Top Of The League

Chesterfield U21 1 v Sheffield United U21 3

H-K-L North Midlands Development Football League
U21s Division

Played at Staveley Miners Welfare FC

Monday 5 October 2015

Twitter @ball_sup

Right. This is going to sound preposterous & pompous in equal measures. I’ve been looking forward to my debut in the North Midlands Development League for a while.  I’m a Blade. I’m also a sports traveller. So, at this point in my life, where I have the time & resources to travel, I miss loads of United games. When I’m in Sheffield, I do try & cram games in. But, I’m not in Sheffield an awful lot.

Even as a Blade, I find it easier & easier to get pissed off with modern football. You virtually get a new XI at the start of every season. They lose games. There is a clamour to sign no better than we’ve already got players in The Window. You cling on. Get some Loan Rangers in for the final push. And …… start the next season in Division 3 again.

Here today, gone tomorrow, is he signed or on loan, knows the manager, played out of position, wage drain XI. Most of ‘em couldn’t pick Sheffield out on a map. All overseen by a bloke from America, who doesn’t have any of his own money, with NO background in football whatsoever. But, I’m a Blade. I’ll still go “when I can”.

But, that disillusionment has pushed me more towards age group football. I love going to see the U18s & U21s. It’s cheap. No hassle nor bollocks. New “grounds”. New beer destinations. Players who aren’t earning a fortune, but want to play. And, I can do England U17, U19 & U21 and see “the stars of the future”. And, I’ll do non-league when I can.

No diving.

So, the NMDFL has an appeal. It’s like watching Sheffield United, but in the non-league. I’m no mug. That wouldn’t be to everyone’s taste. I don’t actually want us to end up in non-league. (But, I’m not too keen on The Premiership either). But, the NMDFL gives me the best of both worlds. It’s my team, Sheffield United, and it’s Not Modern Football.

Here’s the roundup. Before the game, United lay 3rd in the table (of 10 teams). Today’s hosts (Chesterfield) in 5th. United had played 4, won 3. Chesterfield had won 2 & lost 2. Carlton Town were in 2nd place. And they've also had a game tonight - they've lost. By my calculations, that win has put us Top.

Great game. Didn't disappoint. United fought back from a goal down at half time.

And how else would I ever do The Speedwell Inn. Brewery Tap for Townes Brewery, out the back. Three of their own on cask, one guest.

Townes, Pynot Porter on cask at 4.5%. Deep red/brown tones. Lovely that. Nice malt & bitterness in balance. Lingers with you a long time. Maybe liquorice in the swirl somewhere.

Great clubhouse at Staveley. Black Sheep on cask.

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