Central Midlands Football League, Premier Division North (Step 7)
Wednesday 29 March 2023
Played at Welfare Ground Moorends
Hallam 1 v Albion Sports 2
Northern Counties East Premier Division (Step 5)
Tuesday 28 March 2023
England 2 v Ukraine 0
UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifiers Group C
Sunday 26 March 2023
Played at Wembley Stadium
Bedfont 6 v Cove 2
Combined Counties League Division One (Step 6)
Saturday 25 March 2023
Played at The Orchard
Four games in five days leads to Bloggage Blockage. Apologies. Bedfont's The Orchard and Club Thorne's Welfare Ground pushed my ground ticks up to #422.
Bedfont
My flight from Naples was slightly delayed. I tried to get a photo out of the plane window as we flew over The Orchard, out near the airport. The ground is alongside the Bedfont Sports Recreation Ground. Where Deportivo Galicia were also at home. But, I fucked the money shot up. And the photos weren't worth publishing.
Non League Day. But, I'm afraid Bedfont hadn't pushed any boats out. The main claim was that they'd knocked a quid off the admission. I know it's hard. Clubs struggling for cash. Relying on volunteers. I know. But, for fuck sake, tidy up a bit. There was the remnants of a recent bonfire behind one goal. Deliberate or otherwise - tidy it up. The seats in the stand were in a right state. One bucket of soapy water sorts that. And, those bits that have simply fallen off. Nail 'em back. Or they'll be on the next impromptu bonfire.
Finally, all I'll say about the PA is - I could hear who was playing for Deportivo Galicia over the fence perfectly. The best I got for the Bedfont XI was - static.
That said. A thoroughly enjoyable game. Still two each at 70 minutes, Bedfont ran away with it in the last 20. Cove missed two penalties. Although the first of those on 7 minutes resulted in a goal "on the rebound" after a bit of pinball.
Bedfont themselves equalised from a penalty on just 13, after a hand in the box. Bedfont went two one up on 19. With a low left wing corner, struck weakly and bouncing twice before beating the flapping keeper. A lady over my right shoulder asked me to relate what the hell had happened. I gave her the full analytics of the direct from the corner fiasco.
"Thanks, I didn't see it, that was my son who scored. I can now tell him what a great goal it was."
You're welcome.
Cove equalised with a lovely, powerful glancing header from a left wing corner on 30 minutes. Before they missed their second penalty on 42. Goals on 70, 78, 80 and 84 provided a roar ripping finish for the home team. My notes for two of those effectively blame Keeper Cove. Fluffed shot bouncing over not really stretched out hand. And, one bobbling one way as he flounced the other way.
Wembley
A routine win for England. That is what you're going to get in international qualifying groups. It wasn't a particularly flat performance. But, the circumstances made the atmosphere a bit flat. Loads of Ukraine in the opposite corner to me. Creating and bang at it. But much of the rest of the stadium relying on paper aeroplanes and mexican waves. The two lads next to me never came up for the second half. And they weren't the only ones.
Harry The Kane had gone past Rooney's record in Naples. And the arrangement was he'd be presented with a Golden Boot before the anthems. Only puts him one boot behind Edwards Of Nazareth.
The Queen's Head
66 Acton St, London WC1X 8DU
I never know how to describe The Queen's Head. Chaotic comes to mind. But, it isn't. It's busy, noisy, raucous and sweary. The bar staff are too helpful and friendly for it to be truly chaotic. But, they'll be happily advising you on a Hazy Pale, while shouting at a dog and telling a regular at the end of the bar to Fuck Off. You know what, I quite like that.
The Kernel Brewery, Pale Ale Summit on Keg at 5.4%
My main issue was that felt a bit warm. Gentle hop flavours. And a nice and simple beer to show that hop stuff.
Hallam
A committed and feisty game up at Sandygate. Hallam were unbeaten in eleven coming into that one. Stretching back to early February. But, The Lions got the better of them on the night. Hallam clawed it back to 2-1 on 63. And there was a lot of - ooohhh me leg - shithousery after that for the visitors to get it over the (rather wet underfoot) line.
Thorne
I was introduced to one of the Doncaster Rovers/Club Thorne Carrier Bag Firm before kick off.
"Nice to meet you mate. Are you from here? Are you from Thorne?"
"This is Moorends…"
Folks. Ladies and Gentlemen. South Yorkshire. Right there. I wouldn't change a thing.
Lots of lads n lasses taking advantage of the Can Bar. Watching their teams get at it. One nil to Yorkshire Main - that's in NEW Edlington - on 15. Equaliser on 23. Followed by a Main go ahead penalty on 35. A second Thorne equaliser on 60. Before a battling last half hour saw the points shared.
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Stats
I have now Blogged from 1,228 games in 3,144 days
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