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Post by Mrs V Smegma on Sept 17, 2024 22:34:18 GMT
Keynsham Town vs Bitton AFC - Jewson Western League Div 1 at the AJN stadium.
Reasonably entertaining game between mid table and climbing Bitton and struggling Keynsham. I did wonder if any football would actually be played as a few seconds after kick off the floodlights kept turning on and off. After about 10 minute delay whatever was causing the issue was sorted and the game resumed. Visitors made all the early running and created numerous chances which were either narrowly put wide or over, or brought good saves from the home keeper. Eventually the pressure told and Bitton took the lead in fortuitous circumstances when a blocked cross cum shot bounced kindly for one of their players who had an easy finish. The lead was almost doubled a few minutes later when a thumping shot from distance by CF Nathan Hall smacked onto the bar.
Home side were playing some nice football without having much cutting edge but also had little grip in midfield and were giving the ball away in silly places and hence heaping pressure back on themselves, hence their performance was a bit disjointed. They did get an equaliser with about 20 to go when a good break ended with a good finish into bottom left corner from the edge of the box. I couldn’t quite see who scored but think it might have been their number 11, Victor Carvalho. I liked his energy and direct running and he certainly gave the Bitton back line plenty to think about. Very raw, but I think young and would not be surprised if he plays at a higher level than this.
Bitton continued to make and fail to take chances with the luckless Hall hitting another fine shot from distance onto the upright. With 10 mins to go Hall and Bitton got their just deserts with a simple goal - throw in from the left flicked on and thumped home by the CF who on another day would have taken the match ball home after a high quality hat trick. Game finished 2-1 to Bitton which flattered Keynsham. I really liked the performance of the ref tonight. Let the game flow as far as possible but accepted no nonsense from either side. I especially liked how he immediately yellow carded a Bitton player for trying to get a home player booked.
Att 96. Entrance £7, £2 for printed programme and £1.50 for a tea. Luckily in the programme was a note warning that the car park at the ground was managed by one of those horrible cowboy parking companies and had a £2 per day charge there with promise of a hefty fine if not paid within 20 mins. I had missed the signs on the way in warning this. I hate these companies with a passion and wish a plague of locusts frogs and boils on all who work for them. Getting a fine for a few hours of lower pyramid football would really have ruined my evening
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eppinggas
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Post by eppinggas on Sept 18, 2024 14:26:59 GMT
Keynsham Town vs Bitton AFC - Jewson Western League Div 1 at the AJN stadium. Reasonably entertaining game between mid table and climbing Bitton and struggling Keynsham. I did wonder if any football would actually be played as a few seconds after kick off the floodlights kept turning on and off. After about 10 minute delay whatever was causing the issue was sorted and the game resumed. Visitors made all the early running and created numerous chances which were either narrowly put wide or over, or brought good saves from the home keeper. Eventually the pressure told and Bitton took the lead in fortuitous circumstances when a blocked cross cum shot bounced kindly for one of their players who had an easy finish. The lead was almost doubled a few minutes later when a thumping shot from distance by CF Nathan Hall smacked onto the bar. Home side were playing some nice football without having much cutting edge but also had little grip in midfield and were giving the ball away in silly places and hence heaping pressure back on themselves, hence their performance was a bit disjointed. They did get an equaliser with about 20 to go when a good break ended with a good finish into bottom left corner from the edge of the box. I couldn’t quite see who scored but think it might have been their number 11, Victor Carvalho. I liked his energy and direct running and he certainly gave the Bitton back line plenty to think about. Very raw, but I think young and would not be surprised if he plays at a higher level than this. Bitton continued to make and fail to take chances with the luckless Hall hitting another fine shot from distance onto the upright. With 10 mins to go Hall and Bitton got their just deserts with a simple goal - throw in from the left flicked on and thumped home by the CF who on another day would have taken the match ball home after a high quality hat trick. Game finished 2-1 to Bitton which flattered Keynsham. I really liked the performance of the ref tonight. Let the game flow as far as possible but accepted no nonsense from either side. I especially liked how he immediately yellow carded a Bitton player for trying to get a home player booked. Att 96. Entrance £7, £2 for printed programme and £1.50 for a tea. Luckily in the programme was a note warning that the car park at the ground was managed by one of those horrible cowboy parking companies and had a £2 per day charge there with promise of a hefty fine if not paid within 20 mins. I had missed the signs on the way in warning this. I hate these companies with a passion and wish a plague of locusts frogs and boils on all who work for them. Getting a fine for a few hours of lower pyramid football would really have ruined my evening One of my real bete noires is bloody ANPR and the legalised robbery of these companies. Shame on Keynsham Town for employing them. On a separate note - I'm in Bristol / Bath this weekend. If you have any pointers to a decent venue - much appreciated. Preferences (I am hard to please): Grass pitch No running track Efficient bar Free parking! Paper programme. £2 max. Pleasant surroundings, decent views Step 4-5. 6 at a push Cheers! |
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Post by Mrs V Smegma on Sept 18, 2024 15:34:42 GMT
Not a massive amount of choice locally that would tick many of your boxes.
Melksham (Southern L1) have a nice set up if you’ve not been there before.
One of my favourites Brimscombe and Thrupp in Hellenic Prem are also at home - they are struggling so likely to get a tonking.
I also liked the set up at Street who are flying and at home if not too far a drive.
Me - I will be at Yate this sat assuming they get past Bemerton Heath Harlequins in their forced replay trophy game tonight.
Clevedon also worth a visit if you haven’t done that one if only for the wonderful Mural on one wall behind a goal. Sadly though they are away at Barnstaple in what should be a cracker.
From the programme note and from what the club people in the ground were saying last night, I’m not sure it is fair to blame Keysham town FC for the use of the ANPR cowboys. They definitely try to distance themselves from the tossers. Not sure they are the land owners of the car park but because of where the ground is in town it is the only sensible parking option nearby. Possible that they did own the land once and short sightedly sold it off to keep the club running. I hate these companies with a passion as they add nothing to the economy and serve only to milk ordinary people for the benefit of the wealthy. One of the first things I’d ban forever if I became queen of the world
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Post by Mrs V Smegma on Sept 18, 2024 23:57:16 GMT
Bemerton Heath Harlequins vs Yate Town FA Trophy 1st Round Qualifying.
This was a bad tempered game that only happened because an administrative error by Yate was punished by the FA ordering the game to be replayed at short notice, Yate having won the original tie 5-0. Both sides are Southern league South div 1. Yate under ex Gas management duo Darren Mullings and Paul Tovey are flying high whereas the home side (from the outskirts of Salisbury) are struggling at the wrong end of the table.
Yate started the game at a canter and took the lead after about 10 mins when Stan Wyatt their young winger (and son of ex Gas/sheeded Mike) received a ball in space out wide on the left, cut inside and curled a beauty into the top corner from just outside the box. Wyatt got a second soon after with a bit of a scrappy goal. Ball was played in towards him from just outside the box and he prodded it from almost behind himself into the goal. At this point Yate were totally in control and it looked like a repeat score from the first fixture was on the cards but they couldn’t create any more clear chances to add to their first half lead - 2-0 to Yate then after 45.
Inexplicably after the break Yate stopped doing all the good things they did in the first half where they were pinging the ball around and opening up Harlequins at will. The home side got more of a foothold in the game and started winning second balls as well as firsts and Yate were finding it hard to get out of their own half. It needed all hands to the pumps to protect their lead and whilst Harlequins huffed and puffed they never really created anything of note. Yate had the best chance of the half when a rare breakout found ex Gas Lucas Tomlinson bearing down on goal but being pulled back by the last man. A clear penalty and red card was waved away by the ref because the lino did not flag. With 5 mins left on the clock the pressure finally told and a defensive cock up gave a Heath player room to fire into the far corner. The last 5 mins became increasingly edgy and frenetic with Yate keeper Sainsbury pulling off an excellent save from a close range free header. In added on time Yate made the game safe with the help of some really poor Harlequin defending when their two CBs inexplicably switched off at a throw in. The ball bounced invitingly at the feet of CF Jackson and he lifted it over home keeper high into the net. Final score 1-3 to Yate and they now meet Bideford in the next round on Saturday. Second half was increasingly niggly and boiled over on the final whistle with some totally unnecessary off the ball antics which the home side appeared to be the chief culprits in instigating. The ref had a poor game and could have prevented this by clamping down on the nonsense much sooner.
Att 97. £10 to get in and £1.50 for a tea. No programme due to the short notice given by the FA to both clubs to replay the tie. There is lots to like about Harlequins. Their ground is pretty and surrounded by tall trees on two sides and their kit is unique and distinctive - white shirts with a black cross on the front and black shorts. Being sore losers is not one of those things so on that basis I am glad Yate won the replayed game too. As well as Tomlinson Yate also have ex Gas academy prospect Will Larvin in their ranks. I will have another look at both and the protege Wyatt in the next round on Sat. This game brought up my 200 grounds attended.
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eppinggas
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Post by eppinggas on Sept 19, 2024 8:10:00 GMT
Not a massive amount of choice locally that would tick many of your boxes. Melksham (Southern L1) have a nice set up if you’ve not been there before. One of my favourites Brimscombe and Thrupp in Hellenic Prem are also at home - they are struggling so likely to get a tonking. I also liked the set up at Street who are flying and at home if not too far a drive. Me - I will be at Yate this sat assuming they get past Bemerton Heath Harlequins in their forced replay trophy game tonight. Clevedon also worth a visit if you haven’t done that one if only for the wonderful Mural on one wall behind a goal. Sadly though they are away at Barnstaple in what should be a cracker. From the programme note and from what the club people in the ground were saying last night, I’m not sure it is fair to blame Keysham town FC for the use of the ANPR cowboys. They definitely try to distance themselves from the tossers. Not sure they are the land owners of the car park but because of where the ground is in town it is the only sensible parking option nearby. Possible that they did own the land once and short sightedly sold it off to keep the club running. I hate these companies with a passion as they add nothing to the economy and serve only to milk ordinary people for the benefit of the wealthy. One of the first things I’d ban forever if I became queen of the world I'm in Iron Acton Friday night, so Brimscombe & Thripp sounds good. Could have joined you at Lodge Road, but I've been to Yate a few times (Brackley and a pre-season game against Bath). But if my son wants to watch some grass roots - probably pick him up from Bath en route to Melksham. Thanks for finding time to post... |
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Post by Mrs V Smegma on Sept 21, 2024 17:41:35 GMT
Yate Town vs Bideford - FA Trophy 2QR at the South West Interiors Stadium aka Lodge Road
Having won the FA ordered replay of 1QR at Bemerton Heath on weds, Yate took on fellow league mates Bideford who are struggling at the opposite end of the table from Yate.
A pretty drab first half was short on quality and chances with the best falling to the home side which drew a good save from Bideford keeper at his near post. Second half was better as Yate started to take control and stretch play using the width of the pitch. They rang the changes on the hour mark and 3 of the subs had a major role in what was to follow. Firstly LW sub Nderemani was put through on the left and squared the ball to Oli Jenkins who smashed the ball home for the lead. Then with 5 mins to go a long ball forward was flicked on by sub Ryan Hillier and Nderemani slotted the ball into the corner. Final score 2-0 to Yate which was a fair reflection of the second half at least as Bideford created nothing of note. Yate try to play the game in the right way knocking the ball about and rarely resorting to route 1, but based on the two games I’ve seen the end product is not always there
Of the ex Rovers players Lucas Tomlinson looked lightweight and at his level. Will Larvin on the other hand was composed and assured at CB and did not put a foot wrong all game. Best player on the day was ex-pro Lloyd James who put the ball into some good areas and it was obvious he has played at a much higher level. At 36 though his better days are behind him.
Att 262. Admittance £12, £2.50 for a decent hard copy programme with interesting content and £1.50 for a tea. Not been to this ground for many years and had forgotten that it is actually quite nice with mature trees around half the pitch. Good luck to the Bluebells in the next round
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Post by eppinggas on Sept 22, 2024 13:34:25 GMT
September 21st. Brimscombe & Thrupp 0 Westfields 11 (eleven). Hellenic Premiership (tier 9). A relatively quick trip up the M5 and the A419 to Stroud. Got there with time to kill and would recommend the museum in the park! Stroud sits in a lovely location in the Cotswolds, meeting point of 5 valleys (including the Slad of "Cider with Rosie" fame). Just south of there is Brimscombe & Thrupp FC (B&T). Though the Club does sound more like the name of a firm of Solicitors. Very friendly staff and welcoming Club house. B&T formed in 1886 sporting white shirts, blue shots vs Westfields in yellow shirts, blue shorts. B&T currently rock bottom of the league, Westfields half way up. Westfields are based in Hereford and brought maybe 15-20 supporters with them. Very odd accent - mostly West Country with a hint of Welsh and Brum. It started raining bang on kick off. One decent covered stand with half seats and half terrace. Westfields nearly scored after about 3 minutes when a really soft shot was spilled and the forward had an open goal. How he managed to lift it over the bar from 5 yards out had to be seen to be believed. Briscombe had only named 2 subs. Only one was visible and after a knee injury to a CB - that left the bench empty. Westfield very obviously miles better then B&T. Only a question of time surely. Another Westfield attack, cut back and from 7-8 yards only the outstretched boot of a defender and the keeper to beat. Can't miss. Deflected off the boot and ricocheted off the bar. The relentless pressure finally paid off and another attack from the Westfields right, ball smacked home, 0-1. Had to wait for late on in the 1st half for Westfield's second - a high quality strike to the keepers top right. A HT beer and a chat with some B&T supporters - manager and team had a massive fall-out last season. Manager went, team went, and a rushed re-build over the summer meant a tough season was always going to be on the cards. Hence only one sub. Second half the rain stopped. But the shots rained down heavily on the B&T goal. Every attack seemed to result in a goal. Fair play for B&T. They kept playing in the vain hope of a consolation. It didn't come. Ref ruled out one of the Westfield goals (looked good to me) and I think was taking sympathy with the soundly beaten B&T team. Ben Brooks (9) scored a hat-rick. Not to be outdone Dan Stoneman (stand out player 7) ripped them apart and scored a double hat-trick. B&T 7 and 11 pick of the home team. Hardly any injury time. A merciful act. Feel really sorry for B&T. Lovely setup, lovely people. But inevitably they will be relegated. Entry: £7. No paper programme, good quality download pdf from the website though. 2 pints of Cruzcampo £9.80. 2 good value homemade rolls £3. Attendance: 44. |
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Post by Mrs V Smegma on Sept 22, 2024 16:35:45 GMT
Wondered if you’d gone there Epping and glad you enjoyed it as much as I did - lovely club, love the view from the terrace bank and feel incredibly sorry that they are struggling so badly.
Interesting to find out why they are having so much trouble this season after being a solid Hellenic prem side for a few years now. Sounds like they need an injection of £s and players and even that might not be enough. On the other hand may be a good opportunity to blood reserves or youth team if they have them. Hope they keep going rather than throwing in the towel. Hellenic league seems to lose more clubs than other comparable leagues in the pyramid.
I feared they’d get a tonking yesterday.
Will do Westfields on Tues. saw them at Cinderford about a year ago and they looked decent but ended up losing a thriller because of an excellent Lewis Powell (once of this manor) hat trick
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Post by oldie on Sept 22, 2024 17:18:45 GMT
Sept 21st
Chepstow Town Vs Pill AFC (Newport)
Welsh Cup.
Having unexpectedly found myself free that afternoon I looked for some local footie. I was in Monmouth who themselves were playing in the same competition Vs Newport City. However the ground is very open to the elements and the dark clouds were ominous. So I drove down the very beautiful Wye Valley to Chepstow.
I don't live far from there but had never been. The ground is hard to find, in a housing estate off the A48.
But, what a pleasant surprise.
Very tidy little ground with a small stand, a new spacious club house with new changing rooms. The skies cleared and the sun made an appearance. Patio and picnic area outside the club house at the corner flag, perfect for a couple of Stellas, @£4.40.
No sign of a programme. Entry £6, £4 for a concession.
Average game Chepstow are one step higher up the pyramid than Pill. Chepstow dominated possession especially down the left flank where the wide player was skillful with a turn of speed. But they never converted their possession to any meaningful opportunities. Then out of the blue Pill took the lead. Having won a free kick after a rare attack, they lined up at the corner of the penalty area. The home goalie was very vociferous in barking instructions to a 3 man defensive wall. To no avail, the strike went around the wall, the goalie had it well covered but managed to spill the ball onto his near post where it then rolled into the net.
Chepstow equalised with the best move of the match, but the ref, having given it changed his mind and awarded a free kick to Pill. Lots of shouting from the home bench. 2nd half was a bit tedious with Pill hanging on and Chepstow contrived to miss a penalty.
Final 0-1.
Still, better than the previous week when I went to Cinderford Town who got spanked 1-6 by Bristol Manor Farm.
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Post by Mrs V Smegma on Sept 22, 2024 18:53:19 GMT
Nice one Oldie.
Have really enjoyed all the games I have done in Wales so will definitely do some more and Chepstow now on the list.
Pretty grounds, friendly clubs and a definite community feel about them all - more so I would say than the English clubs I’ve visited.
What’s going wrong at Cinderford this season? They ended last one on such a high that I was expecting that to carry through into this one. Have they lost players/the management?
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oldie
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Post by oldie on Sept 22, 2024 20:05:50 GMT
Nice one Oldie. Have really enjoyed all the games I have done in Wales so will definitely do some more and Chepstow now on the list. Pretty grounds, friendly clubs and a definite community feel about them all - more so I would say than the English clubs I’ve visited. What’s going wrong at Cinderford this season? They ended last one on such a high that I was expecting that to carry through into this one. Have they lost players/the management? I did ask that question of a couple of committee members I know at the Bristol Manor Farm game. They just rolled their eyes and said they will speak later. It's the same management team. There were a lot of signings in the summer and a couple of key players from last term stayed on. I don't know what has happened to be honest. The chairman left saying he thought a new chair was needed to take the club forward. I suspect money and the lack of is rearing it's head. Players who thought would be on the pitch were not there and I wonder if they are being paid properly. |
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Post by eppinggas on Sept 23, 2024 7:52:38 GMT
Wondered if you’d gone there Epping and glad you enjoyed it as much as I did - lovely club, love the view from the terrace bank and feel incredibly sorry that they are struggling so badly. Interesting to find out why they are having so much trouble this season after being a solid Hellenic prem side for a few years now. Sounds like they need an injection of £s and players and even that might not be enough. On the other hand may be a good opportunity to blood reserves or youth team if they have them. Hope they keep going rather than throwing in the towel. Hellenic league seems to lose more clubs than other comparable leagues in the pyramid. I feared they’d get a tonking yesterday. Will do Westfields on Tues. saw them at Cinderford about a year ago and they looked decent but ended up losing a thriller because of an excellent Lewis Powell (once of this manor) hat trick Yup, ticked pretty much all the boxes - apart from not having a cheap, small, good quality programme! Not a lot of point if the attendance is below 50 to be fair. I was chatting to an FGR supporter 2nd half who gave a few more insights into the imploding Brinscombe & Thrupp. Nice chap. Said he'd missed his bus home and that he lived just off the A36 - which is where I was headed anyway - so gave him a lift driving over Rodborough Common to North Woodchester. Stunning views. That's the sort of day out you get with grass roots football. |
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Post by Mrs V Smegma on Sept 25, 2024 14:20:42 GMT
Westfields FC vs Sporting Club Inkberrow - Hellenic Prem at the Allpay Stadium Westfields Hereford
Awkward journey to get to Hereford with Rome to Rio trying to route us via the pretty Wye valley road but knowing that likely has 20 and 30 mph stretches and roadworks opted for M5/M50 with an extra 20 miles and minutes added to the journey. Good choice as road was clear and arrived with 20 mins to spare at Westfield’s neat and tidy ground. Pitch is large and well kept and there is a small seated stand on the half way line on one side and 2 small cowsheds on the other if the weather is typically British. We didn’t need these as it was a clear, dry and still if slightly chilly evening - perfect for a game of football.
This would be the 4th time I’d watched Berrow in a year (mostly by accident rather than design) and their games have generally been enjoyable. This one was no different.
Berrow made most of the running in the first half without creating any clear chances. This changed just before the break when RW Jack Tolley - their best player on the night picked the pocket of home LB, squared the ball perfectly and put the ball on a plate for CF Skelton - a chance he really couldn’t miss. Westfields were very poor first half and offered nothing going forward apart from 2 of the most theatrical dives you’ll ever see by their LW Muirhead.
Berrow continued to be the better team in 2nd half again without cutting edge until a game which had been played in exemplary spirit from both sides boiled over into a mass brawl - presumably because of an off the ball incident we couldn’t see from our vantage point on the far side of the pitch. After this the ref who had nothing to do up to this point completely lost his head and revealed himself to be a graduate from the Ross Joyce school of clown refereeing and completely swayed by the constant heckling of the home bench and a section of their support. He promptly booked Berrow RB for time wasting by taking about 3 seconds to properly take a throw, compounded this by giving the throw to Westfields, getting the decision on another throw completely wrong and giving a second yellow and hence red to the same unfortunate Berrow RB for having the audacity of having the ball hurled at him by a Westfields player in a paddy. Just about the worst bit of reffing I can remember since days of Kevin Lynch and would make Gurnam Singh look like Collina. He then issued a second yellow to another Berrow player for two innocuous challenges. Berrow therefore had to see out the last 15 mins with 9 players.
By necessity then they employed a backs to the wall approach as Westfields threw the kitchen sink at them. This consisted of pumping the ball into the box at every opportunity and the Berrow backline with Tolley now filling in at RB dealt admirably with this so Berrow keeper never really had a serious save to make. They even managed to create a couple of half chances through Tolley and livewire sub Connor Stanley, one of which they really should have taken to make the game safe. Eventually the sands of time ran out for Westfields and Berrow celebrated their deserved against the odds win as if they’d won the FA Cup.
We were delighted for them too - not really for anything the Westfield players had done but because the lodmoutb moaners on the other side of the pitch got their just desserts.
I am developing quite a soft spot for Berrow - a village team punching hard and heavily above their weight. They could sneak into the end of season playoffs. Whether or not they could handle another step up is open to debate, but they are doing this with mostly the same players that got them promoted last season. Can’t see them wanting to go into Southern League with journeys to Cornwall and Devon but perhaps they’d follow in Worcester City's NPL Midland League footsteps. Possibly a step too far for them though as City beat them 4-0 in a recent Worcestershire cup tie. The rollercoaster ride they are on must be fun if you are a Berrow fan
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Post by eppinggas on Sept 26, 2024 7:56:13 GMT
Westfields FC vs Sporting Club Inkberrow - Hellenic Prem at the Allpay Stadium Westfields Hereford Awkward journey to get to Hereford with Rome to Rio trying to route us via the pretty Wye valley road but knowing that likely has 20 and 30 mph stretches and roadworks opted for M5/M50 with an extra 20 miles and minutes added to the journey. Good choice as road was clear and arrived with 20 mins to spare at Westfield’s neat and tidy ground. Pitch is large and well kept and there is a small seated stand on the half way line on one side and 2 small cowsheds on the other if the weather is typically British. We didn’t need these as it was a clear, dry and still if slightly chilly evening - perfect for a game of football. This would be the 4th time I’d watched Berrow in a year (mostly by accident rather than design) and their games have generally been enjoyable. This one was no different. Berrow made most of the running in the first half without creating any clear chances. This changed just before the break when RW Jack Tolley - their best player on the night picked the pocket of home LB, squared the ball perfectly and put the ball on a plate for CF Skelton - a chance he really couldn’t miss. Westfields were very poor first half and offered nothing going forward apart from 2 of the most theatrical dives you’ll ever see by their LW Muirhead. Berrow continued to be the better team in 2nd half again without cutting edge until a game which had been played in exemplary spirit from both sides boiled over into a mass brawl - presumably because of an off the ball incident we couldn’t see from our vantage point on the far side of the pitch. After this the ref who had nothing to do up to this point completely lost his head and revealed himself to be a graduate from the Ross Joyce school of clown refereeing and completely swayed by the constant heckling of the home bench and a section of their support. He promptly booked Berrow RB for time wasting by taking about 3 seconds to properly take a throw, compounded this by giving the throw to Westfields, getting the decision on another throw completely wrong and giving a second yellow and hence red to the same unfortunate Berrow RB for having the audacity of having the ball hurled at him by a Westfields player in a paddy. Just about the worst bit of reffing I can remember since days of Kevin Lynch and would make Gurnam Singh look like Collina. He then issued a second yellow to another Berrow player for two innocuous challenges. Berrow therefore had to see out the last 15 mins with 9 players. By necessity then they employed a backs to the wall approach as Westfields threw the kitchen sink at them. This consisted of pumping the ball into the box at every opportunity and the Berrow backline with Tolley now filling in at RB dealt admirably with this so Berrow keeper never really had a serious save to make. They even managed to create a couple of half chances through Tolley and livewire sub Connor Stanley, one of which they really should have taken to make the game safe. Eventually the sands of time ran out for Westfields and Berrow celebrated their deserved against the odds win as if they’d won the FA Cup. We were delighted for them too - not really for anything the Westfield players had done but because the lodmoutb moaners on the other side of the pitch got their just desserts. I am developing quite a soft spot for Berrow - a village team punching hard and heavily above their weight. They could sneak into the end of season playoffs. Whether or not they could handle another step up is open to debate, but they are doing this with mostly the same players that got them promoted last season. Can’t see them wanting to go into Southern League with journeys to Cornwall and Devon but perhaps they’d follow in Worcester City's NPL Midland League footsteps. Possibly a step too far for them though as City beat them 4-0 in a recent Worcestershire cup tie. The rollercoaster ride they are on must be fun if you are a Berrow fan Yes - apart from having a very odd accent, the travelling contingent from Westfields were a bit gobby at Brimscombe & Thrupp. They only stopped moaning when Westfields had gone 3 or 4 up. As for Brinscombe and Thrupp, another tough evening. Going down 12-0 at Roman Glass St George. Yikes. |
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Post by Mrs V Smegma on Sept 26, 2024 9:10:59 GMT
RGSG likely to be in top 2 at end of season so no surprise really. They’ll get walloped by most of the top half of this league unless something changes soon for them
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Post by lostinspace on Sept 26, 2024 17:52:25 GMT
But late (7 days) U18 Somerset youth league, Cheddar v Shepton Mallet, but of interest here as my great nephew was stand in keeper for Shepton, normally plays on the left side of forward ( his dad and grandad now 87, Ray Rymes also played in this position for Shepton) a ragged start from both teams,with Cheddar gaining the ascendency as the half progressed, Shepton keeper pulled off some rather good saves to keep Cheddar at bay, but the constant pressure finally told and by half time it was 4-0 to Cheddar, second half saw no real change other than Cheddar becoming more confident in their play and totally overwhelmed their visitors in the second half, finally winning 10 goals to nil, 2 Cheddar players scoring hat tricks, about 40 odd in attendance,bar was open,2 thatchers and an Italian lager/ beer cost £14:00 ..also watching was the Bristol Rovers youth observer, looking for possible new recruits, not sure you can get the measure of someone's talent in such a one sided game,
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Post by Mrs V Smegma on Sept 28, 2024 19:15:56 GMT
Building on LIS’s post above - Shepton Mallet vs Ilfracombe Town - Jewson Western League Prem
Very watchable game at Mallet’s picturesque Playing Fields ground despite both sides frequently giving the ball away when under no pressure.
The visitors playing down the slope in the first half made all the early running but even with a few desperately defended goalmouth scrambles couldn’t fashion a breakthrough. From a rare home counter, ball was played wide on the left, crossed into the box and home CF had time and space to pick his spot despite the cross being a bit behind him. It was a well crafted goal but not particularly well defended. Ilfracombe continued to create and miss chances but eventually a mistake in home back line left Ilfracombe left winger clear, he rounded the keeper and rolled the ball home. Mallet retook the lead with 10 mins of the half remaining when a quick break down the right resulted in a good cross which was fired home on the half volley by Taelan Savage who is on loan to Mallet from us. They scored a stunning third shortly after when midfielder Cam Allen crashed home an absolute rocket goal of the season contender. Felt for the Ilfracombe keeper as he almost pulled off a worldy but could only finger tip the ball onto the underside of the crossbar and the power in the shot did the rest. A very flattering 3-1 to the home side then at HT.
Second half continued in the same vein as the first with the visitors neat passing play creating some presentable chances that they squandered but they pulled one back when another error at the back gifted them a free shot on goal which was duly dispatched. Mallet scored two late goals on the break to give the scoreline a decidedly lop sided look which was not a true reflection of play. Firstly RW sub was put clear and had bags of time to find the corner, then visiting keeper took out another sub and his own defender to concede a penalty which was coolly slotted into right corner. Final score 5-2 to Mallet. The key difference between the two sides was that Mallet were clinical with their chances. Had Ilfracombe had a half decent striker they would have taken something from the game and perhaps even won it.
£8 entrance, £1 for hardcopy programme, £3.50 for a cornish pasty and a bargain £3 for an excellent pint of Elm Farm scrumpy.
Really liked this ground and club. Pitch slopes both downwards and across, it is surrounded by trees, and there are two small stands with seats (one on half way and the other behind the goal) and a covered terrace on the other side. Decent club house, reasonable food options and friendly people. One to consider if you are down this way again Epping. They also play in black and white quarters as an added bonus.
Att 197. Savage played OK and looks neat and tidy but didn’t stand out from the crowd and was subbed on the hour mark
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Post by lostinspace on Sept 28, 2024 20:56:30 GMT
Building on LIS’s post above - Shepton Mallet vs Ilfracombe Town - Jewson Western League Prem Very watchable game at Mallet’s picturesque Playing Fields ground despite both sides frequently giving the ball away when under no pressure. The visitors playing down the slope in the first half made all the early running but even with a few desperately defended goalmouth scrambles couldn’t fashion a breakthrough. From a rare home counter, ball was played wide on the left, crossed into the box and home CF had time and space to pick his spot despite the cross being a bit behind him. It was a well crafted goal but not particularly well defended. Ilfracombe continued to create and miss chances but eventually a mistake in home back line left Ilfracombe left winger clear, he rounded the keeper and rolled the ball home. Mallet retook the lead with 10 mins of the half remaining when a quick break down the right resulted in a good cross which was fired home on the half volley by Taelan Savage who is on loan to Mallet from us. They scored a stunning third shortly after when midfielder Cam Allen crashed home an absolute rocket goal of the season contender. Felt for the Ilfracombe keeper as he almost pulled off a worldy but could only finger tip the ball onto the underside of the crossbar and the power in the shot did the rest. A very flattering 3-1 to the home side then at HT. Second half continued in the same vein as the first with the visitors neat passing play creating some presentable chances that they squandered but they pulled one back when another error at the back gifted them a free shot on goal which was duly dispatched. Mallet scored two late goals on the break to give the scoreline a decidedly lop sided look which was not a true reflection of play. Firstly RW sub was put clear and had bags of time to find the corner, then visiting keeper took out another sub and his own defender to concede a penalty which was coolly slotted into right corner. Final score 5-2 to Mallet. The key difference between the two sides was that Mallet were clinical with their chances. Had Ilfracombe had a half decent striker they would have taken something from the game and perhaps even won it. £8 entrance, £1 for hardcopy programme, £3.50 for a cornish pasty and a bargain £3 for an excellent pint of Elm Farm scrumpy. Really liked this ground and club. Pitch slopes both downwards and across, it is surrounded by trees, and there are two small stands with seats (one on half way and the other behind the goal) and a covered terrace on the other side. Decent club house, reasonable food options and friendly people. One to consider if you are down this way again Epping. They also play in black and white quarters as an added bonus. Att 197. Savage played OK and looks neat and tidy but didn’t stand out from the crowd and was subbed on the hour mark Several years ago( very many really) SMTFC had a very good and well supported social club just off the town centre,but for one of those on the management side having another interest related to the alcohol side of things and it created a rather divisive interest,as he believed it was costing him custom, as the pub closing hours approached some of the clients would leave for the SC, as it closed a few hours later, created a very bad atmosphere and a few bad moments, causing that money generator to close, The West Shepton playing fields ( been there as long as I can remember (my home town)played junior football for them,) they renovated the changing rooms and recreated the cub house to what it is now, |
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Post by Mrs V Smegma on Sept 29, 2024 5:19:31 GMT
Hopefully all behind them LIS as it really is a nice little club and I’d be happy for them to do well.
Re Cheddar young ones, that club will be hoping some of them come through to the first team. They are really struggling and together with Gillingham looked nailed on for one of the relegation spots. Another nice little ground
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eppinggas
Administrator
Ian Alexander
Don't care
Joined: June 2014
Posts: 8,600
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Post by eppinggas on Sept 29, 2024 8:12:12 GMT
AS London 5 Burnham Ramblers 0 (Thurlow Nunn Div 1 South, step 6). AS were originally known as Park View, a strange re-branding last year to AS (All Stars). As there was no programme or team sheet on view, it was impossible to ascertain if there were any genuine stars in the line up. They play at the New River Stadium just 1/4 of a mile west of Haringey Borough on White Hart Lane. Entry was through the reception of the Sports Centre. No-one to take money, or count the crowd. One big impressive covered stand (holds 1000) and uncovered crumbling terrace around a running track. Artificial pitch. All a bit bleak. AS were formed in 1991 and were originally made up of players from the local Ghanaian community. Wiki said they played in all black. Sported a black Union Berlin away shirt to show solidarity, to see AS line up in all red. Playing Burnham Ramblers (formed 1900) in blue and black stripes. AS started the brighter and seemed to have an extra yard of pace. Burnham had the first chance to score. Ball into the box from a FK and keeper pulled off a blinding save from close range. It proved to be pretty much the only sight of goal that Burnham had. 15mins in and a series of short AS passes into the Burnham box and the ball was lashed home - keeper no chance. 1-0 at HT and wandered across to the cafe/bar. Empty. Had a pint can of Fosters and a chat with a local. He was less than complimentary about the AS set up. New management and a new side from last season. A lack of visibility in the local community, no youth sides, players taking advantage of Sky TV in the cafe/bar while sipping on a can of coke for a couple of hours. Hey - don't shoot the messenger! Second half AS looked pretty good to be fair. A solo effort and a ball slid past the keepers left. 2-0. Burnham keeper kept wandering dangerously far out from goal. Spotted by the AS decent No.5 and the ball lobbed in from about 35 yards. 3-0. The keeper then spent time berating the outfield players for standing too far up the pitch as he had had an operation and couldn't kick the ball that far. Nice work down the AS right, ball across the box and the simplest of tap-ins. 4-0. Burnham began to lose the plot and put in a couple of spiteful tackles and deservedly picked up two yellow cards. Late on and an AS break led to a 1 on 1 and the ball coolly slotted past the Burnham keeper. 5-0. FT. Stand out players for AS - No.5, 7 and 47. Entry: Free. Is that even allowed by the FA? Clapton Community FC want to charge less than £4 - but said the FA wouldn't let them. Eh? No programme. Refreshments: Well stocked cafe/bar (no draught beer) with no customers and therefore no queues. £4 for a pint can of Fosters. Attendance. Officially 40. I did a few head counts and never got above 33. Parking: £1.80 via Ring-go. Which inside the North Circular is fair enough. The future of All Stars London FC: On the pitch OK, off of it I fear tough times ahead. Fun fact. Just saw that none of the the bottom 3 Clubs from last season were actually relegated. Attachments:
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