East Gwent League

Division 1

Tuesday 12th September 2023

Kick Off 18.00 On Time!

Underwood 3 Rockfield Rovers 1, attendance 37

10’ 0-1

21’ 1-1

22’ 2-1

41’ 3-1

@ Bishton Playing Fields

Larch Grove

off Waltwood Road

Underwood

NP18 2EW

No Admission or Programme.

This was the first game I’ve watched in the East Gwent League and wasn’t a bad one to start off with, between two ex-Gwent County League (now Gwent Premier League) clubs, currently 2nd versus 3rd in the league table. Having hosted higher level football, the pitch remains fully railed and has a couple of dugouts, one each side of the pitch and a changing room building near the entrance. Oddly, it is known as Bishton Playing Fields, after a village which is a couple of miles south of Underwood itself. It is adjacent to East Gwent Cycle Speedway track, which was very busy tonight and they were operating a tea bar, in the far corner between pitch and track, which was also doing hot food and drinks that was also available to spectators at the football.

The visitors took an early lead, scoring directly from a free kick just outside the 18 yard box, that the ‘keeper got a hand to, but couldn’t keep out. Underwood levelled with a cool side foot finish from 30 yards after the ‘keeper made a hash of an attempted clearance and within a minute it was 2-1, when a cross from the left was headed in at the far post. Four minutes before half-time Underwood made it 3-1 when a diagonal cross from the right was finished with a looping header over the ‘keeper. Surprisingly, that was it for the night as far as any more goals went, but it wasn’t for the lack of trying from both teams.

Nice to have a game that kicked off on time and good to see both teams warming up on the pitch a good 20-25 minutes before the scheduled start time. Halftime only lasted four minutes and we were done and dusted by 19.34. I was even back in England before it got dark!

Ardal North League Cup

1st Round

Saturday 9th September 2023

Kick Off 14.30 Actual 14.32

Llanuwchllyn 3 Llansantffraid Village 1, attendance 45

40’ 0-1 (pen)

48’ 1-1

49’ 2-1

54’ 3-1

@ Cae Llan

Llanuwchllyn Village Hall

Church Street

Llanuwchllyn

LL23 7TY

£4 Admission, including Programme, 8 pages.

Following an overnight stay in Shropshire, it was a pretty straightforward drive into Wales this afternoon. Llanuwchllyn is a couple of miles south west of Bala. My route from leaving the A5 near Knockin, took me via a very spectacular and scenic route through the mountains as I entered Snowdonia National Park, taking me past Lake Tegid (Bala Lake), which was absolutely heaving with people, on another glorious day weather wise, although far too hot for football.

The two clubs play in the Ardal North East League, with this being 4th versus 3rd in the league table. As expected, they were evenly matched and that, along with the searing heat, meant goal chances were at a premium. It certainly doesn’t help when drinks breaks (one in each half) disrupt the game either. Llanuwchllyn did hit the post early on, but the only goal of the half arrived five minutes before the break, going the way of the visitors, converting from the penalty spot. Three minutes into the second half Llanuwchllyn drew level, nicking the ball from a defender before shooting high into the top corner at the near post. A minute later they were in front, chesting down a cross from the right before volleying an unstoppable shot over the ‘keeper and within five minutes it was 3-1, when a 50/50 challenge saw the ball break perfectly for a player following in and he finished low into the bottom corner. Llansantffraid did hit the post late on, but they never really looked like rescuing the game.

The match day programme was certainly one not worth bothering with, perhaps why it’s given away free. Apart from the front cover, where the visiting team spelling is missing a T, there were only two pages that weren’t adverts and I note that the official attendance given on the Cymru App is 23 higher than my headcount at the game!

The ground here, situated behind the village hall, on the left hand side as you enter the village on the B4403 when coming from Bala, is developing into a tidy little set up. A seated stand, another small section of cover in one corner and hard standing along one side and behind the near goal. There are dugouts on the far side and although you can watch from that side, it is just long grass underfoot, whilst the far goal end is out of bounds. There is also a tea bar. Oh, and the scenic views are superb! From the ground entrance you can even see Bala Lake beyond the far goal. After today I’m just left with Llannefydd, in Ardal North West, to complete the top three levels in Wales.

Shropshire County League

Premier Division

Friday 8th September 2023

Kick Off 18.30 Actual 18.29

Shrewsbury Up & Comers 2 Church Stretton Town 1, attendance 115

6’ 1-0

13’ 2-0

61’ 2-1

@ Shrewsbury College of Arts & Technology Athletics Track Pitch

London Road

Shrewsbury

SY2 6PR

£1 Admission

No Programme.

I had seen games on two different grass pitches here at London Road, in totally separate sections of the sports ground, some twenty six years apart, the last of which was back in April, when I also saw a Shrewsbury Up & Comers home game, having seen Shrewsbury Town U18s first time round. With tonight’s game scheduled to take place on the pitch inside the running track, it was an opportunity for visit number three.

There is slightly raised grass banking on the entrance side, where the majority of the crowd watched from, with the pitch roped along this side. There were even some who watched from outside, viewing through the mesh fencing, rather than give the club a measly quid admission money. Refreshments were served from a table, selling cold drinks, sweets and crisps, whilst both teams substitutes/coaches occupied plastic bench seating on the far side.

The match was 3rd versus 9th in the league table, Shrewsbury having won five of their opening seven games, whilst Church Stretton had only played five, winning three and losing the other two. Shrewsbury took the lead after just six minutes, cutting in from the left before beating the ‘keeper at his near post. Seven minutes later they doubled their lead when an angled shot went in off the far post. It looked like it might turn into a real thrashing as they piled on the pressure, but Church Stretton finally settled into it. They did pull a goal back just after the hour mark, but never really had enough to get an equaliser.

It was very hot, so there was a drinks break in each half. The floodlights came on about five minutes before halftime and without them the game would have had no chance of finishing as it was dark well before the end. At least I’ve only got one pitch to complete the set here at London Road now. As it’s the 3G cage that’s left, it might never happen.

Gwent Premier League

Division 1

Wednesday 6th September 2023

Kick Off 18.15 Actual 18.27

Nantyglo 1 Newport Saints 4, attendance 95

6’ 0-1

23’ 0-2

26’ 0-3

62’ 0-4

68’ 1-4

@ Duffryn Park

off A467

Blaina

NP13 3EJ

No Admission or Programme.

Nantyglo had won three and lost one of their opening four league games coming into this, whilst Newport Saints had managed two wins and a draw from their games. The gulf between these two was massive and the result certainly flatters Nantyglo, as they were never really in with a shout of getting anything out of this. They were 0-3 down after twenty six minutes and it could have been worse, as Newport also hit the crossbar twice as well. A header from a corner opened the scoring, before a free kick doubled the lead and the third was smashed into the far corner after the ball wasn’t fully cleared from the box. The fourth goal didn’t arrive until just after the hour mark, finishing off a break down the right with a shot that went in off the underside of the crossbar. Nantyglo did get a consolation goal, poking in a through ball when one on one with the ‘keeper, but they never looked like mounting any type of comeback.

The ground is very good for this level, perhaps testament to the fact it hosted Welsh League football for the majority of the years from the mid 1960’s through to 1990, when it was home to Blaina West Side. A very good crowd too, all watching from one side, where there are high concrete steps, perfect for sitting on, as well as the changing rooms/clubhouse building. The pitch is railed on all bar the right hand goal end and there are a pair of dugouts on the far side, although Nantyglo opted to use a wooden bench in front of the terracing, rather than set up next to the visitors opposite. This probably makes life a lot easier for the Referee as well! Oh yes, there’s also the scenery….on a night like tonight it would be right up there with the best.

Nice to have a trouble free journey both ways and despite the game kicking off twelve minutes late, there was no problem whatsoever with getting the game in before darkness ascended.

Cheltenham League

Premier Division

Tuesday 5th September 2023

Kick Off 18.15 Actual 18.20

Winchcombe Town 8 Fintan 0, attendance 35

3’ 1-0, 4’ 2-0, 12’ 3-0, 41’ 4-0, 50’ 5-0, 62’ 6-0, 67’ 7-0 (pen), 76’ 8-0

@ King George V Playing Field

Mill Lane

Winchcombe

GL54 5LT

No Admission

Programme free, 4 pages.

This was the season opener for Winchcombe Town, whilst Fintan had opened up with a 0-0 draw at home to Shurdington Rovers on Saturday. Unfortunately, Fintan pathetically turned up with just ten players for tonight’s game and despite naming a full side on the team sheet, no other players arrived during the game. They did have a couple of break away attempts, but having gone two goals down inside five minutes and conceding a third goal just eight minutes later, it was all over as a contest. They did battle hard, but it was damage limitation for the vast majority of the match. Four goals by halftime and another four, including a penalty, were easily added in the second half. Winchcombe should really have made it into double figures, but a two minute drinks break in each half(time not added on) and the final whistle coming a minute early, scuppered their chances, not that it really mattered.

Winchcombe Town played on the artificial pitch at Winchcombe School when they were in the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League, but they use their own ground in Mill Lane for Cheltenham League matches, tucked away across a stream and only accessible on foot. There is a changing room building and just about enough of a flat area to fit a pitch. It was roped off on part of one side, running from the changing rooms towards the halfway line.

West Sussex League

Division 2 South

Saturday 2nd September 2023

Kick Off 15.00 Actual 15.04

Wittering United 7 Fittleworth 1, attendance 16

14’ 1-0, 21’ 2-0, 36’ 3-0 (pen), 46’ 4-0, 56’ 5-0, 63’ 6-0 (pen), 69’ 7-0,

85’ 7-1

@ Sherborne Road

Chichester

PO19 3AD

No Admission or Programme.

A function at their normal Bracklesham Barn ground meant this game was switched to Sherborne Road in Chichester. It suited me perfectly, as I continue my quest to see a game on every first team home venue in Sussex. I hadn’t managed to get here when Ambassadors played here last season, before upping sticks and moving to Boxgrove Village Hall, where ironically I saw them play their first game, not knowing at the time that it was to become their permanent base.

Sherborne Road is nothing more than a pitch with a changing room block, but being surrounded by houses and shops on three sides and a children’s play area behind one goal, gives it a bit more of an enclosed feel. Typically, for a council pitch, it was in poor condition, with the penalty spots gouged out and could have really done with a cut.

This was the first league game of the season, as 6th hosted 4th as far as last season’s finishing positions went. It started off quite even, despite Wittering taking an early 2-0 lead. The game was over as a contest when the hosts went 3-0 up from the penalty spot after thirty six minutes, the Fittleworth ‘keeper being red carded for dissent after conceding the kick. With a player short, and an outfield player taking over in goal, it was a case of just how many more the visitors would concede. In the end, it was just the four, including another penalty. Goal of the game was number five for Wittering, intercepting a pass before lashing the ball in from 25 yards. At least Fittleworth managed to get the last goal of the day, having not given up and continuing to battle right to the end.

With the game having kicked off four minutes late, plus having a water break in both halves, as well as a ridiculous amount of added time in the second half, this one didn’t finish until seven minutes past five!

Cheltenham League

Division 1

Thursday 31st August 2023

Kick Off 18.15 Actual 18.17

Leckhampton Rovers 2 Pittville United 1, attendance 18

25’ 1-0

80’ 2-0

81’ 2-1

@ Burrow’s Field

Moorend Grove

Cheltenham

GL53 0HA

No Admission or Programme.

This was the opening game of the season. Leckhampton had finished bottom of the Premier Division last season, whilst Pittville had finished bottom of Division 1, but somehow avoided relegation. Leckhampton led at the break and despite only having a one goal lead, always looked comfortable. They didn’t get their second goal until ten minutes from the end, volleying in at the near post from a corner on the right. Pittville hit back immediately, poking a through ball past the ‘keeper into the far corner to keep themselves in with a chance. Four minutes into stoppage time Leckhampton were reduced to ten men, following a kick at the away ‘keeper following a challenge for a high ball, but it was too late to have any effect on the outcome.

When I last saw Leckhampton play at home, back in 2019, they were using The Folley, which is part of the University of Gloucestershire, but they are now back their own ground at Burrow’s Field. From the car park/changing rooms the pitch, which is to the right of the field, runs lengthways away from here and judging by the old touchline markings, has been moved about ten or twelve yards to the left of its previous location, further from the perimeter. Unfortunately, it hasn’t prevented dog walkers from allowing their pets to use it as a toilet, as we had half a dozen stoppages for dog mess removal during the game.

East Bedfordshire Charity Cup

1st Round

Wednesday 30th August 2023

Kick Off 18.30 Actual 18.31

Blunham 3 Wilstead 5, attendance 28

4’ 0-1

40’ 0-2

56’ 0-3

57’ 1-3

60’ 2-3

68’ 2-4

73’ 2-5

76’ 3-5

@ Moggerhanger Playing Field

Blunham Road

Moggerhanger

MK44 3RD

No Admission or Programme.

These two both play in Bedfordshire County League Division 2 North. Wilstead were well in control following a fourth minute opener and shortly before halftime they doubled their lead. When they made it 0-3 eleven minutes into the second half it looked all over, but Blunham hit back with two goals in the next four minutes to drag themselves back into it. The comeback was short lived though as Wilstead added two more goals of their own and despite scoring late on, there was no way back for Blunham.

This wasn’t scheduled to kick off until 18.30, which was strange considering it would have gone to penalties if the scores were level at ninety minutes. It kicked off a minute late, despite both teams warming up twenty minutes before, and there were three or four minutes added time in the first half. The Referee blew the final whistle five minutes early at the end of the game, which didn’t go down too well with the home club, especially as the light was still holding out.

Yeovil & District League

Division 1

Tuesday 29th August 2023

Kick Off 18.30 Actual 18.34

Lydford 1 Tor 1, attendance 41

45’ + 1, 0-1

62’ 1-1

@ The Charltons Memorial Recreation Ground

Top Road

Charlton Adam

TA11 7BE

No Admission or Programme.

I could have done without heading back down the A303 to Somerset, having only driven back from Devon last night, but this was my nearest unvisited ground that was hosting a game, so decision made. Lydford are newly formed this season and have been placed in Division 1, which is the middle of the three divisions in this league, whilst Tor had won Division 2 last season.

It was a very evenly matched contest. There were plenty of chances at both ends, but it took until stoppage time at the end of the first half for Tor to break the deadlock, when they were actually down to ten men at the time following a sin bin. Lydford equalised just after the hour mark, volleying in at the near post from a corner on the right. The closest we came to either side winning it was when Tor hit the crossbar, but a draw was a fair result in the end.

Home to Lydford is at the Charltons Memorial Recreation Ground, located between the villages of Charlton Adam and Charlton Mackrell, with the address given as the former, which I presume is because it is to the east of the railway line that separates the two. Changing rooms are in the Community Centre, with the pitch, which was in excellent condition, in the far corner to the left of the tennis court.

Devon & Exeter League

Division 3

Monday 28th August 2023

Kick Off 15.00 Actual 15.01

Hemyock 0 East Budleigh Reserves 1, attendance 24

5’ 0-1

@ Longmead Park

Longmead

Hemyock

EX15 3SG

No Admission or Programme.

There was very little choice for me in the South West today, or the whole country for that matter, but this game fitted the bill perfectly, as it was on the route home from Cornwall. Hemyock had opened up their season with a draw at home to Bravehearts on Friday night, whilst this was the season opener for newly promoted East Budleigh Reserves (they finished 5th in Division 4 last season).

When the visitors opened the scoring after just five minutes, I didn’t think it would be the end of the goals for the day, but unfortunately, it was. Both teams had chances, but some woeful finishing meant there was little chance of adding to the score. Hemyock missed a sitter in the second half, when a shot came back off the crossbar, but the follow up was headed wide of the 18 yard box when only six yards out! East Budleigh were the better side overall and would have been disappointed if they hadn’t held on to take the three points.

Home to Hemyock is the recreation ground in the centre of the village. There is a large brick built changing room building, next to the car park, with the pitch at the furthest point from here, running widthways. It is railed on the far side, running round as far as each goal, with plenty of advert boards, as well as a pair of dugouts on the same side.