FOOTBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP - Wolverhampton Wandereres 0 - 2 Ipswich Town

Me, trying to blend in with the locals.
Yes, I seem to have got over 2003

Competition: FA Football League Championship
Level: two
Teams: Wolverhampton Wandereres - Ipswich Town
Venue: Molineux

My second visit to Molineux, my previous being a pretty lackluster 0-0 draw on New Years Day 2008 against Sheffield United.  This match had more to it, although not good, from the point of view of my attending as a fan of the home team on this occasion, with a really very poor Wolves side going down 2-0.

I was somewhat surprised to see the away support sat in the corner of the spanking new North Bank, since when I was last here as an away fan, I was seated in the Steve Bull Stand.  However, I've had it pointed out to me that wolves commonly gave part of the North Bank to away supporters (much like at Vicarage Road or Upton Park) but that the lower tier of the Steve Bull Stand may be given up if a large away following is expected (as Sheffield United on New Years Day would have been). This flexibility would seem to have helped Wolves in the past.

The events at Molineux were all set to start off in the traditional manner, as on my previous visit, with the cries of "Hi! Ho! Wolverhampton" from the home fans (sung to the tune of "Hi Ho Silver") sung with volume and passion.  However, on this occasion, a brief acknowledgement from returning manager Mick McCarthy, now of course at Ipswich with Terry Connor, his assistant here in the midlands.  I wonder when the previous occasion that the past three managers of a club were all in that cloub's ground for a match?  Any suggestions/answers in the comments below please!  Somewhat confusingly, the majority of the noise seemed to be coming from the announcer rather than the fans.  Also, he really needs to get a better pet name for the club.  "Make some noise for 'our team', Wolverhampton Wandereres!" just seemed somewhat embarrassing!

Not as embarrassing, however, as an absolutely abject performance from a poor Wolves side.  I don't believe I have ever seen a side so ruthlessly and efficiently turn attack into defence so frequently in a game.  It seemed that every time a Wolves player made a pass, it dropped at the feet of an Ipswich player.  Any tackle, and the ball ended up with an Ipswich player.  Whether by bad luck or bad judgement, Wolves just could not seem to keep the ball, and the frustrations of the South bank were made abundantly clean long before Aaron Cresswell unlocked the defence during the 34th minute.

The young left-back danced around a static defence  after receiving his own pass back, before passing the ball into the net beyond keeper Carl Ikeme, and the goal was no more than the visitors deserved, in spite of Wolves probably being due a penalty in the second minute when Chambers bundled Kevin Doyle over, unseen by the referee.

On both of my visits to Molineux, I was impressed by the noise created by the home support.  A particular chant I remember was a "battle" between the fans in three of the stands, with fans singing, out the name of the stand in which they are seated, for example "[clap clap clap] The North Bank!", with the South Bank (Wolves' most hardcore vociferous support) and Steve Bull Stands joining with their own stand names.  This was also evident today, however the loudest noise came at half-time, when the boos rang out, echoing from all four sides of the ground.

This sense of humour was no more evident (and indeed, needed) following on from Ipswich's second goal, scored by DJ Campbell.  The on-loan striker took advantage of some woeful Wolves defending to race onto a long ball from midfield, and prompt the South Bank to loudly and proudly sing "Que sera sera / Whatever will be, will be / We're going to Shrewsbury / Que Sera Sera", receiving hearty laughter and warm applause from those standing around me!

In the end though, for all the fan's good humour, the players weren't at the races today and went down by one goal to nil.  And in all honestly, they were lucky to get nil.

Related articles

• McCarthy takes charge at Ipswich
• Championship roundup: Middlesbrough hold their nerve

LEAGUE 1 - Sheffield United - Portsmouth

Competition: League 1
Level: level 3
Teams: Sheffield United - Portsmouth
Venue: Bramall Lane, Sheffield, S2 4SU

No photos this time, as I was visiting my main club and I simply hadn't thought to take any!  Next time I'm down at the Lane, I'll write a 'proper' report, and I also plan on visiting United as an 'away' fan, to gain the experience a visiting supporter would have.

The match started well, Blackman firing in an early shot which was well-saved by the visiting keeper, but as the game progressed, Pompey looked by far the more likely victors, with Allan shooting wide and Buzsaky (I'm reliably informed!) shooting just over

However, United secured victory in the 66th minute with a Blackman penalty following a reckless sliding tackle on Porter by Lubomir Michalik's, a result which put the Blades top of League 1.

Pompey's fans gave a great account of themselves, travelling a long distance on a chilly Monday night, and the 'Pompey Chimes' rang out at regular intervals.  Even on the walk back to the Station, a small set of around five or six lads managed to keep singing, even chanting "you won, you won" and somehow severely pissing off a few Blades' fan who didn't seem to understand why they'd be so pleased with themselves!

I certainly hope to get back to the Lane next season!

FA CUP - Macclesfield Town 3 - 1 Marine

Competition: FA Cup

Level: Fourth Qualifying Round

Teams: Macclesfield Town - Marine

Venue: Moss Rose

Two firsts for me:  My first FA Cup match prior to the First Round Proper, and my first visit to Macclesfield - the town, as well as the football ground.  On the former point, I wasn't disappointed, this being a great advert for the FA Cup in general, and non-league football in particular.  Although the town of Macclesfield is really quite run-down and depressing.  The ground, is a lovely non-league ground though, and whilst showing it's age in some areas, is four-sided, and a combination of terracing (though the main terracing at one end was shut for the game) and seating.  The ground itself looks somewhat odd, since the Main Stand (on the opposite side of the pitch from the Henshaw's Stand, where I was seated) has a tall central seating section, with terracing either side, as seen below.  However, the Henshaw's Stand is a new and quite modern-looking stand, and I found the facilities to be excellent, the kiosks easily catering for the away following during half-time, when alcohol is supplied, in the form of larger, bitter, cider or wine, as well as the more traditional tea, coffee, bovril and pies.  Over to my right is the Star Lane End, an odd stand with seating to the front, and terracing to the rear.  This stand seemed to have the more vocal of the Silkmen's supporters.

A Panorama of the ground

The (empty) terracing, during a Marine corner

The Marine fans were in fine voice, in spite of a somewhat dodgy penalty given in the 41st minute for a handball by Danny Grannon, who appeared to handle the ball by accident, and most damningly of all was outside the box when the alledged offence occurred.  Nonetheless, Matthew Barnes-Homer was happy to hammer home from twelve yards.

A second goal just after the hour mark, after good chances by both sides, appeared to end Marine's faint hopes, Barnes-Homer again scoring, this time from a slightly closer range than his first, simply tapping home from barely 5 yards out..

The Marine fans, accepting their fate perhaps, and revelling in their status as underdogs began some slightly unusual chants, including "George Osbourne, Get out of First Class", a reference to the Chancellor (and MP for Tatton, in Cheshire)'s recent misdemeanor, and the exceptional (in my view) "Let's pretend, Let's pretend, Let's pretend we scored a goal", followed by a good 45 seconds a celebration, all of which left the home fans somewhat bemused!

The Marine players thank the fans at the end

In the final few minutes, hope was restored, with Marcus Carver scoring a lovely header which looped into the bottom corner from a flighted ball in from the left, however, a counterattack just four minutes later ended the Mariner's Cup run for this season, the final nail hammered into the coffin by the head of Amari Morgan-Smith.  The sizeable away crowd of 235from a total attendance of 1,189 giving their lads a great reception at the final whistle.

 I really enjoyed my day out at Macclesfield, and only wished I'd had the time for a pint in one of the local watering holes afterwards.  The Marine supporters, in common with a lot of lower league teams, appeared have selected Marine as their second team - most of them being Liverpool and Everton fans (much like in Sheffield, where United and Wednesday shirts are a common site at Sandygate Road and the Coach and Horses).  However, they gave a great account of themselves and their team, and I would certainly watch another of their matches in future.

SHEFFIELD & HALLAMSHIRE SENIOR CUP - Sheffield 3 - 2 Hallam

Competition: Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior County Cup
Level: First Round
Teams: Sheffield F.C. - Hallam F.C.

Venue: Coach and Horses Ground

REPORT IN PROGRESS

For the second time in three days, a visit away from my proposed games was on the cards, but I couldn't miss what may be the only Sheffield Senior Derby of the season (although the Blades vs Owls U21's game took place the same night). So, my first ever visit to the Coach and Horses Ground would be for my first ever Rules Derby, and one I was quite excited to see.

The anticipation was not misplaced either, as Sheffield took the lead before I'd even entered the ground, from what I was told was a crisp (if not spectacular) right-foot drive from just inside the area, inside the first minute.

All was going well for the home side until midway height the first half when, against the run of play and belying the two-division difference, Hallam pulled level. The shot from distance by Ben Kistell had Sheffield keeper well beaten.

HSCL PREMIER - Baldock Town 2 - 0 Wormley Rovers

Competition: Hertfordshire Senior County League, Premier Division
Level: 11
Teams: Baldock Town - Wormley Rovers
Venue: Top Field, Hitchin

Yes, a trip outside by comfort zone to the dark depths of level eleven, and in the deep south (well, Hertfordshire) too!  I was in London for a party anyway, and stopped over at the in-laws.  I was looking for a local match, and whilst I'd always wanted to get to Top Field for Hitchin Town, they were in FA Cup action away at Hastings United that weekend.  Arlesey Town had looked the best bet, until I realised that buy the time I'd taken the train to Arsesey, I'd have to walk halfway back to Hitchin to get to the ground.  Baldock Town, who play at the North Herts Arena, popped up online, but oddly, their fixture was to be held at Top Field.  A quick browse and double-check confirmed that yes, this was Hitchin Town's Top Field, so I made the fifteen minute walk to Fishponds Road, paid my £3 entry (+£1 for the programme) and settled in for an enjoyable afternoon's football, at the rather unusual kick-off time of 14:30.

The first thing I noticed on my arrival was the crowd, or rather, lack thereof.  Easily the smallest crowd I've ever seen at any event charging entrance, I suspect that there were more involved in the afternoon's proceedings than there were viewing.  This did, however, mean that every shout from the players and managers was very obvious - something that is often missed when one's sat among 15,000+ cheering fans.  Especially notable were the volume of the visiting 'keeper's voice, and a cry midway through the first half of "just fucking go through him - he'd do the same to you" from Rover's manager - which wasn't taken too well by those near me!

The ground itself was quite impressive for this level, even bearing in mind that the ground's permanent residents are at level 7.  There is a stand of all four sides, with a roof over at least part of three of them (the exception being the North Stand (Ickleford Road End) which is a lovely looking "proper" concrete terrace.  Floodlights, in the form of five pylons down either side of the pitch, look a little odd (and I don't fancy working as a part of the maintenance crew!) but I was told, do the job well, and certain aided me in finding the ground if nothing else!

For the first half, I took up my position at one end of the pitch, behind the goal being attacked by Baldock.  An absolute peach of a strike from Bergman ought to have opened the scoring for Baldock after 25 minutes, but the ball dropped onto the bar, however just a few minutes later, he popped up in the area to latch onto a lovely knockback by Furness after a Newton cross, and slipped the ball past the visiting goalie.  The, just two minutes later, Bergman doubled his and Baldock's tally with a great strike from outside the penalty area, a lovely drive slipping past the 'keeper's right hand and nestling into the bottom corner. 

A two goal half-time lead was no less than Baldock really deserved, but credit to Wormley who stuck at it and took the game to them in the second half.  A lovely shot had to be tipped onto the bar by Stilwell in Baldock's goal, but for all their endeavors, Rovers didn't really produce much of an end-product.  A couple more chances fell by the wayside from the home team, who would have been satisfied with their 2-0 win, in spite of it not translating to a higher spot in the Hertfordshire Senior County League Premier Division.

NPL PREMIER: Stocksbridge Park Steels 2 - 3 Blyth Spartans

Competition: Northern Premier League, Premier Division

Level: 7
Teams: Stocksbridge Park Steels - Blyth Spartans
Venue: Bracken Moor

A first visit to Bracken Moor for me, and one that I was really looking forward to. A quick walk to Middlewood tram stop and a bus ride under 20 minutes, and I was dropped right outside the ground - Bracken Moor is easier for me to get to than the club I actually support!  After a very brief look in the nearest pub, the Miners Arms (ie, I walked in, decided that this place was really not for me, and walked out again), I paid my £8 and entered the ground.  On first impressions, I wasn't disappointed.  One enters in the south-west corner, where a small clubhouse, merchandise shop as social club are located, as well as what I can best describe as a 'tuck shop'.  Here, I had a lovely cup of proper tea, and there were some of the best smelling pies I've ever had the pleasure to waft past at a football ground.  In front of these facilities is a small standing area, and to the left the west stand, a covered terrace, with approximately four rows.

Before kick-off, the main thing I noticed was the number of Spartans' fans around.  It's a long way (almost 150 miles) to come to visit on a cold South Yorkshire evening, and they certainly managed to come out in numbers.  There was a lot of friendly banter with the locals, and I had a lovely conversation with one of the older Steels fans, who entertained me over a cuppa with tales of his younger days travelling the country for football, and he seemed quite interested in my challenge.  When Nick arrived, we said our goodbyes, and made our way to the seating, down one side of the pitch.  This is a lovely old stand that straddles the halfway line with old wooden seats (donated, so I've been told, by neighbours Sheffield Wednesday).  To get to/from it, one has to pass in front of another set of terracing, and also across the exit from the players' tunnel (which made for an interesting end to the match).  When we took our seats, I'd estimate that around 40% of them were occupied - not bad for a Tuesday night.

In the first half, Spartans were kicking from left to right, forcing the home side to do so in the second half (their least preferred option).  The Steels never settled until the first goal went in - sadly, not from them - in the fifteenth minute.  Dale picked up the ball in the inside right position, cut inside, and unleashed an awesome left-foot shot which curled past the Stocksbridge 'keeper.  Both teams had the chance to score in the first half, with a superb save denying Stocksbridge from a free kick and a goalmouth scramble which no one was able to apply a finishing touch to, before Blyth brought another good save from Steels' 'keeper Adam Billard as the half drew to a close.

The second half opened well for the home side, with Hogan cutting inside to score the leveler at the near post, before midway through the half, Hogan was brought down and Lovell stepped up to put the home side 2-1 to the good from twelve yards, before it all started to unravel for Steels.  A goal to the good, they seemed to sit back, and mistake crept into their game.  Bockarie, who'd hitherto played well at right-back, start making a few passing errors (although it would be unfair to single him out - we were just sat nearest to the right-back position).  Stocksbridge had barely been in front five minutes when Blyth equalised, and from there, there was only going to be one winner.  The echos of  "Same old Stocksbridge - chucked it away again" from the ladt sat behind me were still ringing in my ears as Farrell ended a decent move for the away team to send the coachload of fan (plus a few more) the 150 miles back up the A1 with a beaming smile on their faces.  For Steels on the other hand, they've now not won since beating Mickleover Sports 3-1 away in early April towards the end of last season; a ten-game winless run that, only keeps them off the bottom due to some equally poor runs by other teams in NPL Premier



Stocksbridge Park Steels: Billard, Bockarie, Turner, Carr, Bowden-Lovell, Callery, Darker, Ellison, Fish, Hogan, Hunter. Subs: Whitehouse, Weston, Booker, Sansay, South. Goalscorers: Hogan 50, Bowden-Lovell pen 65
Blyth Spartans: Grant, Utterson, Kendrick, Vipond, Buchanan, Jones, Mason, Hodgson, Dale, Farrell, Hooks. Subs: Turnbull, Mellish, Hunter, Berj, Davis. Goalscorers: Dale 16, Farrell 71, 89 

Related articles

• Opening Skirmishes
• This new League Football Match Reporter seems familiar.....

LEAGUE CUP: Sheffield Wednesday 1 - 0 Fulham

The South Stand and Leppings Lane End, when we were finally admitted
(from the North Stand)

Competition: League Cup
Level: Second Round

Teams: Sheffield Wednesday - Fulham
Venue: Hillsborough Stadium, Hillsborough, Sheffield

So, I've been to Hillsborough on many occasions, but always as an away fan, whether that be clad in red and white stripes with 6,000 other United fans, or just out of pure spite, turning up on the day and buying a ticket in the away end (Scunthorpe in 2011 was a memorable 3-2, albeit a win for the Owls), so when Nick suggested we head to Hillsborough after work, I was at first a little reluctant.  This would be my first time sat with the Wednesday fans, and as any good Blade knows, they smell. Still, what the hell?  I do need to chalk off a League Cup match, and now that United have decided that the League is far more important than a crappy little Cup this season, I'll not have the chance to attend this particular Cup at the Lane, so it may as well be today.  In any case, it's only a League Cup second round game, so there's aren't going to be that many fans, right?  

It was apparently worth missing the first 20 minutes, just
so the stewards could say I had one of these.

Wrong.  Over 14,000 Wednesdayites tried to cram into only the two open stands (the South top tier and Kop were shut, as was the Leppings Lane End Upper).  The club were clearly woefully unprepared, with turnstiles closing after part of  family group had already passed through.  One turnstile operator at the Penistone Road end of the North Stand even tried to close the external gates with a little lad - no older than about 7 or 8 - on the other side.  That was, until his dad told the employee in no uncertain terms what he'd do to him if he continued.  It was frankly a shambles, with each operator in turn running out of tickets, shutting up, and demanding fans moves to another gate.  It took a lot of begging before it was deemed acceptable that people may simply pay cash and not receive a small piece of thin card in return, and does beg the question of why more areas of the ground weren't open, and why, having seen the congestion, the kick-off wasn't delay as it had been at the Rotherham United - Sheffield United friendly.  Yes, friendly (I stress, a match of no consequence was delayed by over fifteen minutes just so the fans could get in to see it).

When we finally did get to our seats, we were relieved to note that we'd not missed any notable first-half action, with the score still poised at 0-0.  With Wednesday doing the majority of the attacking in the first half, and shooting towards the Leppings Lane End, we only really got a good view of the action during a (relatively) rare Fulham break. Jermain Johnson, or 'JJ' to the fans, entertained with some inciting runs down the right wing, cutting inside to shoot with his left foot, and he was rarely too far from target.

Queuing for the North Stand on Penistone Road, 5 minutes after kick-off

The first action we saw of the half came with one of those rare breaks, with Fulham charging down the left, just in front of us in the North Stand, only for offside to be called when, perhaps it wasn't.  To be fair, there was a another, slightly more bizarre incident in the second half for Wednesday, when the linesman on the far side flagged Gary Madine offside, but the referee didn't blow his whistle.  Gary, however, checked his run, when had he played to the whistle, one would have felt that he was entitled to put the ball in the back of the net.  This led to lots of infuriated shouts of "play to the whistle" from the surrounding barmy army.

That was, however, after the goal which turned out to be the winner was scored by "Goal machine" Gary Madine himself from a spot-kick.  It was no less than Wednesday deserved, as they were for long periods the better side.  The only criticism of the performance would be that they sat back and didn't push for the second goal which would have seen the tie safe.  In the end, it was not needed, but in a future round, this could back to bite them hard.  however, for this round, the 14,000 crammed into Hillsborough mostly went home happy, although there was one rather grudging Blade amongst them to spoil the mood.  Having said that, I have to say that from - the other side - Hillsborough is quite an enjoyable day out, made all the better by my minimal journey home.

Related articles

• Stoke, Fulham go down in League Cup matches
• Stoke City Ousted From English League Cup
• Fulham: Cottagers off to Owls