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Author Topic: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23  (Read 21885 times)

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Microscopist

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #135 on: Sat 24 Dec 2022 16:30 »
A very happy Christmas Day to all readers and everyone involved in Non-League football.

To all club treasurers, a fine Boxing Day, with large crowds to boost the coffers.

Thanks  .........  and a very Happy Christmas to you, too !!!
...and lang may yer lum reek!
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JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #136 on: Tue 27 Dec 2022 15:54 »
Boxing Day started well, with bright sunshine and the welcome discovery that there was a bus running on the 548 route, avoiding the need for a trudge up to the ground. On the final stretch, however, it began to rain, which was to be an appropriate backdrop to a dismal afternoon at

Monday 26th December 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   2   v   1   Ossett United
Connor Everard (Barnsley); Liam Smith, Dylan Hague.

Though things have been quieter of late, there is history to this fixture - one game is probably indelibly etched in Lee Hible's memory. JCFC had therefore expected a more experienced official to be appointed. Mr Everard obviously profited from Mr Bell's tutelage last season to earn his promotion to Level 3.

As so often, the home side looked small in comparison to the much taller visitors and Ossett kept them pinned in their own half. After 6 minutes the Ossett number 6 went in for the ball as the keeper claimed it, catching him in the ribs. As this was in the gloom, but against a distant bright background, events were not easy to follow. Brighouse were clearly upset, especially one loud gentleman behind that goal; there was a long succession of whistles; time passed ... and eventually a red card was shown. Brighouse officials said the  decision was correct; Ossett took the opposite view. There was much abuse from the vicinity of the Ossett  bench - hopefully from fans rather than staff. JCFC  can offer no verdict, though his Stentorian Ex Player And Referee friend - SEPAR for short - felt that the card was on the harsh side. The next few minutes were quite testing, with niggly fouls and constant stoppages. Despite being a man short Ossett continued to dominate a woebegone-looking home side. It was only a matter of time and Ossett duly took the lead on 35 minutes. A nasty and very late challenge by the visiting number 4 on 42 minutes led to a minor gathering of advisors and there was uncertainty over the colour of the card to come, but Mr Everard was eventually able to go to his left pocket and show yellow, correctly - just! Brighouse were relieved when half time arrived.

The second half started as the first had ended. Town soon brought on a substitute, much to the displeasure of the SEPAR, who is convinced that the incoming player is useless and has no idea. Soon afterwards, the keeper who had played on after his early injury, was also replaced. On 55 minutes it was the turn of a Town player to be late with a poor challenge;  again the Cobra committee assembled to offer Mr Everard the benefit of their advice; again the hand went correctly to the left pocket. Ossett took the free-kick, worked an opening for a good shot, superbly turned to safety by the sub keeper. It was a matter of seconds for JCFC to note "good save" but he looked up to find Brighouse celebrating a surprise equaliser - from the SEPAR's useless substitute. At last Town began to show a little more as Ossett's ten men tired and Town's third sub proved a dangerous attacker and scoring the winner on 72 minutes. It was a result that neither side really deserved, but for the dispirited home fans it did provide a small glimmer of light in a miserable afternoon.

After the early red card, Mr Everard was under pressure from both sides and was the recipient of too much unhelpful advice. He stuck at it well, managing to resist the intimidation, and overall made a pretty fair fist of things, without yet showing quite as much authority as JCFC likes to see. That should come with further experience.

« Last Edit: Thu 13 Jul 2023 12:20 by JCFC »
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mutn3

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #137 on: Sat 31 Dec 2022 01:02 »

Staveley Welfare v Armthorpe
NCEFL DIVISION ONE
ATT: 328
Referee: David Windsor ( Derbyshire)
Score : 3-2

My, Staveley Welfare FC has changed. A resurfaced car park that looks not to have been done on the cheap, an artificial pitch, and still a very good " Sky TV, Pie n Peas", and at the same time!  Money has talked with a loud voice here, but to better it will take some doing!

Referee Windsor, generally leaving his sprints at home with the leftover turkey, seems a very capable official at this level, whatever NCEFL Div 1 now is. Very calm, and that helps the play, and the players.

A good game too. Both teams played their part on the artificial surface. It played well, and didn't turn black under the lights! What more could I want! Three penalties too, though varying degrees of merit in the opinion of many, all dealt with with a quiet, almost gentle authority. Porridge's Mr Barraclough of the NCEL! I don't mean that to sound as a failing, it wasn't, it was an asset.

Retiring to the bar (and why not!) the multiple large screens were on the appropriate channels, so those who wanted to watch Leicester score own goals could do so.

Car home,  25 mins max. Sorry but no JCFC tales of twenty foot snowdrifts blocking the route of the Brighouse Express, but that's Yorkshire for you !
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mutn3

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #138 on: Wed 04 Jan 2023 23:27 »
The Industrialist and Inventor Jedidiah Strutt was once synonymous with the Cromford and Belper Mills. Those who are familiar with Christchurch Meadows at Belper will know that the East Mill dominates the skyline. More of both on Wiki, but as a Jedidiah hasn't been mentioned before on RTR...

Belper Tn v Stafford Rangers
Att: 651
Score: 2-1
Referee: Ashley Allen

There's a Stiff Little Fingers number (At The Edge). It has a line 🎶 Always yap yap yapping.. More of that later..

Mine is an opinion. It's worth nothing more than the guy in the next seat, or behind the goal. That said, from me,  next to me, or from the terraces, there were three incidents that were worthy discussion topics, and most would not have supported the view of Mr Allen, who to his credit was indeed way nearer than those watching. 

The first, an aerial challenge from a Belper player did not even warrant a whistle! When play naturally stopped moments later, all Stafford Rangers players within the vicinity surrounded the referee, suggesting they'd seen that challenge as far from legal, as it also appeared to me.

Given the veracity of the complaints, Mr Allen may think next time about his take-up position for the restart? Plonking himself next to the Stafford bench for a potential further ear bashing? Really? Anywhere but there Mr Allen!

The next, a 53rd minute red card to Belper for the sort of challenge that many would have said yellow. Me? Being a little too far away, and not a great angle (tbh angles don't matter much at sixty. At sixty you can see nothing for three feet, and haze after fifty yards), so as much as I "thought" yellow, a better placed referee I'll support.

The final beeeeg decision was a penalty call to Belper. Many more in the ground weren't happy than happy, that's all I'll say!

And coming back to the yap yap yapping.. I well know that referee's chit chat plays a large part in control, but today (in my view) it was overdone. Cannot a referee nowadays control from a distance? Does a referee need to hold play to explain the laws to two players jostling at a corner? Break up play when it's needed please, not as routine.

To his credit Mr Allen kept control, did at least challenge blatant time wasting, but I'm left with the feeling that I did not see the best of him today, but as I was wanting a Jimmy Riddle for much of the second half, maybe it was I who was distracted, not the referee!
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JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #139 on: Fri 06 Jan 2023 17:27 »
(tbh angles don't matter much at sixty. At sixty you can see nothing for three feet, and haze after fifty yards)

Tell me about it! Just wait till you are 74.
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mutn3

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #140 on: Sun 08 Jan 2023 12:16 »
Well, one things for sure. The further down the pyramid you travel, the attitude of players and management do make you wonder sometimes why anyone referees. In my view this game needed a firmer hand, but when nobody wants to play...

Rocester v Barnton
NWC South Division.
Score 3:2

Referee: Because I missed a programme,  I emailed NWCFL for information. As of 22 hours after kick off, I have yet to receive a reply!

An exciting game, light on skill, heavy on poor tackling, bossed by everyone, and dissent by the JCB bucketful!  Managers on the pitch at least twice, "helping" out, and an unpleasantness to the whole proceedings. A mass melee, with little action taken. Guess what? Another one followed!

What also continued to throw me was a yellow card that looked both jaded and..er...not wholly yellow. A rhubarb and custard sort of card, that had me doubting which card when shown. The whole procedure, brought in to aid understanding of those spectating, starts to fray if said spectators can't understand the messaging. With a yellow whistle brighter than any sou'wester on a Fisherman's Friend ad, or any weetabix packet, it's not as though there wasn't a yardstick to hand!

All of that said, I did feel somewhat for the official. Would he have been better wading in and sorting out, or would that have meant more rhubarb, more custard without any more control?

We are all good armchair officials, aren't we? I've had my very best games from the seat on the halfway line, and certainly since I retired, but sometimes you just gotta be brave, realise that there's no going on a journey with both teams, and just blooody sort 'em out! The referee today seemed a very pleasant guy, but this game needed more than bonhomie to manage some of the shenanigans.

All have have had games where your best of intentions lead to twenty two horses galloping out of the open stable door, but lessons are learned, and next week (or our next game) we recognise danger signals more readily, we learn not to let too much rope out etc. One remembers one of Mr Clattenburg's later games ( was it Tottenham v Chelsea? I forget) where, in my view, things didn't go hunky dory. It can and has happened to us all.










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JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #141 on: Sun 08 Jan 2023 16:02 »
Despite (or maybe because of?) the presence of three referees of recent vintage, who have all featured in these pages, on their Management Committee, the NWCFL draws a veil of secrecy over its match officials. Though not quite in the "If I told you, I'd have to kill you" bracket, this omerta seems to be strictly observed.

Obviously we are seen as dangerous lunatics.
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JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #142 on: Sun 08 Jan 2023 17:50 »
Meanwhile, a referee whose name was not familiar was in charge at

Saturday 7th January 2023
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   2   v   3   Stocksbridge Park Steels
Connor Scott; Ben Brighton, Abdul Hakimy.

Fortunately, from the programme we learnt that he is from Newcastle - pity the treasurer paying travelling expenses, unless he came as part of a boys weekend away in Yorkshire. (Kirk Freeth was at Guiseley). We also discovered that he is 28 and a paralegal. When he made his appearance, he proved to be tall, but of matchstick build. Clearly he could not be accused of having over-indulged during the festive season. Perhaps he is waiting for his imminent qualification as a fully fledged solicitor to be able to afford food. His build, however, did enable him to get around the field well.

Two recent wins had moved Town into the top half of the table, though still not far from the lower reaches, while the visitors were in third position. Unusually, Brighouse started quite confidently and on 8 minutes the Steels keeper could only parry a long shot and the SEPAR's Mr Useless was on hand to tap the rebound into the net. So, that counts as two shots on target - there was to be a long wait for the third. Stocksbridge soon equalised, with a ball - shot or cross? - that appeared to go through the keeper. Though they picked up a yellow card on 26 minutes, the visitors were well on top and were able to take the lead when Town conceded a penalty. It was a relief to reach the break without further setbacks.

The visitors received another yellow early in the second half, but came close on the hour with a header onto the top of the bar. As so often, play was largely confined to the bench side of the pitch. JCFC suggested that there should be reduced admission for those in the stand, while the SEPAR was moved to ask AR2 whether he was getting lonely. As Brighouse gradually introduced substitutes, their performance became more lively - their number 2 rightly receiving a yellow card - and they exerted pressure on the Steels defence. At last, Town attacked on their right for a change - and drew level on 81 minutes, their third shot on target. They continued to pose a threat (of sorts) but conceded a free-kick near the touchline just as the PA announced 4 minutes added time. "That will leave us 3 minutes to equalise," declared JCFC, ever the pessimist, and was proved correct when the ball was floated over, the keeper did not deal with it and Stocksbridge had their winner. They would not be bothered about receiving another yellow in the remaining minutes.

For once, Town had not been bullied to defeat, simply beaten by a team that for the most part looked more coherent in their play and deserved their three points.

It had not been a troublesome match for Mr Scott. There were perhaps a couple of minor points at which JCFC saw things differently - but bear in mind the state of his eyesight - but Mr Scott controlled proceedings well, with little fuss. His habit of going and standing on the spot for free-kicks is perhaps unnecessary most of the time, but that is a very minor point. He can be well pleased with his venture South ... and at least the assistants were both pretty local, so their expenses will have been reasonable!
« Last Edit: Sun 08 Jan 2023 20:29 by JCFC »
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Conkernut

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #143 on: Mon 09 Jan 2023 10:26 »
Well, one things for sure. The further down the pyramid you travel, the attitude of players and management do make you wonder sometimes why anyone referees. In my view this game needed a firmer hand, but when nobody wants to play...

Rocester v Barnton
NWC South Division.
Score 3:2

Referee: Because I missed a programme,  I emailed NWCFL for information. As of 22 hours after kick off, I have yet to receive a reply!

An exciting game, light on skill, heavy on poor tackling, bossed by everyone, and dissent by the JCB bucketful!  Managers on the pitch at least twice, "helping" out, and an unpleasantness to the whole proceedings. A mass melee, with little action taken. Guess what? Another one followed!

What also continued to throw me was a yellow card that looked both jaded and..er...not wholly yellow. A rhubarb and custard sort of card, that had me doubting which card when shown. The whole procedure, brought in to aid understanding of those spectating, starts to fray if said spectators can't understand the messaging. With a yellow whistle brighter than any sou'wester on a Fisherman's Friend ad, or any weetabix packet, it's not as though there wasn't a yardstick to hand!

All of that said, I did feel somewhat for the official. Would he have been better wading in and sorting out, or would that have meant more rhubarb, more custard without any more control?

We are all good armchair officials, aren't we? I've had my very best games from the seat on the halfway line, and certainly since I retired, but sometimes you just gotta be brave, realise that there's no going on a journey with both teams, and just blooody sort 'em out! The referee today seemed a very pleasant guy, but this game needed more than bonhomie to manage some of the shenanigans.

All have have had games where your best of intentions lead to twenty two horses galloping out of the open stable door, but lessons are learned, and next week (or our next game) we recognise danger signals more readily, we learn not to let too much rope out etc. One remembers one of Mr Clattenburg's later games ( was it Tottenham v Chelsea? I forget) where, in my view, things didn't go hunky dory. It can and has happened to us all.

Jan 2023
07 SAT
14:00

Rocester (First Team) v Barnton FC (First Team)
North West Counties - Division One South

Referee: Davies, Ryan
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JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #144 on: Sat 14 Jan 2023 23:19 »
For the last six weeks JCFC  had been eagerly anticipating Episode 12 of the Vase. Plan A had been the match at Atherstone, but given the current weather, no fixed arrangements were made, with a short trip to Eccleshill in reserve. As things turned out, the latter game was postponed on Friday, while overnight rain and lack of information made the trip too risky - the game was eventually called off. There remained ties at Bury and at West Didsbury & Chorlton. The former fell by the wayside just after 9am, there was no  news of the latter - it went ahead in the end - but in the meantime one match, sadly not in the Vase, was declared on, so it was the short trip to Stanningley for

Saturday 14th January 2023
FA Trophy 4th Round
Farsley Celtic   7   v   1   Marske United
Scott Jackson; Emmanuel Edet, Reece Davies. 4thers: Jack Hall.

In the first minute, a Marske attack ended with unsuccessful appeals for a penalty from the Marske fans behind the goal. One visiting attacker must have voiced his agreement with them, as Mr Jackson had a firm word with him and his captain, prompting a comment from behind of "Good refereeing" while JCFC is always glad to see dissent dealt with. There appeared to be no further instances in the rest of the match! In the 3rd minute, Mr Jackson might have awarded Farsley a free kick, but instead Farsley took the lead with a shot that went in off the underside of the bar. Just a minute later another Farsley shot hit the far post and the rebound was tapped in to double the lead. Marske retaliated with a rapid move, the keeper blocked it with his leg, only to find an attacker, who promptly fell over the ball and a subsequent shot was saved. Farsley made it 3 midway through the half, with a header from a corner. Just before half time a Farsley attacker raced clear, but was denied by the keeper - not that it mattered as the resulting corner produced goal number 4.

Marske were sent out early - into a heavy, squally downpour. It did them no good, as within a minute the ball was lifted deftly over their keeper for goal number 5. A tackle distinctly lacking in reck earned Marske a clear yellow card, but on 59 minutes the visitors set out on the comeback trail - perhaps the shortest of the season, as a minute later a visiting defender was dispossessed, allowing the attacker to race clear and beat the keeper for goal number 6. There was another yellow for Marske on 69 minutes, the keeper rushing out of his area and making contact with an attacker. He might have been better advised not to bother, as the attacker was heading towards the touchline, whereas the free-kick was expertly fired home to complete the scoring. The remaining minutes were spent huddled, trying to keep out the bitter wind - not a good day to be 4thers, though at least he could wrap up well - Mr Jackson bravely went with short sleeves. That apart he was virtually faultless, going largely unnoticed in an unobtrusive way. The officials all did well - I hope there was some hot refreshment on offer after the match.
« Last Edit: Thu 13 Jul 2023 12:56 by JCFC »
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JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #145 on: Sat 21 Jan 2023 12:57 »
No chance of Episode 12  again this week - and this time no accessible alternative. Cupboard clearing is no substitute.
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JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #146 on: Wed 25 Jan 2023 20:51 »
An evening out, at last, as JCFC joined 80 other die-hard supporters for

Tuesday 24th January 2023
West Riding County Cup Quarter Final
Brighouse Town   2   v   4   Campion
Arran Williams (Elland still?); Dwayne Chappell, Jason Smith.

Campion are currently two steps below Town, but are having a tremendous season and by next year the gap should be narrower. It is often the case that blower ranked sides do well in such competitions - Brighouse had already beaten BPA - so the home side put out a reasonably strong side from amongst those available. Campion, however, looked the better, both individually and collectively and made a good start. Brighouse were disrupted in the opening minutes when their promising Bradford City loanee was stretchered off with a suspected broken ankle, while their striker soon began to show signs of a recurrence of what seems a chronic knee problem, leaving Town with little attacking threat. Campion went ahead on 17 minutes, but a splendid crossfield ball ended with a Campion foul and a Brighouse penalty. The shot was weakish and saved by the keeper. Campion added a second on the half hour. There was a yellow card for a home player for what Town fans were convinced was a fair tackle shortly before half time.

After a dismal first half performance, Brighouse came out and showed greater spirit, though with no improvement in accuracy of passing or ability to retain possession. As the right back was pushed forward into his previous right wing position, things began to improve and Town pulled a goal back. Campion earned a couple of yellow cards for fouls before Brighouse scored an equaliser. Until this point Campion had perhaps been happy to keep what they had, but were stirred into action once more. The closing ten minutes saw a yellow for the Town card- collector, but weak defending allowed Campion two further goals for a deserved win. Unless Town can eliminate the defensive errors, there may not be even one step between them next year.

Many years have passed since a young official starting out invited (challenged?) JCFC to watch him for Rate the Ref. The chance never came, though he had been seen on the line. Over the intervening years, Mr Williams had been assiduous in his involvement off the field and his performance on the field has led to promotions to his current level. This match produced a little more heat than is usual in County Cup matches, but Mr Williams generally kept quite decent control, though as yet without a wow response from JCFC. It was however pleasing that both he and Mr Smith (who had only received the appointment that morning) had donned their West Riding badges - Mr Chappell possibly, but too far away to be sure.
« Last Edit: Thu 13 Jul 2023 13:00 by JCFC »

JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #147 on: Sun 29 Jan 2023 17:42 »
For the past three weeks JCFC had been looking forward to watching an official who seemed to have passed quickly through Levels 4 and 3 and will start February as a Level 2b. Unfortunately, a Friday check revealed that he had been replaced. Any disappointment, however, was tempered by the fact that his replacement was a young official with refereeing in his genes (his middle name might provide a clue!)

The next task therefore was to book train tickets. The two previous Saturdays had offered relatively straightforward trips, changing at Manchester and Nuneaton. This week there were warnings that the return trains would not run as planned - both Avanti and TransPennine being in trouble. An alternative, more expensive, route was proposed, via Sheffield, Leicester and Nuneaton. Eventually a better solution emerged - Brighouse to Leeds and a further change at Tamworth. The first section was scheduled to take twice as long as usual, suggesting that it was to be a replacement bus, but there was no sign of life at 8.45. A call on the information phone sent JCFC to the opposite side of the station - where he waited and waited for the 9.00 replacement bus. at 9.10 a further call was made, the helpful young man offering to check and send the driver back if necessary. Half an hour later, still nothing, so JCFC decided to take the train on the one line - towards Bradford, that was running. Thereafter all worked swimmingly, with everything on time and JCFC arrived very early for a splendidly filling pulled pork roll with stuffing, gravy and apple sauce, before:

Episode 12
Saturday 28th January 2023
FA Vase 4th Round
Atherstone Town   2   v   0   Hartpury University
William Booth (Sutton in Ashfield still?); Jordan Griffiths, Shaun Currall. 4thers: Nelson Oppong.

Young Mr Booth (23?) had been seen on the line at Penistone a couple of years ago, but has progressed rapidly and to be appointed to this tie in his first season at Level 3 suggests that he has been doing well. JCFC's expectation of an array of Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire badges was to be disappointed, as all had been overcome by an attack of shyness.

The local supporters seemed a pleasant and civilised bunch, but on 4 minutes there were shouts for handball, when a Hartpury defender was struck by the ball. The fact that Mr Booth immediately whistled and raced to the spot (the fastest he moved all afternoon) outpaced only by the physio, who had to help the player off to be replaced, suggests that on this occasion their eyes deceived them. Hartpury threatened on occasions, but Atherstone were looking the stronger side. On 19 minutes the visiting keeper was fouled as he collected a high ball; home fans were not convinced, nor was one home player. It was good to see Mr Booth summon both him and his captain for a warning that this was not acceptable - and from that point there was no obvious dissent. Perhaps Mr Booth had taken on board Mutn3's strictures from a match a season or two ago. Another Atherstone attack just a minute later saw the keeper palm a high cross away, but only to an opponent just inside the area and an undisputed foul gave the home side a penalty and the lead. A swift break, with a couple of good passes gave them their second on 27 minutes. There was almost a third just before half-time, but the crossbar came to the rescue.

When, immediately on the restart, the unchallenged home keeper collected a gentle ball and did the customary belly flop, it was clear what Atherstone had in mind. There developed a double act between keeper and defender at goal-kicks, keeper faffing about placing the ball, defender appearing from some distance to take the kick - eventually. On the first occasion Mr Booth whistled from near the centre circle, on the second he repeated the process. JCFC was by now willing him to stay deep at  the next one, rather than heading off upfield, but no! The third was not unreasonably delayed, but the fourth was a total mickey-take, with the defender coming to replace the ball that the keeper had so carefully positioned. Mr Booth walked a little way towards the area to admonish them. Still, he retired to the centre circle for the fifth one, but this time he ran back to show the defender a yellow card. JCFC wondered whether a more active approach could possibly have avoided this. Probably not, but it would have been good to see an attempt. Hartpury had a better second half and forced one good save, but could not find the net. On 82 minutes a Hartpury attacker was brought down in full flight, Mr Griffiths flagged and the timewasting defender was asked to depart early. Home supporters, to their credit, and club officials subsequently, attached no blame to the referee, but to the defender for his foolish timewasting card. There was a further Atherstone yellow in added time for a reckless attempt at a tackle.

As hinted earlier, Mr Booth was more economical in his movement than any referee of a similar age - staying central in the manner of the upper echelons and hoping, usually successfully, that distance would lend enchantment to the view. He did miss one late challenge on a Hartpury player, awarding a throw-in instead, thereby earning Mr Currall - whose decision it wasn't - a volley of comments from the small visiting contingent. The same official had earlier been on the receiving end of an expression of disagreement over an offside decision, which the spectator was in no position to judge. Realising that his comment was outwith the club's code of conduct, he changed it, with a shout of "That's testicles, lino." If to some extent, JCFC was not quite as impressed with Mr Booth as he had hoped to be, it is doubtful that any such reservations would be held by the clubs and he did emerge unscathed and with a degree of credit.

The walk back to Atherstone station passed quickly - too quickly, as it meant a 45 minute wait in an unlit shelter, but thereafter the trip went well. The bus was waiting at Leeds, depositing JCFC in the station car park at Brighouse, solving the mystery of its non-appearance in the morning. Home at 21.35.
« Last Edit: Thu 13 Jul 2023 13:07 by JCFC »
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nemesis

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #148 on: Sun 29 Jan 2023 18:51 »
For the past three weeks JCFC had been looking forward to watching an official who seemed to have passed quickly through Levels 4 and 3 and will start February as a Level 2b. Unfortunately, a Friday check revealed that he had been replaced. Any disappointment, however, was tempered by the fact that his replacement was a young official with refereeing in his genes (his middle name might provide a clue!)

The next task therefore was to book train tickets. The two previous Saturdays had offered relatively straightforward trips, changing at Manchester and Nuneaton. This week there were warnings that the return trains would not run as planned - both Avanti and TransPennine being in trouble. An alternative, more expensive, route was proposed, via Sheffield, Leicester and Nuneaton. Eventually a better solution emerged - Brighouse to Leeds and a further change at Tamworth. The first section was scheduled to take twice as long as usual, suggesting that it was to be a replacement bus, but there was no sign of life at 8.45. A call on the information phone sent JCFC to the opposite side of the station - where he waited and waited for the 9.00 replacement bus. at 9.10 a further call was made, the helpful young man offering to check and send the driver back if necessary. Half an hour later, still nothing, so JCFC decided to take the train on the one line - towards Bradford, that was running. Thereafter all worked swimmingly, with everything on time and JCFC arrived very early for a splendidly filling pulled pork roll with stuffing, gravy and apple sauce, before:

Episode 12
Saturday 28th January 2023
FA Vase 4th Round
Atherstone Town   2   v   0   Hartpury University
William Booth (Sutton in Ashfield still?); Jordan Griffiths, Shaun Currall. 4thers: Nelson Oppong.

Young Mr Booth (23?) had been seen on the line at Penistone a couple of years ago, but has progressed rapidly and to be appointed to this tie in his first season at Level 3 suggests that he has been doing well. JCFC's expectation of an array of Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire badges was to be disappointed, as all had been overcome by an attack of shyness.

The local supporters seemed a pleasant and civilised bunch, but on 4 minutes there were shouts for handaball, when a Hartpury defender was struck by the ball. The fact that Mr Booth immediately whistled and raced to the spot (the fastest he moved all afternoon) outpaced only by the physio, who had to help the player off to be replaced, suggests that on this occasion their eyes deceived them. Hartpury threatened on occasions, but Atherstone were looking the stronger side. On 19 minutes the visiting keeper was fouled as he collected a high baqll; Home fans were not convinced, nor was one home player. It was good to see Mr Booth summon both him and his captain for a warning that this was not acceptable - and fr4om that point there was no obvious dissent. Perhaps Mr Booth had taken on board Mutn3's strictures from a match a season or two ago. Another Atherstone attack just a minute later saw the keeper palm a high cross away, but only to an opponent just inside the area and an undisputed foul gave the home side a penalty and the lead. A swift break, with a couple of good passes gave them their second on 27 minutes. There was almost a third just before half-time, but the crossbar came to the rescue.

When, immediately on the restart, the unchallenged home keeper collected a gentle ball and did the customary belly flop, it was clear what Atherstone had in mind. There developed a double act between keeper and defender at goal-kicks, keeper faffing about placing the ball, defender appearing from some distance to take the kick - eventually. On the first occasion Mr Booth whistled from near the centre circle, on the second he repeated the process. JCFC was by now willing him to stay deep at  the next one, rather than heading off upfield, but no! The third was not unreasonably delayed, but the fourth was a total mickey-take, with the defender coming to replace the ball that the keeper had so carefully positioned. Mr Booth walked a little way towards the area to admonish them. Still, he retired to the centre circle for the fifth one, but this time he ran back to show the defender a yellow card. JCFC wondered whether a more active approach could possibly have avoided this. Probably not, but it would have been good to see an attempt. Hartpury had a better second half and forced one good save, but could not find the net. On 82 minutes a Hartpury attacker was brought down in full flight, Mr Griffiths flagged and the timewasting defender was asked to depart early. Home supporters, to their credit, and club officials subsequently, attached no blame to the referee, but to the defender for his foolish timewasting card. There was a further Atherstone yellow in added time for a reckless attempt at a tackle.

As hinted earlier, Mr Booth was more economical in his movement than any referee of a similar age - staying central in the manner of the upper echelons and hoping, usually successfully, that distance would lend enchantment to the view. He did miss one late challenge on a Hartpury player, awarding a throw-in instead, thereby earning Mr Currall - whose decision it wasn't - a volley of comments from the small visiting contingent. The same official had earlier been on the receiving end of an expression of disagreement over an offside decision, which the spectator was in no position to judge. Realising that his comment was outwith the club's code of conduct, he changed it, with a shout of "That's testicles, lino." If to some extent, JCFC was not quite as impressed with Mr Booth as he had hoped to be, it is doubtful that any such reservations would be held by the clubs and he did emerge unscathed and with a degree of credit.

The walk back to Atherstone station passed quickly - too quickly, as it meant a 45 minute wait in an unlit shelter, but thereafter the trip went well. The bus was waiting at Leeds, depositing JCFC in the station car park at Brighouse, solving the mystery of its non-appearance in the morning. Home at 21.35.

Do they still have the Andy Rammell Stand ? I hope so.

JCFC

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Re: Pyramid Patrol 2022/23
« Reply #149 on: Sun 29 Jan 2023 19:10 »
Indeed they do - and comfortable it was too.