SAMBA NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE WEEKEND REVIEW

 SAMBA NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE WEEKEND REVIEW

With Tier Three being placed all over Nottinghamshire in the midweek, the Leagues Fixture Secretary tweeted a few of the games around to ensure some football was played this weekend.

In the Premier Division with the top four not playing, Woodthorpe Park Rangers took advantage of this and came back from Keyworth United with all three points after a 3-1 win with goals from Kaylum Taylor, Adam Limb and James Forbes, with the greens goals coming from Jahred Russell, this was Rangers fourth win in the trot. Second from bottom Magdala Amateurs travelled to Southwell City and defended well and came away with a share of the points after a goalless draw, whilst Bilborough Town who have had a awful October slumped to another defeat at home to the hands of Burton Joyce, Burton Joyce can thank Nathan Francis, Josh Gardner and Curtis James for their goals in a 3-0 win. Bottom of the table club Calverton Miners Welfare with lots of new faces under their new manager couldnt get a result at FC Cavaliers when crashing 8-1, Siraj Chitula scored five, with new signing Louis Czerwak getting a brace and Chad Richards adding to the scoresheet, with the Miners scorer Adam Kemp.

The action began on Friday evening in Division One, when pointless Kimberley Miners Welfare Reserves played host to midtable United Grays, but the formbook went out the window in front of a crowd of 40, when the Miners won 3-0 with goals from Jamie Marks, Dom Brown and Finlay Hayes. On to Saturdays games and FC Sez finally lost their 100% record when drawing 1-1 at home to Radcliffe Olympic,  Sez's goal came from Sam McElroy with Matt Gamble scoring for the visitors. AFC Top Valley continued their 100% record in third place when making it five wins from five when beating Bridgford United 5-1. Jake and Joe Gunn both got a brace a piece with Mo Amar  scoring for the Valley, with Jourdan Blair replying for United. Wollaton Reserves have nowscored 15 goals in their last two games after a 7-0 home win against Radford Reserves, The Sugerbags scorers were Luke Davies with a hat trick, Christian Mantezolo with a brace and Ryan Pearson scoring the goals. Southwell City Reserves are up to ninth with a narrow 3-2 home win against struggling Kirton Brickworks, City's goals being scored by Ollie McCourt, Lewis Godson and Richard Ducker, the two Brickies goals coming from Callum Kniveton and Kyle Nicholson.

In Division Two North, with leaders FC George without a game, Quarrydale United had the chance to leapfrog to the top, but it wasnt to be their day as they lost 3-2 away at improving Ravenshead Reds. The result lifts The Reds up to fourth place after goals from Barney Watson, Adam  Martin and a own goal, whilst the Dales goals coming from Jacob Reeve and Blake Vincent. Pythian Reserves were held 1-1 draw at home against Beeston Development, The Pythians goal was a own goal, whilst Developments Xhuliano Quse netted. FC Mansfield are now four games unbeaten after a home win against Blidworth Welfare Red at their Bilsthorpe ground, the teams went in level at 1-1 at half time but a improved second half display saw FC win 5-1. FC's goals from Jordan Coleman with a brace and one a piece from Bradley Hall, Aaron Norman and James Prudence, whilst James Henry scored for the Red. Arnold Town Reserves finally got their first points of the season when beating Ballers 8-3 away, The young Eagles goals coming from a hat trick by James Kind and single goals from Tyler Cobb, Harry Warwick, Jacob Marshall and player manager Ashley Marshall and a own goal. Ballers goals came from Jez Brown, Bradley Palmer and debutant Jordan Percival.

In Division Two South there are new league leaders in Pythian FC after they beat bottom of the table Aslockton & Orston Reserves 9-0, both Michael Lindsay and Jake Kane weighed in with hat tricks, Jack Storrie scoring a brace and Jobe Stephens netting. East Leake Robins remain a point behind after a 6-1 home win against Bingham Town Reserves, Mason Ball and Dan Starbuck both scored a brace with single goals from Tom Hardy and Nathan Ball doing the damage, whilst Town's goal coming from Chris Bradford. On the same number of points and with a 100% record and a game in hand are Keyworth United Reserves who narrowly beat Fernwood Foxes 4-3 at Platt Lane, The young Greens scorers were Tom Siswick, Conor Pawley, Sam Wood and Peter Frame, the Foxes goals came from James Martin with two and Will Taylor. Burton Joyce Reserves made it a good day for their club after a 3-1 away victory at West Bridgford AFC Reserves, Tom Rowlands with a brace and Alfie Harper sealed the points for them, with AFC's goal scored by George Samson. Over at the Welfare Ground in Cotgrave, their reserves played out a 1-1 draw against AC United, Jordan Hopkinson scoring for the Miners with United's scorer Lord Marfo. In the A1 derby match, it was the visitors AFC Colsterworth that returned down the road from long Bennington with all three points after keenly contested 3-2 victory AFC'S scorers were Harry Angeloni, Marshall Bancroft and Jamie Short, whilst Oliver Bridges and Max Hardy netted for Bennington.

In the Foundation Division, Netherfield Seniors kept up their 100% record after a strong 1-0 win away at Carlton Town Reserves with a goal from |James Needham, but they must thank their keeper Callum Marks as he saved a penalty for the second week running. Up in to second place are AFC Bull Farm who left things very late to snatch a 2-1 away win at Sutton Travellers, John Brentnall opening the scoring for the Bulls in the first half before Travellers Martin Tatterson equalled things up half way through the second half, as the game was in to injury time, Bulls experianced striker Will Cox was on hand to scoop home the winner. South Notts AFC continued their good form with a 6-2 home win against lowly Nottinghamshire FC, Connaire Seery led the way with a hat trick, Remel White adding a brace with a goal from Miles Hodelin. Nottinghamshire's scorers were Robbie Breslin and Jentzen Davies. Manor won the battle in a  seven goal thriller 4-3 against Rainworth Seniors, Manors scorers were Alex Robinson with two, Oliver Jackson and Toby Robertson, with Seniors goals coming through Jordan Hudson, Josh Grant and Josh Morris.

Just a few mentions of news from this past week

Credit must go out to Pythian FC who had both their sides playing at home on Saturday and before the matches handed out chip cobs/rolls to children and families who were struggling as part of the Marcus Rashford campaign, there was also thanks to FC Sez who also supported the event by dropping off food.

Finally it would not go amiss without mentioning volunteers who do so much behind the scenes without being noticed most the time, sadly football does just happen hen players turn up and play, there are some days and nights when people stay up and make things happen and provide services for games to go ahead from young people to old in all forms of the non league game, so it was a pleasure to hear that this season Ian Goulding of Cotgrave FC has been awarded the FA's Volunteer of the Year..well done Ian.

LAST GASP COX SEALS BULLS WIN

 Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League - Foundation Division

SUTTON TRAVELLERS FC 1 AFC BULL FARM 2

played at Sutton Lawns

When I picked out this match a few weeks ago, it was to be played at the Travellers home at Ashfield School Grounds, but due to it being half term week, the venue had been altered to Sutton Lawns, a lovely park on a lovely day, but as I left home this lunchtime and on the way there, it was hammering down and some of the roads were becoming flooded, so I was a bit concerned if the game would be on or not and in my head I had back up plans for games B and C, on arrival the rain had stopped, but it was a very grey day, so the wife took my camera home.

After getting both line up's, I headed down to pitchside, as the game was being played on the top grass pitch, that looked in good condition considering the downpour that had just taken place and then came out the sun but with it came a very strong wind that continued right through the match.

The game kicked off and both sides matched each other for the first twenty matches, both going close with efforts. The game opened up in the 25th minute, when JOSHUA BRENTNALL cut in to the area from the left and curled his shot in to the far corner of the net to give the visitors the lead.

AFC then pressed forward and their two forwards Brentnall and Cox went close with efforts but at half time only had the one goal to show for their efforts. The Second Half saw Bull Farm miss chance after chance and had a couple of efforts cleared off the line, whilst Travellers played on the counter attack, but as the game wore on, Travellers became more confident and pressed forward a lot more and got a deserved equaliser in the 66th minute, when MARTIN TATTERSON chipped the advancing keeper to make it 1-1.

Sutton then had the best spell of the game and looked the more likely to get a winner and in the 83rd minute nearly got a goal when a great header was destined for the top corner of the net was matched by a superb save and pushed over the bar by the visiting keeper.

With time running out and well in to injury time, Bull Farm got a corner on the left hand side, which the home side failed to clear and WILLIAM COX was first to react and scoop the ball home for the win for his side.

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE PREVIEW 30/31-10-2020

 SAMBA NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE PREVIEW FOR 30th-31st OCTOBER

The week in the Nottinghamshire areas has been a matter of ifs and whats, firstly with Nottingham and some of the outlaying councils in to Tier 3 whilst some stayed in Tier 2, so a lot of fixtures were altered around, only for the following day, it to be announced that the whole of Nottinghamshire was going in to Tier 3, this still caused a few problems with some clubs who are on the borderlines of the county and also players who travel cant travel in to a Tier 3 area from a Tier 2 area to play for their clubs. So after a lot of work by the strong Notts Senior League Committee and their clubs, some hard and difficult decisions to be made, with FA guidelines and restrictions and co operation with all the clubs, we are pleased that the majority of clubs will play matches this weekend.

We kick off on Friday evening in Division One at the Stag Ground, Kimberley as the Miners Welfare Reserves who are bottom host mid table United Grays with a 7.30pm kick off.

On to Saturday and in the Premier Division game of the day takes place at Butts Field where top of the table Bingham Town face Second placed Wollaton FC, both clubs putting their unbeaten starts to the season on the line, whilst third placed AFC Dunkirk will be hoping that if the top two draw, they can take a opportunity and gain three points away at Bilborough Town. Town have lost their last three matches but have added to their squad and could have a few new faces in to face the Boatmen. Fifth placed Woodthorpe Park Rangers will be hoping to make it four wins on the trot as they travel to Platt Lane to face Keyworth United who themselves will be looking for points to move them away from the bottom part of the table. Southwell City will be hoping to carry on with their shooting boots after a 7-0 away win last weekend at Calverton when they host lowly positioned Magdala Amateurs who have only taken one point out of their six matches so far this season. Another side on only one point so far this season are Burton Joyce who host Cotgrave FC who sit in eighth place. Two teams who have been making plenty of changes to their squads this week face each other at the Forest Zone as FC Cavaliers play host to Calverton Miners Welfare, Cavs have only won one match this season, whilst their visitors are yet to register a point.

In Division One, with Second placed Ravenshead FC without a game, 100% leaders FC Sez can use one of their games in hand when they host Radcliffe Olympic, if Sez win they extend the gap at the top to five points and still have a game in hand, whilst Olympic have run in to a bit of form of late and are now three matches unbeaten, though Sez did beat them 3-2 earlier last month. A tight match is expected down at Beeston FC where they take on Ruddington Village, whilst over on the outide pitch at Eagle Valley, AFC Top Valley will be looking to make it five wins from five when they host Bridgford United. Two teams on nine points meet as Wollaton Reserves host Radford Reserves, both teams may have players making their club debuts after signing this week, whilst Southwell City Reserves will be looking to move away from the bottom part of the table when hosting a new look Kirton Brickworks.

In Division Two North last week, FC Geordie went top after beating Quarrydale United, but with Geordie having no fixture this weekend, it could well be Quarrydale who go back to the top if they can defeat Ravenshead Reds, the Reds are currently sitting in sixth position and will also want the win to stay in touch with the teams above them, meanwhile over at Blisthorpe, FC Mansfield face Blidworth Red Welfare. Pythian Reserves have home advantage as they take on Beeston Development who won their first match in the NSL last weekend, whilst two teams without a win meet when Ballers FC play host to Arnold Town Reserves.

Match of the day in Division Two South is 3rd v 1st when East Leake Robins face Bingham Town Reserves, any slip ups will play in to the hands of second placed Pythian FC who host bottom of the table Askockton & Orston Reserves. Keyworth United Reserves will be hoping to keep their 100% record going by making  seven wins out of seven when they host Newark based Fernwood Foxes.  Two teams that won last weekend face each other at the Welfare ground when Cotgrave Reserves meet AC United. Burton Joyce Reserves travel to West Bridgford AFC Reserves in a match where both side will be looking for points, whilst the leagues two most easterly clubs meet in the A1 Derby match when Long Bennington play hosts to AFC Colsterworth S & S.

In the Foundation League, the top two meet at Victoria Park, Teal Close, where second placed Carlton Town Reserves host Netherfield Seniors, whilst waiting for any slip ups will be third placed AFC Bull Farm who travel away to face Sutton Travellers at Sutton Lawns, the venue has been altered due to Ashfield School being closed for half term. Rainworth Seniors travel just down the road to face Manor FC where both teams will be looking to take the points, meanwhile two teams meet that both won last weekend when South Notts AFC have home advantage to Nottinghamshire FC. 

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE REVIEW 24/10/2020

 SAMBA NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE REVIEW FOR 24/10/20

On a afternoon of torrential rain, plenty of great football was played in the Notts Senior League with soe of the divisions swopping league leaders and this happened at the top of the Premier Division where Bingham Town continued their 100% start to the season with a away 10-0 win at Attenborough FC. Town's scorers were Jake Hardy with four, Arron Large with a hat trick with other goals coming from Jay Archer & Michael Jepps and also a own goal. Meanwhile previous table toppers Wollaton travelled to The Poplars and had to rely on a last second free kick from Luke Smith at Burton Joyce to snatch a point in a 1-1 draw, with Nathan Francis scoring earlier on for the Greens. AFC Dunkirk move on to the same number of points as Wollaton when beating Cotgrave FC 3-2 with a brace from Danny Blanchard and Keiron Christie scoring the winner, Cotgraves scorers were Kyle Waddell and Harry Wood. Stapleford Town also had a 3-2 home victory when beating Keyworth United, Stabbo's goalscorers were Michael Robb, Junior Rodrigue and Kieran Diver, with Keyworth replying through Scott Litchfield and Jahred Russell. Woodthorpe Park Rangers extended their winning streak to four when beating Aslockton & Orston 6-0, Rangers scoring through Markell Bailey twice, Conor Carter, Jamie Humpries, Kaylum Taylor and a own goal whilst at the Roko it wasnt too good a day for Magdala as they went down at home 5-0 to Ilkeston FCB. Southwll City ended a run of poor form as they bounced back to win 7-0 away at Calverton Miners Welfare, with Ben Selby and Brad Pearce McDonald helping themselves to a brace a piece and Will Stocks, Stewart Gill and Chris Bowles adding the others. Sandiacre Town moved up in to ninth place after a 3-0 home win against FC Cavaliers with Yoan Pevkov scoring twice and Alex Beno netting for the Saints.

In Division One, we also have new league leaders as  FC Sez continued their 100% record in a close encounter with a 4-3 win away at United Grays, Cameron Thurgood adding two goals and Max Rowbotham and sub Sam McElroy, with Grays goals coming from Tyron Gray with two and sub Letisser Flemings. Surprise of the day came at previous leaders Ravenshead FC as they were well beaten 6-1 at home to Beeston Fc who picked up only their second win of the season, the damage was caused in the first half as the orangemen strolled in to a 5-0 lead, their scorers were Lee Fowler with two, Tom Coupe, Ben Knight, James Murray and Shaun Turney with a late goal for the ravens coming from Martin McDonagh. Ruddington Village move up in to third after a 7-3 away victory over Bridgford United, Dan Neary with a hat trick, James Chiu with two, Jack Dickie and Ross Cochrane-Smith netting for the Village. Dropping in to fifth are Hucknall Town Reserves who lost 3-1 away at Meden Vale Colts in the north of the county, the Colts scorers were George Camps, Daniel Tyson and Jake Crunkhorn. AFC Top Valley continued their 100% record but have only played four matches so far, but they narrowly beat bottom of the table Kimberley Miners Welfare Reserves 1-0. Radcliffe Olympic recorded their highest win for some time when beating Radford Reserves 6-0, with new signing Ethan Hunter helping himself to a hat trick, player manager Joe Hegarty adding two and Andy McLean completing the scoring. Kirton Brickworks have had a very busy week off the pitch installing a new manager in Jon Allsop and signing many new players but it wasnt a good start for them as they went down 8-2 away at Wollaton Reserves, the sugarbags reserves scorers were Damion Humphries with a hat trick and one each for Ryan Peason, Luke Davis, Jack Sanders, Archie Wood and Adam Wright. Two clubs towards the lower end of the table met with Southwell City Reserves winning at home 2-1 against West Bridgford AFC, the Zebras goals coming from Joe Wright and Phil Phillips.

The top of Division Two North is so close.we have seen three teams at the summit in just two weeks, this week saw last weeks table toppers Quarrydale go to second placed FC Geordie, the home side won 4-2 to overtake Quarrydale in a fiecely contested match. Troy Smith with two forst half goals set them on theirway, but Quarrydale pulled a goal back just after half time through Dan Fisher, but further home goals through Mason Bramwell and a fourty yard free kick by Callum Bradwell sealed the points before Dan Fisher scored near the end for United. A Calvin Hopkinson hat trick and Matt Lake kept Trent Vineyard after a 4-2 home win against Ballers FC. United Grays Community won for the first time in four outings when beating Brinsley 7-0 with hat tricks coming from both Rob England and Ash Foster, with Courtney Samuels adding to the total. Ravenshead Reds moved up to sixth with a 2-1 away win at Blidworth Welfare Red, Ravensheads goals coming from Ben Scott and Dale Rippey. Pythian Reserves suffered a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of AFC Cresswell, the north nottinghamshire sides scorers were Ben Copestake and Arron Darch. Both Bilborough Town Development and AFC Mansfield are now both undefeated in the past three matches as they draw against each other 3-3. AFC scorers were Jerome Carr, Jordan Coleman and George Cartwright. Beeston Development recorded their first ever victory in the NSL when beating Arnold Town Reserves 5-1. Harry Pownall scored a hat trick with Rawi Abdalwanis and Joe Cohen adding the other goals, The Eagles reply came fromTruzzel Spencer.

In Division Two South, there are still four teams separated by just one point, The top two are level with Bingham Town Reserves just ahead of Pythian on goal difference, Town made it 6 wins on the trot as they beat Fernwood Foxes 4-1, with a brace from Phil Leggett and goals from Chris Bradford and Jake Boyes, whilst Pythian left things late at home against Rushcliffe, the visitors lead through Callum Cossey but then were reduced to ten men before a last ten minute fightback and turnaround with Jake Kane netting twice for Pythian. In third a point behind are East Leake Robins who had no problems in a 9-0 away win at bottom side Aslockton & Orston Reserves, with goals through Luke Hardy with a hat trick, Oliver Kelly two and other goals being scored by Mason Ball, Nathan Ball, Tom Hardy and sub Dan Starbuck. With a game in hand and a 100% record are Keyworth United Reserves who beat West Bridgford AFC Reserves 3-0, with goals coming from Jack Palmer, Tom Siswick and Sam Clements. AC united moved up in to sixth place after a 4-0 win over Long Bennington through a Dan Asuenimhen hat trick and a Lord Marfo goal. The match at Barrowby was abandoned in the second half against Elston United, when the home keeper suffered a injury, we all wish him the best. Burton Joyce Reserves gained a away point at Ruddington Village Reserves after a 2-2 result. Cotgrave Reserves missed two penalties in their 4-1 win against AFC Colsterworth, with both McCaulay Reed and Lewis Robertson bagging a brace a piece.

In the Foundation League, table toppers Netherfield Seniors continue their fine form with a 3-1 win over Stapleford Town Development but must be in debt to their keeper Callum Marks who saved two penalties in the match, Callum Cocks scored twice with super sub James Needham adding to the home sides total, whilst Brad Thompson netted for the visitors. Carlton Town Reserves remain in second place after a home 5-3 win against Manor FC, Dill Cadoret and Ulrich Tchouleng both scoring twice and Josh Brown did the scoring. AFC Bull Farm sit in third place with a game in hand on the two teams above them, with a 3-1 win against AFC Vernon, The Bulls goals scored by Richard Bingley with two and Ash Siddell adding. South Notts AFC moved level with Rainworth Seniors the team they beat 5-3, but they had to rely in two of their subs in Ruggero Osei and Remel White who both scored twice and Daruis Clanetaru also netting. Wollaton III hosted Sutton Travellers and they shared the points after a 2-2 draw, whilst finally a last gasp winner for Nottinghamshire saw them win for the first time in the NSL for a long time when Charlie Breslin netted at Rushcliffe Ravens.

GEORDIE REPLACE QUARRYDALE AT THE TOP

Samba Nottinghamshire Senior League

Division Two North

FC GEORDIE 4 QUARRYDALE UNITED FC 2

Going in to the match Quarrydale United lead the table by a single point from second placed FC Geordie, so a tight game was expected here at the William Lee Ground in Calverton in the lashing cold rain,as I stood under the shelter of a line of trees which didnt give that much shelter as the leaves were falling off in the slight breeze.

Both sides line ups were handed in quite early to match referee Gary Bryant and soon the game was on its way, with both teams teasing each other for the early breakthrough, as the rain got heavier and the ball got pitch covered in leaves became a bit slippy but not dangerous.

I was soon joined by local Mansfield based hopper Peter Watmough who had caught two buses and got soaked walking from the bus stop to the ground and also a referees assessor who's name Ive forgotten again from the Newark area but comes from down Cornwall way.

In the 27th minute, the deadlock was broken when FC's top striker TROY SMITH found the back of the net to give his side the lead. Geordie had got their tails up and how they didnt score another two in two minutes couldnt be believed by the home crowd as the ball bobbled around the area and the visiting keeper made two reflex saves, but in the 32nd minute he could do little when it became 2-0 when the ball was cut back from the right side for TROY SMITH to head home.

Quarrydale pressed forward but also found the home keeper in fine form and no way past him. After the half time break, it was Quarrydale with the first chance of the half and DANIEL FISHER pulled his side back in to the game as he blasted his shot home. All thoughts of a comeback though  disappeared within minutes, when MASON BRAMWELL headed his side in to a 3-1 lead. The game was really open and end to end with keepers making saves and tough tackles going in from both sides which you would expect in a top of a table clash.

The rain began to ease a little and a free kick was hit long from 40 yards by CALLUM BRADWELL after 65 minutes which dipped over the keepers net, it took a while before some people noticed that the ball had nestled in to the back of the net to begin the players celebrating.

With the clock running down in the 77th minute, Quarrydale was awarded a penalty after a handball incident inside of the home area and was duly dispatched by DANIEL FISHER to set upa tense last thirteen minutes, but in the 82 nd minutes, things got worse for the visitors as they were reduced to ten men after a second yellow card was shown

70 photos from the match can be seen on this LINK

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE WEEKEND PREVIEW - 24/10/2020

 NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE WEEKEND PREVIEW - 24/10/2020

Premier Division Table toppers Wollaton FC are on their travels to The Poplars, where they face Burton Joyce FC who are seeking their first point of the season, Burton are looking to bring in a new signing before the weekend, whilst Second placed Bingham will be looking to preserve their 100% start with another win away at Attenborough FC, though the home side have won two of their last three matches. Third placed AFC Dunkirk play host to fifth placed Cotgrave FC, the visitors suffered their first loss of the season last Saturday to Wollaton, whilst the boatmen will be looking to build on their unbeaten start to the season. Any slip ups with the top three and fourth placed Stapleford Town who host Keyworth United will be looking to gain ground on them. Two teams that have both won their past two matches meet at Basford United,where the Oranges of Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC face Aslockton & Orston FC, the fixture at Aslockton finished in a 1-1 draw, so another close encounter could well be on the cards. The Budgies of Magdala Amateurs will be hoping that their luck alters as they host inform Ilkeston Town FCB at the Roko,  Under new management Calverton MW will be looking to get themselves off the bottom of the table as they host mid table Southwell City who have gone through a bit of a results tough time recently, so this will be a good match for both clubs to get some points on the board. Tenth place plays fifthteen place when Sandiacre Town welcome FC Cavaliers to St Giles with both sides making new signings this week.

In Division One, at the top Ravenshead FC going into their home match against Beeston FC unbeaten in their past six matches though did drop points last Saturday in a away draw at Radcliffe Olympic, just on their toes boasting a 100% record having played two games less and only a point behind are FC Sez who travel to the outside pitches of Basford United to face United Grays FC. Hucknall Town Reserves travel to Meden Vale Colts to try and narrow the gap on the top two, whilst fourth placed Ruddington Village travel to Basil Russell where they will face Bridgford United FC. AFC Top Valley who are playing catch up having only played three games so far host bottom of the table Kimberley MW Reserves on a outside pitch at Eagle Valley, whilst on the main pitch at Eagle Valley, Gedling Southbank face Stapleford Town Reserves. Down at Wharf Lane, Radcliffe Olympic will be looking to build on last weeks draw when facing Radford Reserves, whilst West Bridgford AFC travel to Southwell City Reserves, Wollaton Reserves face Kirton Brickworks who have lost their manager this week but have signed five new players in time for the weekend fixture.

Division Two North sees a top of the table clash when leaders Quarrydale United FC head to the William Lee Memorial Ground to face second placed FC Geordie, any slip ups or a draw in this game could well let  Fourth placed Pythian Reserves who have signed a couple of new players this week host AFC Cresswell from the north of the county close the gap up at the top. At Unwin Road, it is the battle of the Reds, as Blidworth Reds face Ravenshead Reds. Trent Vineyard must fancy their chances of points as they are unbeaten in their past four games, when at home to Ballers FC who gained their first point of the season last Saturday. FC Mansfield have won their last two matches away and they are on the road again when they travel to Bilborough Town Development who themselves are unbeaten in their last two games. United Grays Community have lost their last three matches and are at home to Brinsley who will be trying to gain their first point of the season after losing all five of their matches so far. Meanwhile two ther teams trying to get their first victory of the season are Beeston Development who take on the young eagles of Arnold Town Reserves who have been making a few new signings over the past few weeks.

In Division Two South, anything could alter after this Saturday matches with four teams separated by just one point, at the top on goal difference are Bingham Town Reserves who are at home against Fernwood Foxes, whilst Pythian FC with new signings this week including Tobias Richardson from Woodthorpe Park Rangers, as they host Rushcliffe FC, one point behind are East Leake Robins who travel to bottom of the table club Aslockton & Orston Reserves, whilst Keyworth United Reserves having played one game less and having a 100% record are at home to West Bridgford AFC Reserves who only have one point. Sixth plays Fifth when Barrowby FC meet Elston United FC, Long Bennington United travel to the Forest Zone to take on AC United. Tow teams looking to bounce back after defeats in their last games are meeting at Elms Park as Ruddington Village Reserves welcome Burton Joyce Reserves, two teams looking for points meet at the Welfare Ground when Cotgrave Reserves face AFC Colsterworth S & S.

In the Foundation Division, Netherfield Seniors will be looking to preserve their 100% start to the season when hosting fifth placed Stapleford Town Development to the Richard Herrod Centre, whilst second faced Carlton Town Reserves will be looking to carry on where they finished off last week in fine form against Manor FC, third placed AFC Bull Farm are also at home with their new signing Will Cox from Meden Vale Colts when they face AFC Vernon. Its sixth versus fourth when Rainworth Seniors head to South Notts AFC, with Wollaton III hosting Sutton Travellers who have a few games in hand on clubs above them in the table. Nottinghamshire grabbed their first point of the season last week, but travel to Rushcliffe Ravens who will be wanting to forget last Saturdays match and get on to the pitch and try and get something out of this match.

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE REVIEW - 16/17 OCTOBER 2020

 SAMBA NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE REVIEW

It is as you were at the top of the Premier Division as Wollaton lead the way after a impressive 3-0 win away at Cotgrave FC with Adam Hassell scoring a brace and Luke Smith adding himself to the scoresheet, meanwhile second placed Bingham Town continued their 100% record winning their sixth match on the trot with a 3-0 home victory against Bilborough Town, the home sides scorers were Ewan Sweeting, Tom Spencer and Sam Mellor.  Despite going a goal behind at home to Sandacre Town, AFC Dunkirk turned things around in a 5-2 victory with goals from Danny Blandard with two, McKenna Parton, Kian Bell and Nath Appiah, in return the visitors scorers were Keaton Matharu and sub Yoan Pevkov.  Fourth placed Stapleford Town slipped up at home in a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Woodthorpe Park Rangers, Towns scorers were Sam Poole and Sam Harbottle, whilst Rangers hit the net through Conor Carter, Connor Scott Parkin and James Lawrence Forbes getting the winner. Southwell City have hit  a losing streak at present having lost the last four matches and today lost 1-0 at home to Ilkeston Town FCB with Calick Dunkley scoring the winner for the Robins. Aslockton & Orston won their second match of the season when narrowly beating Magdala Amatuers 3-2 at their Spa Lane ground, Jack Robb, James Langridge and Pierce Hallam were the Locks scorers, whilst the Budgies scorers were Tom Groves and Ellis Carter.  FC Cavaliers crashed 3-0 at home to Attenborough FC with Adam Martin leading the way with two goals and Matt Jamieson finding the net. On Friday evening, Awsworth Villa won at Keyworth United as they made it two wins in two matches to over take their rivals in the lead table, a cracking match watched in from of a crowd of nearly 60 spectators from as far away as Newcastle,

Division One kicked off on Friday evening at bottom of the table Kimberley MW Reserves who were looking for their first points of the season as they hosted local rivals Hucknall Town Reserves in front of a superb attendance of 187, sadly it wasnt to be the Miners night as they lost 6-1, Blaise Duruaku with 2 goals and the others coming from Louis Kinnerley, Macaulay Spencer, James Terry and Eugene Francis. Meanwhile on to this afternoons matches and Ravenshead FC dropped points at the top of the table when scoring late in a 2-2 away draw at Radcliffe Olympic, Brent Horton and Jason Yates netting for Ravenshead, whilst Olympic's scorers were Ben Castell and Nick Levack.  Cutting in to Ravenshead FC's lead at the top are FC Sez who have two games in hand and only one point behind and still boast a 100% record after a 5-1 home victory over Meden Vale Colts with Cameron Thurgood hitting a hat trick, whilst Ben Hallet and Sam McElroy weighed in with the other two goals, George Camps scored for the Colts. Dan Neary's brace helped Ruddington Village to climb in to fourth place in the table after a 2-0 win over United Grays who had two players sent off.  All in the scoring action at Eagle Valley happened in the first half with goals shared between Gedling Southbank and Southwell City Reserves in a 2-2 draw, Mason Coy and Gianfranco Ciaurro netting for Southbank whilst Liam Gleeson and Rob Brown both hit the net for City, close to the end of the game Ryan Watkinson saw a red card for Gedling Southbank. In a local derby match Beeston FC were held at home to a 1-1 draw by Stapleford Town Reserves, whilst Bridgford United won their second match of the season when winning 3-0 away at Wollaton Reserves, with goals from Diego Zidek(2) and Ibrahim Hamad. 

Division Two North's game of the day took place at Bentinick Welfare Ground, where before the game second met top, but it was second placed Quarrydale United that now move top and Beeston Old Boys Association dropped to third after a exciting 4-3 win for the Dales. Quarrydales scorers were Daniel Fisher, Danny Simpson, Reece Martin and Luke Yeoman, whilst Old Boys scorers were George Harrold, Shaun Smith and Federico Rincon Mora. Up in to second place leap FC Geordie who won 6-2 away at AFC Creswell. The Geordies scorers were led by Troy Smith with a hat trick, with Mason Bramwell, Callum Bradwell and Franklin Fitzmaurice hitting the net, Creswell's scorers were Aaron Darch and Ryan Colbert. Pythian Reserves won 4-2 at home against pointless Arnold Town Reserves, Pythain's Phillip Smith with two goals, Marvin Hudson and Luke Hallam scored the home sides goals whilst the Eagles goals were scored by Martin Bassey and Tuzzell Spencer scored on his debut. Beeston Development FC didnt have the best of days having to play their match at Blidworth Reds with only ten men after Don Howarth was dismissed on 30 minutes and the Reds went on to a 4-1 home victory to lift the North Nottinghamshire club up to fifth in the table with goals from James Henry, Conner Pilmore, Jamie Bourn and Leon Bartle, whilst the Developments late goal came from Sammy Joe Smith. Sixth placed Trent Vineyard are now unbeaten in their past four matches but had to settle for a away draw at Ravenshead Reds, their goal coming through Matt Lake with Reds scoring through Ben Scott. The Reds sit a point behind Vineyard in the league table. United Grays Community slipped to their third defeat in a row, this time to improving FC Mansfield 3-1, the Mansfield sides scorers were Aaron Norman, James Prudance and sub Josh Booth, Buba Cham was Community's man on target. Ballers FC picked up their first point of the season when sharing eight goals in a 4-4 home draw against Bilborough Town Development.

In Division Two South, two teams are on 16 points but it is Bingham Town Reserves on top through goal difference after a 2-0 victory away at Rushliffe FC with Chris Bradford and Jake Boyes, level with Town are Pythian who were involved in a ten goal thriller away at AFC Colsterworth S & S coming away with a 6-4 win. Michael Lindsay hit a hat trick for the second week running with Dom Furniss, Jake Kane and Jordan Dilks scoring the six goals, the homesters goals came from Thomas Figura with two and Sam Scothern and Josh Atter. Third placed East Leake Robins did their goal advantage no harm at all when winning away at Burton Joyce Reserves 7-1 with Man of the match Mason Ball netting five times for the Robins added by Tom Roper and Nathan Bell, Burtons goal coming from Nathan Francis. On the same number of points as East Leake are Keyworth United Reserves who had a narrow 3-2 win away at AC United, Jack Palmer scored twice and Tom Siswick for the Greens whilst AC's goals came from Lord Marfo. Barrowby FC have moved up to sixth place with a 4-0 win over Aslockton & Orston Reserves, Barrowby's scorers were Brandon Lee with a hat trick and Alex Geeson.  Long Bennington grabbed their first win of the season when beating Cotgrave Reserves 3-2, The Bens goals coming from Jacob Baker, Korban Reed and Sam Wright, Cotgraves replies came from a duo by Jordan Hopkinson.

Just four games in the Foundation Division, but it did produce thirty six goals amongst them. Going in to the match, Netherfield Seniors knew that a point would put then at the summit of the table and after 40 minutes they took the lead through Callum Cocks but within a minute, South Notts AFC were level through a bullet of a diving header by Ruggerio Orgi, but just before half time, Callum Cocks converted a penalty to put his side in to a 2-1 lead. In the Second Half Netherfield sealed their win with another three goals with Greg McLean scoring a brace and sub James Needham netting. Carlton Town Reserves moved up in to second place after a 14-1 home win over Rushcliffe Ravens, Town Reserves were 10-0 up at half time. The Carlton scorers were Richidou Akpo, Dill Cadoret and Eathan Stephen Antony all scoring hat tricks, with Mark Thomas Sengati scoring twice and other goals coming from Arthur Oliver, Kieran Parker and sub Josh Walters. Meanwhile Jay Brown scored for the Ravens. Manor FC inflicted Sutton Travellers first defeat on them when beating them 6-2 at the Manor Complex. Sam Murphy led his team with a hat trick and Oliver Jackson, Jason Straw and Lewis Crofts weighed in with the goals, The Travellers scorers were Steve Smith and Nathan Atkinson. Nottinghamshire FC got thir first point of the season as they gained a 3-3 draw at home to Wollaton III, the home scorers were Dylan Curtis, Tyrone Cairns and Robbie Breslin, whilst the Sugababes thirds scorers were Stephen Smith, Alex Barber and Thomas Gunning.

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SENIORS TAKE POLE IN THE FOUNDATION

 NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE: FOUNDATION DIVISION

NETHERFIELD SENIORS FC 5 SOUTH NOTTS AFC 1

Having never been to the Richard Herrod Centre in Carlton before, it gave me a great opportunity not only to go there but to see two new clubs that have joined the NSL this season, the hosts were going in to the match a 100% record and South Notts AFC going in to the match having won two of their four first matches and drawn one, so I had a feeling that this was going to be a close match.

On arrival I was greeted by the club secretary who kindly made me and Hazel a cuppa, whilst Shawn was entertaining the visiting team's supporters with his silly jokes. I was then joined by Match official Brian Kilburn who Id not seen for some years, so nice to have a catch up chat and also Seniors Manager Dave Argyle who was track and tracing everyone that moved.

The game kicked off and there was nothing between the two sides as they both were forcing each others defences and goalkeepers in to action as the action flowed from end to end. The first goal was going to be vital and this came in the 40th minute, when a ball from the right side was met by CALLUM COCKS who hit goalbound, but the keeper pushed the ball out but the striker was first to react to pump the ball in to the net to give the hosts the lead. All credit to the visitors as from the kick off, the ball was played to the left wing and from a pinpoint cross found RUGGERO OSEI with a diving header with the goal of the day for the equaliser. As the game was heading towards half time, Netherfield pressed forward for one final attack of the First Half and their winger was bought down in the box, so up stepped CALLUM COCKS who converted the penalty to put his side in to a half time break lead of 2-1.

The Second Half began and the pace was as quick as the first with both team attacking each other, I was then joined by a gentleman called Dennis and his niece, Dennis used to be involved in local leagues over the years and now his niece and himself now do a bit of local groundhopping around the Notts area. On the pitch, Marks in the home goal kept out a superb effort by the visiting forward, this seemed to gee the homesters up a level and on 70 minutes, a slip up in the visitors defence saw GREG McLEAN shoot low to increase his sides advantage to two goals.

Netherfield now began to play with a lot more confidence and began pushing forward at regular intervals and looked more dangerous and after 82 minutes, a long range shot by GREG McLEAN found the back of the net when the visiting keeper misjudged the shot to make it 4-1.

A minute later and JAMES NEEDHAM entered the game and was soon on the scoresheet was tapping home from close range.

A superb as a neutral to watch, no bookings, a game that flowed and on another day the visitors could well have gone home with a share of the points.

I must thank Netherfield Seniors FC for the kind donation of £10 and also James Needham for a donation of £3 to the charity blog, with the 6 goals scored today, this now takes the running total for NOTTINGHAM STROKE CLUB to a superb amount of £1,118.25p

To view 158 photos from the match, please click this LINK

NOTTS SENIOR LEAGUE WEEKEND PREVIEW - 16-17/10/2020

 

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SENIOR LEAGUE WEEKEND PREVIEW FOR 16/17th OCTOBER 2020

The Leagues weekend begins with a couple of matches of the Friday evening, where in the Premier Division it sees 11th placed Keyworth United host 13th placed Awsworth Villa at Platt Lane, meanwhile in Division One bottom of the table Kimberley MW Reserves will be hoping to gain their first points of the season when they have home advantage against near neighbours Hucknall Town Reserves who are flying high in 4th position.

On to the Saturday matches and in the Premier Division, Wollaton FC leaped to the top with a impressive 5-1 win away at Bilborough Town in midweek and face a tough away travel to Cotgrave FC who sit in fifth position, games dont get any easier for sixth placed Bilborough Town as they travel to second placed Bingham Town who have won five out of five matches. Third placed Stapleford Town host ninth placed Woodthorpe Park Rangers who won 2-1 away in midweek at Southwell City.  Fourth meets Eighth at the Ron Steel Sports Ground where AFC Dunkirk entertain Sandiacre Town. Southwell City will be looking to bounce back after their midweek loss when welcome Ilkeston Town U23's to their Memorial Ground. Aslockton & Orston seem to be a bogey side for Magdala Amateurs having beaten them by the odd goal in the past three meetings, so a close encounter is sure to be in store at the Village ground in Orston. A match where both side need points will be at the Forest Zone where FC Cavaliers face Attenborough FC

In to Division One and table toppers Ravenshead FC are on their travels to Wharf Lane the home of Radcliffe Olympic who picked up their first win of the season last weekend, any slip ups and FC Sez with a 100% start to the season will be looking to double the double over Meden Vale Colts at home who they beat 4-0 last weekend. Third placed United Grays travel to Elms Park in search of the points where they face Ruddington Village. At Eagle Valley, Gedling Southbank host Southwell City Reserves in a bid to keep up with the top three, meanwhile AFC Top Valley who play on one of the outside pitches at Eagle Valley have a 100% record out their three matches so far and will be looking to make it 4 out of 4 when hosting 13th placed Kirton Brickworks. Radford Reserves welcome West Bridgford AFC to their home where both teams will be looking to improve their points total. A local derby at Leyton Crescent sees Beeston FC face Stapleford Town Reserves, whilst one point separates Wollaton Reserves and Bridgford United FC who meet at Wollaton Village Sports Association Ground.

In Division Two North, the game of the day will take place at Bentinck Welfare, where second placed Quarrydale United host 100% leaders Beeston Old Boys Association, FC Geordie who are in third place travel out to AFC Creswell having won 4 of their 5 matches so far. Ravenshead Reds are only a point behind fourth placed Trent Vineyard, so this match could go either way.  At Nabbs Lane in Hucknall, United Greys Community play hosts to FC Mansfield, whilst Pythian Reserves host 2nd from a young Arnold Town Reserves at Melbourne Park in the Aspley area of Nottingham.  Blidworth Reds will be hoping home advantage at their Unwin Road ground will spur them on to three points but their opponents in Beeston Development may well have different ideas and hope to kick their season in to action after only gaining one point in their first four games.  Bilborough Town Development who have won two out of their four matches travel to bottom of the table Ballers FC who have started the season losing all five of their matches.

In Division Two South sees three teams all on the same number of points at the top of the table split by goal difference, on top are Bingham Town Reserves who travel to 10th placed Rushcliffe FC, whilst 2nd placed Elston United FC who are on the same goal difference host 11th placed Ruddington Village Reserves, the other side on thirteen points are Pythian FC who had to the east to face 12th placed AFC Colsterworth Sports and Social FC. Eighth play Fourth at The Poplars, where Burton Joyce Reserves entertain East Leake Robins, meanwhile the only team with a 100% record in the Division are Keyworth United Reserves who travel to AC United. The A52 derby sees Barrowby FC host Aslockton & Orston Reserves, whilst out in Newark at the Lincoln Sports Facility Fernwood Foxes play West Bridgford AFC Reserves. 14th host 13th when Long Bennington play hosts to Cotgrave Reserves.

In the  Foundation Division, with leaders AFC Bull Farm not having a match, this gives a chance for Netherfield Seniors who are on the same number of points to move clear if they beat South Notts AFC at the Richard Herrod Centre, meanwhile 4th placed Carlton Town Reserves host Rushcliffe Ravens, both may well give debuts to new signings made this week. Another local Derby sees Stapleford Town Development who are in fifth position host Phoenix Ingram at their Hickings Lane ground. Manor FC host Sutton Travellers FC in the north of the county, whilst bottom of the division side Nottinghamshire FC will be hoping to pick up their first points of the season in their seventh match when they are at home to Wollaton III who infact picked up their first victory of the season last weekend.

LINDSAY'S HAT TRICK PROVES LONG DAY FOR BENNINGTON

 NSL DIVISION TWO SOUTH

LONG BENNINGTON FC 2 PYTHIAN FC 5

Having a look at todays NSL fixture list and this match stood out, as never been to Long Bennington and had only ever seen Pythian FC once or twice before in the past. Long Bennington are newcomers to the NSL with a lot of their players stepping up from their youth and Under 18's teams. The journey from Mansfield wasnt as far as I thought it would be arriving at the ground within 40 minutes of setting off from home. The ground is based just off the A1 and has a building that was open today for toilets only.

Both teams turned up and the home side came already changed whilst the visitors got changed near to pitchside, I was soon joined by Match Referee David Johnson and also Leicester based hopper Graham, who I last saw a couple of years ago back at Beeston FC.

The game kicked off and the visitors were soon on the scoresheet when ADAM MARSDEN hooked in from close range after just 4 minutes. Pythian at this stage were on the front foot as the rain lashed down and everyone rushed to shelter under the big trees that surrounded the pitchside.

The game wasnt slowing down and the match official correctly allowed to let the game flow from end to end with several chances for both sides going astray, but on 18 minutes the scores were level when JACOB BAKER twisted round the away defence before shooting home from a acute angle.

Pythian picked up their game and knocked the ball around well and one such good move led to their top talisman MICHAEL LINDSAY putting them back in front after 26 minutes. The same man was on hand to make it 3-1 on 32 minutes and it looked like the game was over, but to the homesters credit, their heads stayed up and forced a couple of good saves from the visiting keeper just before half time.

The sun came out for the Second Half but unlike the good weather by now, things got worse for Bennington when MICHAEL LINDSAY completed his hat trick on 54 minutes to make it 4-1 and with over 30 minutes remaining I feared the worse for the home side and on 66 minutes, it could well have got worse if it hadnt been for Charlie Doig in nets who was equal to Michael Lindsay's penalty.

Bennington began to push forward and Franco Jechel in the opponents net matching anything coming towards him, but this left gaps at the back and they were caught on the counter in the 71st minute, when JACK STOREY scored from a cross shot.

Bennington kept to pressing forward and in injury time got a well deserved goal, when a corner from left was floated in for MAX HARDY to head home.

Must mention Match Referee David Johnson who I felt had a superb game this afternoon and also to Leicester based Groundhopper Graham who kindly donated £10 to the Charity Blog which is for NOTTINGHAM STROKE CLUB. The running total after the donation and the goals scored now stands at a superb amount of £1,104.75p.

117 photos from the match can be seen on this LINK