,000 for local charities the last time around. Of course this competition has not seen finals being played in 2020 and 2021.

This ground has it's main stand on the west side of the pitch which houses the club house and changing rooms and has cover for seated spectators at the front. There is another stand on the opposite side which is standing room only.

I place myself at the southern end of the ground, to the right of the goal and there seems to be mainly Pershore supporters located here.

Both teams are wearing their first team colours when they come on to the field of play, Malvern (The Hillsiders) in sky blue shirts with maroon stripes, white shorts and sky blue socks. Pershore (The Plums) are decked out in all blue kit.

Although Malvern are the team that's on top in the early stages, hitting a post with one effort, Pershore Town get more in to the game and in the 28th minute, take the lead with a great header from their No.7, Jordan Jones. Malvern's keeper Kieron Blackburn gets a hand a on the ball but is unable to keep it out.

It's hard to believe that it's the end of the season as both teams are putting on a great display of attacking football.

Both teams have created chances but there's no more score before the break. During the game I chat to a guy who is following 'The Plums' as a relation of his is playing at No.5 for them. It turns out that he's a long term (and probably suffering) fan of Sunderland as he originally comes from that part of the country. Of course he's hoping they will make it back in to the Championship via the play-offs and I think they might just do it this time round.

Pershore Town have seen an amazing transformation this season as a few months ago they appointed a former player of theirs, Danny Janes as the new manager and he and his coaching team have helped them reach 5th place in the League (losing in the play-off semi-final) and taking them to 3 cup finals! They beat Worcester City in the Worcestershire Senior Cup on penalties, then triumphed 5-2 over Roman Saint Glass (from Bristol) in the Hellenic League Supplementary Cup too, both opposition teams playing at a level higher than themselves, which is the same situation with Malvern Town who play in the Hellenic Premier.

Malvern Town too have had a decent season, as they finished in 3rd place in their division. 

When play resumes, it's Malvern who are asking all the questions as they take control for long periods of the second-half.

    ( Pershore keeper, Eddie Cox has to stretch to keep Malvern at bay)

The Hillsiders hit the woodwork again with another effort but Pershore are proving to be still dangerous on the break, especially their tricky winger, James Baldwin.

  ( Malvern skipper, Matty Turner, trying to find a way through on goal )

Both sides go close in this enthralling encounter but it's Pershore Town who are the first team to keep a clean sheet against Malvern Town this season and turn out to be the most resilient team and win this cup.

 Then the Pershore players and their young manager after receiving their trophy come over to my end of the pitch and applaud their waiting fans as a thank you for their valued support.

I'm really glad I came to this match, as it's been one of the best that Iv'e seen this season, even if only one goal was scored. I now understand how my home town team of Worcester City could be beaten by Pershore, as they certainly have a great team spirit which bodes well for next season, especially if they can improve their squad. Malvern too should do well again on this showing and were a tad unlucky today.

Entrance Fee:               £5 (£3 concessions)

Match Attendance:        400

Match Programme:        Free 

Match Entertainment:    9/10