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General Refereeing => General Discussion => Topic started by: bmb on Wed 30 Jun 2021 16:24

Title: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: bmb on Wed 30 Jun 2021 16:24
New thread ready for the new season!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sat 31 Jul 2021 21:43
Despite well-known reservations about friendlies, the receipt of an e-mail from a friend of over 50 years standing, saying that he would be over from Cheshire to watch, persuaded JCFC to turn out and head to

Friday 30th July 2021
PSF
Brighouse Town   2   v   5   Bradford (Park Avenue)

From the start, Avenue looked the stronger side, taking the lead on 9 minutes, when the visiting striker found himself free in front of goal and gently lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper, who had just enough time to get back and palm the ball into the net. Town equalised on the half hour. a wicked deflection giving the keeper no chance.

A smaller deflection put Avenue ahead just after the restart, and they added a third from a free-kick just before the hour. A great save denied Brighouse and any lingering hopes of a comeback were dispelled on 73 minutes, a powerful shot from "Trialist L" giving BPA their fourth. A strong surge on the left gave Town a tap-in goal, but Avenue's fifth came on 88 minutes when the Avenue striker was able to round the keeper and fire home from a narrow angle.

Before the match the PA announced that the Avenue team was available on twitter, but Brighouse would not be publishing theirs. Very cloak and dagger! Naturally, there was no indication as to the identity of the officials. AR 1 looked a smallish, dapper 40-something; AR 2 was tall, bespectacled,and  solidly built with a bulge above the waistband that could clearly not be attributed to pregnancy - and no, it wasn't JCFC. The referee would have been confidently named as Lewis Dawson, but for the fact that he made it through to the final whistle. Perhaps the jinx has been lifted!

As it was, they had little to do and did it well.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 01 Aug 2021 14:57
And so to proper business stuff at

Saturday 31st July 2021
NCEFL Premier
Eccleshill United   1   v   1   Penistone Church
Joshua Brayshaw (West Riding FA); Thomas Crossland, James Barker.

Many years ago, Eccleshill used to be a favourite destination, even after bus timetable changes made things tricky. A few years ago, however, things changed when access to the clubhouse (and toilets!) from within the ground was closed. Since then the place has been avoided, but the opening day of the season seemed a good time to see if things had improved. They haven't, so visits will continue to be infrequent.

It was another example of an increasingly frequent match where the ages of the three officials together fell well short of JCFC's. Mr Brayshaw had been seen only as an assistant, where he had looked rather callow, so expectations were not too high, but he made a decent start. On 9 minutes it became clear that a couple of villages must be without their idiot: Eccleshill were awarded an uncontroversial free-kick, the visiting idiot stood over the ball as it was placed, but then tapped the ball back at the player who was about to take the kick. Unfortunately this was the local idiot, who promptly threw the ball at the Penistone man. All unbelievably childish! Mr Brayshaw did not over-react, settling for a word with the visiting player. He did produce a yellow card for a 20th minute foul for the Penistone number 4, who pushed his luck just two minutes later by dribbling the ball some distance away after his side had been penalised. Just after the half hour the Penistone number 6 dislodged the boot of the home number 9 with a deliberate little stamp to the heel, white waiting for a throw. It was very close to Mr Barker - possibly too close for him to have been aware of it as he looked down the line. A degree of niggle was becoming apparent, with little scuffles off the ball and JCFC made a note wondering whether the referee was showing suitable awareness. Clearly he was, as the next occasion resulted in a long warning to the Penistone number 7.

A very late challenge by the home number 8 just a minute into the second period looked perhaps worthy of a yellow card, but Mr Brayshaw merely gave a free-kick. Penistone were coming closer, the home keeper making a save and a block, while a shot curled just the wrong side of the post. An Eccleshill defender was treated for an injury - a process that seemed to be allowed to go on for rather too long. A couple of potential advantages were overlooked - despite a delayed whistle. One went each way. For the second Mr Crossland, who had quite a busy afternoon, flagged for a foul by Penistone, the offender being called to receive a yellow card, which smacked a little of attempted justification. On 75 minutes  an Eccleshill clearance from near their corner went eventually into touch. Mr Brayshaw picked his spot, but was met with much protestation from the Penistone number 2 - and did not convincingly win the argument, settling for a sort of compromise position. Eccleshill finally took the lead on 88 minutes, with an angled shot. With bus times in mind, JCFC at this point made his way to the bottom end of the pitch neat the exit - and was in no position therefore to disagree when Penistone won a penalty in added time. A couple of home players decided that they were and their number 8 received a yellow card for his pains. Penistone made no mistake with the penalty, so a somewhat scrappy game ended as a draw.

There was plenty to approve in Mr Brayshaw's work; good movement with a rapid sprint on occasions; decent signalling to indicate the nature of the offence; and generally accurate decision-making. No major errors, but just a growing sense that for all his communication, he needed to be a little more assertive. No doubt that will come with further experience. One of my now favourite Level 3s (insofar as Level 3s in Yorkshire get any matches nowadays) failed to impress in one of his early matches at the same ground, while another rookie who appeared uncertain is now an established Level 2A. What do I know? Not a lot! I hope that the unknown Observer was able to stress the positives and live up to his amiable grandad appearance in his debrief.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Ref Watcher on Mon 02 Aug 2021 12:38
I hope that the unknown Observer was able to stress the positives and live up to his amiable grandad appearance in his debrief.
The Observer is listed on MOAS as John Byrne.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 02 Aug 2021 12:42
Thank you, Ref Watcher.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 04 Aug 2021 15:25
One of the drawbacks of the apparent Westward move of this neck of the woods is that, unlike the excellent NCEFL, the NWCFL does not publish details of its match official appointments. The investment in a programme was of no assistance, as they followed the League's code of secrecy. No teamsheet was posted and there was no PA. Fortunately, over the hill rode a knight in shining armour, in the form of one of the most experienced local referees, who is a fount of all knowledge. So it was that I was able to settle to watch

Tuesday 3rd August 2021
NWCFL Division 1 North
Campion   2   v   3   Golcar United
Ian Claridge (Lancashire); John Hislop, Declan O'Regan.

Campion applied the early pressure, but Golcar soon responded, creating two good shooting chances only to fire each of them over the bar. A high foot clearance by a Campion defender drew appeals from Golcar, but Mr Claridge, probably rightly, did not intervene. Midway through the half the Golcar goal survived a series of desperate clearances, but Campion soon returned to take the lead in similar circumstances, before adding a second just after the half hour. Shortly before the break Mr Claridge took exception to something in the far corner and a Golcar player was summoned for a long warning. Nothing deterred, Golcar took play to the opposite end and brought the score back to 2-1.

Early in the second period, Campion put a couple of shots over the bar, but narrowly survived a powerful Golcar attack on 75 minutes.The escape was short-lived, Golcar equalising just two minutes later. A surging run by a Golcar attacker towards the Campion goal was halted when a beaten defender grabbed him from behind. Mr Claridge whistled, clearly correctly, but then had to receive deputations from each side simultaneously as the verdict became unclear. Eventually Mr Claridge was able to trot over to Mr Hislop, returning to show the defender what had seemed the obvious red card. The offence must have been outside the area, and the free-kick came to nothing, but Golcar continued to press, scoring their winner on 84 minutes.

It is several years since JCFC used to see Mr Claridge on the line at Rochdale Town, and he did not appear particularly youthful then, but he was still able to produce a fast sprint on a couple of occasions. Overall, he did well enough, though the hand gestures used to explain decisions did not clarify matters greatly. It was work of a decent enough standard, but without creating any aura of assurance. Mr Hislop, a known quantity, made several useful interventions with his flag. Mr O'Regan had been seen once before, in an evening match at Golcar. On that occasion he had been on the far line and would have been fairly anonymous, but for the beacon that was his hair, the kindly light amidst encircling gloom. This time he was under closer scrutiny. On one occasion he appeared a little generous towards an attacker over a possible offside, having perhaps been a little slow off the mark on half-way, but otherwise his work was accurate. His vocal input from the line was particularly impressive: a regular stream of the usual patter when play was in his area, and a strong voice to convey instructions further afield. His manner suggested that he could do well in the middle. I hope that will prove to be the case.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 08 Aug 2021 21:41
It was a delight to return to a much-loved club for

Saturday 7th September 2021
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Silsden   0   v   4   Eccleshill United
Gordon Greaves (Leeds); Fotios Skoutas, Jamie Farnsworth.

Since the last visit, Silsden have installed a new stand - less atmospheric, perhaps than the old, low wooden one, but offering a better view and more comfortable seating, with no danger of splinters in awkward places. Fortunately the atmosphere remains, the Ancient Sages mustering for a new season - even JCFC was greeted as a familiar friend (which must surely have been a mistake.) There was pre-match debate as one Sage started to give directions to the wrong Bottesford for their forthcoming away trip. Fortunately the Blessed Margaret was there to put him right.

As the teams lined up for the ritual "handshakes" it became clear that JCFC's belief that anyone called Gordon must be contemplating retirement was disproved as Mr Greaves proved to be tall, slender and  ... YOUNG. He was doubly badged, as was AR1 (no idea which assistant was which) who could however possibly have benefited from a haircut. AR2 was well-groomed on the other hand, but totally badge free.

It quickly became apparent that Silsden had a cunning plan - to lift the ball long and hard over a flat Eccleshill defence. This might have been more successful had
a) the target man been more mobile
b) the Eccleshill keeper not quickly cottoned on to this. He made one good block, but otherwise simply proved an effective sweeper/mopper-up.

Though Silsden were dominating the territory, a plan B was clearly needed. Sadly, there didn't seem to be one. The keeper's refusal to throw the ball to defenders and wingers did not meet with the Sages' approval, nor, presumably that of his team mates, who soon stopped making themselves available. Eccleshill did force the home keeper into one leaping save. After a series of unusual-looking (but not necessarily wrong) offside decisions from AR1, one of the Sages asked "What is she on about this time?" and received the answer from another "It's a he, a he with a basin haircut." Eccleshill created a chance but shot over the bar. At this point one plaintive voice commented that there had been more entertainment in the stand than on the pitch.

Things could only get better and they did - if not for the locals. They did have the ball in the net seconds into the second half, but AR2 had already raised his flag for offside, a decision that was not contested. A bad defensive error saw Silsden pass the ball to an attacker, but their goalkeeper managed to rescue the situation. A corner was headed in on 58 minutes to give the visitors the lead - and goal number two was not long delayed. A splendid passing move on 74 minutes brought Eccleshill their third, which the Sages greeted with genuine appreciation. The yellow card for the Eccleshill number 12, was greeted less appreciatively by its recipient. Eventually Silsden number 7 - by far their best attacker - had a good run, but the Eccleshill keeper again proved equal to the task. On 87 minutes an easy break down the right resulted in a cross to an unmarked attacker, who aimed wide, perfectly judging the angle for the in-off from a defender for the visitors' fourth. Mr Greaves, being a charitable soul, blew for time after the bare minimum of added time.

It had been a slightly mixed afternoon for Mr Greaves. There appeared to be a possible degree of inconsistency in his triage - but the fact that JCFC raised a quizzical eyebrow at the occasional decision would probably be cited as a guarantee of their accuracy by those who have endured his past attempts at refereeing. One late tackle seemed to be missed (the advantage of being very late?) and the keeper took up the cudgels on his colleague's behalf, loudly and disparagingly berating Mr Greaves, who chose to ignore it. His posture, both static and in movement, looked less assured than it could. On the plus side, there were no major problems: for the most part he related well to the players and regularly deployed a large grin. He and his colleagues will doubtless have learnt much from the, not unfriendly, advice of the Sages - which is more than the Silsden players seemed able to do.

One query remains: has the possibility(introduced a few years ago) of an offside free-kick being taken in the offender's defensive half been removed? AR2 flagged for one such, clearly indicating a spot in the "wrong" half. The ball was duly placed, but an outcry from the Sages of "It can't be from there" led to its being moved back into the "right" half.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Mon 09 Aug 2021 18:26
It was a delight to return to a much-loved club for

Saturday 7th September 2021
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Silsden   0   v   4   Eccleshill United
Gordon Greaves (Leeds); Fotios Skoutas, Jamie Farnsworth.

...

One query remains: has the possibility(introduced a few years ago) of an offside free-kick being taken in the offender's defensive half been removed? AR2 flagged for one such, clearly indicating a spot in the "wrong" half. The ball was duly placed, but an outcry from the Sages of "It can't be from there" led to it's being moved back into the "right" half.

"4. Offences and sanctions
If an offside offence occurs, the referee awards an indirect free kick where the
offence occurred, including if it is in the player’s own half of the field of play"
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 09 Aug 2021 18:34
Thanks for the confirmation, nemesis. So AR2 was right, as I thought; the Sages and whoever moved the kick back wrong.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 09 Aug 2021 22:18
The two-hourly 232 bus service on the Sabbath meant that all programmes had been sold by the time the ground was reached. JCFC queued up for an excellent slice of steak pie, peas and gravy and a cup of tea. Climbing over the back of the seat in front to avoid disturbing people, he contrived to lose the tea, but was tucking into the pie, with a plastic teaspoon, trying unsuccessfully to avoid drips, when he was greeted by the aforementioned knight in shining armour. The latter proved his excellent judgement of character with the opening gambit "You're a daft burgher" (I think that was the expression,) though did not specify which of the many possible reasons had led to this conclusion. Once again, however, he was able to identify the officials and even procured a team sheet for

Sunday 8th August 2021
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Emley   3   v   2   Congleton Town
Josh Martin (Huddersfield); Jason Smith, Elle Hamilton-Dewhirst.

Recalling the likes of Lucinda Prior-Palmer and Anneli Drummond-Hay, JCFC was almost disappointed that AR2 did not take to the field in riding attire. Emley made a brisk start against the team currently topping the NWCFL table. On 5 minutes a trip by a Congleton defender saw Mr Martin ideally positioned to award a penalty, duly converted to give the home side the lead. It was some time before the visitors managed their first attack, but when they did, Emley conceded a free-kick just outside the penalty area. The kick was deflected, hit the post and Emley raced off down the right wing, the attack eventually ending with a header over the bar. On 17 minutes an offside Emley player chased a through ball. It might perhaps have been wiser had Ms Hamilton-Dewhirst raised her flag a little earlier, as the keeper was injured - fortunately not too badly - as the two players collided,  Emley will feel that the Congleton equaliser on 21 minutes was self-inflicted: the keeper came out to collect a long ball, a defender in front of him attempted a header, which looped into the path of an attacker, giving him a simple finish. When Congleton added a second two minutes later they seemed likely winners, but Emley retaliated, a free-kick being three times blocked before a fierce shot passed across the face of the goal. As half-time approached, Emley had a couple of appeals for penalties turned down. Mr Martin explained that the attacker had been guilty of causing the contact. This he indicated once more to the Emley boss, who was chuntering away irascibly, and when this fell upon stony ground, he called him to one side for an extended lecture "No, it's my turn now," which did have the required effect - at least for the next three-quarters of an hour. Congleton beat the offside line in the closing minute, but pushed the shot wide.

Emley drew level on 54 minutes through a headed own goal and went ahead four minutes later after an excellent move up their right. Congleton had therefore to look for an equaliser, without posing much of a threat, leaving Emley to create numerous scoring chances but not finding the target. On 90 minutes a long Emley ball was kicked by the visiting keeper, bouncing off the attacker's back but rolling disappointingly wide. In added time there was what was less of a flashpoint than a momentary flicker, speedily doused by Mr Martin. JCFC missed the cause of it, being distracted by the Emley manager charging thirty yards down the touchline, bellowing furiously.

It had been a highly enjoyable game, with a mixture of mistakes and skill from the players and Emley travel to City of Liverpool in the next round. The officials had looked smart, Mr Smith on the stand side doing a good job of keeping the excitable Emley boss onside for the most part. Mr Martin had been particularly impressive - comfortably the best of the four referees seen so far this season. He was authoritative without appearing officious - his whistle was firm but restrained - and he always appeared assured. His movement was good and showed great anticipation where potential danger appeared likely. To the untrained eye, it was a job very well done and he can look back on his afternoon with every satisfaction. It will be good to see him in action again.

The 13.30 kick-off was less convenient for the bus back to town, with a wait of just under an hour and a half, but the rain held off, the connection in Huddersfield was reasonable and JCFC was home before six, having enjoyed the day.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 15 Aug 2021 20:17
Despite the expectation of a home defeat, the anticipation proved better than the experience at

Saturday 14th August 2021
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   0   v   0   Dunston
Majid Ali (Bradford); Sam Bayley, Brandon Blackham.

Unfortunately JCFC's quiet seat in the stand was subsequently surrounded by a considerable number of middle-aged travelling supporters, who were blessed with very loud voices and were determined to employ them to abuse the referee at every opportunity and to wind up the home players with "helpful" advice. They were also deeply religious, having an aversion to gambling - never has a group of spectators failed to invest in a raffle ticket. They changed my hitherto favourable view of their club.

Dunston appeared the stronger of the two sides, but Brighouse did get the ball in the net early on, only to see the offside flag raised. At the other end a Dunston effort was cleared off the line. The visiting number 2 received a yellow card on 33 minutes, after Mr Ali had allowed a good advantage, and following the free-kick Brighouse had an effort turned over the bar. A similar save by the home keeper kept the scores level at half-time.

Early in the second half, Dunston were (rightly) awarded a free-kick and, after a word with his assistant, Mr Ali showed the Brighouse number 4 a yellow card. The Dunston number 3 followed on 62 minutes for stopping what was as near as Brighouse came to a promising attack. The play became increasingly scrappy, with two further yellows for home players and only one real chance, saved by the Brighouse keeper's feet.

When last seen, two years ago, Mr Ali had been very liberal in his acceptance of pushing, which at least had the merit of consistency. On this occasion, however, he was more willing to intervene, but this led to a slight sense of inconsistency in his triage. On the downward slope of his forties there was little in the way of rapid running, but his backward movement was very effective. In appearance he looked smart, with a touch of grey to add distinction, but for JCFC he never quite conveyed a sense of authority. That said, the match passed without major incident. There was a minor disagreement on the far touchline in the closing minutes. Mr Ali again took his assistant to one side for a brief, inconclusive consultation - but maybe leading him to a spot immediately in front of the away bench was not the ideal option.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: mutn3 on Wed 18 Aug 2021 00:31
Yaxley FC  v Spalding United FC
Northern Premier League - Midlands Division   
Referee: Barry, Shaun (L3 2018)
Assistant Referee: England, Daniel
Assistant Referee: Kadir, Abdul
Att:221


Kick Off.. LATE 19.48.

Had I known in advance that Yaxley's ground was a 3G thingy (or is that something to do with phone masts?), surrounded by allottments, and giving, externally at least, the look of a Step Six Club, I don't think I'd have bothered. The Executive Club were, it seemed, perched on scaffolding for the best, if not the safest view!

I found the ground early, driving past it to look for a pub. My luck was such that the ground is on a road that, once past the ground, turns into mid western Iowa. Corn after corn after corn, but with hedges. I should have known better than to drive on, but thirty minutes later passed the ground again, this time heading north, to find a Peterborough pub.


The game was great, so my bi*ching isn't really warranted.  Mr Barry found favour too, giving little, and not allowing incessant dissent. What's not to like? Probably a couple of times he had his back to the taking of a free kick, but im sure he'll have instructed his Assistant to be covering that.

Yaxley ( just south of Peterborough, since you ask) were pretty impressive. Mr Kadir on the benches gave good support, though never rolled a leg break all evening, and though Mr England had the ignominy of a third minute overrule on a throw in to contend with, he came back strongly, though all three will have more testing games.

A final word on the 3G ( whatever, whatever). Firstly it almost turns black under lights, and secondly there were a few tumbles which were hard to fathom, though the roll and bounce was very true. I wont say that players caught their studs/pimples in the surface because I don't know if they did, but equally I couldn't see any reason for their falls.

A rum job, if you ask me!

(amended,  as informed by following message)

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Conkernut on Wed 18 Aug 2021 09:26

Thanks for the glowing report mutn3  ;D

Just an FYI, the other AR was Daniel England (replacement) and not David Brennan.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 22 Aug 2021 09:49
Hopes of a three match weekend in London were dashed when it became apparent that the ground for the intended Friday fixture - at Walton and Hersham - was said to be a 45 minute walk from the station. Given that the current state of JCFC's breathing means that any self-respecting snail would fancy its chances in a race, 45 minutes could well take more than twice that, making it doubtful whether it would be possible to get back to the hotel, so that idea was abandoned. The next day's match was again at a leafy out of town ground, but one with good transport links. So it was off to:

Saturday 21st August 2021
FA Cup Preliminary Round
Redhill   1   v   1   Deal Town
Dane Johnston (Surrey FA); Matthew Jennings, Matthew Dyson.

The pre-match instructions given on the pitch seemed to be extensive, detailed and graphic. The watching JCFC rather regretted the passing of the days of jacket and tie, but it is doubtful whether this sentiment is shared by any match officials. In contrast the very friendly Mr Observer Sherlock was immaculately attired. He was able to confirm that Mr Jennings was to be benchside  - making him the lesser-badged but greater-sleeved young(ish) gentleman.

From the off, Mr Johnston was very sharp and decisive, but gradually settled into the difficult balancing act of setting strict control against more fluid play, which he did pretty well. Deal were largely under the cosh. The Redhill number 7 created a great chance for himself, but put his shot some way off target - a pattern that was to become all too familiar. On 32 minutes, though, the home side (curiously nicknamed The Lobsters) did take the lead, the Deal keeper getting a hand to the shot, but unable to keep it out. On 41 minutes the Redhill winger dunked the ball neatly into the space behind the Deal number 18, who crudely took him out, receiving the inevitable yellow card. Two further chances for Redhill were missed before the break.

A slide into the back of an opponent's ankles soon earned the Deal  number 6 a yellow. On 52 minutes Mr Dyson flagged for an offence concealed from view by spectators; Mr Johnston went to his pocket, simultaneously calling on the physio for an injury elsewhere; there followed a brief word with the assistant and a much longer one with the Redhill number 3; at this point Mr Johnston raced off as the injury treatment had been completed - presumably to ensure that the man down left the pitch; back he came to the scene of the lecture, recalled number 3, who had headed off to his position, and only then showed him the yellow card. Nothing actually wrong in all that, but unusually untidy. On the hour Redhill had a rasping shot brilliantly turned over,  had a shot hit the post and then the Deal keeper saved well at an attacker's feet. A yellow card was shown to a member of the home staff on the far side. The next twenty minutes saw three more yellows, two for Redhill, one for Deal and another Redhill shot against the frame of the goal. On 88 minutes,  just as people were calculating whether Redhill could have been seven or maybe eight ahead, Deal launched a Hail Mary. ball into the goalmouth, the home keeper flapped at it and Deal were able to complete a prime case of Daylight Robbery.

Mr Johnston was light on his feet and very mobile, with good reverse and bouncy side-skips. He got around the field very rapidly, and this,combined with good anticipation meant that he was always right on the spot when required. There was.relatively little in the way of pre-emptive patter, but his overall control was sound and his triage appeared accurate. A very good afternoon's work, with useful interventions from the two assistants. Though a Level 4, to the untrained eye he looked a cut above quite a few Level 3s. I wonder what Mr Sherlock thought.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 22 Aug 2021 15:42
SNAIL UPDATE

The host club's website gave the walking time from station to ground as 5 to 10 minutes. JCFC duly took 18, plus 2 looking for a way in. Not too bad, but had it been much further, it might have been necessary to hitch a lift from a passing gastropod.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 23 Aug 2021 06:32
The match in question was:

Sunday 22nd August 2021
FA Cup Preliminary Round
Aylesbury United   8   v   0   Brinscombe and Thrupp
Mario Stetakovic; Kyfer Mayhew, James Mellor.

Entrance was gained through the bar - just in time to see Aylesbury celebrating their sixth goal: JCFC had foolishly overlooked the fact that kick-off was at 13.00. Officials who have received less than favourable comments here can justly claim "I told you he was an idiot," coupled with a degree of Schadenfreude. There was time to see two further goals before Mr Stetakovic ended proceedings.

AR1 had dark hair and looked even younger than he must be; AR2 hadn't and didn't.  The referee was tall, with dark hair and in age came somewhere  in the middle. In the 16  minutes seen, all were faultless.

And so back to Chesham station.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 24 Aug 2021 21:47
Brighouse Town have a record of exiting every cup competition at the earliest possible opportunity - on occasions to (even) lower-ranked sides. Last year they excelled, by forcing extra time, before losing to Runcorn Town. This year, there was to be no extra time and they only went down to Shildon through a goal five minutes into added time. The upside was that the scheduled league match was able to go ahead on

Monday 23rd August 2021
NPL East
Brighouse Town   2   v   2   Sheffield
Jack Hall (Sheffield); James Gallagher, Luca Caggiano.

It is some time since JCFC has had a chance to watch Mr Hall in action once more and it would not have been easy to recognise him, as both physically and in style he seemed to have changed.

Sheffield got off to the best of starts, going ahead in the second minute, and looking fast and sharp. Gradualoly, though, Brighouse fought their way back into the game and Sheffield began to rely on long balls for attackers to chase. THe home keeper made his views known too freely on 25 minutes and received a very firm word from Mr Hall.

The second half was one of consistent Brighouse dominance (not a phrase one can often use) but on 70 minutes a Sheffield attacker found himself in possession in the uncharted territory of the Brighouse half. A defender gave chase into the penalty area, putting in a tackle as the home keeper arrived to clatter them both. Mr Hall had got himself into an ideal position and awarded the penalty. The view from the stand was that it was given against the keeper, and as such was correct, though needless to say the keeper was not of that opinion. The kick was taken, the keeper parried but another attacker was first to the rebound to double Sheffield's lead. This situation lasted just over a minute before the hard-working Brighouse striker bundled the ball into the net following a free-kick. Sheffield were desperate to hang on to what they had and began to break up play through a succession of petty fouls. JCFC and Mr Hall decided simultaneously that there had been enough of this and the next offender received a warning that served as a more general message. It was a Brighouse defender, though, who correctly received the game's first yellow for a foul, with Sheffield receiving one of their own on 88 minutes. The board went up to show 4 minutes to be added. With just seconds left, Sheffield made a substitution - and suffered when Brighouse scrambled an equaliser in the additional time. The draw was the least the home side deserved on the balance of the play.

It was good to have the company of a knowledgeable ex-referee friend once again after so long. His comments on Mr Hall were:
Quarter-time: "The referee's very calm."
Half-time: "The referee's been pretty good - He's got most things right."
Towards the end: "He's done well. It's not been a hard match, but if I were assessing him I'd be very pleased."
There was no comment at the end, what with rejoicing at the late equaliser and needing to claim his raffle prize - a bottle of wine from Halifax Pest Control. Château Warfarin, anyone?

For JCFC, who knows less about these things, but has greatly enjoyed Mr Hall's work in the past, it was a more understated form of control, but it was very effective, with the necessary change of tone at just the right moment. It is almost tempting to head to Liversedge this coming Saturday.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 29 Aug 2021 15:22
The choice of match was easy, with the two favourite teams in the division facing each other:

Saturday 28th August 2021
NPL West
Glossop North End   0   v   2   Clitheroe
Oliver Noonan (Manchester); Matthew O'Shea, Ian Claridge.

For many reasons Surrey Street is a favourite destination: Longdendale Lights or Monks Gold in the clubhouse; a splendid assortment of pies; some very good refereeing performances from inter alios Martin Woods, Tom Bramall and Rob Jones. Sadly, on this occasion the hand pump was out of action; the selection of pies was more conventional and JCFC was instead seduced by a hot beef and onion bap. (The smell of onions floating through into the clubhouse may have contributed to this choice.) It remained to be seen whether the third criterion would be met.

The warm-up was interesting, the officials having to move more than once, as their chosen space was invaded by players. The preliminary stretches saw Mr Noonan performing more or less conventionally; Mr O'Shea going through some gentle poses as one with no muscles to stretch - he has JCFC's sympathy; Mr Claridge, meanwhile, threw himself to the ground and spent several minutes in most strenuous contortions.

Mr Noonan got off to a shaky start, Clitheroe's striker being hauled back just short of the penalty area in the first minute. Nothing was given.  Maybe Mr Noonan had been caught directly behind the break - he was normally very good at getting a wider angle - or maybe he felt that the striker had also been offending, but it looked a clear foul. Clitheroe players were not happy, questioning why Mr O'Shea had not flagged, receiving the obvious answer that it was too far away for him to intervene.  Mr O'Shea was soon to receive unjustified flak from Glossop, with demands for an offside, when the attacker had been onside when the ball was played. Clitheroe were looking the better side and having the better of the play, but it was their defence that was forced to clear off the line, while their keeper had to make a low save. Glossop were beginning to match their visitors midway through the half, but in the latter stages it was Clitheroe who put the Glossop keeper under pressure.

The third quarter saw two goals for Clitheroe, both finished effectively, but neither of them things of particular beauty.In between there was a yellow card for the Clitheroe number 8, for an unnecessary challenge from behind. On 78 minutes he received a second yellow/red, it must be assumed for backchat,which must make him the idiot of the day. The final few minutes brought further yellows, first for a Clitheroe player and then for a Glossop player after a great advantage had been played. In time added, a Glossop attacker was impeded as the defender stepped across him so that the ball would run out for a goal-kick. Mr O'Shea flagged for a foul by the attacker, who did grab hold of the defender's shirt as it did so, It was possibly not the wisest of actions by the assistant, whose explanation to the Glossop boss was not well received and ended with Mr Noonan showing the boss a yellow. Curiously, he had earlier failed to take any action against a bearded individual, who raced our of the technical area bellowing offensively at goodness knows whom.

In the end, Mr Noonan did not quite reach the heights of Messrs Woods, Bramall and Jones. It had been a game with a considerable number of pushes. barges and jumps into opponents, which presented some difficulty in establishing a clear line. On the whole, Mr Noonan did a decent job of this, but was too often assailed by two yappy little irritants in the form of the home number 3 and the visiting number 2. Overall, though, he did have a decent game, with very good movement, a pleasant manner and no major errors. And anyone who punishes dissent will always find favour with JCFC.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: ajb95 on Sun 29 Aug 2021 18:51
The choice of match was easy, with the two favourite teams in the division facing each other:

Saturday 28th August 2021
NPL West
Glossop North End   0   v   2   Clitheroe
Oliver Noonan (Manchester); Matthew O'Shea, Ian Claridge.

For many reasons Surrey Street is a favourite destination: Longdendale Lights or Monks Gold in the clubhouse; a splendid assortment of pies; some very good refereeing performances from inter alios Martin Woods, Tom Bramall and Rob Jones. Sadly, on this occasion the hand pump was out of action; the selection of pies was more conventional and JCFC was instead seduced by a hot beef and onion bap. (The smell of onions floating through into the clubhouse may have contributed to this choice.) It remained to be seen whether the third criterion would be met.

The warm-up was interesting, the officials having to move more than once, as their chosen space was invaded by players. The preliminary stretches saw Mr Noonan performing more or less conventionally; Mr O'Shea going through some gentle poses as one with no muscles to stretch - he has JCFC's sympathy; Mr Claridge, meanwhile, threw himself to the ground and spent several minutes in most strenuous contortions.

Mr Noonan got off to a shaky start, Clitheroe's striker being hauled back just short of the penalty area in the first minute. Nothing was given.  Maybe Mr Noonan had been caught directly behind the break - he was normally very good at getting a wider angle - or maybe he felt that the striker had also been offending, but it looked a clear foul. Clitheroe players were not happy, questioning why Mr O'Shea had not flagged, receiving the obvious answer that it was too far away for him to intervene.  Mr O'Shea was soon to receive unjustified flak from Glossop, with demands for an offside, when the attacker had been onside when the ball was played. Clitheroe were looking the better side and having the better of the play, but it was their defence that was forced to clear off the line, while their keeper had to make a low save. Glossop were beginning to match their visitors midway through the half, but in the latter stages it was Clitheroe who put the Glossop keeper under pressure.

The third quarter saw two goals for Clitheroe, both finished effectively, but neither of them things of particular beauty.In between there was a yellow card for the Clitheroe number 8, for an unnecessary challenge from behind. On 78 minutes he received a second yellow/red, it must be assumed for backchat,which must make him the idiot of the day. The final few minutes brought further yellows, first for a Clitheroe player and then for a Glossop player after a great advantage had been played. In time added, a Glossop attacker was impeded as the defender stepped across him so that the ball would run out for a goal-kick. Mr O'Shea flagged for a foul by the attacker, who did grab hold of the defender's shirt as it did so, It was possibly not the wisest of actions by the assistant, whose explanation to the Glossop boss was not well received and ended with Mr Noonan showing the boss a yellow. Curiously, he had earlier failed to take any action against a bearded individual, who raced our of the technical area bellowing offensively at goodness knows whom.

In the end, Mr Noonan did not quite reach the heights of Messrs Woods, Bramall and Jones. It had been a game with a considerable number of pushes. barges and jumps into opponents, which presented some difficulty in establishing a clear line. On the whole, Mr Noonan did a decent job of this, but was too often assailed by two yappy little irritants in the form of the home number 3 and the visiting number 2. Overall, though, he did have a decent game, with very good movement, a pleasant manner and no major errors. And anyone who punishes dissent will always find favour with JCFC.

Glad to see Ollie doing well1 Top guy and a top ref too!

You should have said you were in the area JCFC - I wuld have made a chocolate cake! ;)
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 30 Aug 2021 09:13
Quote
You should have said you were in the area JCFC - I wuld have made a chocolate cake! ;)
Cue for song ...
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 30 Aug 2021 12:38
You should have said you were in the area JCFC - I wuld have made a chocolate cake! ;)

A  kind thought ajb! Does that mean that you have finished off all the leftover mince pies that were on offer last time I visited Surrey Street?
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 31 Aug 2021 11:29
Pre-match had an unusual feature, as JCFC found himself having to shake the wing of a bantam - Bradford City's mascot, it seems.

Monday 30th August 2021
NPL East
Brighouse Town   2   v   0   Ossett United
Lewis Dawson (Halifax); Arran Williams, Micheal (sic) Johnson.

Ossett had made a promising start to the season, but were largely outplayed for the first half hour, rarely making much headway in the Brighouse half. There was little to trouble Mr Dawson, but the yellow card for the Ossett number 11 on 20 minutes, for chopping down an opponent in full flight down the wing, made it clear what was not acceptable. Ossett eventually came into the game and on 38 and again on 40 minutes Brighouse survived through a succession of three desperate blocks each time, with the keeper struggling to regain his position. Brighouse fans - JCFC and his friend, at least - were desperate for the half-time whistle. Fortunately it did not come, as a good move allowed Brighouse to take the lead just before the break.

Ossett players were out early after the interval - a sign of a rollocking? - but it did not appear to have done them much good. On 56 minutes a (semi-accidental) Brighouse header was brilliantly tipped over the bar for a corner, form which Brighouse scored their second. A Town goal from a corner?-a rarity indeed. A visiting defender appeared to catch the back of the ankle of the home number 9 deep in the penalty area; Brighouse hoped for a penalty, but Mr Dawson, as close as ever to the incident, decreed otherwise. The visiting number 4 was shortly afterwards called for a word of warning, but when he repeated the foul,(with interest) on 76 minutes he was rightly cautioned. Again, Ossett grew stronger towards the end of the half. They did get the ball in the net from a free-kick on 83 minutes, but Mr Dawson had spoken to the attacker about pushing prior to the kick being taken - and he had not heeded the advice. So, a surprising, if deserved, win for Brighouse - and a Monday evening at home to enjoy the one worthwhile night on the television.

JCFC has had the impression for several years now that Mr Dawson had been earmarked for greater things, without ever seeing quite why - a view coloured, no doubt, by the fact that on the first two occasions he had to leave the field through injury. This time, however, showed just why this expectation could well be justified. He handled the game in a way that was authoritative, but not over-assertive. His triage was excellent, helped by his first-rate movement - an excellent example of the referee as leader, accepted by the players, rather than second fiddle, and though he probably remained largely unnoticed, even one or two unlikely supporters commented on how well he had done.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 05 Sep 2021 15:54
The draw for the FA Cup had not been kind: no sensible chance of even a double header and no accessible new ground to visit. Two previously unseen referees  were within convenient reach, JCFC deciding that a Cheshire referee was more likely than one from Liverpol to turn up at Brighouse one day, so chose

Saturday 4th September 2021
FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round
Atherton Collieries   1   v   1   Bridlington Town
Barry Lamb (Manchester); Chris Cooper-Tonge, Ali Rahjoo.

It was disappointing, therefore, to find that the expected Mr Lennon had been replaced by the more familiar Barry Lamb - not that that should be taken as a reflection on the latter, who has normally found favour in this quarter. The officials, in fact, turned out to be anything but familiar. Mr Cooper-Tonge had been seen just the once, and JCFC would not have known him from Adam; Mr Rahjoo looked even more distinguished, and curiously seemed taller than when seen before - a case of relativity, based on the height of the different referees with whom he was working. Mr Lamb had forsworn his erstwhile tidy hairstyle: perhaps in compensation for a slight thinning on top, he had grown a mane which gave him a 19th century artistic appearance and flopped vigorously as he ran.

Atherton have made a good start to their NPL Premier season, Brid a poor start in one of the divisions below, so it was not a major surprise when Colls took the lead within the first minute. They continued to have the better of the territory, with the visitors making only occasional forays up to the top end. Forty-five minutes later Mr Lamb blew for half-time.

Playing down the slope Bridlington made a brighter start, but Atherton created two unmissable chances, which they proceeded to miss. Immediately after the second of these, Brid equalised with a header. Atherton became a little more urgent and had an effort deflected for a corner, but the tie now goes to a replay on Tuesday.

As may be deduced, Mr Lamb had little difficulty in controlling the match. There were a couple of late cautions for Bridlington players - there may have been others not spotted, as his carding technique is very perfunctory, as seen at higher levels. He worked wide, though not always too deep. He has always been quite a good talker and on this occasion sounded to have acquired a slightly gruff faux-sexy tone. I'm afraid it did nothing for me, but his aim would probably have been to win the favours of a good-looking hairstylist. Particular credit to him for keeping things running to time, meaning that contrary to expectations, JCFC was able to complete the walk back to the station in comfortable time for the 17.08 train, thus saving an hour's wait.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 12 Sep 2021 21:49
Episode 1
Saturday 11th September 2021
FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round
Silsden   1   v   2   Albion Sports
Ben Brighton (Bradford); Sam Sutton, Matthew Wolfendale.

The Ancient Sages were out in force, and had secured reserved seats. A 12th minute foul throw decision won their approval and a brief round of applause. Their striker was receiving a less favourable verdict, prompting the following interchange; Sage A: "He's top scorer - you can't knock him." Sage B: "I bloody can!" On 17 minutes an Albion attacker appeared to be pulled over from behind in the penalty area, but Mr Brighton immediately waved appeals away, the Sages feeling they had got away with one, though the lack of major protests from Albion  suggests that Mr Brighton was probably right. In contrast there were vigorous protests from the bench when a second appeal was turned down five minutes later - the Silsden keeper having made a perfect tackle. Discussion amongst the Sages turned to the possible cause of the outbreak of colour-blindness that rendered Silsden players unable to pass to anyone in a red shirt. In added time there was a correct yellow card for the home number 4 and the half finished goalless.

On 56 minutes Albion came close with a good turn and shot, which narrowly cleared the bar; Silsden's immediate response took them to the opposite end, where their shot cleared the bar, though in this case it was the bar in the clubhouse. Albion went ahead on the hour, coming close again a minute later, but Silsden drew level just three minutes later. There was a yellow per side within three minutes, the Silsden one being for a particularly idiotic pull-back by their number 8. At this point Mr Brighton received the supreme accolade from the Sages "I dont think he's done a bad job so far." "No, he's been consistent." A rapid Albion attack, a half save, a pull-back from the by-line and a simple finish saw them retake the lead on 71 minutes. Silsden did get the ball in the net late on, but for the umpteenth time, they were caught offside. A shot a minute later gave the Albion keeper an easy save. In a last-ditch effort the home keeper came forward, won the header, touched on by a colleague, only for the keeper to make a good save and see his side into the next round.

All three officials went for short sleeves, Mr Brighton's fortunately being long enough to cover his tattoos. Mr Wolfendale's appearance reminded JCFC of one of The Yetties (from Yetminster), both in appearance and air of joviality, the slimmer Mr Sutton being a more distant figure on the opposite touchline. Mr Brighton was efficient, in an unspectacular style, and can feel pleased with his afternoon's work. And remember, the Ancient Sages were impressed!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 13 Sep 2021 17:09
Another Sunday fixture, another early kick-off, but this time JCFC had done his homework and arrived with an hour and a quarter to spare at:

Episode 2
Sunday 12th September 2021
FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round
Worsbrough Bridge Athletic   1   v   2   Maine Road
Joshua Drake (S&H FA); Richard Trinder, Russell Lagden.

JCFC was just buying a cup of tea when the officials came in for their brew. One disadvantage of the relaxed dress code was that the lady failed to recognise them as the match officials and tried to extract payment at first. Mr Drake was very young, slim and trim, Mr Trinder was grey-haired but wiry, while Mr Lagden's preference for milky coffee, rather than tea like his colleagues, might have contributed to his more comfortable figure. Mr Drake appeared a very personable young man, helpfully assisting the Maine Road stand-in secretary with paper-work that he had not had to deal with for many years. He applied the same degree of sympathy to his subsequent warm-up, adapting his pace to the slowest member of the team.

Within 30 seconds of kick-off there was a potential problem as a home attacker appeared (from the stand) to handle the ball. Despite appeals from Maine Road players, Mr Drake, whose eyes are younger that JCFC's by half a century or more, allowed play to continue. Fortunately, the final shot was off target and the matter was soon forgotten. The territory was roughly even, but it was Maine Road who always looked the more dangerous in attack, forcing the Briggers' keeper to tip a shot for a corner and having a later shot inches too high. It was no surprise, therefore, when Maine Road took the lead on 24 minutes. A diving Worsbrough header shortly afterwards just failed to make the necessary contact A penalty appeal by the home side was immediately and correctly rejected. Maine Road would have hoped to do better with a couple more chances, but still reached half-time in the lead.

The Briggers appeared to have had an injection of rocket fuel, as they looked livelier now playing up the slope, but on 50 minutes it was the visitors who had a shot pushed away. The home side got their equaliser on 58 minutes, with a low ball from the right ( a cross or a shot?) going in off the keeper. Both sides pushed for the decider without success until added time, when Maine Road claimed the tie. For once penalties would have been welcome, as there was a 25 minutes wait for the bus back into Barnsley.

Had there been a pernickety Observer present, he might have deemed Mr Trinder's conduct of substitutions a little loose - unless, that is, there has been a law-change  or a temporary Covid dispensation - but otherwise both he and Mr Lagden performed well. As for Mr Drake, he was excellent, communicating clearly with the players and extracting a good response - hence the absence of cards. His manner onfield seemed as good as it had been before the match. He has a very strong whistle, but only used it when appropriate, and his movement was good, though one late break could perhaps have deserved a slightly faster sprint than it received. This was the third highly promising showing from a young Level 4 this season. It would be intriguing to see whether he copes as well with a more testing encounter. The guess is that he would!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 14 Sep 2021 21:05
As JCFC rose to get off the bus, A gentleman from Sunderland asked for guidance to the ground and a pleasant conversation ensued as we walked up. It turned out that he was the father of Graeme Fyvie, seen in 2013 refereeing Bradford PA v Harrogate Town in an FA Trophy tie, and also on the line for Ben Toner in an FA Cup match at Hartlepool. His surname, as in the song "The Bonny Lass o' Fyvie o" becomes less surprising when it turns out that he was born in Insch, just half a dozen miles from the Aberdeenshire village that bears his name. And so to

Monday 13th September 2021
NPL East
Brighouse Town   1   v   0   Bridlington Town
Jamie Rhodes (Normanton); Gordon Greaves, Josh Martin.

The talk around the ground was of two "very poor" refereeing displays in Town's last two matches, which may or may not have been accurate. Bridlington had lost all their league matches to date, but started off on top, the home side not being able to get the ball into the Brid half for the first five minutes. When they did so, however, they were met with a string of fouls, mostly penalised by Mr Rhodes, without any cautions, though one drag back of a forward heading to the penalty area looked distinctly worthy of a yellow. Midway through the half a foul on the far side of the pitch saw the Brid number 9 called for a lecture and as Mr Rhodes was seen to be writing as he talked, JCFC noted it as a caution, wrongly as in fact no card was shown. All somewhat confusing! Brid netted with a strong header, but Mr Martin's flag rescued the home side. There was a caution at last - for Brid 10 on 31 minutes, but the quality of the play was low, Brighouse not managing a shot on target, other than one weak free-kick, with the only threat coming at the other end.

The second half produced a further two cautions - Bridlington numbers 9 and 8 - and further pressure on the home goal, fortunately without any great accuracy, while the home keeper was generally effective in snuffing out the occasional danger. So 89 minutes arrived, the visitors attcking, home fans once again hoping for the final whistle. The Brighouse keeper caught the ball, threw it out to the right, from where a speculative long ball forward was made into a great pass by a superb crossfield sprint by the home sub, who kept the ball in play and pulled it back for Brighouse to snatch a winner. Another episode of Crimewatch could well result!

Mr Rhodes made a slightly diffident start at Level 3 some years ago, but has since grown into a sound referee and a very good decision-maker. In the early stages of this match he appeared over-lenient, perhaps, but in fact, he managed to get the difficult balance correct. His style is not demonstrative - except in terms of his fitness, which allowed him to be on the spot whenever possible problems threatened. Mr Observer might have questions about one or two cautions not issued, but must surely have appreciated a mature and well-judged performance overall.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sat 18 Sep 2021 10:33
Hopes that another weekend in the South would yield a couple of FA Cup ties were dashed, as only a Saturday one was within reach. There were, however, league games. JCFC chose Virginia Water, but the knowledgeable Martin Lewis saved him a wasted trip, by pointing out that they play at Windsor, which would be less accessible. The option then was

Friday 17th September 2021
Essex Senior League
Redbridge   1   v   3   Clacton
Andy Sammons (Saffron Walden,perhaps); Albert Forbes, Stiofan Appleby. (Note correction from nemesis, below.)

It was disappointing to find that the only food available was a burger, not a JCFC favourite, but freshly prepared by a lovely young lady, it turned out to be the highlight of the evening.

The lighting was poor - not as bad as at Hendon, but with the pylons being too short, this added an unpleasant glare. Add in the "see-through" dug-outs, which weren't, and the biblical idea of seeing as through a glass darkly was illustrated to perfection. As a result, proceedings were not easy to follow.

Mr Sammons is, in refereeing terms, no Spring chicken, but he strutted to the toss like a bantam ****(a male fowl), his two assistants strolling in his wake.

A rapid raid on 13 minutes saw Clacton fire the ball in from near their left touchline, (we'll say it was a shot)  and it sailed into the net, the keeper not moving, though it looked within comfortable reach. The visitors' second soon followed - a more convincing screamer from the right, and this time the keeper had no chance.There was a yellow for a Clacton defender just after the half-hour and a late flurry in the Clacton goalmouth, ending with a wild shot over the goal.

Redbridge offered a bit more in the second half, being denied by the keeper's legs on 64 minutes, while Clacton picked up another yellow card. It was the visitors who added a third on 81 minutes. Redbridge won a penalty on 86 minutes. The attacker was keen to take it, but had to wait as Mr Sammons was for some time otherwise engaged. Eventually a Clacton player headed off to the pavilion, the guess being that it was a sin-bin yellow, rather than a red. The penalty was scored, but the final whistle brought merciful relief.

Mr Sammons may have been anywhere between poor and brilliant, it really was hard to tell, but he seemed to do a pretty decent job.

Transport for London"s Journey Planner"s recommended route saw JCFC arrive at Platform 13 at London Bridge just as the train doors shut. There was no later one, but a lucky guess, involving Northern Line and a change at Balham, meant that the hotel was reached just after midnight.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 19 Sep 2021 18:04
The following day, however, could not have been more different. A straightforward short train journey, changing at Selhurst and East Croydon, and a comfortable walk took JCFC to

Saturday 18th September 2021
FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round
Merstham   4   v   1   Margate
Ciaran Fidler (Brighton): Joel Lamping, Chris Britton.

The ground was very trim, the view from the stand unobstructed, the staff friendly and efficient and the sunshine pleasant. A trio of young(ish) officials was in charge. As a traditionalist by nature, though, JCFC was disappointed that not a single Sussex badge was on display.

The nature of the football, too, was generally pleasing. Merstham looked comfortable in possession at the back, but then had to play long balls forward, which initially got them nowhere; Margate played the ball through midfield and looked the more incisive, but their attacks too often ended with an easy catch for the keeper. One such take, on the half hour, was played long and wide, where a Margate defender headed the ball back inside, only for it to fall at the feet of a Merstham attacker who had no difficulty in beating the keeper. Margate equalised just before the break, a surging run being followed by a powerful long shot.

A foul early in the second half drew a. yellow card for a home defender. Merstham regained the lead on 57 minutes, a longish shot from the right going in off the far post. An attack-stopping foul soon saw a Margate defender receive a yellow card. This was followed within a minute by what was almost an action replay of Merstham's second goal, but with the addition of a nifty turn. A fumble by the home goalie looked dangerous for a moment, but he was able to rescue the situation. Merstham's fourth, on 85 minutes, was this time a mirror image of numbers 2 and 3. Another yellow was shown to a Margate defender for stopping the next attack. On 89 minutes Mr Fidler ran back to have a brief chat with Mr Lamping, then ran back. Mysterious! The JCFC guess is that the home side were trying to bring on a substitute who was not ready. Mr Fidler did perhaps miss a minor trick in added time, when Merstham's right back was substituted and had got into his jog to the benches on the opposite side before Mr Fidler had located him. Sensibly, the referee decided that it would take longer to stop him and turn him back, so let him carry on. A good win for Merstham!

Mr Fidler had a fairly easy match to handle, with the cautions clear-cut and little sign of rancour between the teams. His triage was sound, he appeared to be a good communicator and played his part in an enjoyable afternoon. JCFC is happy to confirm that the hope expressed in. Mr Fidler's Twitter profile was on this occasion realised. He would have been even happier had the hope been more decorously expressed.

The trip back involved changes at East Croydon and this time Norwood Junction. Results elsewhere have created a chance to take in a replay on Tuesday,. With luck it may even be possible to find an easier way into the ground than on my previous visit there.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Mon 20 Sep 2021 17:04
Hopes that another weekend in the South would yield a couple of FA Cup ties were dashed, as only a Saturday one was within reach. There were, however, league games. JCFC chose Virginia Water, but the knowledgeable Martin Lewis saved him a wasted trip, by pointing out that they play at Windsor, which would be less accessible. The option then was

Friday 17th September 2021
Essex Senior League
Redbridge   1   v   3   Clacton
Andy Sammons (Saffron Walden,perhaps); Albert Forbes, Stiofan Appleby.

 .....

I think you'll find it was Andy Simmonds from Grays. Albert Forbes is from er, Redbridge and Stiofan is a newcomer from somewhere in Essex !
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 20 Sep 2021 17:26
Thank you once again! I took the names from the league website, which is obviously not to be trusted. Interestingly, it also gave the officials' levels. Mr Appleby was shown as 7p, whatever that means - probationer, perhaps.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: rustyref on Mon 20 Sep 2021 17:28
Thank you once again! I took the names from the league website, which is obviously not to be trusted. Interestingly, it also gave the official's levels. Mr Appleby was shown as 7p, whatever that means - probationer, perhaps.

Think it means he is Level 7 going for promotion.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 22 Sep 2021 19:26
So, having ascertained that the regular through trains would not present a problem, even in the event of penalties, the next step was to check the home club's website. This declared that admission to all matches was strictly by ticket only, to be booked online. Only after this had been done, did it reveal that there would be a pay turnstile (card only) in operation. The booking process required the selection of a seat, so JCFC picked one at random. This time access to the ground was easy, as the direct route through the park was still open for another half hour, when JCFC arrived at

Tuesday 21st September 2021
FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round Replay
St Albans City   2   v   0   Concord Rangers
Oliver Mackey; Neil Bailey, Thomas Whay.

The first task, of course, was to obtain sustenance. St Albans is associated in JCFC's mind with a degree of refinement, so the absence of pie and peas was not a surprise, but burgers rather lowered the tone, though the lamb and mint version was a cut above the average. Next job was to find the seat: Block F, seat B1 turned out to be impossible - it should not be sold to anyone over 4 foot 6 tall. Fortunately, having endured the torture of this lack of legroom, JCFC was eventually able to move when it became clear that most seats were unsold - and from that point enjoyed the match.

The Concord goal survived an early scare, but it was a home defender who received a yellow card for a foul on just 4 minutes. Saints had plenty of pace up front and were regularly able to reach the dead-ball line and pull the ball back, but desoerate blocks by Concord defenders kept them at bay - until, that is, the 12th minute, when St Albans took the lead, heading home a corner. Concord, too, were managing to create chances - often the result of some slack marking, and in these cases, it was left to the goalkeeper to save the day. Saints were aggrieved that there was no caution for the Concord number 7, when he made contact with the winger who tried to hurdle his challenge. The "injured" player, despite his cries of pain, did not require treatment and once it became clear that no card was forthcoming, performed a most impressive Lazarus act - well, not quite as impressive as the original. Play continued to fluctuate entertainingly with danger at each end. After 37 minutes a home attacker looked and sounded to be clipped in the penalty area: to JCFC it appeared to be a penalty, but without the benefit of replays, we must bow to the decision of the admirably positioned Mr Mackey, who gave a firm "No penalty" signal, play eventually leading to a corner. At this point, several Saints players gave Mr Mackey the benefit(?) of their opinion. The corner was headed clear - high rather than travelling any great distance - and two players made contact with each other as it came down a few yards outside the box. It looked to be a normal coming together, but Saints were awarded a free-kick and this time Concord players made strong representations. A vague thought that it was a compensatory award was probably inaccurate.

The entertainment continued in the second half, but soon yellow cards began to feature too - deservedly so, let it be said. Fouls by Concord 2,and then Saints 7 set the ball rolling, with another Concord defender joining them midway through the half. At this point there was a decent save at each end. and a good Saints chance was blocked for a corner. Two further visiting players received yellows just after 80 minutes - the second being for dissent. Saints sealed their win on 89 minutes: a long ball was chased, a clearance blocked, the ball rebounding towards the now empty goal. It missed, but the attacker had chased, stopped it from going out for a goal kick and netted from an acute angle. The Concord number 10 wrestled an attacker in lieu of a tackle and received a yellow card in stoppage time. In the end, the better team on the night came out on top.

Mr Mackey was excellent in his rapid coverage of the ground and his adjustment of position. He had created a very favourable impression a few years ago when seen at Basford, and though one or two decisions might not have survived more forensic scrutiny, he communicated well and kept a tight grip on proceedings. A decent performance, despite minor (probably unjustified) reservations. To their credit, all three officials wore their (different) County badges, which is always a pleasing feature of FA Competitions.

Counterintuitively, the exit at the end of the ground furthest from the station, proved the best way back and Sutton was reached at 23.46.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 23 Sep 2021 16:21
I am delighted that your wanderings have brought you to the City I now call home. If I had known you were going to be in Verulamium then I would have toddled along to Clarence Park and provided a fortifying beverage for you.

St Albans probably did have a certain degree of refinement until Whistleblower took up residence. I think we can safely say it has been plummeting ever since.

You seemed to have had a pleasant evening despite the early seating problems.  Haste ye back.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 23 Sep 2021 16:24
JCFC, perhaps we may call you an author of peace but clearly not a lover of Concord.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 27 Sep 2021 11:49
Though the referee was as originally appointed, several assistants appeared to have fallen by thge waysiude, en route to

Episode 3
Saturday 25th September 2021
FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round
Emley   1   v   1   Chadderton
Umar Ahmed (Wakefield); (Hannah Cottam, Mark Foster)(Charles King, Robert Gatenby) eventually Sam Bayley, Gordon Weir.

The officials were all suitably badged, though in the case of Mr Ahmed, the County badge made only a cameo appearance. It is always a pleasure to visit Emley, where even games lacking something in quality often have a sting in the tail - and this was to be no exception. The home side made a dreadful start, being lucky to get away with some slack defensive work in just the second minute. Indeed, it was 15 minutes before they managed to have possession in the Chadderton half. The visitors, meanwhile, looked stronger, slicker and quicker of thought; but for the tendency to drag shots wide to their left, they could have been well ahead. At this point, however, Emley played a long ball deep into Chadderton territory, an attacker and the keeper raced to get there first and it ended with the keeper handling outside his area. The red card was duly administered. Even with ten men, Chadderton still looked the more likely side, missing one particularly good chance,though at least Emley were able to muster a shot which grazed the post. Mr Ahmed called the visiting number 3 to one side for a warning, and also had a word with their number 11 five minutes later. At the half-time whistle, Mr Bayley started to run towards his colleague, but turned back in a vain attempt to head off and placate the Emley manager, who once again proved to be lacking in self-control - he is turning out to be the one thing that is not pleasant about Emley. He made it through to Mr Ahmed, however, and for no obvious reason continued to berate him for some time as he blocked the way to the dressing rooms. It was a disappointment that he was able to take his place on the bench for the second half, though he was somewhat chastened.

The second half saw an early good save by the replacement Chadderton keeper and a yellow card for the home number 8.  On 69 minutes the Emley keeper collected a through ball, but seemed to make an unnatural sideways movement of his leg into the path of the chasing attacker. Play was allowed to continue, despite Chadderton protests, but6 when the ball went out of play, the visiting number 9 received a sin-bin yellow. It was left to JCFC to explain to the nearby occupants of the stand what was happening. Even against nine men, Emley did not convince, but the return to ten opponents led to a controversial incident. On 80 minutes a foul by a Chadderton defender looked to be well inside the penalty area, but was given outside. Cue consternation in the home dugout, with some justification in his case, with Mr Bayley in the firing line. The remaks continued as play went on. After three minutes of this, Mr Bayley eventually flagged and Mr Ahmed showed a yellow to a different member of the Emley staff. On 87 minutes, Emley at last created a decent opening with a series of tidy passes and took the lead they did not deserve on the balance of the play. Celebrations, though, were premature as a Chadderton penalty as the game went into time added brought the equaliser. There was still time for an Emley defender to pick up a yellow card. And so to penalties: Chadderton's second was not the most convincing, but still counted, while the nine others among the chosen fives were all excellent.So to the more reluctant takers, Chadderton's first producing a weak effort against the post, leaving Emley to score their sixth to proceed to the next round. They will have to play much better if they are to go any further. Meanwhile, sympathy to Chadderton, who showed a lot of promise.

Mr Ahmed may have got a couple of important decisions wrong - or so it seemed from the stand - but the manner of his control was good, and he dealt firmly with player dissent, not that there was a great deal of that, isolated incident apart. It would have been good to see him pushing himself a little harder to get into position in the closing stages, when there was the possibility of an important decision looming, but otherwise his approach was to JCFC's liking. Mr Bayley had a busy time and fulfilled his responsibilities effectively. Mr Weir had a quiet time, grazing on the cricket field side - the fence is due to be up again this week.

Eavesdropping of the week: "I think I know more about cricket than I do about women." How many wives, one wonders, might roll their eyes and nod in recognition of that view?
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Bluekipper on Mon 27 Sep 2021 18:16
JCFC, thanks for your reports, they are always enjoyable and are a very good read.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 28 Sep 2021 14:17
Once again, JCFC had checked and seen that Sunday's match was scheduled for 14.00 and had arrievd in good time, but as it turned out, the visitors had been held up in traffic, so the start was delayed until 14.15 for

Episode 4

Sunday 26th September 2021
FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round
Albion Sports   1   v   8   Newcastle Benfield
Daniel Brown (S&H FA);appointments show Jack Andrews and Ben Curry, but who knows? (Ref Watcher does! See below.)

The warm-up showed that the well-groomed referee was not the original scruffy-haired appointee, but his identity was gleaned from a Benfield official, who unfortunately had no information on the assistants. Never mind - "A rose by any other name ..." No clues could be obtained from County badges, as only Mr Brown wore his.

It was very surprising that Albion dominated the opening quarter hour, scoring on 11 minutes after the Benfield keeper had parried a long shot. After that Benfield began to exert their superiority. When an excellent cross was well headed into the net on 23 minutes, the reaction of the crowd indicated that the supporters from Tyneside were in the majority. Their cheers were premature, however, as AR1 flagged for offside - the scorer checking with fans in line behind him, before signalling his disagreement to the assistant. Shortly afterwards a Benfield attacker looked to be winning a chase for the ball against the Albion number 7, who caught him from behind and down they went. Mr Brown awarded the free-kick to Albion: it was either a ridiculous error or a brilliant decision, and the fact that protests were muted suggests that it may have been the latter. The next Benfield attack produced a header onto the top of the net. The pressure had to tell, and from the third in a succession of corners the home keeper fumbled when leaping for the ball and Benfield had their equaliser. Albion were not happy, but the goal was correctly allowed to stand. There was ayellow card on 35 minutes for the Albion number 7, who kicked the ball away when caught clearly offside. The Benfield number 3 received a stern rebuke for some unparliamentary language. There had been a number of quite rugged challenges, not always easy for Mr Brown to sort out, and one on the far touchline led to a free and frank exchange of views at a mass rally of the players, though little more. Mr Brown took up position to observe, went for a word with AR1 once things had settled, returning to show a yellow card to an Albion player - number 5 or his captain -it was not made entirely clear. The whistle for half-time brought representations from the Benfield boss.

The first minute of the second half produced a corner for Benfield, leading in turn to two headers and their second goal. A further corner on 48 minutes was countered by a silly handball, the penalty giving Benfield their third. Things became increasingly towsy, and another mass meeting ensued on 58 minutes. Mr Brown extricated himself to take up position once more, though for a few seconds he walked away with his back to events, rather than walking backwards. AR 2 from the opposite side made a tentative move towards events, but was not required as once again Mr Brown had a chat with AR1 and eventually showed a yellow card to an Albion player - hopefully the one who ran furthest to get involved: AR2 could have pointed him out. There was a yellow for the Benfield number 8 on 65 minutes. There was a sense that it was proving difficult for Mr Brown and on 75 minutes he called the Benfield boss to one side for a protracted warning, which appeared to be a two-way process. A minute later there was a red card for an Albion defender: he had jumped into an opponent's back under a high ball, an offence which did not of itself seem worthy of a straight red: perhaps there had been illicit use of an elbow, not apparent from the other side of the pitch. Albion were not convinced. From 83 t0 90+2 minutes Benfield added five goals, and this time the representations were made by Albion as the officials left the field.

The tie was perhaps a little above Mr Brown's usual pay grade and for all his efforts and good intentions he did seem to find it a bit of a struggle.at times, but stuck at the task and maintained a degree of order. He will doubtless have more straightforward matches and better days. He deserves an easier ride in his next match.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Ref Watcher on Tue 28 Sep 2021 14:28
MOAS lists the assistants as Jack Andrews and James Barker.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 28 Sep 2021 14:40
Thank you. I really should have recognised young Mr Barker, having been seated behind his line at Eccleshill in August.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 03 Oct 2021 14:53
An 11.50 appointment at the Old Codgers' flu jab session rather limited the choice of Cup Ties in this round. Fortunately the most convenient tie offered the chance to see a young official who had impressed in his early days at Level 3 a couple of years ago. And so it was that JCFC crossed the Pennines once more to

Saturday 2nd October 2021
FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round
Atherton Collieries   0   v   0   Marine
Jordan Crossley (Rochdale); Ian Claridge, Matthew Moss.

Fortunately, the morning rain had left Atherton behind as JCFC walked to the ground. Nevertheless, common sense suggested that with the grass still wet, Mr Claridge would not be indulging in his contortions. Common sense was, however, wrong. No sooner had the trio completed their preliminary lap-and-three-quarters (unusually in a clockwise direction), than Mr Claridge fell to his knees, bowed his head in lengthy prayer before turning over and treating the world to a few minutes of artistic writhing. His colleagues were clearly used to this procedure, as rather than calling for an ambulance, they stood patiently with an air of embarrassed detachment; "He's not with us, honest." There was a sizeable following from Crosby - visiting another place, so to speak.

There was a decent display of badges from the officials, though by the second half it was time for Mr Crossley's  to take its afternoon nap.  Marine, who despite their Cup heroics last year, are a step lower than Colls, played downhill in the first half and for five minutes the home side could not escape their own half. Colls then produced an attack and claimed a penalty on 6 minutes. Mr Crossley had remained pretty central and did not therefore have trhe best of angles, but arrived at the correct decision (defender and attacker both using their arms, but nothing to constitute a foul) though his "no penalty" signal was a rather airy-fairy affair, in comparison with the usual decisive gesture. Marine had an appeal of their own on the quarter hour, a shot being blasted against a defender. From the far end of the field, this rejection again looked correct. Atherton put several high balls into the box, but the Marine keeper looked secure and his defenders generally coped well. A foul by the Marine number 2 brought him a yellow card; an almost identical one in the opposite corner brought the same result for an Atherton defender, while another went just before the break to an Atherton player, who compounded a foul by some injudicious placement of his boot.

On 48 minutes a Colls foul brought a strong and instantaneous flag from Mr Moss -  so instantaneous that he had not had time to switch his flag over - and players converged to discuss the price of fish, but nothing more untoward. Mr Crossley studiously avoided having any communication with Mr Moss, prompting the question whether the offender had bee one of those previously cautioned, though that is probably JCFC's suspicious mind. Just how deceptive angles can be was illustrated on 57 minutes, when a Marine player, having fouled his opponent, appeared, from the stand, to punch him in the stomach: there was no reaction of any sort, however, so it must have been a fist-bump. There was no doubt, however, that soon afterwards the Marine number 8 struck out with his arm at an opponent's leg. As play continued over the next few minutes there was a little shoulder pushing between the two, and when number 8 was next in possession, he was firmly clattered, at which point honours seemed to be considered even. Play was direct, leading to chances at either end. Colls had a couple of efforts cleared fgrom the line, while after the Marine keeper had failed with an attempted clearance a home attacker headed wide of the unguarded goal. The Colls keeper had not always looked secure under high balls, struggling to get a hand to one to turn it for a corner, but did well as a shot-stopper. The closing stages saw Atherton pressing for a winner, with a number of corners and free-kicks, but twice Marine broke at pace on their right and the keeper needed to be at his best. A draw a pretty fair result of an always exciting game, and Atherton folks can indeed see Another Place on Tuesday.

The configuration of the ground meant that Mr Claridge could not be seen most of the time - a great loss to humanity, no doubt - but Mr Moss was in JCFC's line of vision, calling one very tight offside correctly. This was perhaps one of the biggest games Mr Crossley has had to date, and he handled it well, emertging with credit. If JCFC was not quite as enthusiastic as he had been at Brighouse two years ago, this can perhaps be put down to the fact that Mr Crossley allowed the interval to stretch to 17 minutes. Even so,the train was once more reached in time - snails would have had no chance, this time - so he is forgiven.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 05 Oct 2021 20:46
At roughly the same time as the first encouraging sighting of Mr Crossley, a couple of years ago, another young referee at the same stage of his career was seen in action at Liversedge. His work was described as competent and his decision-making sound, but overall, despite his high academic qualifications, did not inspire the same enthusiasm, though the report here did say that he could well develop with time. It would be interesting to see whether he had done so, when he took charge of

Monday 4th October 2021
NPL East
Brighouse Town   2   v   1   Stocksbridge Park Steels
Dane McCarrick; James Gallagher, Joshua Brayshaw.

One prediction made two years ago certainly proved correct, Mr McCarrick having bowed gracefully to the inexorable inroads of his forehead. Stocksbridge bossed the early stages, but Brighouse established themselves in the visitors' half. On 11 minutes the raffle seller was heard approaching; JCFC looked for a pound coin and, not finding one, began to sort out his change. Tipping his hand slightly to make use of the floodlights, he contrived to drop several coins on the ground. Bending to pick them up, he suddenly heard a cheer as Town opened the scoring. Those who witnessed the goal say that it was a decent shot into the foot of the opposite corner. The  Stocksbridge number 8 was spoken to for a mistimed tackle and when he repeated the offence midway through the half, he inevitably received a yellow card. His number 4 followed some ten minutes later. On 37 minutes a Brighouse attacker was running into the penalty area when there was a tangle of legs. Mr McCarrick had a very good position and pointed to the spot, Brighouse making it 2-0.

The second half produced considerable Brighouse pressure, with a string of corners, but they were at times slack with their marking - a stronger attack would have punished them. On 82 minutes the visitors were guilty of a dreadful miss, but just as the PA announced the additional time, they finally got a goal back. Mr McCarrick was impressive with the speed at which he headed towards the goal, successfully preventing any grappling for the ball. There were a couple of Stocksbridge fouls and a yellow card for the Stocksbridge number 2, before Town could breathe a sigh of relief at mthe final whistle.

Mr McCarrick certainly appeared to have developed his refereeing, with good anticipation, firm control and excellent triage, giving little scope for dissent. His close-quarters chivvying of the Brighouse keeper to deter time-wasting was well-judged. His in-depth study of psychology has, it seems, taught him to employ the full range of facial expressions from stern to grim. On this evidence, though, it definitely seems to be a successful approach.

Brighouse briefly found themselves towards the top end of the table, having the best goal difference of the clubs on 13 points - the result of not having played any of the division's strongest sides. Their next match is at Marske - things will doubtless change then!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: UmpireIan49 on Tue 05 Oct 2021 23:56
FA Cup - 3rd Qualifying Round Replay
Wingate and Finchley v Corinthian Casuals
Tuesday 5th October 2021

Referee:- Daniel Simpson (Middlesex) assisted by
Colman O’Meara and James Sedley.

On a cold, blustery night, I made my way across North London to watch this replay along with 221 other supporters.

Very good game of football, no histrionics by the players, the players seemed interested in playing competitively and properly and consequently made the referee’s life extremely straightforward.

Very impressed by Mr. Simpson. Tall, with bleached blond hair and had a presence and natural authority which ensured a smooth flowing game. He put in a foot perfect performance, positioned himself well and only issued one yellow card, which was fair enough for a late challenge. He added on 7 minutes to the first half for a nasty looking injury to a Wingate and Finchley player, and only 2 minutes at the end.

Corinthian Casuals were worthy winners by 3-0, all three goals well taken, including a 35 yard worldy that wouldn’t look out of place at a higher level. As I said, the referee let the players play, and they let him referee, helping to make a good, fair contest.

Not sure what League Mr. Simpson officiates in, but doing some detective work, he is at Level 3. One to watch out for in the next few years on the strength of tonight’s display.

Very nice evening, and good to be watching live sport after the last 18 months we’ve all endured. Wingate and Finchley are a very decent, welcoming club and it’s good to take in a grass roots game played in the right manner.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 06 Oct 2021 19:25
I enjoyed reading JCFC's account of Mr McCarrick officiating at Brighouse Town. Presumably his match fee is called Danegeld.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: TheThingFromLewes on Wed 06 Oct 2021 20:17
I enjoyed reading JCFC's account of Mr McCarrick officiating at Brighouse Town. Presumably his match fee is called Danegeld.

Indubitably……
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: mutn3 on Thu 07 Oct 2021 10:15
Selston FC v Heanor Tn FC
Uhlsport United Counties League
Premier ( North)

Referee James Tewson L4
Assisted by Steve Davis and Brett Hovey
Att: 180 approx


Let's start with a " Did you know ? ". Gypsy king Dan Boswell is buried in St Helen's Churchyard in Selston. He lived from 1737 until 1827, dying aged 76, which mathematically takes some getting your head around, but hey!

The ground, under local Parish control, was opened in 1934 by Harold Larwood and Sam Staples. The famous Umpire and cricketer Arthur Jepson played here too; he of the " you can see the moon, how far do you want to see" after a player wondered if the light was good enough! An Umpire in the 1975 World Cup, one of just nine Nottinghamshire men to1000+ First Class wickets..oh, and 100 odd Football League apoearances for Stoke City and Port Vale as Goalkeeper. Some guy Arthur!

Selston play in Inter Milan colours, which is where any similarity stops. Thus is is very difficult to pick up where the referee is at any given moment. A 21st Century F. A. might think about banning this kit, or leagues give the referees alternative coloured options?

Three first half Selston cautions were fair enough, but Mr Tewson's (James hereafter) caution technique seems a little long winded, to me anyway. I get the " take the heat out, ensure the injured player gets treatment etc" but fetching a full back forty yards to return to be cautioned! ..there may be an argument for not letting him get forty yards away in the first place?

This lack of what one might say dealing with incidents in good time surfaced again late on. James stopped play, with the ball in play, for Selston to attend to an injury in front of the dugouts. It was lengthy, but fair enough. Before play can restart another Selston player hits the floor. Let's not call it a dive, let's just say it surprised many of those watching, and i went to fetch my spare trunks from the car!

James allows the Trainer time to deal with this, and then finally FINALLY decides who should receive the drop ball, and away we go. I didn't time the two incidents, but wouldn't have got change out of seven or eight minutes! My view would be that had James shown a little more urgency in getting the ball dropped in the first place, the second incident may not have had time to brew. Just a thoughts James?

James got around well, did not appear to make many errors, and nor did he unduly get involved ( which always finds favour with me), and ably supported by both Assistants. The odd good advantage, in a game with little opportunity..

This was a dire match, shots were few, arguments were plenty. Without any free flow it would be hard to shine. A performance to be put into a category below a referee's best, but not to be disappointed about either perhaps?

Heanor edged this scrappy game 2-1, and not one of the goals had the strength to actually hit the back of the net! I don't know what the definition of a scrambled goal is, but if i had a video to post...




Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 07 Oct 2021 11:30
I found the "Did you know" detail interesting. I did not realise that Boswell was a traveller-related name. That explains the excellent Jeremy James Taylor's choice of "Bendigo Boswell" as the title of one of his splendid young persons' musicals. (The Ballad of Salomon Pavey remains my favourite, however.)
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 07 Oct 2021 12:19
I found the "Did you know" detail interesting. I did not realise that Boswell was a traveller-related name. That explains the excellent Jeremy James Taylor's choice of "Bendigo Boswell" as the title of one of his splendid young persons' musicals. (The Ballad of Salomon Pavey remains my favourite, however.)


Nor did I know about the name Boswell but a rather famous holder of it did travel a lot with a certain Dr Johnson.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Thu 07 Oct 2021 23:04
I found the "Did you know" detail interesting. I did not realise that Boswell was a traveller-related name. That explains the excellent Jeremy James Taylor's choice of "Bendigo Boswell" as the title of one of his splendid young persons' musicals. (The Ballad of Salomon Pavey remains my favourite, however.)


Nor did I know about the name Boswell but a rather famous holder of it did travel a lot with a certain Dr Johnson.

9th Laird of Auchinleck - Auchinleck House is now in the hands of the Landmark Trust and available for large family / group get togethers.  Outbuidlings have been made into a coffee house/cafe/gift shop named after Boswell.
When I first moved up to Ayr from Surrey I rented a top floor flat in Failford House which was the home of the now late Sherriff Neil Gow, who I had previously met as an expert witness in his court and who was a staunch supporter of the Boswell Society.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 10 Oct 2021 16:20
The lure of a referee from deepest Gloucestershire was even stronger than the siren call of Silsden's Ancient Sages, so JCFC alighted from the train at Fitzwilliam,  for

Saturday 9th October 2021
NCEFL Premier Division
Hemsworth Miners Welfare (3)  v  (1)   Penistone Church
Matthew Langdon; Charles King, Jamie Mortiboys.


One disadvantage of the otherwise pleasant ground is the proximity of the stand to the home technical area, with its very loud, very one-eyed manager, with an extremely limited but infinitely repetitive vocabulary. A fairly routine foul on 5 minutes earned the referee and AR1 an extended introductory course in the local vernacular. Hemsworth had an effort off the Penistone crossbar and forced a good save from the keeper on 19 minutes. Midway through the half came a strange decision: a Hemsworth player was chasing the ball down the left wing, the Penistone defender merely stepped in front of him, with the ball not within reach and allowed the attacker to run into his back. The result, a free-kick to Penistone, did not meet with approval in the home technical area - and this time JCFC was inclined to agree with them, though not, of course, in similar terms. As the abuse from the home boss continued unabated, one Penistone supporter shouted that he should be sent to the stand - an idea instantly vetoed by the occupants of said stand, who did not want him anywhere near them. Further unwanted advice on 34 minutes led to a summons to a Hemsworrth coach for a warning, though Mr Langdon singled out the hitherto quieter one. There followed an extended conversation, with the coach giving as good as he got -if not more so - and appearing to have the final word. Mr Langdon was correct not to fall for a ridiculous penalty appeal from Hemsworth on 42 minutes, but the home side took the lead a minute later. It had been a half low on quality, with what little there had been coming from Hemsworth, despite an apparent desire to prove Brian Clough wrong by playing football in the sky. Penistone, meanwhile, had barely played at all, but appeared to be making a bid for the Guinness Book of Records for the most times caught offside. (no chance - Partick Thistle in the 70s must hold that, thanks to a forward called Rae.)


Penistone had doubtless had a deserved rocket at half-time, and were out early for the second half. Almost immediately they had a good header tipped over the bar. On 55 minutes the home number 2 received the game's first yellow card, Mr Langdon having had time to note the details before the player had answered the summons to be shown the card. Penistone got their equaliser almost immediately, lifting the ball neatly over the stranded keeper. Penistone were correctly awarded a free-kick on 58 minutes, but the home number 10 was not convinced, showing his dissent by hurling the ball into the ground and away. Mr Langdon may have missed this, as he was disentangling players, so number 10 had another go a few seconds later, this time kicking the ball away, but again the yellow card was not forthcoming. The game's best moment came on 64 minutes, Hemsworth playing an excellent long pass from centre field to right wing, who turned it back inside for a colleague to finish with a superb shot into the far corner.. Three minutes later smart passing enabled them to score a third - but this time Penistone's defence had evaporated, making it all too easy for them. Matters came to a head in the 72nd minute; Penistone were penalised for a foul; there must have been more to it than immediately met the eye, as the Hemsworth player lost his rag and set off at a rate of knots in search of vengeance. He was restrained from behind by an opponent and an outbreak of silliness ensued, with a succession of outbreaks of playground behaviour. There were a couple of incursions from the Hemsworth coaching staff, hopefully as students of the Beatitudes, through a wish to be called the Children of God. AR1 and Mr Langdon waited until this had subsided. AR1 hovered in readiness to be consulted. but was not called upon - not the wisest course, perhaps. Instead, Mr Langdon called the Hemsworth number 11 to receive a red card, followed by the Penistone number 15 seconds later.  Penistone players began to question the assistant as to the reason for this dismissal and before play could restart there was a vigorous flag from Mr Mortiboys on the far touchline, Players, staff and officials all headed to the scene. From the stand it was not clear what was happening, with no obvious signs of total warfare, but after a few minutes Mr Langdon blew to abandon the match. It did seem a surprising decision,(even President Hackett, with all his experience, could not recall an abandonment in such circumstances)  but then Mr Langdon was in possession of the facts and made his judgement accordingly. It may be that the atmosphere was simply too toxic, or that something had happened that might lead to the involvement of the Police. As JCFC made his way slowly towards the exit, the home manager was seen sitting despondently in the dug-out, thinking, among other consequences, of the loss of what seemed a certain three (much needed) points. JCFC almost felt sorry for him - I did say almost!

Unless he is a supremely confident young man, Mr Langdon will probably have spent a disturbed evening mulling over the events. He can be reassured that  overall he performed to the level one would expect: not the best Level 4 seen this season, but not necessarily the worst. It would have been good to see a slightly more authoritative manner, but for the most part his decisions were accurate.

In the aftermath Penistone's twitter thanked Hemsworth for their post-match hospitality, wisely declining to offer any further comment. Hemsworth's went silent until Sunday, when they indicated that there had been an incident involving a spectator who is not a regular supporter and who would no longer be welcome at the club. Meanwhile the league has things to sort out.

One good thing came of it: JCFC had assumed that he would have longer to wait for his train, but instead was able to catch an earlier one, getting home 20 minutes earlier that expected.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: cwh on Mon 11 Oct 2021 18:38
I notice that the away team were a church team - in name anyway - I wonder if the Vicar was playing !! - perhaps a prayer or two would have been appropriate
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: ajb95 on Mon 11 Oct 2021 19:46
I notice that the away team were a church team - in name anyway - I wonder if the Vicar was playing !! - perhaps a prayer or two would have been appropriate

There wasnt a vicar playing when I refereed up there last season. A lovely ground in an equally lovely setting. No wonder Keith Hackett chose it as his base of operations
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: RefObserver on Tue 12 Oct 2021 09:48
http://www.nonleagueyorkshire.com/2021/10/10/hemsworth-ban-lone-ranger/
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 12 Oct 2021 12:15

There wasnt a vicar playing when I refereed up there last season. A lovely ground in an equally lovely setting. No wonder Keith Hackett chose it as his base of operations

Over the last five years or so, the number of grounds that can be visited on public transport in the evening has declined markedly. Changes to train services took out FCUM, Chadderton, Curzon Ashton, Ashton United, Stalybridge, Ossett, Selby T, Garforth T and, sadly, Silsden. Last year Penistone Church was regrettably added to the list as the penultimate train was removed. As ajb95 implies, Penistone is a good club to visit, so this was particularly sad

Now the buses have joined in,with the unkindest cut of all. Recent changes mean that Emley can no longer be visited in the evening - the last bus back to civilisation (Huddersfield) leaves at half time, though there is a bus to Wakefield just after 11pm, for those not interested in civilisation.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Tue 12 Oct 2021 13:36
Quote
... the last bus back to civilisation (Huddersfield) leaves at half time, though there is a bus to Wakefield just after 11pm, for those not interested in civilisation.
I have never lingered long enough in either Wakefield or Huddersfield to make a judgement of their relative degrees of civilisation.  However, in my university days (Pre-M62) I did quite regularly travel between Leeds and Reddish -  mostly by train but sometimes by car.  The car journeys were not pleasant; the Ford 100E with its side valve engine and three speed gearbox wasn't good at competing with heavy lorries whilst the vacuum operated windscreen wipers that stopped working going up long hills made driving in the rain torturous.   On those car journeys I was, as I recall, directed along the "Huddersfield by-pass" which seemed to me to be a tour of the back streets of Huddersfield.  None of this caused me to associate Huddersfield with civilisation.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 12 Oct 2021 15:28
Never having had the slightest wish to by-pass Huddersfield, I imagine that the route Microscopist mentions, was merely a cunning plan to keep out undesirables - though I'm sure our friend did not fit into that category. If he reversed his route on the return trip, his way out of town would have coincided with the trolleybus journey I used to take on the way home from school. He would have had the olfactory delights of passing first the gasworks, where we often were delayed as a litle saddle tank pulled its train slowly across the road; then the dyeworks of ICI and L B Holliday's before the culmination by the sewage works.

The train would have been pleasanter, though Huddersfield station is vastly more impressive from the outside. In those days, it was still possible, I imagine, to reach Reddish with a change at Stalybridge. Meanwhile at about the same time I was heading from Manchester Victoria  to Brighouse, with a change at Sowerby Bridge or latterly from Manchester Exchange to Huddersfield,direct.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 12 Oct 2021 16:52

There wasnt a vicar playing when I refereed up there last season. A lovely ground in an equally lovely setting. No wonder Keith Hackett chose it as his base of operations

Over the last five years or so, the number of grounds that can be visited on public transport in the evening has declined markedly. Changes to train services took out FCUM, Chadderton, Curzon Ashton, Ashton United, Stalybridge, Ossett, Selby T, Garforth T and, sadly, Silsden. Last year Penistone Church was regrettably added to the list as the penultimate train was removed. As ajb95 implies, Penistone is a good club to visit, so this was particularly sad

Now the buses have joined in,with the unkindest cut of all. Recent changes mean that Emley can no longer be visited in the evening - the last bus back to civilisation (Huddersfield) leaves at half time, though there is a bus to Wakefield just after 11pm, for those not interested in civilisation.


Penistone Church may not have had a Vicar playing for them but one might expect such a cleric at Wakefield
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 12 Oct 2021 18:05
Therein lies the difference between the true intellectual, Whistleblower, and the rest of us, who might have been contemplating a possible Dibley ladies team.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 12 Oct 2021 18:43
Therein lies the difference between the true intellectual Whistleblower and the rest of us, who might have been contemplating a possible Dibley ladies team.


A kind accolade and quite undeserved.

If you are contemplating clerics and ladies then perhaps The Vicar of Bullhampton is for you. A novel about a trollop by a Trollope !
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 12 Oct 2021 19:01
Therein lies the difference between the true intellectual Whistleblower and the rest of us, who might have been contemplating a possible Dibley ladies team.


A kind accolade and quite undeserved.

If you are contemplating clerics and ladies then perhaps The Vicar of Bullhampton is for you. A novel about a trollop by a Trollope

Or even by A Trollope.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Tue 12 Oct 2021 22:16
Never having had the slightest wish to by-pass Huddersfield, I imagine that the route Microscopist mentions, was merely a cunning plan to keep out undesirables - though I'm sure our friend did not fit into that category. If he reversed his route on the return trip, his way out of town would have coincided with the trolleybus journey I used to take on the way home from school. He would have had the olfactory delights of passing first the gasworks, where we often were delayed as a litle saddle tank pulled its train slowly across the road; then the dyeworks of ICI and L B Holliday's before the culmination by the sewage works.

The train would have been pleasanter, though Huddersfield station is vastly more impressive from the outside. In those days, it was still possible, I imagine, to reach Reddish with a change at Stalybridge. Meanwhile at about the same time I was heading from Manchester Victoria  to Brighouse, with a change at Sowerby Bridge or latterly from Manchester Exchange to Huddersfield,direct.
I do have recollections of the gasworks!  The by-pass certainly wasn't the scenic route - I don't recall the saddle tank engine, nor trolley buses.
The Friday evening journey back to Manchester was normally to change at Stalybridge (a better station than Effingham Junction to wait for a connection) and then the train to Reddish South which then went on the Stockport Edgeley and beyond.  The return trip on Sunday evening was normally from Manchester Exchange.  For a short time later on I commuted daily to and from Reddish North to Leeds.  That was whilst I was at Leatherhead and my expenses as a research student would allow me a week-end return and either accomodation in Leeds or staying with Mum & Dad and a weekly ticket to Leeds - that way made my mum happy!.  On occasion I would use the Bradford, Sowerby Bridge and all points West train.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 12 Oct 2021 22:49
Therein lies the difference between the true intellectual Whistleblower and the rest of us, who might have been contemplating a possible Dibley ladies team.


A kind accolade and quite undeserved.

If you are contemplating clerics and ladies then perhaps The Vicar of Bullhampton is for you. A novel about a trollop by a Trollope

Or even by A Trollope.


Initially, I am minded to agree with you.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: mutn3 on Wed 13 Oct 2021 12:43
Did you know? Pontefract cake was used both for human and animal medicinal purposes up until 1760, when sugar was added to form a confectionary..of Sorts!  Local worthies, not often mentioned in the same sentence, are Tim Bresnan and Harvey Proctor.

Pontefract Collieries (First Team) v Stocksbridge Park Steels FC (First Team)
Northern Premier League - East Division    
Referee: Hall, Jack
Assistant Referee: Langdon, Matthew
Assistant Referee: Trevethan, Michael

Well, this was an awful game. Hustle and bustle and not much else. It was bad enough to leave six minutes early.....and miss a saved penalty from a red card!

The only goalscorer is known in this parish not for his footballing skills, which I'm sure are plenty, but for century and double century scoring in local cricket. For purposes of pride, it's probably best not to say in which division, but had JCFC been early at the cricket, he'd have got a game, and not been the last to bat!

Mr Hall, laid back in the extreme, and very much looking and refereeing like a young Des Morrison imo, will struggle to make enemies. Nothing flustered, an approach which generally rubs off for the best on the players.

He occasional got in the way, the ball hitting him twice, but I'd be splitting hairs.

Leaving on 84m and hearing the hullabaloo half way back to the car, the next five minutes were taken up manoeuvring past some adventurous third party parking. A mate saw me through the tiniest of gaps, and I did the honourable thing straight after, driving off before he asked me to see him through the same gap.

Well, you gotta beat the traffic if you're leaving early !
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: jad on Wed 13 Oct 2021 13:43

The train would have been pleasanter, though Huddersfield station is vastly more impressive from the outside. In those days, it was still possible, I imagine, to reach Reddish with a change at Stalybridge. Meanwhile at about the same time I was heading from Manchester Victoria  to Brighouse, with a change at Sowerby Bridge or latterly from Manchester Exchange to Huddersfield,direct.

Two things puzzle me about this account.  The first is that I would never have thought that Sowerby Bridge, for all its undoubted virtues, was the sort of place where it was possible to change trains.  The second is the notion of a direct train from Sowerby Bridge to Brighouse.  Where did the train begin and end its journey, or was it, as I strongly suspect, a special laid on for the sole convenience of JCFC? 
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 13 Oct 2021 14:21
There was a train in the late sixties which ran from Sowerby Bridge to (I think) York. It started from a now overgrown track alongside the Eastern end of the Eastbound platform. I used to catch it from Brighouse to Castleford on occasions to watch Rugby League matches. Brighouse station closed at the start 0f 1971, reopening in a slightly different position (possibly to allow for a car park) in 2000. Nowadays the Leeds to Wigan service, formerly going as far as Southport, serves both Brighouse and Sowerby Bridge - and has recently been handy for trips to Atherton. No specials for me! My Dad, however, did help to organise an annual "West Riding Special" train from Bradford Exchange, via Dewsbury Central, Wakefield Westgate, Doncaster and Misterton to Kings Cross for the MAYC London Weekend.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: jad on Wed 13 Oct 2021 15:23
Thanks.  I feel a lot better for knowing that.  A Sowerby Bridge to York train is almost as improbable as the overnight train that used to run from York to Aberystwyth (and in that direction only).
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Boris10 on Thu 14 Oct 2021 15:01
Not only could you change trains at Sowerby Bridge,it also had an engine shed with an array of tank engines.Mention also  of Stalybridge brings fond memories.
Stockport County played on Friday evenings.After the match,there was a train to Stalybridge and we changed to a Leeds train as far as Huddersfield.This arrived just
after 11pm.We then had a leisurely stroll to catch the last bus of the day[1115pm]operated by Hebble Motors[ceased trading 1971]to Odsal Top.We never missed
 the bus,which gives rise to the state of timekeeping on BR in those far off days.
Later in life I got to know a former fireman at Low Moor engine shed.He regularly had a turn to Stockport from Bradford around Saturday lunchtimes.Now,there
is just one 'Parliamentary 'train[see The Mikado'] a week from Stockport to Stalybridge or vice versa............
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 14 Oct 2021 17:17
There was also a branch from Sowerby Bridge along the Ryburn Valley to Rishworth. Passenger services stopped circa 1930, but freight was still carried until 1953 as far as Rishworth, and for a further five years to Ripponden, which might explain the tanks Boris10 recalls.

No vice versa from Stalybridge, unfortunately
 Friday morning, one way only. My visits to Stockport County were usually from Manchester, but on one occasion I did make the journey from Brighouse. After the match, I checked the timetable and waited beside the train on the advertised platform. Departure time arrived, the train remained locked and I received the news when I asked an unhelpful member of staff that it had left from a different platform. No apology, no offer of help - some things are handled better these days. I never tried that journey again.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: OwdReds on Fri 15 Oct 2021 08:29
Stockport Stalybridge was the ideal link for trains running into and out of Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria without having to cross Manchester. I had a friend who lived in Batley whose girlfriend at that time (Mid 70's) was living and working in Stoke. They used the Stockport Stalybridge line on a weekly basis.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: mutn3 on Fri 15 Oct 2021 09:03
For a nostalgia five minutes, check out " Stalybridge Station" by Fivepenny Piece 🎵. And I'm not even from Lanky!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Fri 15 Oct 2021 10:56
For a nostalgia five minutes, check out " Stalybridge Station" by Fivepenny Piece . And I'm not even from Lanky!

I did - I recall the group, but not the song. There was a certain degree of poetic licence, as Stalybridge station is a reasonably pleasant place. It has a good bar, comfortable warm waiting room and decent toilets - the Gents anyway, I cannot vouch for the quality of the Ladies' facilities. (That last word was added to avoid possible misinterpretation.) All in all, not a bad station. Now, had they sung about Burnley Central or Wakefield Kirkgate...

Sorry folks, we should get back to football after tonight's match.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Leggy on Fri 15 Oct 2021 11:29
If this thread was an edition of "Just A Minute", I am sure that someone would have buzzed in by now!!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Fri 15 Oct 2021 12:49
Yes, indeed. I am not sure about hesitation, but plenty of repetition and masses of deviation - but isn't that what  makes Just a Minute enjoyable?

At the risk of giving  Leggy a further chance to press his buzzer, can I remind you that I spent the academic year 67-68 in digs on Mornington Crescent, albeit the Manchester version.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Leggy on Fri 15 Oct 2021 12:53
Yes, indeed. I am not sure about hesitation, but plenty of repetition and masses of deviation - but isn't that what  makes Just a Minute enjoyable?

At the risk of giving  Leggy a further chance to press his buzzer, can I remind you that I spent the academic year 67-68 in digs on Mornington Crescent, albeit the Manchester version.

Now you are confusing "Just A Minute" with "I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue" !!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Fri 15 Oct 2021 13:19
I am, because I haven't!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sat 16 Oct 2021 10:29
A fortnight ago the Friday night match at Redbridge afforded very poor viewing conditions, but worse was to come at

Friday 15th October 2021
Essex Senior League
Woodford Town   1   v   1   Stanway Rovers
Michael Scott; Harry Demo, Peter Jago.

Woodford are no doubt delighted to have found a home, but unfortunately the pitch is situated in the middle of an impressive athletics facility, with both track and large long-time area making the view from the spectator accommodation a distant one, without any height to help. The programme I formed readers that both teams would be in yellow shirts, but the visitors' choice of a navy strip, with just a front panel of a lighter blue, exacerbated the situation. I do not know the football equivalent of Thompson's "a ghostly batsman plays to the bowling of a ghost" but the field was certainly full of shades and much flickering to and fro. Mr Scott was mostly indistinguishable from the players; Mr Demo from the enveloping night. Only Mr Jago was clearly visible, nobly trying to be in position despite advancing years.

For the record, the visitors, top of the table, were the stronger side in the first half, taking the lead with a header on 11 minutes. The second half was more even, with Stanway's shooting being way off target. Woodford had a great run through the heart of the home defence on 71 minutes, but shot straight at the keeper. Three minutes later a Stanway shot was clawed back off the line - or was it? At the next stoppage Mr Scott had lengthy words for a visiting boss. A decent shot on 85 minutes earned Woodford a draw they just about deserved. What happened in the remaining minutes remains unknown, JCFC having left to ensure a smooth journey back to Sutton.

Mr Scott appeared, as far as one could tell, to do well in a match with few problems. Sadly, it would be impossible to recognise him, if he was encountered again. One thing is certain though - it would not be at Woodford.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: UmpireIan49 on Sat 16 Oct 2021 17:30
FA Cup - 4th Qualifying Round
Southend United v Chertsey Town

Referee:- Callum Walchester (Suffolk)
Assisted by Stephen Parkinson and Thomas Kelly.

Ventured down to Roots Hall today to a town still in shock from the senseless murder of Sir David Amess MP the day before. A minute’s silence before the game was impeccably observed by the 2,000 plus spectators.

Once battle commenced, Chertsey took a shock lead when Southend failed to deal with a long throw. Southend gradually took command and in the end, ran out 4-1 winners with some well taken goals. That put a smile back on the locals’ faces, much needed too, as Southend FC is in financial peril having suffered two successive relegations.

As for the referee, Mr. Walchester did a very sound job, always up with play, communicated well with the players and wasn’t buying a Southend player constantly falling over looking for cheap free kicks in the second half. He let the players get on with it, but with a quiet air of authority and good presence, and the players let him do his job, and impressively so.

Couple of Southend fans behind me were very complimentary about him as well, so that Indicated a decent performance. All the players shook hands with him and his assistants and they deserved their credit for overseeing a free flowing, good and competitive cup tie. No yellow cards to speak of, in fact, I can’t remember many free kicks being given in the entire match, probably close to 20.

Mr. Walchester certainly has the potential to progress to a higher level. A good watch and Southend fans and the town will be a lot happier this evening.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 17 Oct 2021 07:55
No problems with visibility at

Saturday 16th October 2021
FA Cup4th Qualifying Round
Dorking Wanderers   2   v   2   Hayes and Yeading United
Marc Whaley (Plymouth); Kieran Bailey, Chris Britton. 4thers: Adam Kennard.

An agreeable walk from the station led to a tidy little ground, with good viewing - the lights were even on throughout just in case the bright sun went out. The officials were appropriately badged - yea, even Mr Britton on this occasion.

A great run by a Dorking player in the third minute left defenders floundering, but ended with a shot just past the far post. Unfortunately, it soon became apparent that Dorking were particularly gobby and Mr Whaley soon had occasion to issue warnings about dissent - including, it appeared, demanding a yellow card for an opponent. This latter led to a succession of approaches from various players. There's none so deaf as those who will not hear, and the chat continued, even after a fine shot gave Wanderers a 20th minute lead. JCFC's Gran would have advised them to save their breath to cool their porridge. On 27 minutes Dorking bundled the ball into the net, but Mr Whaley awarded a free kick to the defence, and after further backchat, a yellow card to one of the home posse surrounding him. A splendid Dorking shot was brilliantly turned for a corner. The visitors mounted attacks of their own, a 38th minute shot going through the keeper, but being cleared off the line by a defender. One minor push, with no obvious likelihood of confrontation nevertheless saw Mr Whaley race to the scene - thereby making himself available for further backchat, this time from both sides. It might have been wiser to remain at a distance.

Hayes and Yeading equalised five minutes into the second half, with a well-defined move being finished confidently. Thus buoyed, they went ahead on 66 minutes and had several more dangerous raids, one producing a yellow card for the Dorking number 8 for a trip just outside the box. The visitors were on top at this stage, but on 78 minutes another dangerous effort was blocked in the home penalty area and a rapid switch to the other end enabled Dorking to make It 2-2. They almost took the lead three minutes later, a free kick being cleared with the help of the far post. A little feud developed between the two number 8s, but the next yellow card went to the home number 17, after Mr Whaley had allowed an excellent advantage. Additional time brought a yellow for the visiting number 8, another following right at the end for the Hayes and Yeading number 3.

It had been a game which kept spectators entertained throughout and the replay on Tuesday promises well.

Mr Whaley managed things effectively enough, with no obvious errors. He varied his whistle well and generally kept a lid on things. It was a solid afternoon's work, though JCFC prefers a more forceful approach. Ultimately, however, the participants will have been happy enough with the officials.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Sun 17 Oct 2021 18:53
FA Cup - 4th Qualifying Round
Southend United v Chertsey Town

Referee:- Callum Walchester (Suffolk)
Assisted by Stephen Parkinson and Thomas Kelly.

Ventured down to Roots Hall today to a town still in shock from the senseless murder of Sir David Amess MP the day before. A minute’s silence before the game was impeccably observed by the 2,000 plus spectators.

Once battle commenced, Chertsey took a shock lead when Southend failed to deal with a long throw. Southend gradually took command and in the end, ran out 4-1 winners with some well taken goals. That put a smile back on the locals’ faces, much needed too, as Southend FC is in financial peril having suffered two successive relegations.

As for the referee, Mr. Walchester did a very sound job, always up with play, communicated well with the players and wasn’t buying a Southend player constantly falling over looking for cheap free kicks in the second half. He let the players get on with it, but with a quiet air of authority and good presence, and the players let him do his job, and impressively so.

Couple of Southend fans behind me were very complimentary about him as well, so that Indicated a decent performance. All the players shook hands with him and his assistants and they deserved their credit for overseeing a free flowing, good and competitive cup tie. No yellow cards to speak of, in fact, I can’t remember many free kicks being given in the entire match, probably close to 20.

Mr. Walchester certainly has the potential to progress to a higher level. A good watch and Southend fans and the town will be a lot happier this evening.

Can't disagree with any of that. Operating simultaneously at one level above and one level below his normal pay grade, he had a very good match with no more intervention than absolutely necessary. His fourth match across the border into Essex this season and the first home win. Much of the happiness dissipated with the less than favourable draw.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: mutn3 on Mon 18 Oct 2021 09:49
Did you know?

Riber Castle, overlooking MTFC from upon high, has never been a castle! Built by the Industrialist Smedley as a 19th century folly, it has since seen service as a school, a zoo, commandeered by MOD, and, after a period of ruin (sounds like JCFC chasing a bus! 😄) has now been turned into luxury flats. Still looks like a castle though!

Matlock Tn 0 South Shields 1
Referee: Anthony Tankard ( Sheffield)
Att: 1364

It's a bit of a booger if I can't get a seat in what has come to be my regular haunt, but South Shields had come in numbers. Like their North East counterparts from St James' Park, replica shirts were aplenty, and though I never heard anyone mention " Wor Jackie" or singing " When The Boat Comes In" I'm sure had I asked..😉 Before, and throughout the game, South Shields FC should be proud of such a following, and I'm sure wherever they visit, home teams will welcome.

Mr Tankard was the ideal appointment for the top two playing each other. Tall and imposing, the right ref on the right game.

Four cautions, but two were out of sight behind the hefty Matlock contingent and the nearside wall. The other two were obvious and deserved. Never flustered and always in control.

Matlock had late shouts for a handling offence, but it happened so quickly I couldn't tell if Mr Tankard was right or wrong..Others watching..well, it depended if you were in blue or maroon!

A great atmosphere, a good game, and very well refereed.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: UmpireIan49 on Tue 19 Oct 2021 23:39
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round Replay
St Albans City v Corinthian Casuals

Referee:- Wayne Cartmel (Bedfordshire)
Assisted by:- Peter Wilson and Nathan Oakes

Well, where do I start with this amazing replay. First of all, Corinthian Casuals arrived late due to an accident on the M25 and so kick off was delayed to 8.05 instead of 7.45.

Lively atmosphere with over 1,000 spectators present and when Mr. Cartmel blew his first whistle, torrential rain started and never relented, making for an interesting evening.

Tough and spirited encounter, St Albans scored a great opening goal and looked fairly comfortable for the majority of the game. Then Casuals got a free kick, took it quickly and caught the St Albans defence napping, this with five minutes to go sent the match into extra time.

There was a further delay while a St Albans player suffered a nasty injury and had to be taken away on a stretcher. Then a huge penalty appeal for St Albans which I thought the referee got spot on with his rejection. The player seemed to trip over his own feet.

As the players got tired, there were four yellow cards, all seemed fair enough and then it was extra time. An unbelievable goalmouth scramble nearly got the home side the winner. Then penalties, and finally at 10.52 pm, St Albans triumphed by 4-2 to progress to a first round home tie with League Two table toppers Forest Green Rovers.

The referee? I thought he handled a tough game very well, was always up with play and demonstrated good fitness to get him through the 120 minutes. Quietly efficient and seemed to enjoy the match right through, making for an excellent cup tie. Though Mr. Cartmel is based in Bedfordshire, a distinct Northern accent could be heard. I think he originally hails from Cumbria. Also has a facial resemblance to Craig Pawson, with the similarity of refereeing styles too.

A terrific evening and the FA Cup still remains the best sporting knockout competition on the planet. Now to wend my way home in the rain!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 20 Oct 2021 16:23
Unusually it was by train rather than by bus that JCFC travelled to The Shay for

Tuesday 19th October 2021
FA Cup 4th Round Replay
Halifax Town   1   v   0   Pontefract Collieries
Daniel Middleton: Robert Evans, Jamie Cann. 4thers: Darius Bradley.

For this match, the concession price had dropped to £10, rather than the usual £18. It is several years since a rather pink and very young Mr Middleton was seen at Romulus. On this occasion he looked a shade less pink, and, if truth be told, much less young, having apparently had a recent appointment with a highly enthusiastic barber.

Pontefract operate three steps below Halifax and were under pressure for most of the first half, though an unwise attempt to keep the ball in play by the Halifax keeper did cause a momentary flutter before the ball was scrambled to safety. On 15 minutes a lead with the arm against the home keeper led to an unobtrusive word in passing with the offender. The visitors survived several chances, their keeper's feet saving them more than once as Halifax moved the ball slickly. Mr Middleton was alert to the visitors' attempts at time-wasting and was soon chivvying the goalkeeper to get a move on with goal-kicks. Some "they shall not pass" defending near the penalty area led to yellow cards for two visiting players - the second inexplicably leading to a posse surrounding the referee.

There was a third Pontefract yellow three minutes into the second half as Halifax continued to press. This left them open just after the hour to a four against three Ponte break, on which the visitors were not able to capitalise. Instead, the fans' frustration was eased somewhat two minutes later when Halifax finally took the lead. A wrestling hold brought a yellow for another visitor. The Pontefract keeper's feet again came to the rescue, but Halifax began to make mistakes and the frustration of nearby fans towards their team grew amusingly vitriolic. Two Halifax players joined the crime sheet late on, with Pontefract adding an added-time one for dissent towards the assistant.

It was not a match in which the referee could play a background role - one side being (understandably) prepared to do anything to break up the play, not always successfully. Mr Middleton covered the ground rapidly when required, showed a good appreciation of the situation in his triage and put in a very good shift.

The time added in each half fell one minute less than JCFC would have estimated - but this was good, as a brisk walk (running for buses is probably a thing of the past, Mutn3) enabled JCFC to reach the station in time for the 21.50 train. As a result by the time the bus would have left Halifax, JCFC was safely in bed with a cup of tea and a tart, (Lemon Curd, since you ask.) This weekend sees the next instalment of the best competition, the FA Vase. Sadly, the Sunday matches were not announced until after bookings had been made, so two games will have to suffice.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 20 Oct 2021 16:28
FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round Replay
St Albans City v Corinthian Casuals

Referee:- Wayne Cartmel (Bedfordshire)
Assisted by:- Peter Wilson and Nathan Oakes

Well, where do I start with this amazing replay. First of all, Corinthian Casuals arrived late due to an accident on the M25 and so kick off was delayed to 8.05 instead of 7.45.

Lively atmosphere with over 1,000 spectators present and when Mr. Cartmel blew his first whistle, torrential rain started and never relented, making for an interesting evening.

Tough and spirited encounter, St Albans scored a great opening goal and looked fairly comfortable for the majority of the game. Then Casuals got a free kick, took it quickly and caught the St Albans defence napping, this with five minutes to go sent the match into extra time.

There was a further delay while a St Albans player suffered a nasty injury and had to be taken away on a stretcher. Then a huge penalty appeal for St Albans which I thought the referee got spot on with his rejection. The player seemed to trip over his own feet.

As the players got tired, there were four yellow cards, all seemed fair enough and then it was extra time. An unbelievable goalmouth scramble nearly got the home side the winner. Then penalties, and finally at 10.52 pm, St Albans triumphed by 4-2 to progress to a first round home tie with League Two table toppers Forest Green Rovers.

The referee? I thought he handled a tough game very well, was always up with play and demonstrated good fitness to get him through the 120 minutes. Quietly efficient and seemed to enjoy the match right through, making for an excellent cup tie. Though Mr. Cartmel is based in Bedfordshire, a distinct Northern accent could be heard. I think he originally hails from Cumbria. Also has a facial resemblance to Craig Pawson, with the similarity of refereeing styles too.

A terrific evening and the FA Cup still remains the best sporting knockout competition on the planet. Now to wend my way home in the rain!


I am very pleased to read this positive report about Wayne Cartmel ( indeed as his eponymous name suggests from Cumbria originally ) who has been knocking on the promotion door for some time. I have heard extremely positive things about him from people who know what they are talking about and I think he has been unlucky not to receive further promotion before now.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 20 Oct 2021 16:38
 I note JCFC's preference to go to bed with a citric tart but in the light of our recent correspondence I am disappointed that he does not retire to his couch with A Trollope.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Fri 22 Oct 2021 03:09
Just when things had felt to be getting better, it would appear that your poor scribe must be in a worse way than he thought. When checking in at the hotel, the receptionist decided to allocate him to an "accessible" room. A kind thought, but not an encouraging one.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Conkernut on Fri 22 Oct 2021 08:54

I wouldn't feel too disheartened JCFC. It's usually because they don't have any regular rooms left/available and nothing to do with your mobility
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sat 23 Oct 2021 08:04
Heartened by Conkernut's reassurance, JCFC enjoyed a gentle morning stroll alongside the Thames and Kennet. In late afternoon and early evening, a train to Staines, a 203 bus to Long Lane and a short walk led to

Episode 5
Friday 22nd October 2021
FA Vase 1st Round
Southall   3   v   0   Erith and Belvedere
John Mowatt (Oxfordshire?); Bartosz Chmielecki, Robert Alderton.

Once again, Southall did not allow spectators into the ground until half an hour before the scheduled start, but this time, at least, refreshments were available within. JCFC was not the only spectator complaining that the match got under way six minutes late - only one of which was attributable to an unexplained minute's silence. "Fine the referee" was the verdict from the row In front.

The match had a lively start, when a poor tackle after just a minute left a home player on the ground. As Mr Mowatt checked on the victim, there was an exchange of views - and a punch or two - behind his back. He had a chat with AR1, before showing a yellow card to the Erith number 2. In the 10th minute a Southall free-kick ended in the net - for the keeper's sake it is to be hoped that there was a touch as it came across. An injury led to a further delay. The player needed lengthy treatment before being helped off. AR1 waited near halfway, anticipating the obvious substitution, evetually heading back to his position when this did not appear to be forthcoming. At this point Erith wanted to make the change, so back he went to halfway, only to find that the referee was just about to drop the ball to restart, necessitating a quick scoot back down his line. Sure enough, there was an immediate stoppage, so back he came, the substitution took place and his career as a human yoyo was at an end. Southall were well on top, though a couple of raids by the visitors late in the half raised the possible spectre of extra time. A foul saw another wish to discuss matters, but nothing more.

Southall's second goal, just a minute into the second half, had JCFC applauding - a splendid long pass and a deft finish over the keeper. Their third was less a thing of beauty, a corner half-saved but bundled in as the match headed towards its close, with just one late raid causing the home side any problems. Southall were worthy winners, though they did have a tendency to indulge in sham pain football. One further yellow card for Erith in each half seemed to have amazing curative properties.

Mr Mowatt's movement, one splendid late sprint apart, was fairly pedestrian. His general demeanour was pleasant, but not particularly dynamic, though there was little contestation from either players or coaches and he was well received at the end. JCFC wondered whether he set his stall out differently when being observed. The answer perhaps came as he left thef feld: in response to a not-unfriendly remark from a spectator, he replied "This is as high as I'm going to get," which is precisely the impression JCFC had formed.

The reverse journey went well and it was an education to witness the near midnight bustle of Friday night Reading. 'Twas never thus in Brighouse.
.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 24 Oct 2021 12:30
Quote
The reverse journey went well and it was an education to witness the near midnight bustle of Friday night Reading. 'Twas never thus in Brighouse.
.
This evoked an immediate memory for me. 

1976, I had contributed a chapter on meat products to the book Food Microscopy edited by my much missed friend and fellow food microscopist John Vaughan, sometime professor of food science at Queen Elizabeth College London.  As a result of that book a number of us Brits were invited to a conference in Dallas. 

John was originally from Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales, as his accent immediately revealed.  John was from a previous generation of microscopists from myself and the days of monocular microscopes had, like many of his vintage, left him in need of very thick glasses (perhaps he should have been a referee!).  These thick glasses gave him, misleadingly, a bit of a look of an innocent abroad.  His professorial inaugural lecture was entitled "The oldest profession".  Later microscopist like myself had the luxury of binocular microscopes and were taught to relax our eyes when peering down the microscope and let the microscope do the focussing.  Gazing into infinity as it were. 

As we explored Dallas, John's catchphrase was "'Twas never like this in Merthyr Tydfil" - fond memories!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 24 Oct 2021 16:32
It being the only Saturday this month on which the heritage railway was not operating, it was the X40 bus that provided the transport to

Episode 6
Saturday 23rd October 2021
FA Vase 1st Round
Wallingford Town   2   v   2   Ascot United
Daniel Frizzell (Carterton); Curtis Emery, Rodney Haddrell.

Wallingford turned out to be a small town with a fascinating old kernel - and for all we know, possibly a fascinating old Colonel or two. The walk out to the ground, initially across a grassy park, proved a perfect example of "Better to travel hopefully than to arrive." No sooner had JCFC entered the Hithercroft Sports Complex (shared with hockey, rugby and tennis) than an uneven edge to the tarmac, coupled with a moment's inattention, found him sprawling full length in front of an audience of three. The little dog laughed to see such fun, but the two chaps were more solicitous, offering an (unneeded) hand up and apologies for the barking. Fortunately, a few bruises and grazes apart, no damage was done.

When the officials came out to warm up, it was apparent that the two assistants were in the "distinguished" category. This should not be taken as a suggestion that Mr Frizzell was undistinguished - and his turn may well come in a few years. AR1's dignified appearance, however, lasted only as far as the more balletic elements of the warm-up, his arm-flapping failing to cut the mustard.

Ascot looked the stronger side and it was no surprise when a cross was headed in after just five minutes. Midway through the half, Mr Frizzell had a strong word with the Ascot number 5 who seemed displeased when a free-kick was awarded to Wallingford. He got a second chance to enjoy Mr Frizzell's conversational skills soon afterwards, this time in his capacity as captain, as his number 10 was warned for a misdemeanour while waiting for a corner. An Ascot shot hit the crossbar, while Wallingford put a free-kick just the wrong side of the post. Ascot added a second on 40 minutes and the Ascot number 5 had a further audience with Mr Frizzell when unconvinced that he had fouled his opponent. Just before the break, AR1 summoned the referee and an Ascot coach was spoken to at length.

Wallingford came out for the second half looking more determined, and the opening minutes offered plenty of incident. Two players were spoken to for jostling before a corner; there was a delay before the corner was taken - what was the referee waiting for? Ah, he was over on the other side of the field in conversation with AR1 - though this time there was no further action. It was soon AR2's turn for a chat as he had flagged for an Ascot offside before Mr Frizzell awarded Ascot a penalty, though this time the consultation was succinct. Wallingford made animated appeals for a handball in the box - the sort not given without VAR support - rightly rejected. A chop by the home number 3 brought him an obvious yellow card, but on 56 minutes the Wallingford right winger won a chase down the right wing and rather than try a speculative cross, he made room by cutting inside and the resulting shot went in off the far upright. A forceful Ascot shot was parried shortly afterwards. On 77 minutes Wallingford got an equaliser, heading in a free-kick. This stirred Ascot into action, and they again looked the stronger side in the remaining minutes. There were late cautions for two home players - one for a pull back, one for dissent by action, and one for the Ascot number 2 after a very good advantage call..

And so to penalties: JCFC had forgotten that there was no extra time in the Vase now. Ascot went first. The first four for each side were scored, though the Ascot keeper came close to saving the fourth Wallingford one. Ascot missed their fifth, to loud home cheers; up stepped the Wallingford taker, who had been taking lessons from the England side, and took just one pace before rolling his effort goalwards, for an easy save. The next Ascot taker was not going to make the same mistake, so came off a long and curving run - but with no more success. A second chance, then, for Wallingford to win - but they could not take it. Each side converted their next shot, but Ascot's eighth was saved, Wallingford scoring theirs to win by 6-5.

Mr Frizzell did a steady job, perfectly competent, though not spectacularly so, and with no obvious foibles. He can be happy with his afternoon's work.

The time taken by the penalties meant that the hoped-for 17.30 bus was missed by a matter of thirty yards, meaning a wait until 18.08 - but overall it was worth it.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: mutn3 on Wed 27 Oct 2021 12:07
NCEL 1
Rainworth v Swallownest
Referee.  Phil Morton ( S&H)
Assisted by Gareth Davies and Robert Boam
Att:71


Did you know? It was outside a Rainworth chippy that "Black Panther " Donald Neilson was arrested here in 1975. Neilson was the subject of a nationwide manhunt, having murdered three Sub-Postmasters in robberies, also kidnapping and involved in the subsequent death of teenager Leslie Whittle. All is still remembered today, and the full details aren't for this site, but is it really 46 years ago?

The Rainworth ground, opposite the Welfare, is" as the Pogues might say "a tower of shining bright", and the old fashioned way of finding grounds at night (park up on edge of town, turn off your lights) would work well here. It's "welcoming and bright" ( Bogle) 🙂. And had they been turned on before 7.20pm it would have even been useful.

I'll halt now with the not-so-hidden lyrics, but will hide a Fivepenny Piece one for my friend oop north in other reports. A bag of Werther's Originals is on the line here....

Mr Morton may want to rethink his view of dissent. Too many transgressions, in my opinion, by one team, sometimes individually, sometimes in two or threes, and sometimes ( in one instance) by half a dozen. What is Mr Morton's limit, one wonders? The whole eleven at once, or does the dugout need to be involved too? Explanations aplenty, but no one seemed to be listening....

And that's a pity, for his fitness and his positioning were very good. I'd bet there aren't many fitter at this level? Occasionally he mimicked an offence, rather than giving a directional signal, which could confuse, but it's a minor point.

His decision making, good in the main, though Swallownest, and I, might want to query the rope given to a Rainworth midfielder. To have a quiet word, followed by a public word, ought really to be followed by action the next time around you'd think?  That Mr Morton's first caution was a Swallownest player..... it was a very hard sell which, for the rest of the half, Mr Morton struggled to do.

The saving grace was that this was the first half. The second half did settle down, so one might say Mr Morton got away with it with the teams in the end? He certainly doesn't have to answer to me, so my views above can float away on the wind....

That Swallownest won at a canter in the end, so all's well that end's well eh? I'm afraid I've no idea, for I left after 79 mins to avoid any crush with the other 70!

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Boris10 on Thu 28 Oct 2021 17:05
I do remember the case-Neilson,I think,was from Thornbury,Bradford,which was also the domicile of the Ripper[rather more upmarket Heaton]
The Whittle family ran a prosperous coach business in Highley,which is probably why he kidnapped the daughter,hoping for a ransome.
By a weird coincidence,I was two streets away in Sheffield,the day before the Ripper,was arrested there.
A rather serious vein to RTR.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: OwdReds on Sun 31 Oct 2021 09:16
Southern League Division 1 South
Winchester City v Slimbridge

Referee Robert Finn
Assistants Robert Nicholas & Erno Vajda

I don't often have the opportunity to watch matches in person and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon's entertainment although I suspect it was not one of Mr Finn's finest hours. He was clearly not bothered by physical contact allowing a number of robust challenges to go unpunished and telling players to get on with it when the lack of free kicks was mentioned. This also included a friendly chat with  a member of each team at different points to underline his position. Winchester took the lead on 34 minutes following a free kick which Mr Finn was persuaded to award by AR1. From my distant position it appeared a clear foul but I don't think a free kick would have been awarded were it not for vigorous flagging by the assistant. They doubled their lead six minutes later.

As the teams were coming out from their half time break I heard the Slimbridge manager comment to Mr Finn that he needed to get a grip before something happened but his stance remained the same for the first 15 minutes of the second half during which the verbal opposition to his lack of discipline grew from players of both teams. On 60 minutes there was a passage of play which ended with two Winchester players prone on the floor and needing treatment, the first after a challenge which was certainly worthy of a yellow card for me and possibly more yet didn't even receive a free kick. The Winchester captain informed Mr Finn that somebody was going to get seriously injured and it would be his fault. Two minutes later things changed when another attempted tackle surprisingly resulted in a free kick and a subsequent discussion between players of both sides, the Winchester players wanting further sanction and the Slimbridge players commenting that the better placed AR2 hadn't seen anything. Eventually a yellow card was produced for the Slimbridge No. 8. Free kicks then suddenly became the rule of the day although this didn't stop the disagreements by players who couldn't see why what had previously been allowed was now forbidden. The Winchester keeper received a yellow card for time wasting, didn't seem too bad to me, and a Slimbridge player was yellow carded for stopping a promising attack on the far side of the pitch. On 85 minutes a quick break resulted in a 3rd Winchester goal which the Slimbridge defence clearly thought should have been disallowed for offside. I wasn't in a position to judge the correctness of the call but verbal comments to AR2 led to a yellow card for the Slimbridge No.3. Another goal in stoppage time resulted in a 4-0 win for the home side.

At the end normal courtesies were observed by both sides although I did hear one or two comments as the players and officials left the pitch indicating that they hadn't thought a great deal of Mr Finn's performance. Fortunately nobody did get seriously injured but the first hour reminded me of football forty or fifty years ago. I leave you to decide whjether that was a good thing or not.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 31 Oct 2021 16:39
Mr Appointments Man had kindly made up for my disappointment last week, with the official in question being in charge at Liversedge, but the morning in the area was very soggy, with forecasts of brighter weather a little further South; and so it proved, with bright sunshine most of the way to the unfamiliar surroundings of

Saturday 30th October 2021
NCEFL Division 1
Swallownest   1   v   2   Rossington Main
Dylan Hague (S&H FA); George Barber, James Hawley.
Observer (Listed in programme!) Roger Haycock.

The tea hatch provided an excellent tray of steak pie, peas and gravy - clubs down South, please note! At 14.45 things on the pitch looked quiet - it emerged that the start was delayed until 15.15. A Motorway closure had not prevented their players from arriving on time, but their kit had not made it through and Mr Hague had wisely not insisted on a blues v buffs encounter. The delay did give JCFC time to ponder Mr Hague's forename: had his parents really wanted a rabbit? Or did that have Llareggub to do with it? Either way, one would hope that his refereeing colleagues have nicknamed him Zimmerman. He is certainly no cuddly bunny, being tall and quite strongly built - no euphemism for overweight implied.

Mr Hague moved well. with good backward movement and some impressive sprints - one or two of them perhaps supererogatory, whether to warm up further or to impress the Observer we do not know. Rossington appeared much the stronger side, as the League table implied. They had two corners in the first couple of minutes, the second coming when the home keeper just managed to tip the ball out of the top corner of the goal. They continued to threaten, shooting just wide on 5 minutes. Mr Hague looked to keep play moving: two tackles through the back - one by each side - raised an odd eyebrow in the stand, but were not penalised, with Mr Hague being in a much better position to judge. The Rossington number 6 received a long, long word as quarter time approached, but his side continued to dominate, but equally continued to put their shots off target. The home number 10 received a shot smack in his face - Mr Hague was quick to stop play, but could not get a sensible reply as to whether he wanted the trainer, whose arrival was much delayed. In such cases, surely, it is acceptable to make the decision for the player. In the end he was treated, taken off to the touchline for further attention and soon waved back on. The poor chap unfortunately received a yellow card for a foul within a minute. He was followed a further minute later by the Rossington number 2. The major incident came on 40 minutes; a fierce Rossington shot made contact with the home full back's arm and Mr Hague immediately blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. This was quintuply (at least) unfortunate, as the ball simply looped into an unguarded net. Unfortunate for the shooter, denied a goal. Unfortunate for the Swallownest number 2, who received a red card. In reality, though perhaps not in terms of football law, he had not denied a goal, the referee's whistle had, but Mr Hague could hardly send himself off. Unfortunate, perhaps, for Swallownest, who had to play the remainder of the match a man short. Unfortunate for the Rossington player who missed the penalty. Above all unfortunate for Mr Hague, who doubtless was all too aware of the egg on his face, with protests coming from each side. On 44 minutes numbers were temporarily evened, as the visiting number 10 was sent to the sin-bin for dissent and Swallownest actually took a surprise lead on 45 minutes.

As the players and officials left the field, JCFC was thinking that it was a situation in which an elder statesman assistant - there are a few operating in this league - would have been an advantage to offer a measure of sympathy and reassurance, but fortunately none was required to restore Mr Hague's equilibrium. Rossington got their equaliser on 56 minutes. There were a couple of routine yellow cards, one after an advantage had been played, the other for the excitable Rossington number 6, already spoken to earlier. A free-kick two minutes into added time allowed Rossington to float the ball into the penalty area, where it was headed home for the winner.

So, not a faultless display, but if the significant feature to note is how the referee recovers from a slip, then Mr Hague did well on that account, the second half being largely well-handled, and players were gracious at the final whistle. No doubt Mr Haycock, kindly soul that he is, will have offered advice that would probably be unneeded by then, but would have been able to commend his overall performance.

A bus and two trains saw JCFC back in Brighouse by 19.51.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Sun 31 Oct 2021 17:47
Interesting theories as to why Mr Hague's parents named him Dylan. My suspicion is that it is more to do with their liking for a mournful American singer by the name of Bob. Again thank you for your Match Reports JCFC, I can genuinely say they have become my favourite part of RTR
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: TheThingFromLewes on Sun 31 Oct 2021 17:50
Interesting theories as to why Mr Hague's parents named him Dylan. My suspicion is that it is more to do with their liking for a mournful American singer by the name of Bob. Again thank you for your Match Reports JCFC, I can genuinely say they have become my favourite part of RTR

I always thought the conversations surrounding the luscious pink attire worn by officials was another key highlight of this site Whistleblower.

😜😜😜
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Sun 31 Oct 2021 18:20
Interesting theories as to why Mr Hague's parents named him Dylan. My suspicion is that it is more to do with their liking for a mournful American singer by the name of Bob. Again thank you for your Match Reports JCFC, I can genuinely say they have become my favourite part of RTR

I always thought the conversations surrounding the luscious pink attire worn by officials was another key highlight of this site Whistleblower.

😜😜😜


Well certainly a highlight as might be the case with a luminous marker pen but hardly key as there's no fuschia in it.

I'll get my coat.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 31 Oct 2021 19:26
That's Shocking, if you ask me.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Sun 31 Oct 2021 20:15
Hunting for a reaction perhaps ?
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Sun 31 Oct 2021 20:35
Interesting theories as to why Mr Hague's parents named him Dylan. My suspicion is that it is more to do with their liking for a mournful American singer by the name of Bob. Again thank you for your Match Reports JCFC, I can genuinely say they have become my favourite part of RTR

Although JCFC references both in his musings, it might surprise some that out of the two Dylans your "mournful American singer" is the one that bagged the Nobel prize for literature! Fortunately there was and still is so much more to Bob Dylan than his voice, which wasn't that bad anyway. Either way, better than naming after a lazy anthropomorphic rabbit.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Sun 31 Oct 2021 21:34
The Nobel Prize was a huge honour for Bob Dylan; I felt it was a shame that he was unable or disinclined to accept the Prize in person. I have known people who regard Dylan's lyrics and music with an admiration bordering on reverence. They clearly perceive depths which I cannot as his work has never been much to my taste. However, I am more low brow in being a great fan of Simon and Garfunkel and I doubt their lyrics ever troubled the Nobel Nominating Committee for consideration.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Sun 31 Oct 2021 21:41
I might add that I am also an admirer of Llareggub's creator, particularly his poetry. His ' A Refusal to Mourn the Death, by Fire, of a Child in London ' is one of the most powerful 20th century poems in my view.

I don't know whether the referee Mr Dylan Hague reads these posts but if so, he will surely marvel at how his name has prompted such a literary exchange.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Ref Watcher on Mon 01 Nov 2021 17:00
The home number 10 received a shot smack in his face - Mr Hague was quick to stop play, but could not get a sensible reply as to whether he wanted the trainer, whose arrival was much delayed. In such cases, surely, it is acceptable to make the decision for the player. In the end he was treated, taken off to the touchline for further attention and soon waved back on.
It never ceases to amaze me how often a simple enquiry as to whether assistance is required is met with a reply of no relevance.  In cases where a whack to the head is the cause of the stoppage I just wave the trainer on.  It's amazing how quickly players manage to say 'no' then!  "Too late player.  Your reply indicated that you were confused so I've called him on now.  You will have to leave the pitch."   
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 04 Nov 2021 17:09
I trust I may be forgiven for sneaking this intruder in here.

Wednesday 3rd November 2021
UEFA Youth League (MD4)
Manchester City   3   v   5   Club Brugge
Krzysztof Jakublik: Bartosz Heinig, Marek Arys (all Poland). 4thers: James Bell.

No literary or musical origins were evident in the referee's forename, which derived fom The Great Polish Vowel Famine of 1983. By the time JCFC took his seat, the officials were well into their warm-up. AR2 was jogging up and down his line, AR1 seemed to have tired of that exercise and both finished up waiting for Mr Jakublik going through his contortions. He spent a considerable time on his knees sniffing the pitch at very close quarters - or if he asked the direction of Mecca, he must have been pointed towards the Bingo hall in Bolton. When they took to the field, it was good to see both referee and AR2 wearing long sleeves - AR1 being less elegant.

The recent match in Belgium had ended 1-1 and the City goalkeeper was called into action twice in the first four minutes. City were soon denied by a double block by Brugge defenders. The home side were determined to build from the back - an excellent tactic when the players are good enough - but City's were not and twice played their keeper into difficulties, while another crossfield pass went out for a corner. On 11 minutes the keeper tired of this and sent the ball forward. A boob by the Brugge keeper gave the ball away to a City man, who passed inside for his captain to give them the lead. Brugge returned to the attack and the City keeper did well to claw the ball out from under the crossbar.  On 19 minutes the lively visiting number 10 carried the ball into the penalty area and went down. It was a surprise when Mr Jakublik whistled, as it didn't look like a penalty - and sure enough, he awarded a free-kick to City and a yellow card for simulation. Brugge continued to do the bulk of the attacking, the home number 11 receiving a yellow card for tapping the ball away to delay a free-kick, and the half ended with a succession of four corners for the visitors.

City started the second half with further sloppiness at the back, but were not punished and on 48 minutes they broke out, Mr Jakublik allowed an advantage and a weakish shot slipped under the Brugge keeper to give City a two goal cushion. JCFC spent the rest of the match with his head almost permanently turned firmly to the left, the action being largely confined to The far end of the field. Their goal on 61 minutes was certainly deserved as a reward for relentless pressure, but on 65 minutes the home captain won the ball, carried it forward and fired a splendid long shot into the net - the keeper had no chance with this one - to complete his hat-trick. That was the last we saw of City at the end where the spectators were. On 69 minutes City's tactic , known as messing about at the back, allowed Brugge their second, a third coming from a penalty three minutes later. The 83rd minute saw Brugge take the lead. A trip by Brugge ended with a yellow card for each side, with the fifth goal for Brugge coming  with the final paly of the game.

Mr Jakublik had no problems in the match, being firm with misbehaviour, but not too fussy about physical challenges. The assistants made no obvious errors - not that AR2 was called upon to do anything much in the second half.

The mystery is why City have not assembled a better side: once again it looks as if they will have difficulty in qualifying for the knock-out stage.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: jad on Fri 05 Nov 2021 14:59
I trust I may be forgiven for sneaking this intruder in here.

Wednesday 3rd November 2021
UEFA Youth League (MD4)
Manchester City   3   v   5   Club Brugge
Krzysztof Jakublik: Bartosz Heinig, Marek Arys (all Poland). 4thers: James Bell.

No literary or musical origins were evident in the referee's forename, which derived fom The Great Polish Vowel Famine of 1983.

Well, there is always the composer Krzysztof Penderecki, though since the last two Poles to win the Nobel Prize for literature were Wisława Szymborska and Olga Tokarczuk, you may have to wait for a while to see one of their namesakes officiate in the UEFA Youth League.  As for alleged vowel famines, Krzysztof is not too badly supplied when compared to a word such as źdźbło (a blade of grass)
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Ref Watcher on Fri 05 Nov 2021 16:44
I trust I may be forgiven for sneaking this intruder in here.

Wednesday 3rd November 2021
UEFA Youth League (MD4)
Manchester City   3   v   5   Club Brugge
Krzysztof Jakublik: Bartosz Heinig, Marek Arys (all Poland). 4thers: James Bell.

No literary or musical origins were evident in the referee's forename, which derived fom The Great Polish Vowel Famine of 1983.


Well, there is always the composer Krzysztof Penderecki, though since the last two Poles to win the Nobel Prize for literature were Wisława Szymborska and Olga Tokarczuk, you may have to wait for a while to see one of their namesakes officiate in the UEFA Youth League.  As for alleged vowel famines, Krzysztof is not too badly supplied when compared to a word such as źdźbło (a blade of grass)
Polish words are actually surprising easy to pronounce.  At least all the letters and digraphs are always pronounced the same.  Once you know the rules the pronunciation is obvious.  Vowel famines are only alarming with unfamiliar words.  A non English speaking Pole would be somewhat alarmed by the word 'Knightsbridge' but to an English speaker it looks like a simple word.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 07 Nov 2021 12:03
Some decent football, some blunders and a goal or two: what more could a chap ask for? All were in evidence at

Saturday 6th November 2021
FA Cup 1st Round
Halifax Town   7   v   4   Maidenhead United
Jacob Miles (Sussex/Warwickshire?); Oliver Noonan, Stuart Morland. 4thers: Blake Antrobus.

The programme featured a Cup victory over Rochdale in 1938, which had ended in a then record score at The Shay, of 7-3. Nobody suspected that it would be surpassed in this game.

The fun started on 10 minutes, Halifax nodding in a corner to the far post. The lead was not to last long: an eminently saveable low shot from wide on the left bounced off the keeper's chest and was tapped in. Four minutes later a good shot gave Halifax the lead once again, but it was again very short-lived, a visiting forward bringing the ball down well and shooting on the turn. 2-2 within 20 minutes. Halifax dominated possession with high-tempo passing and good movement off the ball creating some excellent angles and the visiting keeper had to dive to turn a strong shot for a corner after yet another excellent move. On 37 minutes the Maidenhead keeper was defeated by a longish shot which bounced just in front of him. There was no immediate response this time; instead Halifax produced another excellent move, involving a backheeled pass leading to their fourth goal on 42 minutes. There was no let-up, however, Maidenhead had a free-kick a minute later, lifted it towards the far post and the Halifax defence was breached again.

In all the action of the first half, Mr Miles had scarcely been called upon to get involved, but he produced an instant yellow card two minutes after the restart as a sliding Maidenhead tackle took out an opponent as well adding a yellow for Halifax for simulation on 51 minutes. The Halifax fans behind that goal were not convinced by that decision, butit would be unwise to attach too much significance to that. Halifax's fifth, on 58 minutes, involved another backheel in the build-up, while a break down the right and low cross soon produced their sixth. Maidenhead were presented with the ball a minute later and made it 6-4: even Town fans had to laugh at yet another error. Halifax were badly caught in possession, leading to a dangerous Maidenhead attack, which was blocked in the penalty box. The home side came back with number seven on 73 minutes, but there was to be no further scoring, despite some more great attacks. There was a deserved yellow for Halifax, for handball by a player who had gone to ground and was determined not to let his opponent get clear, and a late one for a late Maidenhead foul.

It had been a splendid afternoon's entertainment, with skilful play from each side and generally good discipline from the players, requiring - and receiving - only a light touch from Mr Miles. He has only appeared on JCFC's radar in the last couple of years and had not been seen before. Even his base is uncertain:  his links are with Sussex, but Linked-In shows him as from Warwickshire, possibly historic rather than actual. It also makes mention of an impressive sporting involvement, both as a triathlete and as a tennis umpire. He showed a preference for a low profile, but had a number of informal chats with players along the way. It was not a match to test his control, but he handled it in the way it required, in a performance that impressed. If he adapts just as well to more feisty matches, he looks a very good prospect.

JCFC's FA Cup season thus ends on a high. The Vase returns in a fortnight, with the prospect of a double-header.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 07 Nov 2021 12:32
Writing about high scores at The Shay, I was present when Halifax Town lost to Fulham by 8-0. It must have been over half a century ago - and no, I cannot remember who was refereeing. The only official I recall from my infrequent trips to Halifax was David Laing, but that was a different match, I think.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Sun 07 Nov 2021 15:18
Some decent football, some blunders and a goal or two: what more could a chap ask for? All were in evidence at

Saturday 6th November 2021
FA Cup 1st Round
Halifax Town   7   v   4   Maidenhead United
Jacob Miles (Sussex/Warwickshire?); Oliver Noonan, Stuart Morland. 4thers: Blake Antrobus.

...

It had been a splendid afternoon's entertainment, with skilful play from each side and generally good discipline from the players, requiring - and receiving - only a light touch from Mr Miles. He has only appeared on JCFC's radar in the last couple of years and had not been seen before. Even his base is uncertain:  his links are with Sussex, but Linked-In shows him as from Warwickshire, possibly historic rather than actual. It also makes mention of an impressive sporting involvement, both as a triathlete and as a tennis umpire. He showed a preference for a low profile, but had a number of informal chats with players along the way. It was not a match to test his control, but he handled it in the way it required, in a performance that impressed. If he adapts just as well to more feisty matches, he looks a very good prospect.

JCFC's FA Cup season thus ends on a high. The Vase returns in a fortnight, with the prospect of a double-header.

Indeed. It is fitting that someone with such diverse sporting interests should live in Rugby.

Three years ago he was from the Brighton area and working as a Referee Administrator for Sussex FA, as well as all the other stuff.
More recently he was in the running for the Milton Keynes referee of the year award (and may have won it for all I know). Seems like he's creeping ever northwards! His tennis umpiring is at a high standard, having worked at 18 Grand Slams world-wide and this year at Wimbledon he was a Chair Umpire (equivalent to a middle in football).
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Scally Bob on Mon 08 Nov 2021 09:41
Writing about high scores at The Shay, I was present when Halifax Town lost to Fulham by 8-0. It must have been over half a century ago - and no, I cannot remember who was refereeing. The only official I recall from my infrequent trips to Halifax was David Laing, but that was a different match, I think.
No clues as to the identity of the Referee but he's mentioned at about 1:50!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8nuIgdHDVU&ab_channel=ShaymenStats
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Bluekipper on Mon 08 Nov 2021 10:33
That brings back memories,  the late David Laing from Preston who refereed on the League for many years and was great friends with another Preston Football League referee Syd Kayley. RIP both of them.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 14 Nov 2021 14:06
JCFC was certainly happy with the appointment this time, Mr Thomas being one of the most reliable of Yorkshire's officials at this level,but there may well have been other factors that drew a large crowd to

Saturday 13th November 2021
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   1   v   1   Tadcaster Albion
Gareth Thomas (Flockton); Daniel Gilpin, Kevin O'Donnell.


Within a minute Mr Thomas was knocked down in a collision with a player, but immediately regained his feet with a big grin, havind doubtless suffered many worse knocks in his playing career. The grin was to reappear several times during a first half which offered few if any problems for him, with his vocal input and overall alertness leading rather than merely following the game, and drawing an excellent response from the players. Possession and territory were more or less even, but whereas Brighouse were unable to create worthwhile chances, Tadcaster always looked more threatening on the attack. They went ahead on 29 minutes, the home keeper doing well to parry a shot, but unable to do anything about the resulting tap-in. At half-time there was general agreement that Taddy were worth their lead.

Brighouse were out first for the second half and proceeded to pen the visitors in their own half. The Tadcaster keeper managed to turn a shot round ther post as Brighouse forced corner after corner.  One of these was perhaps questionable and the Taddy number 8 received a talking-to for dissent, but the corner led to a possibly debatable goal-kick. There was a controversial moment on the hour, when the Town number 8 was late with a not-untypical challenge. Players seemed about to rush to the scene, but Mr Thomas blew andawarded the free-kick to Brighouse, whose player was on the ground requiring treatment. From the stand it looked as if that should have gone the other way, but Mr Thomas had a different angle and right or wrong, it says much for the way he had established his credentials among the players that there was little objection. On 64 minutes Mr Gilpin, who had made a couple of decisive flags for fouls earlier did not flag for a clear push in front of him, but fortunately Mr Thomas did whistle. The Taddy left back was having a rather torrid time and received a yellow card for a 75th minute foul on the Town winger. For all Brighouse's pressure, they rarely produced a telling final ball, with the better combination play coming fromTadcaster on their rare attacks, which created two clear chances that they failed to take. It was not until the fourth minute of added time that Town grabbed an equaliser. There remained time for them to try to launch another attack, stopped by a trip from the Taddy number 3, who received his iinevitable second yellow. Town's second half pressure perhaps made the draw a fair result, but they left it very late! Nevertheless they cling onto 10th position in the table.

Mr Thomas has developed into a fine official, and if this performance was perhaps not quite faultless, it was very good indeed, particularly in terms of his overall approach to the players - and of their general response to him.

In addition my ex-referee friend commented that number 1 Jack ( he didn't know who it was) had had a good game in the match that JCFC had missed, but the fact that the Observer had commented that he would probably never have an easier match, perhaps does not allow for a particularly high mark.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 16 Nov 2021 13:00
Hold the front page: Brighouse Town win a cup tie!

Monday 15th November 2021
West Riding County Cup 1st Round
Brighouse Town   1   v   1   Knaresborough Town
Stephen Rushworth (Huddersfield); Matthew Langdon, Jason Smith.

On reflection, the County Cup, with its half-strength sides, featuring a good number of teenagers, possibly only merits a footnote on page 23.

In the first minute a challenge by a Brighouse midfielder looked and sounded, from the other side of the pitch, like a good, if forceful, block, but clearly there was more to it than that. After a delay of two minutes for treatment to the player, Nr Rushworth's hand went to his pocket and a shiny card was flashed. JCFC duly made a note of the yellow card. Nobody will be surprised that with his usual powers of observation, it was approaching the half hour before it dawned on him that the home side were playing with ten men - the card having been red! In the meantime Knaresborough had taken the lead with some spirited play. The visiting keeper made one save with his legs, while the young home goalie made a good save just before half-time.

Brighouse equalised shortly before the hour, but made a bad mistake nine minutes later: a midfielder tried a long pass back to his keeper, but the ball only succeeded in finding the visiting number 11, who probably wished that it hadn't. He had no difficulty in evading the keeper, but with an empty goal and no pressure, put the ball into the side netting. There was a clear yellow for the home number 15 and then the visiting keeper's legs effected another save. On 90 minutes the Knaresborough 11 added to his unfortunate evening by earning a yellow card with a prolonged shirt pull. From the resulting attack, the Knaresborough keeper made another good save.

And so to penalties: Brighouse went first and scored all five, the best coming from a young substitute; Up stepped number 11 to take Knaresborough's fifth - given the evening he was having, it was at least brave - and, sure enough, failed with his kick. Brighouse will be at home to Thackley in the unaccustomed rarefied atmosphere of Round 2.

If Brighouse felt that the red card was perhaps harsh, Mr Rushworth (looking increasingly distinguished) deserves credit for taking the action he deemed appropriate. Otherwise he and his colleagues had a comfortable, routine evening. Mr Rushworth's use of advantage had a touch of the Rugby style about it: play occasionally continued for longer and further than it usually does before being pulled back, but it worked well enough.

The raffle was unusual in having anotrher first prize instead of the normal second one (the guess was that it had been unclaimed on Saturday!) JCFC therefore came home, fortunately with a lift, bearing a heavy box containing bags of potatoes, onions, carrots, and baby plum tomatoes, together with a swede and a cauliflower, not to mention bags of apples, clementines and pears, with three bananas, a bunch of grapes, a large melon and a pineapple. Much more appealing than the usual ghastly lager.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Tue 16 Nov 2021 13:57
Hold the front page: Brighouse Town win a cup tie!

Monday 15th November 2021
West Riding County Cup 1st Round
Brighouse Town   1   v   1   Knaresborough Town
Stephen Rushworth (Huddersfield); Matthew Langdon, Jason Smith.

On reflection, the County Cup, with its half-strength sides, featuring a good number of teenagers, possibly only merits a footnote on page 23.

In the first minute a challenge by a Brighouse midfielder looked and sounded, from the other side of the pitch, like a good, if forceful, block, but clearly there was more to it than that. After a delay of two minutes for treatment to the player, Nr Rushworth's hand went to his pocket and a shiny card was flashed. JCFC duly made a note of the yellow card. Nobody will be surprised that with his usual powers of observation, it was approaching the half hour before it dawned on him that the home side were playing with ten men - the card having been red! In the meantime Knaresborough had taken the lead with some spirited play. The visiting keeper made one save with his legs, while the young home goalie made a good save just before half-time.

Brighouse equalised shortly before the hour, but made a bad mistake nine minutes later: a midfielder tried a long pass back to his keeper, but the ball only succeeded in finding the visiting number 11, who probably wished that it hadn't. He had no difficulty in evading the keeper, but with an empty goal and no pressure, put the ball into the side netting. There was a clear yellow for the home number 15 and then the visiting keeper's legs effected another save. On 90 minutes the Knaresborough 11 added to his unfortunate evening by earning a yellow card with a prolonged shirt pull. From the resulting attack, the Knaresborough keeper made another good save.

And so to penalties: Brighouse went first and scored all five, the best coming from a young substitute; Up stepped number 11 to take Knaresborough's fifth - given the evening he was having, it was at least brave - and, sure enough, failed with his kick. Brighouse will be at home to Thackley in the unaccustomed rarefied atmosphere of Round 2.

If Brighouse felt that the red card was perhaps harsh, Mr Rushworth (looking increasingly distinguished) deserves credit for taking the action he deemed appropriate. Otherwise he and his colleagues had a comfortable, routine evening. Mr Rushworth's use of advantage had a touch of the Rugby style about it: play occasionally continued for longer and further than it usually does before being pulled back, but it worked well enough.

The raffle was unusual in having anotrher first prize instead of the normal second one (the guess was that it had been unclaimed on Saturday!) JCFC therefore came home, fortunately with a lift, bearing a heavy box containing bags of potatoes, onions, carrots, and baby plum tomatoes, together with a swede and a cauliflower, not to mention bags of apples, clementines and pears, with three bananas, a bunch of grapes, a large melon and a pineapple. Much more appealing than the usual ghastly lager.

I'm not greatly into pedantry, but they, most assuredly, did not win that Cup Tie. They did (and I am pleased for them) win the subsequent penalty kick competition that follows drawn matches.

Enjoy your prize.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Tue 16 Nov 2021 15:55
Some decent football, some blunders and a goal or two: what more could a chap ask for? All were in evidence at

Saturday 6th November 2021
FA Cup 1st Round
Halifax Town   7   v   4   Maidenhead United
Jacob Miles (Sussex/Warwickshire?); Oliver Noonan, Stuart Morland. 4thers: Blake Antrobus.

...

It had been a splendid afternoon's entertainment, with skilful play from each side and generally good discipline from the players, requiring - and receiving - only a light touch from Mr Miles. He has only appeared on JCFC's radar in the last couple of years and had not been seen before. Even his base is uncertain:  his links are with Sussex, but Linked-In shows him as from Warwickshire, possibly historic rather than actual. It also makes mention of an impressive sporting involvement, both as a triathlete and as a tennis umpire. He showed a preference for a low profile, but had a number of informal chats with players along the way. It was not a match to test his control, but he handled it in the way it required, in a performance that impressed. If he adapts just as well to more feisty matches, he looks a very good prospect.

JCFC's FA Cup season thus ends on a high. The Vase returns in a fortnight, with the prospect of a double-header.

Indeed. It is fitting that someone with such diverse sporting interests should live in Rugby.

Three years ago he was from the Brighton area and working as a Referee Administrator for Sussex FA, as well as all the other stuff.
More recently he was in the running for the Milton Keynes referee of the year award (and may have won it for all I know). Seems like he's creeping ever northwards! His tennis umpiring is at a high standard, having worked at 18 Grand Slams world-wide and this year at Wimbledon he was a Chair Umpire (equivalent to a middle in football).

  ..... and for those who might be that way inclined, an opportunity to see him live on TV on Friday night.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 16 Nov 2021 17:00
Hold the front page: Brighouse Town win a cup tie!

Monday 15th November 2021
West Riding County Cup 1st Round
Brighouse Town   1   v   1   Knaresborough Town
Stephen Rushworth (Huddersfield); Matthew Langdon, Jason Smith.

On reflection, the County Cup, with its half-strength sides, featuring a good number of teenagers, possibly only merits a footnote on page 23.

In the first minute a challenge by a Brighouse midfielder looked and sounded, from the other side of the pitch, like a good, if forceful, block, but clearly there was more to it than that. After a delay of two minutes for treatment to the player, Nr Rushworth's hand went to his pocket and a shiny card was flashed. JCFC duly made a note of the yellow card. Nobody will be surprised that with his usual powers of observation, it was approaching the half hour before it dawned on him that the home side were playing with ten men - the card having been red! In the meantime Knaresborough had taken the lead with some spirited play. The visiting keeper made one save with his legs, while the young home goalie made a good save just before half-time.

Brighouse equalised shortly before the hour, but made a bad mistake nine minutes later: a midfielder tried a long pass back to his keeper, but the ball only succeeded in finding the visiting number 11, who probably wished that it hadn't. He had no difficulty in evading the keeper, but with an empty goal and no pressure, put the ball into the side netting. There was a clear yellow for the home number 15 and then the visiting keeper's legs effected another save. On 90 minutes the Knaresborough 11 added to his unfortunate evening by earning a yellow card with a prolonged shirt pull. From the resulting attack, the Knaresborough keeper made another good save.

And so to penalties: Brighouse went first and scored all five, the best coming from a young substitute; Up stepped number 11 to take Knaresborough's fifth - given the evening he was having, it was at least brave - and, sure enough, failed with his kick. Brighouse will be at home to Thackley in the unaccustomed rarefied atmosphere of Round 2.

If Brighouse felt that the red card was perhaps harsh, Mr Rushworth (looking increasingly distinguished) deserves credit for taking the action he deemed appropriate. Otherwise he and his colleagues had a comfortable, routine evening. Mr Rushworth's use of advantage had a touch of the Rugby style about it: play occasionally continued for longer and further than it usually does before being pulled back, but it worked well enough.

The raffle was unusual in having anotrher first prize instead of the normal second one (the guess was that it had been unclaimed on Saturday!) JCFC therefore came home, fortunately with a lift, bearing a heavy box containing bags of potatoes, onions, carrots, and baby plum tomatoes, together with a swede and a cauliflower, not to mention bags of apples, clementines and pears, with three bananas, a bunch of grapes, a large melon and a pineapple. Much more appealing than the usual ghastly lager.

I'm not greatly into pedantry, but they, most assuredly, did not win that Cup Tie. They did (and I am pleased for them) win the subsequent penalty kick competition that follows drawn matches.

Enjoy your prize.


Nobody celebrates pedantry more than I and m'learned friend puts the case succinctly. However, it is then accepted usage that a penalty shootout is not considered part of a match. Collins defines a cup tie as a "match between two teams who are taking part in a competition in which the prize is a cup"  The match must presumably stop at the final whistle.  One learns something new every day. The penalty shoot out must be supra match.

Indeed enjoy your prize JCFC. You are going to have a healthy digestion for a few days.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 16 Nov 2021 17:07

I'm not greatly into pedantry, but they, most assuredly, did not win that Cup Tie. They did (and I am pleased for them) win the subsequent penalty kick competition that follows drawn matches.


Hmm. A nice point, nemesis - and for once I am inclined to differ from your interpretation. I agree that Brighouse certainly did not win the game/match. I would suggest, however, that the term "tie" covers all means of deciding which team progresses into the next round, whether replay, extra time, even two legged encouneters, and that kicks from the penalty mark, to give them their official title, form part of this process. "Je repose ma valise" as the French don't say.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 16 Nov 2021 18:40
I concur with Lord Justice JCFC
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 18 Nov 2021 16:12
60+ years ago, our first form (year 7 to the younger generation) History master taught us a verse that went:

King Xerxes sat upon the Brow
That looks o'er sea-girt Salamis.
Ships in hundreds lay below
And men in thousands - all were his.
He looked on them at break of day.
But when the sun set, where were they?

It shows the way the brain works (or not) that I remember the verse, but not the other content of the lesson.

Neither Google nor the ODQ has so far provided the source of this verse. Was it drummed into anyone else or did Mr Richardson invent it?

Lest you think this post has no relevance, I claim it is only 98% irrelevant. You may be able to guess why.




Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Ref Watcher on Thu 18 Nov 2021 17:30
60+ years ago, our first form (year 7 to the younger generation) History master taught us a verse that went:

King Xerxes sat upon the Brow
That looks o'er sea-girt Salamis.
Ships in hundreds lay below
And men in thousands - all were his.
He looked on them at break of day.
But when the sun set, where were they?

It shows the way the brain works (or not) that I remember the verse, but not the other content of the lesson.

Neither Google nor the ODQ has so far provided the source of this verse. Was it drummed into anyone else or did Mr Richardson invent it?

Lest you think this post has no relevance, I claim it is only 98% irrelevant. You may be able to guess why.
I suspect you won't be casting your eye over "men in thousands" in that part of White Hart Lane.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 18 Nov 2021 18:02
Well worked out, Ref Watcher!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 21 Nov 2021 07:13
Uncertain as to cross-London journey times, JCFC arrived ridiculously early at

Episode7
Saturday 20th November2021
FA. Vase 2nd Round
New Salamis   2   v   0   Ipswich Wanderers
Marc Rister (Watford); Gheorghe Moraru, Fabian Robertson.

One of the assistants followed shortly; with his chunky frame and dark hair he might have been the one with the Romanian name, though there was no trace of foreign in his accent as he conducted a long phone call. Some time later there appeared a tall, bald chap with the smallest of kit bags. He headed inside, eventually located the other assistant who greeted him as George, solving one problem. He quickly retreated inside as Mr Robertson remained deep in conversation - no longer on the phone. Finally through the gate appeared a car with the tell-tale number plate R15TER. Mr Rister emerged.carrying two large bags. He was working on the principle that it is wise to smile and greet people as they may turn out to be important; alas for him, the only person around was the eminently unimportant JCFC, so his efforts were wasted. Maybe, though, he is just a nice chap. He did go on, though, to earn Brownie points for long sleeves. JCFC headed up into the stand and settled into a seat with an excellent view for the long wait. Some time later, two elderly foreign gentlemen settled a few seats along, before moving closer to JCFC shortly before the start. This would have been fine, but for the fact that the nearer one sat right on the edge of his seat and leant forward, obscuring the view to one corner. JCFC was wondering whether to change seats, when the same gentleman turned the other way and produced a fortissimo rasping fart. Perhaps it is a Greek Cypriot custom. Anyway, decision made.

Ipswich started well, a free-kick being headed onto the top of the net. It quickly became apparent that Mr Rister was in for a testing afternoon, as challenges from each side were fairly clumsy, at the most favourable interpretation. On 8 minutes Mr Rister allowed play to continue after a clear Ipswich push, looking, no doubt, for an optimistic advantage. In the ensuing move there were a couple of further fouls - one each way - and when Mr Moraru flagged, he was waved down until a further foul resulted in a free-kick. At this point Mr Rister ran over in response to AR1's beckoning. (JCFC would have thought it advisable in a situation where a little heat had crept in, to do so backwards, with an eye on the bunch of players.) There followed a long conversation between the two officials, and an even longer one between Mr Rister and the voluble home manager. The home side soon claimed a penalty for handball, when the ball bounced up from behind the player, a claim rightly denied. New Salamis came close to taking the lead on. 17 minutes, but a lone defender cleared off the line. Ipswich in turn were foiled when a good shot was tipped to safety by a leaping keeper. On 26 minutes a home attacker went through with a late challenge - of which there had already been quite a few - and Mr Rister whistled hard and was quickly there to stop players converging, not that it had that effect. There followed a very long lecture for the offender and his captain. Mr Rister  was soon able to issue a yellow card - by now much needed -  to a home defender for deliberately stopping a quick attack. A pull back at the other end saw the same outcome for the visiting number 2. Each side had a shot just wide. Just before the break, New Salamis  sent the ball down the right, the attacker won the race, put In an excellent cross and a colleague finished well to give his side the lead. In added time there was a lecture for the home number 9, with his number 11 escaping censure for kicking the ball away. JCFC felt that Mr Rister must have been relieved when he blew the half-time whistle.

The home side had the ball in the net on 50 minutes, but AR2 had his flag raised. As this was being noted down, there was a cheer and JCFC looked up to find that the goal had been allowed. From this point the result was not in doubt, but the squabbling continued, with the home side receiving another yellow on 57 minutes - for an occupant of the bench. An Ipswich foul on the hour brought a noisy outburst and a lengthy intervention from Mr Rister, but no card at the end of it. As the game drifted towards its conclusion,, petty fouls continued, with Mr Rister having difficulty in clearing players away, with both sides looking to have their say each time. The Ipswich number 2 was very fortunate that advantage was called when he committed a late whack that would surely have earned a second yellow. An injury in the penalty area left both assistants signalling for a substitution, while the referee gazed firmly at the treatment for a full minute, only spotting the flags as play was about to resume. In the end, the home side deserved their win, but neither side endeared themselves to this spectator.

It had been the sort of match that would leave the referee (and JCFC) checking his watch and wishing time would pass more quickly. It was a constant struggle for Mr Rister, with two fairly crude and stroppy teams. Probably not enjoyable for the officials and certainly not for the neutral. Mr Rister did manage to see the game to a conclusion without any really major incidents, but he was less successful in conveying an air of authority. At the final whistle, though, all the players were quick with their handshakes of appreciation, so he must have been working hard at onfield relations. It may well be, therefore, that Mr Rister will develop into a fine referee in time - hopefully he will - but for JCFC that time has not yet quite come.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 22 Nov 2021 20:09
With engineering works meaning that Chislehurst station was out of action, changes at Blackfriars and London Bridge took JCFC to Sidcup station, whence the 269 bus led to

Episode 8
Sunday 21st November 2021
FA Vase Round 2
Stansfeld   2   v   1   Badshot Lea
Joseph Turnpenny (Greenwich? - see correction by nemesis below); James Beadle, Marian Stoichitoiu.

The admission was £4 for concessions - as opposed to a surprising £8 with no concessions at New Salamis. The programme revealed that none of the three officials originally appointed was in attendance. Turnpenny was a name never heard before - is it peculiar to his native Essex roots? He was the typical tall, slim, dark-haired young referee and as he led the teams out, he seemed to be engaging in jolly conversation with them.

Stansfeld got off to a cracking start, taking thge lead after just one minute. On 8 minutes the home number 8's foot slipped off the ball in a routine-looking tackle, and caught his opponent. A  foul, certainly, and if the yellow card seemed a little harsh, it did serve to set a mark. On 12 minutes a Stansfeld free-kick hit the crossbar, bounced down and out and was tapped in for the home side's second. From this point Badshot Lea took control. On 17 minutes Mr Beadle flagged for a free-kick, promptly moving to his left at the whistle, indicating that the foul had been outside the area. It mattered not, as when the kick came over to the far post, the home keeper was rather tentative, allowing a visitor to score with a header. They remained on top for the rest of the half, but had nothing to show for it. At the half-time whistle, there was a minor scuffle, Mr Turnpenny isolated a player from each side, sent the rest on their way (not without a certain difficulty) and the Stansfeld number 6 and the Badshot Lea number 4 received yellow cards.

Again, Stansfeld made a lively start to the half, before the visitors again gained the upper hand.Things became a little more tetchy, but Mr Turnpenny kept on top of things. Badshot Lea hit the frame of the goal just after the hour and Stansfeld had a narrow escape on 82 minutes, but could not find the net. One decision drew a lecture for the visiting number 7 for dissent - there might conceivably have been thoughts of a sin-binning, had not a group of home players decided to put their fillings in unnecessarily, presumably demanding just that. In the end, 6 minutes of time were added, with Stansfeld forcing an excellent tip over from the keeper.

Mr Turnpenny is to be commended on a good performance, with regular use of backward gear showing good awareness and adapting his approach on the rare occasions when possible trouble might have been brewing. A decent effort, but not quite enough to earn a place in the top 3 Level 4s seen this season.

Rather than return to Sidcup, JCFC decided to head towards his ultimate destination, catching the 269 again as far as Bickley station, which promised a choice of connections to either Elephant and Castle or Herne Hill. The latter was again operating as replacement buses, while the former was delayed and subsequently cancelled because of a points failure. When the next one, half an hour later suffered the same fate, JCFC caught the 162 bus to Beckenham Junction, where there was a swift transition to the tram. Alighting at Mitcham Junction, JCFC waited for the tram to move away rather than cross in front of it, but it did not move. The time lost was crucial, as the train to Sutton arrived and departed as JCFC crossed the footbridge, making for a very cold wait of 25 minutes.Thawing out took some considerable time!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Mon 22 Nov 2021 21:27
With engineering works meaning that Chislehurst station was out of action, changes at Blackfriars and London Bridge took JCFC to Sidcup station, whence the 269 bus led to

Episode 8
Sunday 21st November 2021
FA Vase Round 2
Stansfeld   2   v   1   Badshot Lea
Joseph Turnpenny (Greenwich?); James Beadle, Marian Stoichitoiu.



I think you'll find Joseph Turnpenny is from Billericay.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 22 Nov 2021 21:35
With engineering works meaning that Chislehurst station was out of action, changes at Blackfriars and London Bridge took JCFC to Sidcup station, whence the 269 bus led to

Episode 8
Sunday 21st November 2021
FA Vase Round 2
Stansfeld   2   v   1   Badshot Lea
Joseph Turnpenny (Greenwich?); James Beadle, Marian Stoichitoiu.



I think you'll find Joseph Turnpenny is from Billericay.

Well, somebody has to be!

Thank you, though, nemesis. The Greenwich must apply to his workplace. He was educated at Westcliff - and had the good sense to do A-Level German.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Mon 22 Nov 2021 21:54
With engineering works meaning that Chislehurst station was out of action, changes at Blackfriars and London Bridge took JCFC to Sidcup station, whence the 269 bus led to

Episode 8
Sunday 21st November 2021
FA Vase Round 2
Stansfeld   2   v   1   Badshot Lea
Joseph Turnpenny (Greenwich?); James Beadle, Marian Stoichitoiu.



I think you'll find Joseph Turnpenny is from Billericay.

Well, somebody has to be!

Thank you, though, nemesis. The Greenwich must apply to his workplace. He was educated at Westcliff - and had the good sense to do A-Level German.

Could be worse; he's often attributed to Basildon. He was indeed educated at Westcliff HSB  - the rival grammar school to the one I attended nearly half a century earlier. You got to choose in those days and I made my choice based on the soundest of reasons: Westcliff played rugby; Southend played football.

It could well be his workplace. If you want any nuclear risks insured, he's your man !
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 23 Nov 2021 15:15
For a variety of reasons, the most enjoyable of my three afternoons in the South was the football-free Friday, which involved a pleasant stroll along the canalside Saturn Trail from Brookwood to Woking centre. Even then, I seemed to be under-equipped,as I was one of the few people without a dog in tow.One of these four-legged friends took a liking to my coat and was reluctant to let it go, or more probably it was a dedicated follower of fashion showing its disapproval of my dress sense.

A recent magazine competition had put me in mind of Gerard Hoffnung's Misleading advice to foreign tourists and the sight of so many dogs led me to suggest a modern one:

When walking in the country it is considered impolite if you fail to greet every dog-walker with a warm embrace and an enthusiastic exclamation of "I am very keen on dogging."

Hoffnung would have put it more elegantly, of course.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 28 Nov 2021 15:19
Only one match in the NPL Division 1 East survived the weather and fortunately (?) that was

Saturday 27th November 2021
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town v Yorkshire Amateur
Ashley Royston; Rob Rees, Charles King.

Brighouse went ahead in the first minute, adding a second on 9 minutes, their veteran forward finishing a decent move by receiving the ball with his back to goal and turning niftily to fire home. On 20 minutes Ammers came close, a home defender heading off the line, with the keeper stranded. Two minutes later, Town added their third, a shot hitting the inside of the post and falling nicely for a tap-in. One surprised local inquired whether he had come to the wrong ground. There was soon a good save by the Brighouse keeper. The visiting keeper had required treatment to his leg and continued to look very uncomfortable, looking appealingly towards his bench. Eventually he required further assistance, retreating to the perimeter fence and leaning over to throw up at some length - duration, not distance. Both the Ammers' physio and Mr Royston decided that it would be wise to maintain a respectful distance. He eventually recovered sufficiently for play to resume, and indeed made a very good diving save just before the break. Stoppage time, unofficially rechristened puking time seemed less than adequate, but in the bitter conditions, nobody minded.

JCFC had been neutral when reading of Mr Royston's appointment for this game, but he had refereed the half very well - not that it required a great deal of intervention. He moved well, working wide when appropriate and his one talking-to was delivered quickly and in an unobtrusive way. In short, a more mature approach than might have been expected.

The Ammers started the second half on top, but on 47 minutes several of the lights went out, leaving just two opposite corners still properly illuminated. Play was still possible, but clearly the match could not finish unless the lights were restored. As gloom took over, it was surprising that Mr Royston did not appear to ascertain the situation rather earlier and play continued until it became impossible - a minor incident in the far corner left spectators unsure of what had happened - and the players left the field. Spectators waited, but eventually it became apparent that the inevitable abandonment had been made and off home we trooped.

It had been bitter and JCFC was relieved to get home and thaw out. On investigation, though, it turned out that his freezer - fortunately not very expensively stocked - had had similar thoughts. Not an ideal day, to put it mildly!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Sun 05 Dec 2021 10:39
For a variety of reasons, the most enjoyable of my three afternoons in the South was the football-free Friday, which involved a pleasant stroll along the canalside Saturn Trail from Brookwood to Woking centre. Even then, I seemed to be under-equipped,as I was one of the few people without a dog in tow.One of these four-legged friends took a liking to my coat and was reluctant to let it go, or more probably it was a dedicated follower of fashion showing its disapproval of my dress sense.

A recent magazine competition had put me in mind of Gerard Hoffnung's Misleading advice to foreign tourists and the sight of so many dogs led me to suggest a modern one:

When walking in the country it is considered impolite if you fail to greet every dog-walker with a warm embrace and an enthusiastic exclamation of "I am very keen on dogging."

Hoffnung would have put it more elegantly, of course.

Not one for you, I guess, but I liked this ........

https://twitter.com/buitengebieden_/status/1466905397734821900
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: bmb on Sun 05 Dec 2021 11:31

Not one for you, I guess, but I liked this ........

https://twitter.com/buitengebieden_/status/1466905397734821900

We did that back on match day 10 in Hungary (24.10.21) at every game and a sports media campaign encouraging dog adoption.

Still not forgiven Mr bmb for not bringing this cutie home with him!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 05 Dec 2021 16:51
A nasty wet morning deterred JCFC from the hoped-for trip to Glossop. Many matches, including the next choice at Golcar, were called off because of waterlogged pitches - the ironic exception coming at Winsford, where the reason for the postponement was the lack of a water supply. So it was that JCFC made his way to Farsley, for:

Saturday 4th December 2021
NCEFL Premier
Albion Sports   3   v   1   Winterton Rangers
Joshua Drake, Gary Hubbard, Paul Saunders.

Before the kick-off, the kenspeckle figure of Mr Observer Richardson took his place in the press box. He was accompanied by an unrecognised young man, who, given his woolly hat and his spectacles, would have been taken for the stereotypical computer geek - but for the absence of a computer.
JCFC, based on his previous sighting of Mr Drake, commented that he was a referee who looked to set the tone and lead the proceedings,and indeed he started in assured fashion. His general alertness was good, his backwards running contributing to this, and his use of his whistle appealed - strong, but not long. Unfortunately, Albion are not a side easily led; Their challenges are usually very untidy and might often be euphemistically be termed "uncompromising." They conceded a number of free-kicks and proved to be slow learners. Mr Drake was therefore presented with a dilemma at the point at which he might have hoped to be relaxing his grip a little. With the benefit of hindsight, one very minor little disagreement on the touchline might have given him a chance to impose himself with more formal cooling words, but at the time he seemed to have handled the situation well. On 17 minutes an Albion challenge led a very loud visiting spectator to bellow a list of opinions - reckless, dangerous, red - but Mr Drake's yellow seemed the appropriate sanction. Minutes later, from the other side - surely not the directors' box - came repeated shouts from someone well-versed in the laws,who knew about these things that an offside free-kick could not be taken in his own half. Despite the regular stoppages, there was plenty of attacking play - Albion having more of it, but Winterton looking more dangerous. Albion did create a great chance on 25 minutes, but fired it well over. It was perhaps ironic that it was following a free-kick for a Winterton foul,that Albion took the lead just before the break. Each side had a player eager to offer a word of advice at the whistle.

At the end of the half-time break, the computer geek returned from his visit indoors and informed JCFC that he was "bonkers", given the matches he attended - a remark with which it was impossible to disagree. As his cover had clearly been blown, JCFC asked the chap who he was, only to discover that it was Mr Drake's CORE Coach, James Bell, who, very pleasantly made some complimentary comments about JCFC's ramblings. Mr Richardson, not wishing Mr Bell to receive more column inches returned with a bun (the edible small cake, not a new hairdo which JCFC received gratefully.

Ten minutes into the second half, the Winterton keeper did well to turn a shot for a corner, but was ultimately unable to prevent Albion's second, Winterton replying almost immediately with a goal of their own. Another Winterton attack was ended with a barge on the touchline. Mr Saunders flagged,and eventually the Albion player was shown a yellow card. The free-kick was taken not from the touchline, but from a considerable distance infield, so perhaps the caution had been for some other offence in the move. A major defensive slip midway through the half presented Albion with their third. What appeared a very good tackle by the home number 6 was penalised, much to his annoyance, but he kept his dissent within limits. On 85 minutes a lunging challenge by the visiting number 4 saw Albion players crowding the referee. At a distance of 60 yards, the nature of the contact was not clear: it looked the sort of challenge that can lead to a red card, but credit to Mr Drake for not bowing to the Albion pressure and showing yellow.

Earlier this season, JCFC had written


Sunday 12th September 2021
FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round
Worsbrough Bridge Athletic   1   v   2   Maine Road
Joshua Drake (S&H FA);.

JCFC was just buying a cup of tea when the officials came in for their brew ... Mr Drake was very young, slim and trim... Mr Drake appeared a very personable young man, helpfully assisting the Maine Road stand-in secretary with paper-work that he had not had to deal with for many years. He applied the same degree of sympathy to his subsequent warm-up, adapting his pace to the slowest member of the team.
...
As for Mr Drake, he was excellent, communicating clearly with the players and extracting a good response - hence the absence of cards. His manner onfield seemed as good as it had been before the match. He has a very strong whistle, but only used it when appropriate, and his movement was good, though one late break could perhaps have deserved a slightly faster sprint than it received. This was the third highly promising showing from a young Level 4 this season. It would be intriguing to see whether he copes as well with a more testing encounter. The guess is that he would!

Well, this was a more testing encounter, which did not give him the same chance to sail supremely through the game. His Observer and his Coach will doubtless have been able to suggest what action he could/should have taken as the foul count grew and frustration mounted, but none of the fouls were particularly serious in themselves - time for a scapegoat? - and it will have been a good learning experience for him. His general approach, however, was still pleasing and he saw the match to a conclusion with no major incidents and a full complement of players on the pitch - by no means a given in JCFC's experience of Albion's games. Not a top-notch performance this time, but a decent enough effort.

There was only a minute's wait for the bus, followed by a further minute in Bradford, so JCFC was home in under an hour.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Ref Watcher on Mon 06 Dec 2021 13:39
For a variety of reasons, the most enjoyable of my three afternoons in the South was the football-free Friday, which involved a pleasant stroll along the canalside Saturn Trail from Brookwood to Woking centre. Even then, I seemed to be under-equipped,as I was one of the few people without a dog in tow.One of these four-legged friends took a liking to my coat and was reluctant to let it go, or more probably it was a dedicated follower of fashion showing its disapproval of my dress sense.

A recent magazine competition had put me in mind of Gerard Hoffnung's Misleading advice to foreign tourists and the sight of so many dogs led me to suggest a modern one:

When walking in the country it is considered impolite if you fail to greet every dog-walker with a warm embrace and an enthusiastic exclamation of "I am very keen on dogging."

Hoffnung would have put it more elegantly, of course.

Not one for you, I guess, but I liked this ........

https://twitter.com/buitengebieden_/status/1466905397734821900
Walking out for a game of football with your hand on a dog's backside doesn't strike me as particularly hygienic.  Did they all wash their hands before the match started?
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 06 Dec 2021 13:53
Quote
At the end of the half-time break, the computer geek returned from his visit indoors and informed JCFC that he was "bonkers", given the matches he attended - a remark with which it was impossible to disagree. As his cover had clearly been blown, JCFC asked the chap who he was, only to discover that it was Mr Drake's CORE Coach, James Bell, who, very pleasantly made some complimentary comments about JCFC's ramblings. Mr Richardson, not wishing Mr Bell to receive more column inches returned with a bun (the edible small cake, not a new hairdo which JCFC received gratefully.
I suppose that the bun would to some extent ameliorate the consequences of a possible further freezer failure.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Ref Watcher on Mon 06 Dec 2021 13:55
Before the kick-off, the kenspeckle figure of Mr Observer Richardson took his place in the press box.

Mr Richardson, not wishing Mr Bell to receive more column inches returned with a bun (the edible small cake, not a new hairdo which JCFC received gratefully.
Free cakes are always welcome but I think I would forego one for the opportunity of seeing Mr Richardson with such a hairdo.  That would presumably make him even more kenspeckle - a fine word that I had to look up.  :)
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 06 Dec 2021 15:10
I first came across the word "kenspeckle" in the works of Compton Mackenzie, though I have a vague recollection that he used it in a different - almost opposite - sense.

It was a word often used, sometimes even about referees, by the late Bill McLaren, my all-time favourite commentator.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: bmb on Mon 06 Dec 2021 15:39

Walking out for a game of football with your hand on a dog's backside doesn't strike me as particularly hygienic.  Did they all wash their hands before the match started?

They didn't in Hungary - they just handed the dogs to volunteers at the side line. Not even a squirt of hand sanitiser that I saw. Solymosi Péter was wiping his hands on the grass, while one of his ARs laughed at him but that was as close to cleanliness as I saw. He was the only referee who was given a dog to carry.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 12 Dec 2021 14:41
On a day of intermittent rain, JCFC made his way to

Episode 9
Saturday 11th December 2021
FA Vase 3rd Round
Wythenshawe Town   3   v   0   Billingham Synthonia
Tom Elliott; James Atkinson, Daniel Hughes.

Several years have passed since Mr Elliott was seen as assistant to Martin Woods at Runcorn Town, when he was very tall, slim and crowned with striking red hair. In the interim he earned a ticket to Level 3. He remains very tall and slim, but the coiffure is somewhat less striking, several of its constituents having opted for early retirement. AR1 was of normal, unremarkable appearance, AR2 slight of build and very boyish in appearance.

The seating is located in the corner of the ground and has adjacent covered standing which in the conditions was well populated, obscuring the view of the dug-outs and a large chunk of the corner on the same side. There then appeared a large, noisily excitable lady, complete with hair bunched on top of her head and she took her seat on the row in front. Her excitement led her to stand and though she seemed a pleasant soul, she proved a better door than a window, as the far goal disappeared from sight, even when JCFC joined those standing. The events of the match were therefore to prove elusive, especially as the play in the first half was largely at the far end, which the home side were attacking.

Thus it was that it was impossible to tell what had caused Mr Elliott to call two players for a lecture within a minute of the kick-off. There followed an unappealing match, with a number of petty squabbles, and a growing sense of animosity on the pitch, Synners contributing some robust challenges and Wythenshawe an inordinate amount of appeals, whingeing and dissent. Wythenshawe took the lead on 25 minutes, from a corner. Billingham responded two minutes later with a shot that grazed the bar, but otherwise proceedings were eminently forgettable. As the players entered the ckubhouse at the break there was clearly an incident of some sort just inside, which drew appeals from a home player to Mr Elliott, who was naturally following behind and some distance away. A crowd of inquisitive spectators peered in through the doorway as Mr Elliott moved to sort things out.

Whatever had happened, the second half began, slightly late, with a full complement - well, not quite, as the large lady did not return, much to JCFC's relief. There was soon an incident of some sort in the far opposite corner, which occasioned a certain delay, with Mr Elliott looking as if he had shown a yellow card - for what and to whom remains unclear to those in the stands. A minute later the Billingham number 5 shouted aggressively in the referee's face and looked as if he came close to making physical contact. The animosity had not abated, the visiting number 3 choosing to go through with an unnecessary "clearance" after the whistle had gone - in effect kicking the ball at the player on the ground. Cue long complaints from home players, but no action. Wythenshawe missed a glaring chance on 64 minutes. On 71 minutes play disappeared into the hidden corner and nothing happened. A brief gap between the heads in the standing area revealed that there was an injury to a visiting player and there was a delay of just over 8 minutes before he was stretchered off. Soon after play resumed, a home attacker was taken down as he ran clear and the Billingham number 5 received a red card. A case could conceivably have been made that the angle of the run was slightly skewed away from goal, but the decision appeared perfectly reasonable. What was definitely not correct was the Billingham twitter claim that there was no foul as he had made contact with the ball. Whetehr he did or not (as JCFC believed) is irrelevant as there was a clear hooking raise of the foot. A corner after 85 minutes produced Wythenshawe's second, through a strong header. A yellow was flashed at a visiting player on 90 minutes. On 96 minutes a cross into the Billingham goal area was deliberately steered, rather than miscued, into the hands of the keeper by his number 3, who somehow could not believe the (correct) back-pass decision. There was some difficulty in getting the keeper back on his line, but no difficulty for Wytheshawe in scoring their third. In the end Mr Elliott played an extraordinary 15 minutes of added time, before putting an end to a less than enjoyable afternoon.

The atmosphere on the pitch had not been good and Mr Elliott did not have the easiest of tasks. His decisions - or at least those that could be seen - were fair enough, though odd things were perhaps missed. The level of backchat, though, was disappointing and may provide a hint as to why his ticket to Level 3 would appear to have been a return one.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Sun 12 Dec 2021 23:31
On a day of intermittent rain, JCFC made his way to

Episode 9
Saturday 11th December 2021
FA Vase 3rd Round
Wythenshawe Town   3   v   0   Billingham Synthonia
Tom Elliott; James Atkinson, Daniel Hughes.

Several years have passed since Mr Elliott was seen as assistant to Martin Woods at Runcorn Town, when he was very tall, slim and crowned with striking red hair. In the interim he earned a ticket to Level 3. He remains very tall and slim, but the coiffure is somewhat less striking, several of its constituents having opted for early retirement. AR1 was of normal, unremarkable appearance, AR2 slight of build and very boyish in appearance.

The seating is located in the corner of the ground and has adjacent covered standing which in the conditions was well populated, obscuring the view of the dug-outs and a large chunk of the corner on the same side. There then appeared a large, noisily excitable lady, complete with hair bunched on top of her head and she took her seat on the row in front. Her excitement led her to stand and though she seemed a pleasant soul, she proved a better door than a window, as the far goal disappeared from sight, even when JCFC joined those standing. The events of the match were therefore to prove elusive, especially as the play in the first half was largely at the far end, which the home side were attacking.

Thus it was that it was impossible to tell what had caused Mr Elliott to call two players for a lecture within a minute of the kick-off. There followed an unappealing match, with a number of petty squabbles, and a growing sense of animosity on the pitch, Synners contributing some robust challenges and Wythenshawe an inordinate amount of appeals, whingeing and dissent. Wythenshawe took the lead on 25 minutes, from a corner. Billingham responded two minutes later with a shot that grazed the bar, but otherwise proceedings were eminently forgettable. As the players entered the ckubhouse at the break there was clearly an incident of some sort just inside, which drew appeals from a home player to Mr Elliott, who was naturally following behind and some distance away. A crowd of inquisitive spectators peered in through the doorway as Mr Elliott moved to sort things out.

Whatever had happened, the second half began, slightly late, with a full complement - well, not quite, as the large lady did not return, much to JCFC's relief. There was soon an incident of some sort in the far opposite corner, which occasioned a certain delay, with Mr Elliott looking as if he had shown a yellow card - for what and to whom remains unclear to those in the stands. A minute later the Billingham number 5 shouted aggressively in the referee's face and looked as if he came close to making physical contact. The animosity had not abated, the visiting number 3 choosing to go through with an unnecessary "clearance" after the whistle had gone - in effect kicking the ball at the player on the ground. Cue long complaints from home players, but no action. Wythenshawe missed a glaring chance on 64 minutes. On 71 minutes play disappeared into the hidden corner and nothing happened. A brief gap between the heads in the standing area revealed that there was an injury to a visiting player and there was a delay of just over 8 minutes before he was stretchered off. Soon after play resumed, a home attacker was taken down as he ran clear and the Billingham number 5 received a red card. A case could conceivably have been made that the angle of the run was slightly skewed away from goal, but the decision appeared perfectly reasonable. What was definitely not correct was the Billingham twitter claim that there was no foul as he had made contact with the ball. Whetehr he did or not (as JCFC believed) is irrelevant as there was a clear hooking raise of the foot. A corner after 85 minutes produced Wythenshawe's second, through a strong header. A yellow was flashed at a visiting player on 90 minutes. On 96 minutes a cross into the Billingham goal area was deliberately steered, rather than miscued, into the hands of the keeper by his number 3, who somehow could not believe the (correct) back-pass decision. There was some difficulty in getting the keeper back on his line, but no difficulty for Wytheshawe in scoring their third. In the end Mr Elliott played an extraordinary 15 minutes of added time, before putting an end to a less than enjoyable afternoon.

The atmosphere on the pitch had not been good and Mr Elliott did not have the easiest of tasks. His decisions - or at least those that could be seen - were fair enough, though odd things were perhaps missed. The level of backchat, though, was disappointing and may provide a hint as to why his ticket to Level 3 would appear to have been a return one.

Unlikely, given his role:

https://www.manchesterfa.com/news/2019/apr/29/mcref-interview-with-tom-elliot

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: PhiltheRef on Mon 13 Dec 2021 09:39
I have seen Mr Elliott a few times and he is yet to convince me that he is as good as he seems to think he is
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 19 Dec 2021 14:26
From overcast Brighouse the train sped (a slight overstatement. perhaps) to foggy Walsden, plunging into the darkness of Summit tunnel before emergoing into the glorious sunshine of the Littleborough Riviera - sunshine which persisted all the way to

Episode 10
FA Vase 3rd Round
Prestwich Heys   1   v   7    Harborough Town
Benjamin Sutcliffe (Runcorn?); Sean Mckeever, Sam Fletcher.

The home side exerted sustained pressure on the visitors' goal for the first five minutes, but Harborough graduaqlly settled, having the advantage in territory, though Heys looked dangerous in rapid breaks, which allowed Mr Surtcliffe to display his ability to outpace most of the other participants. Harborough were awarded a penalty on 21 minutes; Heys were not entirely convinced, but Mr Sutcliffe's signal indicated a little tug.  The visitors took the lead from the kick. Shortly before half time, a home player mistimed a challenge: it looked like a yellow card offence (not even that for the home fans in the stand) but sounded like a red. Mr Sutcliffe, as ever close to the spot, produced an instant red, which had the effect of forestalling any possible Harborough retaliation. The visiting number 6 received a yellow on 44 minutes for a barge. At the break the Heys' number 9 had something he wished to get off his chest - and promptly received a yellow card.

Heys therefore spent the first ten minutes of the second half with nine men, being punished by a second Harborough goal. Prestwich pulled one back. A yellow card soon went to the Harborough number 8, before his side added their third. A Heys attack then ended with a rapid Harborough break and goal number 4. Three more goals came in the final quarter of an hour, to earn Harborough a home match with North Shields in the 4th Round.

Mr Sutcliffe had made a very good impression, with decisions crisply made, and excellent movement. in a most promising display. JCFC would be happy to see him in action again. Not, though, at Prestwich, as on leaving the ground, JCFC encountered a hidden edge in the car park, and once again was left measuring his length on the tarmac.Statistics show that that now happens in 20% of visits to Vase fixtures. On the plus side, the tram from Besses o' the Barn reached Victoria in time fro the 17.36 train and JCFC was back in Brighouse early enough to have bought fish and chips, had he not indulged in Prestwich Heys' excellent pie and peas before the match.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 22 Dec 2021 13:26
As ever at this time of year, many thanks and best wishes to all who keep this site ticking over smoothly. I am especially grateful to aaa, for his hard work in pointing all the appointments. I hope you all, both administrators and rank-and- file members have a Happy Christmas. For those who have no wish to be happy, I have posted an avian miscellany quizzle in the Trivia Section.

So, Merry Christmas - but maybe not TOO merry:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2dCMDNqE5Y
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Wed 22 Dec 2021 17:01
Reading of your unfortunate fall(s) I was tempted to pass on the advice my dad used to give in these circumstances, which was to take more water with it!  Discretion suggested to me that it might be seen as unsympathetic and possibly a little impertinent.  However, in the light of your most recent post .......

Best wishes for Christmas and the New Year and hopefully you will continue to keep us grounded in reality in your delightful entertaining manner.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: OwdReds on Thu 23 Dec 2021 10:27
On the other hand I have vivid memories of visiting an elderly lady who was a confirmed tee totaller in hospital after a fall who looked me very earnestly in the eye and said, "I'm going to start putting something in the water so at least I'll know why I keep falling." Have a happy Christmas everybody.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 29 Dec 2021 21:27
Arriving almost half an hour before kick-off at

Monday 27th December 2021
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   1   v   2   Liversedge
Ian Johnstoin; Umar Ahmed, Daniel Gilpin

... JCFC had the unheard of experience of having to queue to get in, (Queues to get out are more usual!) To be sure, a bumper crowd had been expected, with the Christmas holiday fixture being a very local derby against high-flying Liversedge, but an attendance of 827 surpassed expectations. Even so, it paled in comparison with the 1649 who turned up for the Pendle Hill derby at Clitheroe on the same day. An injection of finances has enabled Sedge to put together a big, strong side, (despite taking some from Brighouse!) who have drawn one and won all the rest in  the league this season, and have gained a lively following as a result.

There was mist on the pitch, rendering proceedings on the far side difficult to follow - the ball was hard to make out. From the start it was clear that Sedge's game-plan was twofold:
 1. Kick the ball high and hard to the opposite end and try to use their strength and experience to outmuscle the somewhat slighter home defenders.
 2. Harass the referee at every opportunity.
Things were relatively calm for the first quarter, but at that point the Brighouse keeper came out of his area, the winger went down as he was challenged and Mr Gilpin flagged. Some Brighouse fans claimed that "he never touched him; he dived" - well, they would, wouldn't they? Before Mr Johnston could react, Sedge players rushed to assail him, Brighouse players rushed to intercept them, with a lengthy burst of handbags ensuing. Mr Ahmed was quickly in from the far side, Mr Gilpin less quickly from the near side. Matters were allowed to subside in time, and after consultation, Mr Johnston selected a player from each side, Liversedge 5 and Brighouse 6, to receive a yellow card. The odious Sedge keeper, formerly the odious Brighouse keeper, had something to say at this point and received an instant yellow, greeted with approval by home fans. Only at this point was Mr Johnston able to turn his attention to the initial challenge, the home keeper receiving the fourth yellow. There was a fifth yellow (to Brighouse presumably) in the mist in the far corner on 40 minutes. Liversedge had largely dominated the half, but oddlu the three best chances had gone to Brighouse.

The teams came out for the second half, Mr Johnston taking up his position for the restart, only to run off again, returning after a three minute delay.  Liversedge were well on top from the start though the home left winger did make a great run down his touchline. There was a curious interruption when Mr Johnston was seen to talk at length to a group of four home players, after which he trotted off to say something to each manager. The guess was that an inappropriate comment had been made. Sedge finally - and deservedly - took the lead on 74 minutes, and had a couple of other good chances. On 80 minutes something happened off the ball, players raced to get involved, as did numerous track-suited individuals. This was a genuine brawl, which rumbled on for some time, little flare-ups restarting when peace looked about to break out - Mr Gilpin moving to keep an eye on things as his colleagues started to confer. In the end, two red cards were shown - Mr Johnston was fortunate that the two left the field peaceably side by side,as he had not taken the precaution of showing the cards at a respectable interval.A free-kick was fired home by Brighouse on 90 minutes,but there were to be six minutes of added time, with Sedge scoring a scrappy winner from a corner in the final minute. It looks likely that they will go on to win the league, and supporters with it, but they are likely to win few friends among neutrals and equally few among referees. Brighouse, it must be admitted, were not slow to respond.

Mr Johnston must surely be Yorkshire's longest-serving Level 3 - he has been around for over a decade - and it was a wise decision to appoint him to a match thatr might have been beyond a less experienced official. Nevertheless, even he found it a struggle and was not quite able to exert his authority sufficiently. It is doubtful whether he will view it as one of his finest hours. It may have been a conscious decision to slow things down by taking a long time standing at the spot where a free-kick was to be taken, before heading off into position when everybody else was ready - hopefully this will not have become his normal practice. A decent pass mark in a testing match, but possibly not an awful lot more.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sat 01 Jan 2022 07:33
Happy New Year to all referees and to all volunteers who keep clubs going - as ever for me particularly those who run the tea huts  (and occasionally the clubhouse bars) around the country. Your hard work is much appreciated. Let's hope that things become easier for you in 2022.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 04 Jan 2022 15:03
Warnings of possible train cancellations meant that JCFC settled for the bus to

Monday 3rd January 2022
NWCFL Division 1 North
Golcar United   0   v   2   Holker Old Boys
Dapper Distinguished; Generously Proportioned, George Normal. (Identified subsequently by GasRef95 as Timothy Eagles; Dave Cryer, James Garsrud)

Readers may possibly deduce that the officials' names may not be strictly true. The NWCFL Website retains its veil of secrecy over referee appointments; the Golcar United programme maintains this omerta, with no indicatioin that such people exist. The PA announcer, when giving out the teams, bravely tried to defy this vow of silence, but was thwarted by constant crackling, rendering e3verything he said incomprehensible. The referee, slightly small in stature, sported a most impressive crown of silver hair - reminiscent of Mick Naughton in his latter days. Scally Bob and Dominic MacDonald have a rival. This being very much a top of the table encounter, it would seem likely that one of the League's best officials would be appointed - and for JCFC this proved to be the case.

The home side started the better with several near things in the first 10 minutes, but Holker settled and only a somewhat lethargic finish stopped them from going ahead on 18 minutes. Golcar had a decent attack, the ball ending in the net, but the referee had blown for a foul. There was a strong word for the Golcar number 2 for a foul, a yellow card for the Holker number 11 for an unnecessary push in the back, a dreadful Golcar back pass that was not punished and a strong Golcar shot into the side netting just before the break. At this point the Holker number 8 had a moan at the referee, goodness knows why.

It had been an even - and entertaining - first half. Golcar had a good attack within seconds of the restart, but Holker retaliated instantly to take the lead on 46 minutes, thanks to some slack marking. Even worse Golcar defending allowed Holker a second just four minutes later. Golcar eventually woke up again and applied a degree of pressure, without any end product. There were some irregular-looking substitutions, the Holker number 15, for example, being almost in the centre circle before the ponderous assistant arrived - and was not called back; another saw the player come to meet him, entering some considerable distance from halfway. Each side picked up a yellow, before Golcar had vigorous appeals for a penalty after 89 minutes, the assistant coming under fire from Golcar.

The referee had had a good game -confidently letting play continue wherever possible and not being impressed by players who fell too easily. One such took matters into his own hands, literally, and was rightly penalised for handball. Not an up-and-coming youingster by any stretch of the imagination, but certainly none the worse for that. AR2 had a trouble-free afternoon, while AR1 did at least turn up and do his bit, though JCFC was tempted to suggest "Mene, mene tekel upharsin." Perhaps that is too harsh!

There was just a three minute wait for the bus - and after a further 8 minutes it stopped to admit a large crowd of spectators who had headed for a different stop. There was a reasonably quick connection in Huddersfield Bus Station, to complete a pleasant afternoon.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 04 Jan 2022 16:34
After seeing and interpreting the writing on the wall, might you be travelling down to watch Millwall play at home any time soon JCFC ?
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 04 Jan 2022 16:38
I remember the chorus "Dare to be a Daniel" but sadly have never lived up to it.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 04 Jan 2022 16:48
Or, if you will forgive an atrocious pun, perhaps a visit to Barrow on the Cumbrian coast ?
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 04 Jan 2022 16:58
I have never found Furness even remotely fiery.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: GasRef95 on Tue 04 Jan 2022 18:28
Appointments per MOAS
Referee: Eagles, Timothy
Assistant Referee: Cryer, David
Assistant Referee: Garsrud, James
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 04 Jan 2022 18:57
Thanks very much, GasRef 95.

Dave Cryer did cross my mind as the identity of AR1, but I have been puzzled before, having seen two officials by that name of similar stature, but apparently different ages.
The one word I had gleaned from the PA, George, turned out to be James.

There was in the stand near me a man who seemed to be versed in refereeing matters and shouted something at "Tim" at one point, but I wasn't sure if he was addressing the referee or one of his Golcar players. Either way, his language was interspersed with far too many 7-letter copulatory participles.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: ajb95 on Tue 04 Jan 2022 20:39
Appointments per MOAS
Referee: Eagles, Timothy
Assistant Referee: Cryer, David
Assistant Referee: Garsrud, James

Don’t know Tim eagles and haven’t been out with him. Dave is the treasurer of Rochdale referees society a terrific and welL run organisation - one of the few remaining in the Manchester area. I was due to work with James a few weeks back but I was switched to a different game
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Tue 04 Jan 2022 21:05
Or, if you will forgive an atrocious pun, perhaps a visit to Barrow on the Cumbrian coast ?
     
   ........ for the return fixture?     (if it's not been played already)
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 17 Jan 2022 18:17
Having booked a two night stay in Northampton (it could have been worse - it coulkd have been three nights) JCFC woke to find the town shrouded in mist. The  train passed through thick fog around Long Buckby, but though there was a haze at the ground, conditions were perfectly playable for

Episode 11
Saturday 15th January 2022
FA Vase 4th Round
Rugby Town   5   v   1   Lakenheath
Joshua Hackett (Birmingham FA); Scott Postin, Joseph Larkin.
4thers: Mitchell Cartwright.

In the opening minutes LKakenheath produced the more likely attacks, but Rugby then asserted their superiority. Their modus operandi was to get the ball as quickly as possible to the Lakenheath end, where their forwards looked sharper, or in the case of number 10, more skilful. They created a great chance on 10 minutes, but scooped it wide. A rapid break - with Mr Hackett well up with play - created another on 22 minutes, but again, they put it wide. On the half hour, thoughi, they did find the target to take a deserved lead. There was nearly another just three minutes later, but they had to wait until the 41st minute for their second. A green smoke flare, presumably from Heath supporters, delayed things briefly. As half-time arrived, the home keeper showed an incredible sense of timing, collecting the ball on the groud, getting up slowly and bouncing the ball several times before launching it upfield at the very second that Mr Hackett blew for the break. This practice of referees invariably irritates JCFC, but that apart, Mr hackett looked to have had a decent half. The visiting number 7 clearly was not entirely of that opinion and shared this with Mr Hackett who waved him away in peremptory fashion. His place was taken by a colleague, who received similar treatment. A Heath official took their place, but when he did not respond to the dismissive gesture, leaving Mr Hackett to stalk off at a rate of knots.

The Heath number 7 received a yellow card on 52 minutes for a foul. At this point the PA informed us that the Heath captain, number 4,had been sin-binned at half-time (JCFC will have to start counting players!) and he duly returned on 55 minutes. Midway through the half came the second green flare, retrieved by a Lakenheath player, whose attempt to throw it off the pitch fell short, requiring him to have a secong go. Ruygby's third soon followed, accompanied by a third green flare. Again, this was retrieved by a visiting player, but in the meantime, Mr Hackett was issuing a second sin-bin yellow card. JCFC tried to catch his number, but was unable to do so, though when he failed to return at the end of his time, the assumption was that it was once again the captain. Lakenheath had a good effort palmed away by the keeper, but on 77 minutes a long low shot gave Rugby their fourth goal, number five following shortly afterwards. On 90 minutes Lakenheath were awarded a penalty for a foul and obtained a consolation goal.

Mr Hackett had looked a little ungainly when moving slowly, but had sprinted most effectively. He had not appeared to make any major errors, but JCFC had a vague impression, not supported by any evidence, that there was something about his manner that did not sit quite right. The only time he was seen at reasonably close quarters came after the final whistle, when after the conventional formalities he stalked off with an expression somewhere between grim and thunderous, his bemused-looking assistants just about managing to follow not too far behind.

It has subsequently transpired that Lakenheath, though well beaten, were unhappy that they were not allowed to replace their captain with a substitute at the end of his ten minutes, which apparently is allowed in the regulationl. (Your ignorant correspondent was unaware of that!) Whether this had been by the referee or the fourth official is not yet clear. So, a game that was in no way unpleasant in nature, ends up by being controversial, though the threatened appeal by the visitors seems unlikely to get them anywhere.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Ref Watcher on Tue 18 Jan 2022 09:18
It has subsequently transpired that Lakenheath, though well beaten, were unhappy that they were not allowed to replace their captain with a substitute at the end of his ten minutes, which apparently is allowed in the regulationl. (Your ignorant correspondent was unaware of that!) Whether this had been by the referee or the fourth official is not yet clear. So, a game that was in no way unpleasant in nature, ends up by being controversial, though the threatened appeal by the visitors seems unlikely to get them anywhere.
Lakenheath are correct.  A player twice sin-binned can't return but can be substituted at the end of the second sin-bin.  I have to confess that I have struggled to commit the niceties of the sin-bin regulations to memory; I have a little cheat-sheet tucked into my book just in case.  It astonishes me that a team of four have got this wrong.  I am almost as amazed that the Lakenheath bench were aware of the rule.  Perhaps they have rather more experience of sin-bins than they ought to have.

I am not sure that I would dismiss Lakenheath's chances of a successful appeal.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Conkernut on Tue 18 Jan 2022 09:38
Having booked a two night stay in Northampton (it could have been worse - it coulkd have been three nights) JCFC woke to find the town shrouded in mist. The  train passed through thick fog around Long Buckby, but though there was a haze at the ground, conditions were perfectly playable for

Episode 11
Saturday 15th January 2022
FA Vase 4th Round
Rugby Town   5   v   1   Lakenheath
Joshua Hackett (Birmingham FA); Scott Postin, Joseph Larkin.
4thers: Mitchell Cartwright.

In the opening minutes LKakenheath produced the more likely attacks, but Rugby then asserted their superiority. Their modus operandi was to get the ball as quickly as possible to the Lakenheath end, where their forwards looked sharper, or in the case of number 10, more skilful. They created a great chance on 10 minutes, but scooped it wide. A rapid break - with Mr Hackett well up with play - created another on 22 minutes, but again, they put it wide. On the half hour, thoughi, they did find the target to take a deserved lead. There was nearly another just three minutes later, but they had to wait until the 41st minute for their second. A green smoke flare, presumably from Heath supporters, delayed things briefly. As half-time arrived, the home keeper showed an incredible sense of timing, collecting the ball on the groud, getting up slowly and bouncing the ball several times before launching it upfield at the very second that Mr Hackett blew for the break. This practice of referees invariably irritates JCFC, but that apart, Mr hackett looked to have had a decent half. The visiting number 7 clearly was not entirely of that opinion and shared this with Mr Hackett who waved him away in peremptory fashion. His place was taken by a colleague, who received similar treatment. A Heath official took their place, but when he did not respond to the dismissive gesture, leaving Mr Hackett to stalk off at a rate of knots.

The Heath number 7 received a yellow card on 52 minutes for a foul. At this point the PA informed us that the Heath captain, number 4,had been sin-binned at half-time (JCFC will have to start counting players!) and he duly returned on 55 minutes. Midway through the half came the second green flare, retrieved by a Lakenheath player, whose attempt to throw it off the pitch fell short, requiring him to have a secong go. Ruygby's third soon followed, accompanied by a third green flare. Again, this was retrieved by a visiting player, but in the meantime, Mr Hackett was issuing a second sin-bin yellow card. JCFC tried to catch his number, but was unable to do so, though when he failed to return at the end of his time, the assumption was that it was once again the captain. Lakenheath had a good effort palmed away by the keeper, but on 77 minutes a long low shot gave Rugby their fourth goal, number five following shortly afterwards. On 90 minutes Lakenheath were awarded a penalty for a foul and obtained a consolation goal.

Mr Hackett had looked a little ungainly when moving slowly, but had sprinted most effectively. He had not appeared to make any major errors, but JCFC had a vague impression, not supported by any evidence, that there was something about his manner that did not sit quite right. The only time he was seen at reasonably close quarters came after the final whistle, when after the conventional formalities he stalked off with an expression somewhere between grim and thunderous, his bemused-looking assistants just about managing to follow not too far behind.

It has subsequently transpired that Lakenheath, though well beaten, were unhappy that they were not allowed to replace their captain with a substitute at the end of his ten minutes, which apparently is allowed in the regulationl. (Your ignorant correspondent was unaware of that!) Whether this had been by the referee or the fourth official is not yet clear. So, a game that was in no way unpleasant in nature, ends up by being controversial, though the threatened appeal by the visitors seems unlikely to get them anywhere.

You were in my home town JCFC. It's a shame I didn't know, would have loved to meet you and extend some form of hospitality.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 18 Jan 2022 09:48
Thank you JCFC for another excellent Report. It had seemed a fair while since your last one, I almost felt as if I were experiencing withdrawal symptoms, so I hope you have not been incapacitated in any way. No doubt the contemporary virus is cutting a swathe through football at all levels.

We are of course required to bear the name of the tribe into which we are born ( unless we go down the deed poll route ) and Joshua Hackett has, to my mind, somewhat of a burden in carrying such a family name in refereeing circles. The 4th  Official  Mitchell Cartwright has, in contradistinction, a most splendid name; it could have come straight off the pages of a Mrs Gaskell novel. Whereas the second AR is pure H E Bates !
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Tue 18 Jan 2022 12:35
Thank you JCFC for another excellent Report. It had seemed a fair while since your last one, I almost felt as if I were experiencing withdrawal symptoms, so I hope you have not been incapacitated in any way. No doubt the contemporary virus is cutting a swathe through football at all levels.

We are of course required to bear the name of the tribe into which we are born ( unless we go down the deed poll route ) and Joshua Hackett has, to my mind, somewhat of a burden in carrying such a family name in refereeing circles. The 4th  Official  Mitchell Cartwright has, in contradistinction, a most splendid name; it could have come straight off the pages of a Mrs Gaskell novel. Whereas the second AR is pure H E Bates !

     ....... with the other Assistant viewed with distinction in hispanic circles.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 18 Jan 2022 13:29
As regards the other Assistant; we hardly ever seem to see one round these parts any more. They are becoming as rare as hen's teeth; the average midwife will be responsible for more deliveries than our local postin.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: rustyref on Tue 18 Jan 2022 15:19
It has subsequently transpired that Lakenheath, though well beaten, were unhappy that they were not allowed to replace their captain with a substitute at the end of his ten minutes, which apparently is allowed in the regulationl. (Your ignorant correspondent was unaware of that!) Whether this had been by the referee or the fourth official is not yet clear. So, a game that was in no way unpleasant in nature, ends up by being controversial, though the threatened appeal by the visitors seems unlikely to get them anywhere.
Lakenheath are correct.  A player twice sin-binned can't return but can be substituted at the end of the second sin-bin.  I have to confess that I have struggled to commit the niceties of the sin-bin regulations to memory; I have a little cheat-sheet tucked into my book just in case.  It astonishes me that a team of four have got this wrong.  I am almost as amazed that the Lakenheath bench were aware of the rule.  Perhaps they have rather more experience of sin-bins than they ought to have.

I am not sure that I would dismiss Lakenheath's chances of a successful appeal.

Correct, as long as he wasn't in the bin for a second dissent caution AND had received a non-dissent caution.

If the officials have got it wrong and Lakenheath appeal the match will also certainly be replayed as that would make the officials incorrect in law.  I say if though, as obviously their version of events may differ from that of the match officials.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Ref Watcher on Tue 18 Jan 2022 15:39
It has subsequently transpired that Lakenheath, though well beaten, were unhappy that they were not allowed to replace their captain with a substitute at the end of his ten minutes, which apparently is allowed in the regulationl. (Your ignorant correspondent was unaware of that!) Whether this had been by the referee or the fourth official is not yet clear. So, a game that was in no way unpleasant in nature, ends up by being controversial, though the threatened appeal by the visitors seems unlikely to get them anywhere.
Lakenheath are correct.  A player twice sin-binned can't return but can be substituted at the end of the second sin-bin.  I have to confess that I have struggled to commit the niceties of the sin-bin regulations to memory; I have a little cheat-sheet tucked into my book just in case.  It astonishes me that a team of four have got this wrong.  I am almost as amazed that the Lakenheath bench were aware of the rule.  Perhaps they have rather more experience of sin-bins than they ought to have.

I am not sure that I would dismiss Lakenheath's chances of a successful appeal.

Correct, as long as he wasn't in the bin for a second dissent caution AND had received a non-dissent caution.


That is exactly the sort of nicety that I struggle to remember!  Hence having a card like this is my wallet.
(https://ratetheref.createaforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F%5Battachimg%3D1%5D&hash=91acb2c49ddfd8df310a8dbe05996104ae24d045)
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 20 Jan 2022 11:48
A check of this weekend's appointments leaves me wondering whether I should bother going to Brighouse Town: I havwe seen Charles King on the line twice this season and each time the game has been abandoned. He is obviously jinxed.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 20 Jan 2022 11:53
A further perusal makes me wonder whether I have missed some recent promotions to Level 3?  I see that Christopher Darling is down to referee in the NPL Midlands Division.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Ref Watcher on Thu 20 Jan 2022 13:06
A further perusal makes me wonder whether I have missed some recent promotions to Level 3?  I see that Christopher Darling is down to referee in the NPL Midlands Division.
Mid season promotion notifications from Level Four to Three were due to be sent out no later than today with those promoted eligible for fixtures at the higher level from February onwards.  I suspect there is just a shortage of officials (again) this weekend with Level Fours making up the numbers.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Conkernut on Thu 20 Jan 2022 14:42
A further perusal makes me wonder whether I have missed some recent promotions to Level 3?  I see that Christopher Darling is down to referee in the NPL Midlands Division.
Mid season promotion notifications from Level Four to Three were due to be sent out no later than today with those promoted eligible for fixtures at the higher level from February onwards.  I suspect there is just a shortage of officials (again) this weekend with Level Fours making up the numbers.

I can confirm emails have gone out.

😊😊😊
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: bmb on Thu 20 Jan 2022 15:28
A further perusal makes me wonder whether I have missed some recent promotions to Level 3?  I see that Christopher Darling is down to referee in the NPL Midlands Division.
Mid season promotion notifications from Level Four to Three were due to be sent out no later than today with those promoted eligible for fixtures at the higher level from February onwards.  I suspect there is just a shortage of officials (again) this weekend with Level Fours making up the numbers.

I can confirm emails have gone out.

😊😊😊

Have you been promoted? Nosey old woman wants to know!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Conkernut on Thu 20 Jan 2022 15:54

Yes I have

 ;D
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 20 Jan 2022 16:43
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: bmb on Thu 20 Jan 2022 18:58

Yes I have

 ;D

Congratulations
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 20 Jan 2022 19:53
It had seemed a fair while since your last one, I almost felt as if I were experiencing withdrawal symptoms, so I hope you have not been incapacitated in any way. No doubt the contemporary virus is cutting a swathe through football at all levels. !

Thank you for your concern, Whistleblower. I checked the Deaths notices in today's Brighouse Echo, and as I didn't appear, I assume I must still be alive. I don't think that resource would have helped Descartes, however.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Fri 21 Jan 2022 14:13
Indeed. For the first few seconds after waking I have to concentrate to decide whether I am a member of the quick or the dead but as I have always believed that aches and pains are not a feature of the Church Triumphant, I too conclude that I am still on this side of the Veil.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Fri 21 Jan 2022 14:17
It had seemed a fair while since your last one, I almost felt as if I were experiencing withdrawal symptoms, so I hope you have not been incapacitated in any way. No doubt the contemporary virus is cutting a swathe through football at all levels. !

Thank you for your concern, Whistleblower. I checked the Deaths notices in today's Brighouse Echo, and as I didn't appear, I assume I must still be alive. I don't think that resource would have helped Descartes, however.


Or as I would put it  " Afflictio ergo sum "
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 23 Jan 2022 15:27
A check of this weekend's appointments leaves me wondering whether I should bother going to Brighouse Town: I havwe seen Charles King on the line twice this season and each time the game has been abandoned. He is obviously jinxed.

Mr King's evil powers are obviously on the wane - or maybe Mr Royston had put a couple of bob in the meter - as the match was played to a conclusion, with JCFC rather wishing that tt hadn't.

Saturday 22nd January 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   0   v   1   Shildon
Ashley Royston; Duncan Carratt, Charles King.

Brighouse had lost twice to Shildon - well up in the table - already this season, both times in County Durham, so expectations were not particularly high before the match, the more so as Town were affected by long-term injuries and short-term absences (Shiraz Khan citing a dodgy curry!), while one of the substitutes was injured warming up. The one bright note was the return of their leading scorer, who had missed several games with a leg problem. and  he came close on on 17 minutes, a shot hitting the inside of the post, before rebounding beyond the far post, where .hios colleague was wide with his return shot. Another shooting opportunity, created by a nifty turn, again saw the ball pass the wrong side of the post. There was a scare when he fell to the ground and required extensive treatmenrt. Town supporters were convinced that his game was over, but he returned and despite one further scare after a hard chase, was able to see out the match. Shildon, meanwhile, had looked quite strong, but without creating any clear chances.

On the hour Brighouse created another opening, the Shildon keeper diving to turn the shot round the post. There was a yellow card for a Shildon foul, but little else of note until the 83rd minute, when a strong Brighouse shot was tipped onto the bar and out for a corner. Town's matches have seen a number of very late goals this season, a couple in their favour, rather more against, and this was no exception, as on 87 minutes a Shildon cross was bundled into the net for the winner. Town players, citing handball, protested in disbelief, numbers and vain first to Mr Royston, then to Mr Carratt, but the goal stood. There was a late yellow for a home player before the final whistle left home fans feeling rather deflated, in a match where their side had created the only chances until the closing minutes and had other4wise defended most effectively.

As in his previous visit, Mr Royston had performed well, controlling proceedings comfortably, with little fuss and attracting little disagreement. The only controversy surrounded the goal - a pity for the officials, as well as for the home side, as it took the gloss off all the good work they had put in. If only Mr King had worked his black magic again!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 30 Jan 2022 17:17
With Brighouse away at Worksop, JCFC decided to put his uncooperative lungs to the ultimate test and headed to Seel Park for

Saturday 29th January 2022
NOL Division 1 West
Mossley   3   v   3   Kidsgrove Athletic
Daniel Bruce (Cheadle(ish)); Ian McGuinness, Mark Bates.
Observer: Paul Cullen, who most obligingly clarified which assistant was which.

The surprising thing was that JCFC accomplished the (admittedly slow) ascent of Old Brow without needing to stop. This even included a short diversion at the top, to inspect a blue plaque marking the house where Clarinda Rowbotham once lived. "Who was she?" you ask. Among her claims to "fame", she was Mossley's first School Nurse.Less exciting perhaps than nearby plaques to Brian Wilde, between Stalybridge and Ashton and to ventriloquist Terry Hall in Chadderton.

Mr Bruce's name had been seen many times in the appointments, but his previous location in Liverpool meant that he had escaped the distorting lens hitherto. He proved to be the usual tall, slim, dark-haired gentleman, with a pleasant smile and a less pleasant beard of sorts.

Mossley were ten places above the visitors in the table -  7th to 17th - so home fans were hoping for a comfortable win. The opening minutes heard a number of short, sharp whistles for free-kicks, as Mr Bruce set his stall out. Kidsgrove hit the bar with an overhead kick after five minutes, before two headers won in the Mossley area left an attacker free to give the visitors a ninth minute lead. A belting left-foot shot saw Mossley level the scores just a minute later. The home side then went ahead on 17 minutes, a cross from the right causing the keeper to hesitate, leaving Mossley's number 5 to turn the ball home. Kidsgrove tested the home goalie from a well struck free-kick, but he proved equal to it, with his two-handed punch technique. The first yellow card, for Mossley's number 2 looked a little harsh - but that was from a distance of perhaps 90 yards,and Mr Bruce's view was from at least 75 closer. A couple of chances went begging - one for each side, before the home number 7 saw yellow on 45 minutes. Here endeth the first half, which had been well-refereed, enjoyable and seemed to have passed quickly.

The same could not quite be said of the second half, largely through the drop in temperature, but also as the play became rather scrappier. Mossley saw an early effort punched clear, but otherwise things were lacking in interest - unti just after the hour mark. A Mossley shot was deflected,  and the subsequent rebound was somehow shot home, to make the score 3-1. Mossley ran to the corner to celebrate, Mr Bruce jogged after them to round them up, not realising quickly enough that he should have instead been sprinting to head off the mob racing to berate Mr McGuinness. He got there too late and ventually one of the protesters received a yellow card, though this did not appear to deter him greatly. Before play restarted the visitors wished to make a substitution, Mr Bruce had a further word with Mr McGuinness before allowing this and proceeded to hand out a very, very long lecture to a Kidsgrove boss. The next quarter of an hour brought a yellow for each side for fouls. Any thoughts Mossley may have entertained of coasting to victory were dispelled on 84 minutes when Kidsgrove pulled a goal back. The visitors received another yellow card oin 88 minutes,  but a minute later took a quick free-kick (Mr Bruce might have been about to  produce his yellow again) leaving the home defence all over the place and levelled the scores. Three minutes into added time as Kidsgrove were awarded a free-kick just short of the Mossley box, a visiting player went to ground, and players arrived from all quarters to exchange views on the matter in a none-too-friendly manner. When matters cooled, the three wise men retreated to compare notes: Mr Bruce seemed to be making extensive entries into his notebook, which is usually the prelude to multiple dismissals, but in the end merely flashed one yellow card from a distance in the direction of goodness knows whom. At the final whistle, however, there did not seem to be any great residual acrimony between the players, or from Kidsgove towards the officials.

It was a slightly mixed afternoon's work for Mr Bruce. His first half had gone well, though with perhaps a slight feeling that he was being a shade over-precise, though JCFC does like to see dissent dealt with. The second half was more testing and more untidy, with Mr Bruce coping reasonably well, without quite looking on top of proceedings. His movement was generally very good, with excellent lateral adjustment and his whistle was used sensibly - necessarily often towards the end, but without grating. I hope that Mr Observer Cullen was as nice to him as he was to JCFC.

The walk downhill to the station was rapid - indeed it was difficult to keep the brakes on. Unfortunately, when the train reached Huddersfield, the next bus to Brighouse was cancelled, leaving JCFC to enjoy the delights of Huddersfield bus station for an hour and a quarter. The Town team, meanwhile, was returning from Worksop with a 1-0 victory: they do better in JCFC's absence.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sat 05 Feb 2022 15:15
Well, I didn't quite reach the ground before being told that Brighouse's match had been victim of a late postponement, with the pitch waterlogged - after a very dry month. Still, at least I was better off than the three coachloads who had travelled from Cleethorpes. It could have been worse I shall be able to watch the whole of the Calcutta Cup match, hopefully cheering Scotland to victory. Now to seek solace with a mug of tea and a Portuguese tart.



Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Sat 05 Feb 2022 22:38
Well, I didn't quite reach the ground before being told that Brighouse's match had been victim of a late postponement, with the pitch waterlogged - after a very dry month. Still, at least I was better off than the three coachloads who had travelled from Cleethorpes. It could have been worse I shall be able to watch the whole of the Calcutta Cup match, hopefully cheering Scotland to victory. Now to seek solace with a mug of tea and a Portuguese tart.


Seu homen atrevido mas eu gosto de voce !  ( as Dick Emery's Iberian cousin might have said )
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 06 Feb 2022 16:31
Well, I didn't quite reach the ground before being told that Brighouse's match had been victim of a late postponement, with the pitch waterlogged - after a very dry month. Still, at least I was better off than the three coachloads who had travelled from Cleethorpes. It could have been worse I shall be able to watch the whole of the Calcutta Cup match, hopefully cheering Scotland to victory. Now to seek solace with a mug of tea and a Portuguese tart.


Seu homen atrevido mas eu gosto de voce !  ( as Dick Emery's Iberian cousin might have said )
I expect Whistleblower is referring to you cheering Scotland to victory rather than your seeking solace with a Portugguese tart.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 06 Feb 2022 17:57
I suspect that Whistleblower's reference to Mandy would indicate otherwise, Microscopist. Never having been to Portugal, the finest examples I have sampled were those I found in Cardiff, but this one picked up in Tesco, did its job. (Strawberries,of course, are out of season.)

As to the Calcutta Cup, Scotland seemed to be playing uphill most of the time, and it was too tense and attritional to be really enjoyable - though the last two seconds were great!

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Sun 06 Feb 2022 21:59
I suspect that Whistleblower's reference to Mandy would indicate otherwise, Microscopist. Never having been to Portugal, the finest examples I have sampled were those I found in Cardiff, but this one picked up in Tesco, did its job. (Strawberries,of course, are out of season.)

As to the Calcutta Cup, Scotland seemed to be playing uphill most of the time, and it was too tense and attritional to be really enjoyable - though the last two seconds were great!


I confess you are correct about Mandy JCFC  I listened to the Calcutta Cup match on the car radio coming home from an entertaining game at The Valley. It's even more nerve-wracking when you can't see what's happening. We got home to see the last ten minutes and although I have no family connections north of the border, I was willing Scotland to win because in the past I think they have had more than their share of bad luck. It was a brave and correct decision by O'Keeffe which proved to be decisive. Pure speculation of course but I wonder whether the same decision would have been given if the match had been at Twickenham ? I would hope so.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 07 Feb 2022 12:54
I suspect that Whistleblower's reference to Mandy would indicate otherwise, Microscopist. Never having been to Portugal, the finest examples I have sampled were those I found in Cardiff, but this one picked up in Tesco, did its job. (Strawberries,of course, are out of season.)

As to the Calcutta Cup, Scotland seemed to be playing uphill most of the time, and it was too tense and attritional to be really enjoyable - though the last two seconds were great!


I confess you are correct about Mandy JCFC  I listened to the Calcutta Cup match on the car radio coming home from an entertaining game at The Valley. It's even more nerve-wracking when you can't see what's happening. We got home to see the last ten minutes and although I have no family connections north of the border, I was willing Scotland to win because in the past I think they have had more than their share of bad luck. It was a brave and correct decision by O'Keeffe which proved to be decisive. Pure speculation of course but I wonder whether the same decision would have been given if the match had been at Twickenham ? I would hope so.
Given the transparency of the equivalent of  VAR I think it would have more chance of being the same decision at Twickenham than, say, getting the same decision at both ends of the pitch at Anfield.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Mon 07 Feb 2022 13:28
I suspect that Whistleblower's reference to Mandy would indicate otherwise, Microscopist. Never having been to Portugal, the finest examples I have sampled were those I found in Cardiff, but this one picked up in Tesco, did its job. (Strawberries,of course, are out of season.)

As to the Calcutta Cup, Scotland seemed to be playing uphill most of the time, and it was too tense and attritional to be really enjoyable - though the last two seconds were great!


I confess you are correct about Mandy JCFC  I listened to the Calcutta Cup match on the car radio coming home from an entertaining game at The Valley. It's even more nerve-wracking when you can't see what's happening. We got home to see the last ten minutes and although I have no family connections north of the border, I was willing Scotland to win because in the past I think they have had more than their share of bad luck. It was a brave and correct decision by O'Keeffe which proved to be decisive. Pure speculation of course but I wonder whether the same decision would have been given if the match had been at Twickenham ? I would hope so.
Given the transparency of the equivalent of  VAR I think it would have more chance of being the same decision at Twickenham than, say, getting the same decision at both ends of the pitch at Anfield.


Interesting point. The transparency of conversations between match officials in Rugby is certainly commendable and something which Association Football could well learn from.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 13 Feb 2022 16:54
At the end of November, Brighouse Town found themselves in the rare situation of being 3-0 up when their floodlights failed and the match was ultimately abandoned. Yesterday the match was replayed and a after 90 minutes a makeshift Brighouse defence had succeeded in keeping the score to !-1, when they once again conceded a goal in added time. Disappointing - if not entirely surprising - for their fans. This however did not cast a damper on JCFC's afternoon ...
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 13 Feb 2022 17:46
... as the Vase - or more accurately three trains (changes at Leeds and Sheffield) and a bus - had taken JCFC efficiently to

Episode 12
Saturday 12th February 2022
FA Vase 5th Round
Loughborough Students   3   v   0   Abbey Hey.
Jamie O'Connor (Chesterfield); Sam Wesson, Adam Brierley-Lewis. 4thers Thomas Dickens.

Mr O'Connor's recent promotion to 2B had created high expectations and the initial impression was indeed favourable: a cheerful smile and a good, powerful voice when needed. He gained Brownie points, too, by keeping his arms decently covered. So too did AR1, but not AR2, who kept warm by flagging for several fouls. Abbey Hey, no doubt sorry for AR1, provided him with a stream of chances to flag their players offside. Vague doubts began to surface early on, however. when Loughborough were awarded a free-kick. Mr O'Connor went to the spot, watched as the ball was carefully placed some metres further back, and waited till the players were about to take the kick before insisting - rightly enough - that the ball should be moved to his feet. At this point he walked sedately across the penalty area to speak to a Abbey Hey player - the whole procedure taking a minute. Were we in the presence of a graduate of the Grundy School of Ponderous Refereeing?  The visiting number 7 was spoken to for a foul shortly afterwards. Loughborough were doing the bulk of the attacking - inevitably, given thevisitors' inability to stay onside - putting one decent effort just wide and saw the keeper just manage to get a foot to block another. On 33 minutes, however, a long cross from left wing to right, followed by an equally effective ball back into the area, allowed the Students to finish well for a deserved lead. Their second followed within a minute with a good shot on the turn. On 39 minutes there was a yellow card for a visiting defender. The initial impression,given the delay,was that it was for dissent, but as no sin-bin resulted, the assumption was that it was for stopping an attack with a handball on the ground. Events in the second half, however, suggested that JCFC was simply not aware that the sin-bin no longer applies at this stage of the competition - though it is hard to see why this should be.

Mr O'Connor lost his Brownie points when he appeared in short sleeves for the second half. A Loughborough penalty on 49 minutes extended their lead to three - and there should have been a fourth just two minutes later, the Abbey Hey keeper dashing out of his area, being stranded, but the ball trundled just the wrong side of the post. There was a yellow card for a Loughborough foul and a good save by the visiting keeper before the hour mark. At the first Hey substitution, the incoming player managed to elude Mr Dickens and slip on while the injured man was still being helped off, but Mr O'Connor was alert and sent him back. There was a yellow card for the Abbey Hey number 8, for what can surely only have been for dissent, the absence of a sin-bin showing that JCFC had been wrong to expect one earlier. The final quarter became increasingly dull, with Loughborough taking time out of the game at every opportunities, though Mr O'Connor did well to ensure that subsequent players left at the nearest point. Abbey Hey were awarded a slightly late free-kick on the edge of their own area, when play was already in the opposing half. When the ball was returned, Mr O'Connor insisted that the ball be moved five metres sideways. The word "pernickety" found its way into JCFC's notes at this point. There was a third caution for Abbey Hey in time added, again presumsbly for dissent.

Mr O'Connor showed a decent degree of positional anticipation - he was always there, enabling him to spent a fair amount of time walking, with only an occasional sprint required. Overall, his decisions appeared correct enough and he kept a firm grip on the game - not that it proved unduly demanding for him. It is understandable that he should have received his promotion, though on this occasion his approach did not quite fill JCFC with awe and wonder. Perhaps next time?

The bus back to the station was packed to the gunwales, but the three subsequent trains (changes at Derby and Leeds) were both punctual and uncrowded, and JCFC was home by a very respectable 21.00.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 14 Feb 2022 13:07
At the end of November, Brighouse Town found themselves in the rare situation of being 3-0 up when their floodlights failed and the match was ultimately abandoned. Yesterday the match was replayed and a after 90 minutes a makeshift Brighouse defence had succeeded in keeping the score to !-1, when they once again conceded a goal in added time. Disappointing - if not entirely surprising - for their fans. This however did not cast a damper on JCFC's afternoon ...
... More Portuguese tarts perhaps?
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 23 Feb 2022 20:42
JCFC's first evening match since mid October provided a chance to enjoy a very palatable tray of steak pie, chips and peas in the clubhouse before

Tuesday 22nd February 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   0   v   2   Cleethorpes Town
Matthew Young (Manchester); Ben Cotton, Jack Ryan.
Observer: Gerald Taylor

JCFC took his seat i9n the usual quiet part of the stand (quiet, at least, when his friend isabsent) only for it to be invaded just before kick-off by a group of visiting supporters, who proved vocal, but quite entert5aining and not too obstreperous. The officials wisely picked up their Brownie points for long sleeves. The first half hour offered little excitement: Brighouse had the advantage in terms of possession and territory, without creating a clkear chance, the best effort coming from a Cleethorpes header from a corner, which flew wide. On 30 minutes, however, the visitors took the lead, rather too easily from a Brighouse perspective, but on this occasion JCFC was not downcast, as for the first time ever he held the winning Golden Goal ticket. The home side had a chance to equalise a minute later, but put it wide. On 33 minutes a foulo by a home player saw a visiting defender race 35 yards to confront the referee. It is most probably true that Mr Young was already intending to issue the yellow card, as he duly did. It might have been nice to see a firm word with the Cleethorpes player as well. The upshot was that an even stronger foul by Cleethorpes eight minutes later led to a group of Brighouse players surrounding the official before he could produce his yellow card.

Cleethorpes received another yellow early in the second half, the splendid shot from the free-kick being turned round the top corner by an even more splendid save.Brighouse had a low shot comfortably saved on the hour,Brighouse received another yellow, and on 77 minutes Cleethorpes settled matters with a second goal. Mr Young was quick to sort out an incipient confrontation in the goalmouth on 85 minutes, and showed one more yellow to Cleethorpes in added time.


Mr Young put in a very competent performance - and did not require the "help" that players attempted to give him. Could he possibly have made it clear at the first opportunity that such intervention was unwelcome? In the end, though, it did not matter too greatly, as there was little for players to dispute, his decision--making appearing accurate throughout. AR2 came under fire from the group of visitors - not for his decisions, but for his sharp haircut, but bore it with fortitude.
A decent evening all round.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: mutn3 on Sun 27 Feb 2022 09:30
FCUM v Matlock Town
Broadhurst Park, Moston
Att: 1862
Referee Shaun Taylor
Entertainment 4/5
Match difficulty 4/5

You earn your stripes in these sort of matches, where both sides expect favours. Not a game for a faintheart.

It's probably better to go through incidents, of which there were many, to show how difficult an afternoon Mr Taylor had.

Midway through the first half a FCUM player seemingly retaliated, shoving a Matlock player ( some might say violently, (I would!) in the chest). The expected kerfuffle followed, and just to make sure if we missed it first time, the same player did the same again seconds later.

Well, with just twenty minutes gone, and FCUM 1-0 ahead, Mr Taylor, erring on the side of extreme leniency, gave a yellow and found a couple more peripheral melee cautions to keep the teams apart. I did not agree with the initial yellow (I would call it a red, twice) but it was a lesson to any referee about how to take one's time, time which soothed, and time well spent.

Something possibly happened in the tunnel at half time, judging from the crowd of players not able to immediately get into the dressing rooms. Perhaps the tea trolley was blocking the corridor, or there was a queue to donate to St John's? I hope so, because I'm in danger of repeating kerfuffle and melee. Let's call it a possible palaver.

Second half, all FCUM, and here I'd hope for opinion of readers?

If a ball, already out of play, is hammered into the crowd (and I mean HAMMERED) is the right course of action a caution? Could it be for delaying the restart? Ought violent conduct be considered? After a discussion of some length, a yellow was the answer on the day.

Mr Dugout Assistant, certainly active in the aforementioned caution, came to notice again later in the dismissal of a Matlock player who'd been cautioned earlier. 

Was the centre forward fouled? Mr Taylor didn't think so (perhaps it was because the No 5 had run out of rope if he penalised) but Mr Assistant became insistent. To me it appeared for all the world that it was a flag Mr Taylor didn't want, and tried to ignore, but the flagging continued and the red card followed. Perhaps Mr Taylor, had he had this moment again, would have waved his Assistant down. There was probably a foul there, but not so blatant as to Mr Taylor being wrong to play on. Choices, choices! And a 90th minute equalising penalty to wrap the afternoon!

A difficult afternoon for sure for Mr Taylor. The previous match at Causeway Lane had ignited near the end, and it seemed there were some fires still burning. I would disagree with some crucial decisions, but in the midst of light mayhem (that might have been a word I was searching for earlier) he commendably kept calm, seemed to have good rapport with players, was as fit as the dog down the Butcher's. A 7/10 with reservations, recognising the difficulty the game presented.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 27 Feb 2022 13:08
To quote Brian Dewhurst: "Follow that with your sea lions."
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 27 Feb 2022 14:57
So, on a more humdrum level, JCFC was in attendance at

Saturday 26th February 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   3   v   1   Hebburn Town
Alexander Kelly (of Unknown Provenance); Christopher Moore, Nicholas Greenwood.

JCFC has twice been chided by more informed sources for being too charitable in his reports, but he tends to look for the better features where possible - though this does not seem to be as easy as it once was. True to this tendency, it can be said that at first glance Mr Kelly looked like Lee Mason. (If that is the highlight, it might suggest to some, that the lowlights must be on the grim side.) Reservations began to surface quite early, as there was a stand-off near half-way at a Brighouse free kick. The ball was not correctly positioned, a Hebburn player stood over the ball and would not budge and Mr Kelly waited ineffectually nearby for developments. Eventually he took control, tapping the ball a few metres back, though not to the wider position it should have occupied, and the kick was taken. On 14 minutes a similar scenario looked about to develop, but as the Hebburn player advanced to block the kick, it was taken quickly, an attack was launched and the ball was ultimately scrambled into the Hebburn net to give Brighouse the lead. Hebburn responded with a good shot which rebounded from the crossbar, but they pulled the rebound badly wide. The surface was still showing the effects of the recent downpours and the home number 11 was causing problems for the Hebburn right back. Beating him once again, he was unceremoniously taken down and the foul was correctly given. Though the position was close to the corner, the attacker was denied a chance to carry on towards the penalty area, so the yellow card seemed obvious. Obvious, that is, to all except Mr Kelly. It was not long, though, before Brighouse got their second - again a rather scruffy effort. On the half hour the Hebburn number 6 was penalised - wrongly it seemed from the stand - for a tackle, and promptly went ballistic, picking up the ball and racing to wave it at Mr Kelly. The referee must have realised he had got it wrong, as, being a decent chap,  he allowed the rant to go on ... and on ... and on, with the player three times attempting to call the assistant from the other half to give evidence on his behalf. By now, Mr Kelly was being assailed not only from in front, but from the spectators close behind him, who wanted action taken. Even JCFC offered a gentle(ish) query as to his authority. After what seemed an eternity, the yellow card was shown, and though by now it seemed inadequate, it did in the end have the desired effect. Hebburn created two good chances before the break, but both efforts were off target.

Hebburn introduced a pacy substitute for the second half and he immediately caused problems for the home defence, a first attack ending with a shot just wide, but a goal coming on 49 minutes. Just after the hour, Brighouse were wide with an appalling shot, but made it 3-1 while JCFC was still making a note of the previous miss. This took the wind out of the visitors' sails and the main excitement did not come until the 79th minute. Mr Kelly sent Mr Moore to oversee a Hebburn substitution, but then proceeded to signal for play to resume, leaving Mr Moore on halfway, with flag raised and the substitute still waiting to come on. A momentary - though play continued for rather longer - lapse of concentration.

The curious thing, of course, is that though Mr Kelly's approach was not to the liking of JCFC or his colleague, the game ultimately did not degenerate, and the clubs will probably have been quite happy with his performance in the end. He might like to consider that when he stands at the position for a defensive free-kick, it might be wise to keep his eyes on the taker - whether by running backwards into position or at the very least by looking over his shoulder. That apart, his movement was good and he was well up with play. His was a name unfamiliar to JCFC before this week, but it will be watched for in future, if only to avoid it. That said, Mr Kelly should bear in mind that JCFC knows little about refereeing. Among the limited numbers that have failed to impress, one is now 2B, another, who improved after a nervous start, 2A and a third is now refereeing on the Football League. A fourth, indeed, took a different pathway and is now a Scottish International Assistant.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Mon 28 Feb 2022 10:29
So, on a more humdrum level, JCFC was in attendance at

Saturday 26th February 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   3   v   1   Hebburn Town
Alexander Kelly (of Unknown Provenance); Christopher Moore, Nicholas Greenwood.



Manchester would be my guess.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 28 Feb 2022 11:56
Your guess is invariably right, nemesis, so I am happy to believe you.
I reckoned that Unknown Provenance was the next village to Little Notion, but at least it's not Cheetham Hill.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sat 05 Mar 2022 12:13
This is the NWCFL Groundhop weekend and it was risky, given the ground's problems with draining, to schedule the one Friday fixture as

Friday 4th March 2022
NWCFL Division 1N
Golcar United   3   v   2   Campion
Joe Hind (Prestonish); Arron Connelly, Danny Kilburn.

Fortunately, however, a break from the rain and hard work by the club officials and volunteers ensured that the game went ahead.

As usual, Golcar's programme made absolutely no mention of the officials, but having arrived very early, it was possible to intercept them as they returned from their stroll around the pitch. Mr Hind was able to provide first names for all three, but did not volunteer surnames - perhapshe had forgotten  them, except, of course for his own, when pressed. When offered the chance to operate under a different name, should he have a poor match, he nominated someone whose lack of hair would havew made this impossible. In honour of the groundhoppers, Golcar had however, invested in a whiteboard to list the teams and surnames were discovered from this at full time. Apologies if the spelling of AR1 is inaccurate, but that is how it also appeared on the team-sheet published on Twitter.

The attendance of 469 seemed a little low, given Golcar's attendances sans hoppers - perhaps the fact that Huddersfield Town's league match had been rearranged for the same night seduced some of the less discerning regulars, who thereby missed an enjoyable game.

Golcar took the lead on 14 minutes, adding a second on 27 minuyes - nothing special in the buil-up, but a stunning finish. Thedre was a yellow card for a Golcar defender on 38 minutes for an attack-stopping trip.

Early in the second half Golcar hit the post with a fierce shot, the ball bounced back across the goal and out towards the touchline, the winger put a cross straight back in and Gocar added their third. The visiting keeper had thoughts of remonstrating with Mr Kilburn, but Mr Hind was commendably quick to head him off, pr4eventing problems and having a quiet word with the captain before the restart. A powerful shot was blocked just outside the penalty area on 58 minutes , with the defender injured in the process. A hand may have been involved, as Campion were awarded a free-kick and after much discussion from Golcar a yellow card was shown, with an apparent indication of previous offences being taken into consideration. A splendid free-kick sailed past the keeper to give Campion some hope. They continued to press hard, but it was not until the 86th minute that a silly foul at the side of the penalty area gave them a free-kick, which was powered home off the far pos, for yet another impressive goal. From then on Campion threw everything forward, leaving themselves exposed at the back - their keeper had to make one magical save - but there was to be no equaliser.

JCFC greatly enjoyed Mr Hind's work. He is fairly small, but his little legs whisked him around the pitch most effectively. It was not a hard match to referee - he takes some credit for that as well, as his triage was first-rate - but he was always firmly in control and alert to the situation. He allowed numerous advantages, was confident enough to allow strong challenges, but penalised briskly and calmly where necessary. An excellent evening's work - and he had no need to use his alias! The assistants seemed accurate in their decisions, though AR1 appeared to give himself a yard - in the wrong direction - and was on odd occasions caught a touch behind play.

The bus is not until 22.10, so JCFC had a walk up into the deserted village, to catch it a minute or two earlier (at a stop with a seat), and was home by 22.50.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 06 Mar 2022 19:11
The plan had been to take in the final game of the groundhop weekend - at Ilkley Town - but when the time came, the flesh was weak and the spirit, to be honest6, not exactly willing, so an extra hour in bed won the day. As a result, posting is earlier than anticipated of yesterday's

Saturday 5th March 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   0   v   3   Marske United
Jamie Rhodes; Mark Findlay, Kevin O'Donnell.

Home fans' expectations were not high, with Marske sitting on top of the table. One brief pin-table moment in the Brighouse penalty area  apart, there was little threat of a goal in the first half. Not until the 44th minute did JCFC's notebook receive its first entry: Brighouse had a free-kick near halfway and blasted against an opponent, play being allowed to continue. Home players and fans were up in arms, the home captain receiving a talking-to, but JCFC had sympathy with Mr Rhodes. Though holding no brief for the idea that players should be allowed to delay a free-kick by standing over the ball, on this occasion the ball was kicked instantly,with , it seemed, the sole intention of hitting the opponent.

The early stages of the second half saw an important block by the Marke keeper, followed shortly by another block at the opposite end. Mr Rhodes has been around for a good few seasons and after a slightly diffident start at Laevel 3, leading to a brief return to Level4, he has come back well and developed into a competent and reliable official. As Marske's frustration at not having taken the lead grew, Mr Rhodes needed his experience and calmness as the noise level from the vicinity of their dug-out grew and things threatened to become tetchy. There was a yellow card for the home number 4, dountless for one foul too many, rather than for blocking the kick, as angry home fans assumed. The yellow for the home number 14 two minutes later did look a trifle harsh from the stand, but Mr Rhodes, as ever, was close to the incident. Brighouse were by now hanging on, but their resistance was finally broken on 71 minutes. The Marske number 6 received a yellow card for a trip almost immediately thereafter and had no complaint to offer. Brighouse pushed unavailingly for the equalise, leaving Marske to add a second with a simple, well-directed break on 85 minutes. Theirr stoppage time third was no more than the visitors desewrved and Town could have no complaints.

Things had quietened down after Marske took the lead - and even more so after the substitution of their moaning number 10 - and Mr Rhodes can feel pleased with a job well done, in his usual steady, efficient manner.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 09 Mar 2022 16:51
Once more to the Skye Direct Stadium for

Tuesday 8th March 2022
NWCFL Division 1 North
Golcar United   1   v   2   Ashton Town



This being Golcar, the programme made no mention of the officials. Fortunately the whiteboard acquired for the hoppers was still there: unfortunately they must have lost the pen. The hoppers had been granted a photo of the teamsheet on twitter, we humdrum mortals had to make do with a list of the home side. As a result the officials remain anonymous, unless a good fairy once again comes up with the details. The referee was short, young and fair-haired. Had I been forced to hazard a guess, I would have tentatively suggested a young gentleman from the Accrington area, but a look at the McNamara mugshot suggested otherwise. AR2 was visible merely as a yellow flag moving to and fro against a dark background on the far side of the pitch. AR1 completed a young trio, medium height, slim build and dark hair. All three had the good sense to don long sleeves. JCFC has long lamented the demise of the white collar and cuffs, but was not convinced that AR1's distinguishing feature - the label on the back of his shorts hanging out - was a suitable substitute.

With Golcar third in the table and Ashton towards the bottom, a home win looked to be on the cards, but Ashton had other ideas, keeping the home side confined to their own half for most of the first period, though without troubling the home keeper unduly. Golcar had just three likely attacks: the first saw the Ashton keeper win the chase to reach a long ball before the home attacker; the second ended with a trip that earned an Ashton defender a correct yellow card; the third led to a free-kick just outside the corner of the penalty area, superbly fired home by Danny Naidole to give Golcar the lead, very much against the balance of the play, a lead they maintained until the break, though it took a desperate last-ditch effort by their centre back to clear the ball for a corner.

The second half began in a more lively fashion, both sides creating possible openings. Golcar attackers were repeatedly guilty of taking wrong options, while their defence was left5 exposed too often, but though they lived dangerously, they survived until the 66th minute when a decent move finally allowed the visitors the equaliser they deserved. Each side came close in the next few minutes, but Ashton were by now looking the happier with a draw. Golcar were vociferous about (relatively minor) time wasting, and barely satisfied with the seven minutes that the referee indicated. After 95 minutes a visiting forward, apparently going nowhere, went down under a challenge in the area. From deep in the other half, there did not appear to be much to it, but the referee was well placed and gave the penalty. The home keeper was not happy with the referee; the home manager, from a position only marginally better that JCFC's, was also not pleased, though it was hard to tell whether that was with the referee or his defender. Either way, the Ashton sub duly fired the penalty home. In the final minute Golcar claimed a penalty, waved away by the referee, and this time JCFC was equally convinced that there had been no foul, merely a very good tackle. Golcar were l;ess convinced, the manager, shouting at the assistant. Play went over to the far side, the manager shouted, the assistant's flag was raised -  and the manager tried to attract the referee's attention,though JCFC's suspicion was that he would have been in trouble had he succeeded. The referee, however, was looking towards a throw on the touchline and blew for time. The manager made for the assistant, but things did not appear to get heated.

It had been a straightforward evening for the officials and the anonymous referee had done well. Had he allowed just five minutes of added time, he would doubtless have been marked highly by both sides - good fitness, decent triage, agreeable manner - but the events of the last two minutes may mean that one club may have been less generous. For what it's worth, which of course is nothing, JCFC thought he had a very good game overall.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: ell on Thu 10 Mar 2022 09:00
i can be the fairy...

Referee: Metcalf, Taylor
Assistant Referee: Monk, Ryan
Assistant Referee: Mensah, Frederick Owusu
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 10 Mar 2022 13:59
Thanks ell (with one t!) I should have remembered Mr Metcalf as I saw him on the line at Avro 18 months ago. His mum was proud of him then and is possibly even more so now.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: ajb95 on Thu 10 Mar 2022 14:26
i can be the fairy...

Referee: Metcalf, Taylor
Assistant Referee: Monk, Ryan
Assistant Referee: Mensah, Frederick Owusu

Was out with Ryan the other week nice lad
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Fri 11 Mar 2022 17:14
It was a pleasant surprise to find that there was the possibility to take in an extra match. The New Forest was the destination and to protect the locals from marauding quadrupeds there were gates everywhere and "cattle" grids cunningly concealed across.dark streets - lethal to the unwary, but somehow JCFC survived and made it to

Thursday 10th March 2022
Southampton Senior Cup 3rd Round
Brockenhurst   2   v   3   Folland Sports.
Justyn Leonard (Winchester); Huw Evans, James (or was it Jason? Memory fails me) Gardiner.

Two differences became apparent: there was no concession rate and there were special non-members prices in the clubhouse. There was one familiar feature - the programme made no mention of the officials, but JCFC was able to glean details from the friendly assistants while Mr Leonard practised his sprints. Alert to the  Welsh surname, JCFC checked the spelling of Huw, but never thought that Justyn would have a y, while assuming AR2 would have 7 letters. There was, though, a comprehensive listing on a whiteboard near the burger van, showing that he had an I in the middle, which made him sound like a latter-day Cyclops. None were in the first flush of youth, but AR2 was probably younger than his gleaming pate made him appear from a distance.

The early play was fairly even, but Folland took the lead on 13 minutes, with a great shot out of the blue. Brockenhurst soon⁷
drew level, with what the home Twitter described as a tidy finish, whereas JCFC had suspected that it was a slight miskick.No doubt at all about the home side's second just before the half hour - a splendid individual effort with two brilliant touches. The scorer was next held and pulled to the ground, but nothing was given and play continued until the next stoppage, when he received extensive treatment. The visitors drew level on 37 minutes,with an emphatic header from a corner. Just before half-time, the excellent home number 9 charged into the area colliding with a defender and going down. Penalty appeals were rejected, Mr Leonard having presumably decided that the defender had merely stood his ground, as entitled,and JCFC had some sympathy with that view. JCFC was wrong, however, as the Brocks Twitter called it "an absolute (sic) ludicrous decision." At a subsequent stoppage, Mr Leonard marched over to the home bench and ticked off the boss. Half time soon followed, three home players sought audience with Mr Leonard. Their boss wisely shepherded them away, but less wisely took up the cudgels himself and received a yellow card.

Brockenhurst had a great opening just after the hour, but shot over the bar.On 65 minutes, a foul in the corner by the home right back earned him a yellow card, his chagrin being even greater when the free-kick was lifted to the far post and headed home. There was a yellow for a foul by a Folland player. A most unusual moment came when the home keeper raced out to the corner, was beaten and play continued with the keeper lying injured off the field of play. Perhaps fortunately Folland  eventually put their shot wide. With a train at 21.39, and no wish to wait 55 minutes for the last one, JCFC wimpishly left after 85 minutes - thereby missing the fun. The Folland Twitter mentions an alleged stamp and a kick to the head to a different player, leading to massive handbags and dissent producing a shower of late yellows, estimated at about seven by the Bricks Twitter. Folland meanwhile found a new cautionable offence - mistaken identity. It was a shame to have missed all this, but ultimately it was good to be on the train, and fortunately the Newcast!e hordes at Southampton were in celebratory mood.

Mr Leonard had been precise in instructions, ensuring that throws were taken from the correct spot, without it delaying matters.Quite why things went awry in the closing minutes is not obvious to understand.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 13 Mar 2022 10:55
Hamworthy's reliance on PayPal meant that their loss (in money terms) was JCFC's gain, as he enjoyed the alternative match at

Episode 13
5aturday 12th March 2022
FA Vase Quarter Final
Littlehampton Town   1   v   0   North Shields
Jacob Miles (Rugby);  Jeffery Aldous, Peter Lowe. 4thers:Rudin Preca.

JCFC arrived over an hour and a quarter before kick-off and was able to secure a reasonable vantage point in the small stand. Prior to that he enjoyed a brief chat with a local  radio commentator. Mr Miles was, of course, returning to his Sussex roots for this match. Unfortunately Charlieboy's decree that we must not comment on referees' character means that it is not possible to pass on the remark of this gentleman, who knew Jacob's father ("God rest his soul") that Jacob is a very nice man. Dr Aldous had been seen once before, some years back, at Needham Market. He retains some of his unconvincing facial hair, but in a greatly trimmed form, thereby losing his leprechaun appearance.

Before the match the PA announcer reminded us that it was only a game of football and that there were much more serious matters going on in the world. Amen to that!

Littlehampton started as they meant to go on, with a direct attacking style, and a header from a first minute corner forced an unconvincing save from the keeper, though he did well shortly afterwards, blocking with his legs when a home attacker was in on goal. It was clear that Mr Miles was happy to allow players to use their bodies in challenges, making for good entertainment. On 10 minutes there was excitement at the other end, a defender 's header falling to a Shields attacker, but the home keeper smothered the ball. Littlehampton were finding plenty of space, and on 13 minutes the ball was lifted from near the left touchline over the advancing keeper. It headed goalwards, people in the stand leapt to their feet and, less nimble, JCFC deduced from the groans that the restart would-be goal-kick rather than a centre. The visitors soon had a chance, but shot over. On 17 minutes Mr Miles was unfortunate: a home player was fouled just inside his own half. With the ball heading forward, Mr Miles looked for an advantage and when a defender played it, called play back. Unfortunately, the defender had not played it well, the whistle coming just as an attacker won possession in the penalty area. Cue outrage in the stand, Would Mr Miles try to cover this misfortune by cautioning the offender? Many referees might have done, but to his credit Mr Miles rightly did not. There was another save by the away keeper before a clash of heads saw two men down. There was a sprint race between the physios, ending in a dead-heat, but honours went to the North Shieldsman, who had had further to travel.  Fortunately both players recovered, but were asked to leave the field.  As the game went into its second quarter, there was a firim word with the home number 4 for a mistimed challenge. North Shields looked to slow things down a little, but still struggled under Littlehampton's pressing. A home free-kick was palmed away by the keeper a follow-up effort being headed to safety.. There was another headed clearance by North Shields just before the break. The seats being of the slatted variety, it was a relief to be able to stand up and ease the discomfort.

The second half began again with a Littlehampton attack, but this time with a bad miscue in front of goal. On 51minutes a bad foul by the visiting number 6 left a home player injured, while Mr Miles was surrounded by the Littlehampton posse, who followed him as he sought to isolate the offender, but ultimately the red card could be shown. Luckily the injury was not as bad as it first appeared and the player was able to regain his feet. The visitors had to make a substitution and  there was some desperate defending for some considerable time., and a degree of time-wasting as they tried to hang on. On 79 minutes, however, a Littlehampton free-kick was helped into the net, apparently for an own-goal. Now it was the home team's turn to hang on, surviving 7 added minutes, not without alarms along the way. The PA instruction to stay off the pitch (there had been trouble in the previous round) proved fruitless at the final whistle.

The way in which Mr Miles had refereed the game had in no small measure contributed to a most exhilarating game and once again JCFC was impressed with his work. Should JCFC have occasion to visit Littlehampton again, a cushion will be high on the list of priorities.



Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 13 Mar 2022 11:13
Whole walking back to the rail replacement bus, I rounded a bend to see a shop sign proclaiming itself to be SEX MOBILES. Ignorant of what such items might involve, it was a relief after several  more strides to discover the letters SUS hidden behind a post.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Conkernut on Mon 14 Mar 2022 09:32

Jacob was guest speaker at our RA meeting last week. He's also a high level tennis umpire. Chaired at Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Flushing Meadow and whatever the Australian one is called
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Mon 14 Mar 2022 16:08

Jacob was guest speaker at our RA meeting last week. He's also a high level tennis umpire. Chaired at Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Flushing Meadow and whatever the Australian one is called

Indeed ........   https://ratetheref.createaforum.com/general-discussion-5/pyramid-patrol-202122/msg39882/?topicseen#msg39882

It's called the "Australian Open" and takes place at Melbourne Park.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 16 Mar 2022 12:05
The hope was that a side facing relegation from National League North might not be inclined to field their best players in a County Cup match against more humble opponents, and so it proved at

Tuesday 15th March
West Riding County Cup Semi-Final
Farsley Celtic   0   v   4   Brighouse Town
Dane McCarrick (Leeds); Abdul Hakimy, Dean Grant.

Earlier this season Mr McCarrick's work in a match at Brighouse was praised by JCFC and he was subsequently promoted to 2B mid-season, though there is a slight possibility that the two events were not entirely connected.

A great run and cross by the left winger allowed Brighouse to take the lead after 3 minutes. The winger made a similar run four minutes later, this time going for a shot himself, which the keeper was able to save. Town did soon double their lead when a foul by the keeper conceded a penalty. On 14 minutes Brighouse picked up the first of their four  first-half cautions - three clear-cut, while the other, for a forward's attempt to win the ball from an unlikely angle must have had more to it than appeared from the stand. Town had a great chance on the half hour when the Farsley keeper had to leave his area to head clear, merely finding the visiting striker, who lifted the ball over him, but hit it too hard and cleared the bar as well.

Mr McCarrick maintained his consistency with a caution for the Farsley right back, who took down the winger as he embarked on another threatening run. Things remained quiet until the 59th minute when Town tried a long range ball towards the goal. There was surprise in the stand when it led to a goal, everybody there thinking that the keeper had tipped it over the bar for a corner. The fourth soon followed, a good cross, this time from the right, being headed home. The lady in the seat immediately in front of JCFC expressed her delight when the home keeper was substituted - not because of the goals conceded, but because the replacement was her son, making his first appearance. She could be justifiably proud, the more so as he kept a clean sheet for the remainder of the game - though in the 80th minute he did have a little help from the crossbar. Not to be outdone, Brighouse too replaced their goalie - possibly to protect him from chronic boredom.

Not solely because Brighouse won, but Mr McCarrick put in another splendid performance, though it was probably one of the easiest matches he will have all season. Off the field, however, he had occasion to speak to a club official, who went and moved a small group of youths who had been banging on a perimeter advertising board immediately behind the goal.

So another rare Cup win for Brighouse: to pluralise the famous line of the then little-known Terry Griffiths after his semi-final win, "We're in the final now, you know."
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Fri 18 Mar 2022 16:22
For a while about 50 years ago I thought I'd signed for Farsley Celtic.  It was coming up to the end of term and the football season had ended and my friend Peter Jones from Rodley (of Smith's Cranes fame) told me he was taking over coaching a football team in the Red Triangle League.  In order to maintain the team's place in the league he had to have a certain number of players registered and he was a couple short so could I sign on to give him time to sign a few more over summer.  I thought he told me that it was Farsley, anyhow I duly obliged and went back home for the summer.  On my return he had collected more players and since I was travelling back to Manchester most week-ends I never turned out for them.  It was only later that I realised that it was in fact Farnley and not Farsley.  We also played basketball together (badly) and it was he who first introduced me to the concept (if not quite the practice) of zonal defending.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 20 Mar 2022 21:01
Over a decade ago (August 2010 perhaps) I decided to dip a hesitant toe into the hitherto unfamiliar waters of "Non-League" football, in the form of an extra-preliminary round FA Cup match between Brighouse Town and Dunston. Brighouse duly lost, but I liked the work of the referee - a young Luke Watson, and have looked out for his name ever since. For much of this season it was absent from the posted appointments, with the exception of a surprise line at Step 5 or 6, but he has recently returned to action and it was a pleasure to see that he had been appointed to

Saturday 19th March 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   5   v   1   Pickering Town
Luke Watson; Drew Dutton, David Windsor.



Arriving early, I waited near the hospitality container, to have a chance to pass on to Mr Watson my delight at seeing him back in action should it prove possible to intercept him. Best to do it beforehand, lest he should have a stinker, though that seemed unlikely! There was no need for my interception, as Mr Watson headed in my direction and greeted me with a warm handshake. I had once stammered a few words of consolation at Emley, when I assumed, fortunately wrongly, that the fact that he was refereeing a "Level 4" match indicated a loss of status, rather than, as it turned out, a helping hard to the League, who were short of officials on that date. He must have wondered what this gabbling idiot was on about. Subsequently he nodded in my direction at Farsley as he warmed up - I assumed that there must have been somebody important behind me - while on the dark approaches to Liversedge I thought I heard my name used in a greeting, but assunmed I had merely misheard. On this occasion however, he had clearly recognised me - either he has a marvellous memory for faces or I look even more strikingly ugly than I thought. Not only that, but he knew my name, which puzzled me no end as I could not (and still can't) work out how he knew it. Be that as it mnay, he has now been watched more often than any other football referee, 14 times, leaving even Tom Nield in his wake. Only some Rugby League referees of the sixties will have passed that number.

Pickering are bottom of the table, but Brighouse have struggled against them in the past and the early stages were reasonably even, though it became clear that for once the home side was going to be second best in the whining contest. The best chance came on 17 minutes, the Brighouse defence parting like the Red Sea, allowing Pickering an avenue along which to fire a strong shot heading for the top corner ... until the young Brighouse keeper leapt and touched it over with an outstretched right hand. The game's first yellow followed a minute later, for the visiting number 5. The situation changed on 25 minutes, when the home striker was heading towards the penalty area when the visiting number 2 took him down, with possibly injudicious footwork in the aftermath. The home card-collecter foolishly arrived and pushed the offender in the chest. The young man must have some curious anatomical abnormity, as he went down clutching his face and received (rather than required) lengthy treatment. Mr Watson handled matters very well, waiting calmly until number 2 was forced to rise, at which point the red card was raised, with a correct yellow for the Brighouse player's retaliation. There was a yellow for the visiting number 8 and in the final minute of the half Brighouse finally took the lead, the ball looping over the keeper.

Pickering had a throw reversed, when they ignored instructions as to where it should be taken, and a Brighouse shot soon hit the bar. Pickering grew more and more frustrated and their number 4 saw yellow for atrhwack at an opponent with no attempt to make a tackle - Mr Watson might have been tempted to choose a different card had the contact been any more forceful. Brighouse's second came juxst after the hour and Pickering frustation led to a yellow for another crude challenge by their numnber 6, who was, perhaps sensibly, substituted a minute later. The visitors by now looked demoralised and two cracking finishes gave the home side a couple more goals within the space of three minutes. Pickering did manage to make their way into the home penalty area where for no obvious reason a defender gave him a shove in the back - a simple penalty decision for Mr Watson and a fine shot from the spot to give the visitors a slight boost, though for their number 16 it was of the wrong sort and he too received a yellow card soon afterwards. There was a late fifth for Brighouse in the closing minutes, before the final whistle went, and JCFC headed for the bar to collect the third prize in the raffle.

Mr Watson had remained calm throughout and had done very well in a situation where one team was in danger of losing their heads: a less experienced official might have struggled. He also managed to keep the Brighouse reaction to a minimum as the number of fouls grew. For JCFC, a very good performance, but that means little. His refereeing friend, however, who had been giving him noisy advice throughout, and even noisier to visiting players, concluded too that Mr Watson had been good - and that is definitely more valuable praise!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 20 Mar 2022 21:10
As an aside, the match programme informed us that Mr Watson is now the father of two boys, but did not let on whether he ahd enrolled them in the ranks of four-letter Watsons. Perhaps Sven and Igor would be a little exotic for Cudworth, but Mark is a solid name and Jack seems now to be accepted as a name in its own right, and there are doubtless other posssibilities to go alongside Luke, Dean, Adam, Ryan, John and Paul. JCFC's record with referees is marred only by Richard, who sadly did not prove to be a Dick.

Unfortunately the programme did not specify where David Windsor ranks in line of succession to the throne.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 23 Mar 2022 14:45
Another referee whose work had been enjoyed over a decade ago,but whose subsequent path has seen him enter Level 2B three times, twice from below, once from above, drew JCFC to arelegation 6-pointer in the form of

Tuesday 22nd March 2022
National League North
Guiseley   0   v   0   Telford
Simeon Lucas; Wayne Cooper, Sam Clayton.

To start with the most important question: Mr Clayton's smart coiffure revealed no trace of the promised grey - indeed he looked younger than he did a few years ago. Mr Lucas, though still far from geriatric (in refereeing terms,) certainly appeared to be approaching refereeing middle age.

With two of the bottom three teams involved, a high syandard of football was not expected - but surely a degree of intensity in the play should be guaranteed; alas, it was not to be4. Guiseley were awarded a penalty on 9 minutes, the Telford keeper comfortably saving an effort which lacked conviction. The rest of the half was dull in the extreme.

Two minutes into the second half a foul by the home number 2 broke up a Telford attack and he was shown a yellow card. The remainder of the game was as dull as the first half, with Telford receiving three late yellows for petty infringements.

Mr Lucas had failed in his task of making a silk purse out of a sow's ear, but had had a comfortable evening. On a couple of occasions he could perhaps have played an advantage, but given the level of the play, it is doubtful whether either side was capable of taking advantage of anything. His voice is strong, his whistle loud, but brief and on the infrequent occasions when it was needed, his pace impressive.

All had gone well for the officials, but things changed after the final whistle. A large group of young morons had gathered at one side of the caterpillar in the corner of the ground, shouting offensively at a group of Telford fans on the other side, who responded in kind. The players too, were on the receiving end, and as they entered the caterpillar, they spilled out, punches,and other things were thrown. Whether such matters feature in the remit of Mr OIbserver Taylor or not, he would probably still have been on the other sideof the field, with no clear view. Telford tweeted that the home keeper had been shown a red card for allegedly throwing a water bottle. Guiseley disappeared, Telford players remained by the exit, being taunted by the local yobs. JCFC made his escape and headed for the station.

Given that on the previous occasion that JCFC had seen Mr Lucas at Guiseley (v Colwyn Bay) the match had not gone too well, with a few difficult decisions, the unhappy ending to the evening might suggest that Nethermoor will not be his favourite ground. Having received a lukewarm pie and inedible chips before the match, JCFC would be in full agreement. Still, the food was marginally better than that at Lye Town, where the horrors of the offering remain firmly in JCFC's memory even after several years. Let's hope there is something better - both food and game - on Friday.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 23 Mar 2022 20:33
" A Lukewarm Pie and Inedible Chips " would make a splendid title for one of those 'misery memoir' autobiographies that for a time used to crowd airport bookshop shelves. Which brings me, in a roundabout sort of way, to again ask JCFC whether he has ever seriously thought of writing a book based on his Pyramid Patrol reports ? I really think there would be an interested readership in that his style is both personal and objective ranging over topography, transport, gastronomy and football with a particular emphasis on officiating.

I did once think about writing a book called  'How I Couldn't Make Crime Pay' though in the extremely unlikely event of my ever writing an Apologia Pro Vita Sua, it would be called 'When The Stars Threw Down Their Spears '

Enough of this rambling...
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sat 26 Mar 2022 09:48
It looked as if the evening had started badly, when the bus sped past the waiting JCFC without stopping. There was another in half an hour, so JCFC headed for the terminus at the railway station to avoid any repetition. It would prove tight to reach the ground for the Twitter-advertised 19.45 start, but all was well, as there was time to acquire a burger and a seat in the stand before the match actually kicked off at 20.00 at

Friday 25th March 2022
Eastern Counties League Division 1 South.
Ipswich Wanderers   3   v   2   May and Baker
Jordan Sandwell (Gorleston?); Daniel Keeble, David Fairhurst.

It is hard to resist the feeling that the Sandwell parents missed a trick by not naming him Dudley. He was the proud possessor of an unshaven-look beard. It would be nice to say that AR1 was young and svelte, but sadly untrue. AR2 looked to have a wealth of experience, euphemistically speaking, but was very spry and efficient.

Wanderers dominated from the start, forcing the visitors into some desperate defence, but on 11 minutes M&B took a surprise lead. A couple of ricochets allowed Ipswich to draw level, and a good shot from outside the area added their second on 21 minutes. A foul on 34 minutes caused a general commotion and a lecture for a visiting player and his captain.   On 40 minutes the visiting number 9 was guilty of a reckless and very late challenge. Watching the aftermath, JCFC was surprised that Mr Sandwell had not whistled, but must have missed the advantage signal, as number 9 received a yellow card at the next stoppage. The final action of the half saw Wanderers miss a great chance. Mr Sandwell was engaged in a long discussion with one of the coaches as they left the field.

The second half was a curious affair, with late tackles and barges all too frequent. There were yellows for the home number 8 and the away number 3 before another free and frank exchange of views ended with Mr Sandwell having a chat with AR1, before showing the visiting number 9 his second yellow. Almost immediately, Wanderers added their third goal with a header. On 84 minutes a mass skirmish led to seven prolonged blasts of Mr Sandwell's whistle before things subsided. Another chat with AR1 followed, and the visiting number 8 received his marching orders in the form of two yellow cards. As he had not been cautioned before, as far as we could tell, he must have been adjudged to have earned both in the same incident. Two minutes later, a visiting forward chased along ball, the home keeper came out of his area to intercept, but was beaten and tried to haul back the attacker. Had he succeeded, he would surely have seen red, but he failed and M&B made it 3-2. It was not evident from the stand whether the keeper received a yellow card - he certainly should have done. The closing minutes brought a yellow for an Ipswich defender and possibly for a visitor - though it may just have been a peremptory wave of the referee's hand in the air in the confusion.

A curious match, with a high number of late challenges. Mr Sandwell took appropriate action, but was not able to stem the tide and was probably relieved to blow the final whistle.

One further advantage of the late start was that JCFC only had 20 minutes to wait at the Playford Road bus stop, rather than over half an hour.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sat 26 Mar 2022 09:59
Names can at times be confusing. An old friend now resides in (pause for a check) Pitch and Pay Park, which sounds like a caravan site but isn't. JCFC's  brain always has difficulty in sorting it out from "pitch and putt" and "park and ride." There were similar problems last night, May and Baker mingling with Mary Baker cake mixes, or in the case of Alex Glasgow's song Mary Baker's City Mix. Into the equation, too, came Bryant and May, but that would have been a very different match.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Sat 26 Mar 2022 13:08
It looked as if the evening had started badly, when the bus sped past the waiting JCFC without stopping. There was another in half an hour, so JCFC headed for the terminus at the railway station to avoid any repetition. It would prove tight to reach the ground for the Twitter-advertised 19.45 start, but all was well, as there was time to acquire a burger and a seat in the stand before the match actually kicked off at 20.00 at

Friday 25th March 2022
Eastern Counties League Division 1 South.
Ipswich Wanderers   3   v   2   May and Baker
Jordan Sandwell (Gorleston?); Daniel Keeble, David Fairhurst.

It is hard to resist the feeling that the Sandwell parents missed a trick by not naming him Dudley. He was the proud possessor of an unshaven-look beard. It would be nice to say that AR1 was young and svelte, but sadly untrue. AR2 looked to have a wealth of experience, euphemistically speaking, but was very spry and efficient.

Wanderers dominated from the start, forcing the visitors into some desperate defence, but on 11 minutes M&B took a surprise lead. A couple of ricochets allowed Ipswich to draw level, and a good shot from outside the area added their second on 21 minutes. A foul on 34 minutes caused a general commotion and a lecture for a visiting player and his captain.   On 40 minutes the visiting number 9 was guilty of a reckless and very late challenge. Watching the aftermath, JCFC was surprised that Mr Sandwell had not whistled, but must have missed the advantage signal, as number 9 received a yellow card at the next stoppage. The final action of the half saw Wanderers miss a great chance. Mr Sandwell was engaged in a long discussion with one of the coaches as they left the field.

The second half was a curious affair, with late tackles and barges all too frequent. There were yellows for the home number 8 and the away number 3 before another free and frank exchange of views ended with Mr Sandwell having a chat with AR1, before showing the visiting number 9 his second yellow. Almost immediately, Wanderers added their third goal with a header. On 84 minutes a mass skirmish led to seven prolonged blasts of Mr Sandwell's whistle before things subsided. Another chat with AR1 followed, and the visiting number 8 received his marching orders in the form of two yellow cards. As he had not been cautioned before, as far as we could tell, he must have been adjudged to have earned both in the same incident. Two minutes later, a visiting forward chased along ball, the home keeper came out of his area to intercept, but was beaten and tried to haul back the attacker. Had he succeeded, he would surely have seen red, but he failed and M&B made it 3-2. It was not evident from the stand whether the keeper received a yellow card - he certainly should have done. The closing minutes brought a yellow for an Ipswich defender and possibly for a visitor - though it may just have been a peremptory wave of the referee's hand in the air in the confusion.

A curious match, with a high number of late challenges. Mr Sandwell took appropriate action, but was not able to stem the tide and was probably relieved to blow the final whistle.

One further advantage of the late start was that JCFC only had 20 minutes to wait at the Playford Road bus stop, rather than over half an hour.


Thank you JCFC, for a trip down Nostalgia Lane. This is where I began my less than illustrious officiating career fifty years ago this year as my initial training classes and examination took place precisely in Humber Doucy Lane and I ran the line and refereed there many times " when someone different was I "
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Sat 26 Mar 2022 13:11
Names can at times be confusing. An old friend now resides in (pause for a check) Pitch and Pay Park, which sounds like a caravan site but isn't. JCFC's  brain always has difficulty in sorting it out from "pitch and putt" and "park and ride." There were similar problems last night, May and Baker mingling with Mary Baker cake mixes, or in the case of Alex Glasgow's song Mary Baker's City Mix. Into the equation, too, came Bryant and May, but that would have been a very different match.


Strike a light, that last comment is surely PUNishable in some way.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 27 Mar 2022 11:06
Rather than use the long-winded bus route from Ipswich, the choice was a train to Saxmundham, catching up with the 64 bus there for just a few miles. The next choice was a Ghost Ship - and a good choice too. The third choice - of seat in the stand - was less successful, as it later turned into a battlefield and adventure playground for a group of excited youngsters enjoying a special day out. Hopefully some of them might be the club stalwarts of the future, so good luck to them.

Saturday 26th March 2022
Southern League Premier Division Central
Leiston   0   v   3   Coalville Town
Thomas Harvey ( Norfolk); Oliver Sadd, Ashley Smith..


The first half was nevertheless quite enjoyable. Mr Harvey orchestrated proceedings effectively, using advantage well and having the odd quiet word in passing. Two challenges.by the visitors in the final minutes of the half clearly required cautions and there were duly administered.

Leiston made a promising start to the second half, but fell behind on 53 minutes and Coalville were in control from then on. There was a yellow for the home number 16 just after the hour, followed a minute later by one for the Coalville number 8. The visitors added their second and third in the final quarter of an hour. There was also a late yellow for the home keeper for being an idiot. Leiston brought on a bald substitute wearing the 14 shirt and he raced around like a Duracell bunny on steroids. He lost his rag for no obvious reason, demanding that Mr Harvey should do his job - which, if 14 is to be believed, must be as a professional copulator. He had another rant at the final whistle, departing with much flouncing.

The previous sighting of a Norfolk-registered Tom, albeit by then back in West Yorkshire, made an immediate impression. While Mr Harvey did not produce quite the same effect as Mr Nield, he handled the game well and deserves a place in the middle ranks of Toms.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Tue 29 Mar 2022 13:27
Rather than use the long-winded bus route from Ipswich, the choice was a train to Saxmundham, catching up with the 64 bus there for just a few miles. The next choice was a Ghost Ship - and a good choice too. The third choice - of seat in the stand - was less successful, as it later turned into a battlefield and adventure playground for a group of excited youngsters enjoying a special day out. Hopefully some of them might be the club stalwarts of the future, so good luck to them.

Saturday 26th March 2022
Southern League Premier Division Central
Leiston   0   v   3   Coalville Town
Thomas Harvey ( Norfolk); Oliver Sadd, Ashley Smith..


The first half was nevertheless quite enjoyable. Mr Harvey orchestrated proceedings effectively, using advantage well and having the odd quiet word in passing. Two challenges.by the visitors in the final minutes of the half clearly required cautions and there were duly administered.

Leiston made a promising start to the second half, but fell behind on 53 minutes and Coalville were in control from then on. There was a yellow for the home number 16 just after the hour, followed a minute later by one for the Coalville number 8. The visitors added their second and third in the final quarter of an hour. There was also a late yellow for the home keeper for being an idiot. Leiston brought on a bald substitute wearing the 14 shirt and he raced around like a Duracell bunny on steroids. He lost his rag for no obvious reason, demanding that Mr Harvey should do his job - which, if 14 is to be believed, must be as a professional copulator. He had another rant at the final whistle, departing with much flouncing.

The previous sighting of a Norfolk-registered Tom, albeit by then back in West Yorkshire, made an immediate impression. While Mr Harvey did not produce quite the same effect as Mr Nield, he handled the game well and deserves a place in the middle ranks of Toms.

I hope you enjoyed your time in Suffolk. Had Ipswich not been at home I would have been there at Leiston, my very local Suffolk non-league team, sitting in that same stand. I too would have had the Ghost Ship.

I particularly liked/recognised your description of Adam Mills. That defeat probably puts paid to any play off hopes (for a promotion they couldn't afford anyway). It doesn't seem that long ago that I saw them lose a tremendous play off against Dulwich Hamlet back in their Isthmian days.

In case you like more (unnecessary) detail, Thomas Harvey is from the Felthorpe area of Norwich.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: TheThingFromLewes on Tue 29 Mar 2022 13:37
Rather than use the long-winded bus route from Ipswich, the choice was a train to Saxmundham, catching up with the 64 bus there for just a few miles. The next choice was a Ghost Ship - and a good choice too. The third choice - of seat in the stand - was less successful, as it later turned into a battlefield and adventure playground for a group of excited youngsters enjoying a special day out. Hopefully some of them might be the club stalwarts of the future, so good luck to them.

Saturday 26th March 2022
Southern League Premier Division Central
Leiston   0   v   3   Coalville Town
Thomas Harvey ( Norfolk); Oliver Sadd, Ashley Smith..


The first half was nevertheless quite enjoyable. Mr Harvey orchestrated proceedings effectively, using advantage well and having the odd quiet word in passing. Two challenges.by the visitors in the final minutes of the half clearly required cautions and there were duly administered.

Leiston made a promising start to the second half, but fell behind on 53 minutes and Coalville were in control from then on. There was a yellow for the home number 16 just after the hour, followed a minute later by one for the Coalville number 8. The visitors added their second and third in the final quarter of an hour. There was also a late yellow for the home keeper for being an idiot. Leiston brought on a bald substitute wearing the 14 shirt and he raced around like a Duracell bunny on steroids. He lost his rag for no obvious reason, demanding that Mr Harvey should do his job - which, if 14 is to be believed, must be as a professional copulator. He had another rant at the final whistle, departing with much flouncing.

The previous sighting of a Norfolk-registered Tom, albeit by then back in West Yorkshire, made an immediate impression. While Mr Harvey did not produce quite the same effect as Mr Nield, he handled the game well and deserves a place in the middle ranks of Toms.

I hope you enjoyed your time in Suffolk. Had Ipswich not been at home I would have been there at Leiston, my very local Suffolk non-league team, sitting in that same stand. I too would have had the Ghost Ship.

I particularly liked/recognised your description of Adam Mills. That defeat probably puts paid to any play off hopes (for a promotion they couldn't afford anyway). It doesn't seem that long ago that I saw them lose a tremendous play off against Dulwich Hamlet back in their Isthmian days.

In case you like more (unnecessary) detail, Thomas Harvey is from the Felthorpe area of Norwich.

Ghost ship is a lovely ale…. thoroughly recommended!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 29 Mar 2022 15:08
It was a good few days for the town of Brighouse, with a hat-trick of achievements:

1st. Harpreet winning The Apprentice.
2nd:An away victory for Brighouse Town confirming that they can not be relegated (this season!)
3rd: A letter from Martin Pearmain published in The Non League Paper.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 29 Mar 2022 16:20


I hope you enjoyed your time in Suffolk. Had Ipswich not been at home I would have been there at Leiston, my very local Suffolk non-league team, sitting in that same stand. I too would have had the Ghost Ship.

I particularly liked/recognised your description of Adam Mills. That defeat probably puts paid to any play off hopes (for a promotion they couldn't afford anyway). It doesn't seem that long ago that I saw them lose a tremendous play off against Dulwich Hamlet back in their Isthmian days.

In case you like more (unnecessary) detail, Thomas Harvey is from the Felthorpe area of Norwich.

Thank you, nemesis, I did!
Thank you, nemesis, I do!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 04 Apr 2022 12:22
Saturday 2nd April 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   3   v   2   Lincoln United
Joe Goodwin; John Blades, Thomas Day.

The opening goal was timed at 12 seconds - a Brighouse shot deflected past the unlucky keeper. Thus encouraged, Town proceeded to defy the bobbly pitch and put together some impressive moves. It could not last, of course, and on 18 minutes Lincoln floated a high ball in from the righht and the attacker outjumped the defender to head home their equaliser. Brighouse grew less secure and play became scrappy, with Lincoln having the better of the play.

After a brief resurgence at the start of the second half, Brighouse lost their way again and Lincoln looked the more likely to score. The Town left back was cautioned for handball, as it cut out a decent pass, and the visitors had a shot against the post. In the final quarter of an hour, though, a silly challenge gave Brighouse a penalty, from which they took the lead. Two minutes later they added their third, the excited radio commentator declaring it "one of the goals of the season" - and it was a pretty good screamer on the turn. There was a yellow for the visiting number 14, before another silly challenge gave Lincoln a penalty and their second goal. Fortunately, time ran out before they could obtain another goal.

Mr Goodwin had impressed when first seen as a Level 4, and quickly established himself as a solid Level 3 thereafter, without quite reaching the heights (for JCFC) of some of his colleagues. JCFC's stentorian refereeing friend had, as ever, plenty of advice to offer the referee - including the chance to come and sit in the stand to get a better view, and was less impressed than he had been about Mr Watson a fortnight ago. JCFC was rather gentler in his view; some apparent fouls were allowed to go, but nothing serious developed and the game was largely trouble free. On one occasion he would have earned credit for a good advantage and subsequent quiet word to the offender - but for the fact that no advantage signal was spotted. Overall, his movement was good and his habit of giving his decision and moving promptly away into position has much to commend it. As is his wont, Mr Observer Taylor made copious notes and will have found plenty to commend, and his is the view that counts.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 10 Apr 2022 18:30
There was a major surprise at the Skye Direct Stadium - the names of the officials were foe once printed in the programme for

Saturday 9th April 2022
NWCFL Division 1 North Promotion Play-Off Semi-Final
Golcar United   2   v   2   Blackpool
George Eaton (Stockport RA); Adam Wolstenholme, Samuel Turnbull.

Within the first four minutes each keeper had made a decent save to turn a shot for a corner. After a great start to the season, Golkcar have gone off the boil somewhat in recent weeks, but they went ahead on 16 minutes, with a nicely worked goal. They came close a couple of minutes later, but the visitors' dfefence managed to scramble the ball away and the next threat came from Blackpool, the Golcar keeper parrying the ball wide, with the attacker only able to hit the outside of the post from a narrow angle. Mr Eaton was quick to intervene in a minor spat and deliver a calm down chat.  Blackpool blocked another effort just after the half hour. There followed a controversial moment: An injured Golcar player had left the field after treatment. With the ball in his keeper's possession, Mr Eaton allegedly waved him on - JCFC cannot confirm this - and the keeper immediately found him unmarked and clear on halfway. When the referee blew to stop play, there was an outcry from the dugout - and elsewhere - of "You waved him on," and the fact that no caution was issued would appear to confirm this. It may not have been the correct decision - but it was probably the lesser of two evils. In the final minute of the half, the Blackpool keeper came to clear a lofted ball, but was beaten to it and Golcar had their second.

On 51 minutes, the Golcar number 3 stopped a promising attack and was cautioned. The visitors were looking much livelier and had a free-kick well held under pressure, before winning a penalty a minute later and narrowing the margin. They forced further saves from a series of corners, before Golcar finally managed to get one away and break to win one of their own. As full time approached, any thoughts the officials may have had that they had come through virtually unscathed were dispelled by a Blackpool equaliser, off a combination of post and keeper.

And so to extra time, and on 98 minutes Mr Eaton was faced with a tricky decision over a challenge on the touchline. JCFC was close, but was not sure how to interpret the situation: the Blackpool number 6 seemed to arrive with a two-footed jump into the path of the home number 3, who looked to win the ball, but number 6 was in some pain (requiring treatment at length, time trying to recover on the touchline and eventual replacement) leading players from each side to voice their opinions. Mr Eaton looked to be in similar doubt to JCFC and for some time no action was taken. Eventually Mr Wolstenholme had a word and the home number 3 received his second yellow card. There was another long injury stoppage, a substitution that had Mr Wolstenholme wildly beckoning the referee over, which did happen, with no apparent result. Mr Eaton must have made a detailed study of the regulations that must state that despite long stoppages, no added time is to be allowed in extra time - or maybe he just wanted to get away.

The second period, too, had its moments, with a number of visits by the physios. One such was a protracted treatment for cramp, with the player sitting just on the field with his hands supporting him beyond the touchline. Mr Eaton might have been advised to take closer order and even suggest that a gentle shuffle on his backside would let play continue. Instead, it was eventually the Golcar sub who unwisely ran over and was about to haul the player to his feet, but was instead himself pushed over by a member of the Blackpool staff - an interlude that did nobody much credit, least of all the foul-mouthed Golcar fans in the vicinity. Again, plenty of stoppages, but no time added.

Penaties it then was: Blackpool going firs,t and the first four left the score at 2-2. Blackpool's third hit the advancing keeper's leg and was saved, while Golcar converted theirs. The home keeper again saved the fourth Blackpool effort. Before Golcar could take theirs, Mr Wolstenholme strode from the centre circle to have a word with Mr Eaton, who then had a word with Mr Turnbull, presumably to check that the keeper had indeed been on his line, though the save was well in advance of that. The goal stood and Golcar made no mistake with their fourth - all had been good efforts - to earn a trip to Barrow next weekend.

The assumption would be that the four play-off semis in Division 1 would go to numbers 6-9 in the League's merit table. Mr Eaton had one of the best reverse gears seen and good movement, in a slightly fragile-looking style. There were things that could probably have been handled better, but in the end he saw the game through to a conclusion without too much going badly awry.Poor Mr Wolstenholme had to endure comments of managers and spectators throughout. He was blamed by the home boss for an injury - "If you had given that throw the right way (a good minute earlier) that would never have happened." He also had to put up with constant complaints about the ground being pinched at throws - a yard or two is commonpolace, but Blackpool were taking liberties and Mr Eaton did not seem to be interested in stopping them.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: ajb95 on Mon 11 Apr 2022 07:58
There was a major surprise at the Skye Direct Stadium - the names of the officials were foe once printed in the programme for

Saturday 9th April 2022
NWCFL Division 1 North Promotion Play-Off Semi-Final
Golcar United   2   v   2   Blackpool
George Eaton (Stockport RA); Adam Wolstenholme, Samuel Turnbull.

Within the first four minutes each keeper had made a decent save to turn a shot for a corner. After a great start to the season, Golkcar have gone off the boil somewhat in recent weeks, but they went ahead on 16 minutes, with a nicely worked goal. They came close a couple of minutes later, but the visitors' dfefence managed to scramble the ball away and the next threat came from Blackpool, the Golcar keeper parrying the ball wide, with the attacker only able to hit the outside of the post from a narrow angle. Mr Eaton was quick to intervene in a minor spat and deliver a calm down chat.  Blackpool blocked another effort just after the half hour. There followed a controversial moment: An injured Golcar player had left the field after treatment. With the ball in his keeper's possession, Mr Eaton allegedly waved him on - JCFC cannot confirm this - and the keeper immediately found him unmarked and clear on halfway. When the referee blew to stop play, there was an outcry from the dugout - and elsewhere - of "You waved him on," and the fact that no caution was issued would appear to confirm this. It may not have been the correct decision - but it was probably the lesser of two evils. In the final minute of the half, the Blackpool keeper came to clear a lofted ball, but was beaten to it and Golcar had their second.

On 51 minutes, the Golcar number 3 stopped a promising attack and was cautioned. The visitors were looking much livelier and had a free-kick well held under pressure, before winning a penalty a minute later and narrowing the margin. They forced further saves from a series of corners, before Golcar finally managed to get one away and break to win one of their own. As full time approached, any thoughts the officials may have had that they had come through virtually unscathed were dispelled by a Blackpool equaliser, off a combination of post and keeper.

And so to extra time, and on 98 minutes Mr Eaton was faced with a tricky decision over a challenge on the touchline. JCFC was close, but was not sure how to interpret the situation: the Blackpool number 6 seemed to arrive with a two-footed jump into the path of the home number 3, who looked to win the ball, but number 6 was in some pain (requiring treatment at length, time trying to recover on the touchline and eventual replacement) leading players from each side to voice their opinions. Mr Eaton looked to be in similar doubt to JCFC and for some time no action was taken. Eventually Mr Wolstenholme had a word and the home number 3 received his second yellow card. There was another long injury stoppage, a substitution that had Mr Wolstenholme wildly beckoning the referee over, which did happen, with no apparent result. Mr Eaton must have made a detailed study of the regulations that must state that despite long stoppages, no added time is to be allowed in extra time - or maybe he just wanted to get away.

The second period, too, had its moments, with a number of visits by the physios. One such was a protracted treatment for cramp, with the player sitting just on the field with his hands supporting him beyond the touchline. Mr Eaton might have been advised to take closer order and even suggest that a gentle shuffle on his backside would let play continue. Instead, it was eventually the Golcar sub who unwisely ran over and was about to haul the player to his feet, but was instead himself pushed over by a member of the Blackpool staff - an interlude that did nobody much credit, least of all the foul-mouthed Golcar fans in the vicinity. Again, plenty of stoppages, but no time added.

Penaties it then was: Blackpool going firs,t and the first four left the score at 2-2. Blackpool's third hit the advancing keeper's leg and was saved, while Golcar converted theirs. The home keeper again saved the fourth Blackpool effort. Before Golcar could take theirs, Mr Wolstenholme strode from the centre circle to have a word with Mr Eaton, who then had a word with Mr Turnbull, presumably to check that the keeper had indeed been on his line, though the save was well in advance of that. The goal stood and Golcar made no mistake with their fourth - all had been good efforts - to earn a trip to Barrow next weekend.

The assumption would be that the four play-off semis in Division 1 would go to numbers 6-9 in the League's merit table. Mr Eaton had one of the best reverse gears seen and good movement, in a slightly fragile-looking style. There were things that could probably have been handled better, but in the end he saw the game through to a conclusion without too much going badly awry.Poor Mr Wolstenholme had to endure comments of managers and spectators throughout. He was blamed by the home boss for an injury - "If you had given that throw the right way (a good minute earlier) that would never have happened." He also had to put up with constant complaints about the ground being pinched at throws - a yard or two is commonpolace, but Blackpool were taking liberties and Mr Eaton did not seem to be interested in stopping them.
i

Great to hear your report JCFC! George ans Adam are one of my best friends in referring. George i went to college with and Adam and I have ran the line together in many a game in recent seasons

NB- George hails from Marple
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 11 Apr 2022 10:05
The name George Eaton rang a bell and I thought I had seen him on the line at Seel Park. I had, in 2015, in an Oldham Borough v Chadderton match (ref Anthony Ball). In the absence of programme identification, I had named him Slim Fairchild.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 17 Apr 2022 11:53
With Step 5&6 Leagues finished for the season, except for play-offs in far-flung places (Golcar secured promotion in Barrow!), Trans Pennine beset by strikes, and the NPL Div 1 East fixture list offering no easily accessible ties, choices were limited. Hurrah for Northern Trains (there's a phrase JCFC never expected to use!) who provided the means to get to

Saturday 16th April 2022
MPL Premier
FC United of Manchester   0   v   1   South Shields
Callum Jones (Liverpool FA); Tim Eagles, Joe Hind.

Praise for Northern Trains, however, is not completely unalloyed: what used to be a direct service to Moston now involves a wait of three quarters of an hour at Rochdale in each direction.

The two assistants had each been seen refereeing (well!) at Golcar recently, but Mr Jones was unfamiliar. Indistinct online photos of him had suggested (accurately) that he was quite small and round-faced, leading JCFC to think of Janette Tough as Wee Jimmy Krankie. Such ideas were dispelled in the sunshine of Broadhurst PArk, Mr Jones having a slightly unruly hairatyle, which made him look rather older.

The first half was virtually all United - the Shields number 6 being correctly cautioned on 10 minutes for a push in the back of an attacker heading goalwards. In the closing minutes Shields did mount the odd attack and in added time it took a superb point-blank save by the United keeper to keep out a Shields header. Back came United, and with added time completed, the visiting keeper had to touch a shot round the post. Mr Jones was unsighted, there was no way Mr Hind could help, so rather than sneakily just blowing for half-time, Mr Jones awarded a goal-kick. Half-time followed as soon as the ball was back in play, giving United players an opportunity to query the decision.

United again started well in the second half, hitting the crossbar with a header on 50 minutes, and continued to have the better of things as Shields looked to be content with a point. JCFC had by now begun to harbour longing thoughts of the Gardeners Arms  (the next train would not be till 17.50) as interest in the match waned. On 88 minutes, however, a Shields player won a tussle on the touchline, his opponent going to ground. Mr Jones, rightly it appeared, let play continue and Shields grabbed the winner, though the United keeper had thoughts to offer on the subject.

Mr Jones buzzed about rapidly and had few problems in the match, which he controlled well. JCFC has a sneaking feeling that here is yet another Merseyside referee who is on an upward trajectory.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 18 Apr 2022 20:49
either he has a marvellous memory for faces or I look even more strikingly ugly than I thought.

It would appear that the latter possibility applies, as JCFC was recognised by the referee of

Monday 18th April 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Liversedge   1   v   1   Brighouse Town
Jack Hall; Joshua Brayshaw, Chris Moore.

The good news was that Mr Hall has no plans to return to sea after his "incarceration" in the earlier stages of the pandemic. The bad news is that his (by all accounts) decent performance when suddenly thrust into the middle at Chesterfield at 15 minutes notice does not count as eligible for assessment.

As expected, Sedge were the bigger and stronger side, but on this occasion Brighouse had worked out a method to counter this, and a decent match ensued. Mr Hall played one very good advantage on 9 minutes, Brighouse winning a corner as a result. In general, he was alert to everything, but in a very unobtrusive, undemonstrative manner and was always comfortably on top of proceedings. Sedge were guilty of a dreadful miss on 24 minutes, Town took the goal-kick and two passes and a good shot later the ball was in the home net to give the visitors a surprise, but not entirely undeserved lead. Sedge squandered two more very clear chances before half-time.

At this point JCFC was joined by his stentorian friend, who had only just managed to get through the turnstile (no, he is not obese!) as the match kicked off and had not made it to the stand. He was quick to comment that the ref had done well and had remained very calm.

Mr Moore's slightly dubious flag for a foul a minute into the second half led to a yellow card for the Town number 5. From the free-kick Sedge appealed for handball, but Mr Hall was quick to indicate his body, and there were few complaints. Just before the hour Sedge's pressure gained them their equaliser and it seemed probable that they would go on to win. However, there was another glaring Sedge miss, a yellow for a Sedge defender for stopping a rare Town break and despite conceding corners galore, Brighouse held firm to secure a point. Sedge were not too unhappy either, as Marske could only draw at Stockton, so barring a  most unlikely pair of results next week, they will be promoted as champions.

Knowing that Mr Hall is likely to read this makes it difficult to comment - especially as now that my cover has been blown I might have to look out for trouble in the dark streets of Sheffield. Fortunately Mr Hall refereed as splendidly as expected, handling what was a physical (not in a bad sense) game like an accomplished referee at the top of his game. An excellent afternoon's work, though not a faultless one- the sleeves were short, but on a sunny afternoon in April, that can be forgiven. And wonder of wonders, my friend was of a similar mind, pointing out "He's not a duffer, they wouldn't appoint a duffer to a match like this." Given that his appointment next Saturday is what could have been the title decider in the NPL Premier, Mr Appointments Man clearly does not consider him a duffer. As it happens, South Shields slipped up at home and Buxton are almost certain to be champions.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 24 Apr 2022 14:29
Despite a bobbly pitch and a strong wind, the teams served up an enjoyable game at

Saturday 23rd April 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town   1   v   3   Stockton Town
Matt Tyers; Drew Dutton, Chris Rose.

Brighouse's 9 match unbeaten run had left them just short of a possible play-off place; Stockton were sure of theirs, but if they won and Cleethorpes lost, they would gain home advantage in the semi.

From the start the visitors looked that bit sharper and the home keeper did well to scramble a second-minute attack out for a corner, when left one on one. Midway through the first half, my usual colleague - the former referee and PE teacher said "I don't recognise this referee. Do you know who he is?" JCFC's reply pointed out that Mr Tyers is a PE teacher, prompting the response "He seems a pretty static PE teacher: I was fit." Brighouse managed to produce several attacks, but they were snuffed out by a capable defensive unit, while Stockton always looked dangerous, hitting the post on 24 minutes. Though Mr Tyers was usually some way from play, there were no problems with his distance vision, an injudicious Brighouse challenge on the half hour rightly resulting in a penalty, from which Stockton took the lead.

Any thoughts that having the wind in their favour would help Brighouse in the second half were quickly dispelled, Stockton doubling their lead within 90 seconds of the restart. Brighouse did create two good chances to pull a goal back, but failed to find the target, while Stockton added their third on 63 minutes. JCFC's colleague became increasingly critical of the referee's approach - lethargic being his adjective of choice. Another voice suggested that the last time he sprinted must have been in the pre-season fitness test, though JCFC cynically wondered whether it might have been in the last game when he was being observed. Brighouse scored a consolation goal from a penalty on 69 minutes. Stockton perhaps took their foot off the accelerator and Brighouse were able to play some decent football, though the closest to a goal was in the closing minutes when a Stockton shot bounced down off the underside of the crossbar. One of the highlights of the afternoon came in the last quarter, when there was a parade round the ground by a group of damsels - not looking greatly in distress, a fact perhaps explained by the fact that the accompanying red dragon was already decapitated - and a huge line of cheerful Knights of St George in full regalia. The visiting fans in general created an excellent impression. Despite their win, they did not secure home advantage for the semi, so will have to travel to Cleethorpes on Tuesday evening - with the good wishes of Brighouse behind them.

Some years ago, JCFC saw Mr Tyers as AR1 choose to check the near net, sending the young AR2 to race to the far end, before they took up their rightful positions in the opposite halves. JCFC mentioned this in his account and was subsequently gently chided by a well-known league official for having let him off lightly. Fortunately it was a different league, or a similar rebuke might have been heading to Brighouse. Though Mr Tyers, like God or JCFC staggering to catch a bus, moves in a mysterious way - when he moves at all, that is - and his laid-back approach was positively supine, he can be given credit for having judged the nature of the game - played in an excellent spirit - accurately and there were no contentious decisions. "His wonders to perform"! would be over-stretching things, but everyone was able to enjoy a good afternoon's entertainment.

PS And he did get Brownie points for long sleeves!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 01 May 2022 14:48
Faute de mieux, JCFC stumped up £18 for

Saturday 30th April 2022
National League
Halifax Town   1   v   0   Yeovil
Michael Barlow; Reece Davies, Jamie Rhodes. 4thers: Lee Hible.

It has long been a mystery as to how the 4th Official's surname is to be pronounced. On a couple of occasions he has been announced as rhyming with Preston's river, (and Mutn3's spelling in one report suggested that was the case); to JCFC it looked as if he should rhyme with a cow's third stomach. The announcer on this occasion sided with JCFC and as Mr Hible was standing two metres away from him and he was not corrected, we can assume that was right. Thus the song could be adapted to "The things that you're li'ble to see from Lee Hible, they ain't necessarily so." A bit like JCFC's utterances.

The Yeovil keeper made an excellent double save on 5 minutes and was much in evidence for the first half hour as Halifax dominated and forced a number of corners. On 25 minutes, however, the visiting number 3 felt a touch in his back in the Halifax penalty area and went down, Mr Barlow (rightly, it seemed) being unimpressed. The Yeovil keeper required treatment on the half hour, following a heavy landing after a collision with a team mate when collecting a high ball. An unsporting soul like JCFC would have been inclined to test him with another couple of catches at the earliest opportunity, but Halifax charitably made no effort to do so and it was fully nine minutes before he touched the ball again - and that was an easy collect. As the half drew to a close, the Yeovil right back raced out to challenge, was comprehensively beaten, and the winger was able to pass the ball into an unmarked colleague in front of goal. The pass however was not quite accurate and the attacker's attempt to bring it into position for a shot led him to fall over the ball. For all Halifax's pressure, they could have been behind at the break, as in the final minute Yeovil rattled the crossbar with a shot from outside the area.

It is unusual for a referee from the Manchester area to rise through the ranks without falling foul of the JCFC distorting lens. A ground like The Shay does not allow spectators to develop any great sense of the referee's personality or his input into the game, but Mr Barlow had looked smart, been well-positioned and had had a very comfortable half.

The second period was to prove rather more testing. A Yeovil player required extensive treatment right on the touchline five minutes into the half. Eventually a home player looked about to push him over the line, but was intercepted, Mr Barlow taking him away for a word. The treatment proved very effective, Lazarus running back on as soon as play restarted. A free-kick to Halifax was adjudged to be outside the box, with a yellow card for the offender, followed by a delay in getting the wall back to Mr Barlow's line: there were thoughts that the vanishing spray might well have vanished before they got there. A defender then charged prematurely and he correctly received a yellow card, but ultimately Halifax were not able to take advantage. The home number 8 was penalised as he left a defender in his wake on 59 minutes - the offence must have been on Mr Barlow's side rather than visible from the stand - but the yellow card for dissent seemed clear enough.Mr Davis flagged for a foul a minute later and Halifax earned another yellow, though Yeovil took the lead again in that particular competition on 80 minutes. The game had become scrappy and Mr Barlow was in the difficult position of having to deal with a number of Yeovil injuries. The situation changed on 83 minutes, when Halifax scored what by now was an unexpected goal. Three different players had a shout at Mr Barlow as Halifax celebrated, whether arguing that there had been a much earlier foul or suddenly concerned about the iniquity of time-wasting. There was a final yellow card two minutes into added time, a Halifax player knocking the ball away to delay a free-kick.

Though the second half raised a slight feeling that Mr Barlow was possibly a little lacking in "clout" when players were not cooperating, there were no major issues and overall he did well enough. Sound, but not spectacularly so, would be the JCFC vedict.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 03 May 2022 09:06
The only accessible match offered an intriguing prospect at

Monday 2nd April 2022
National League North
Guiseley   1   v   0   Spennymoor Town
Claudio Gavillucci (Wirral); Benjamin Tomlinson, Matthew Bacon.

An interesting article by Aaron Flanagan (son of the former Curzon Ashton manager) featured Mr Gavillucci's claim that he lost his place in Serie A as a direct consequence of abandoning a match because of racist abuse towards a player, though officially the reason given was "technical inadequacies." Only the Italian authorities know the truth, but since coming to England, he has moved from Level 3 to 2B.

Arriving at Nethermoor, JCFC discovered the bad news that he had forgotten to pick up a notebook and would have to rely on the back of his half-time draw ticket. The good news is that it more than sufficed. Indeed, it was not used until the 35th minute, when a foul by a home defender led to a minor skirmish, with three players being spoken to. There soon followed a yellow card for the home number 10. Guiseley had had the better of the first half, perhaps, but there was not a lot to choose between the sides.

The second period proved a very open affair, with both sides moving the ball swiftly from end to end. Early on a Spennymoor man inadvertently caught an opponent in the face with a high foot. It was on the referee's blind side and no free-kick was given, but when the same player made a similar contact a minute or two later, Mr Gavillucci had a clear view and awarded the free-kick - the offender having the gall to protest. Guiseley created the better chances, though the visitors came close on occasions. There was a yellow card for a Spenny player who arrived late at a clearance. The deadlock was broken on 83 minutes, the home number 10 finishing well after a mazy run. Added time saw Guiseley messing about at a throw-in, Mr Gavillucci instantly brandishing a yellow card, to complete a very decent afternoon's work.

There was relatively little in a pretty straightforward match for the seemingly ubiquitous Mr Observer Taylor to get his teeth into, but no doubt his debrief will have been delivered in detail and impeccable Italian. Well, maybe not the latter.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 03 May 2022 09:10
As an afterthought to the above, the identity of AR2 made up JCFC's mind as to what to have for tea, Dave Sausages having been switched to Piddletrenthide Reserves.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 03 May 2022 09:41
As an afterthought to the above, the identity of AR2 made up JCFC's mind as to what to have for tea, Dave Sausages having been switched to Piddletrenthide Reserves.

You don't see Harry Gammon out much these days do you and as for Alf Rissole, I haven't seen him in years
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sat 07 May 2022 11:29
A County Cup Final had brought to the Yorkshire Pay stadium a referee some way above the usual level, to handle

Friday 6th May 2022
West Riding County Cup Final
Brighouse Town   1   v   3   Liversedge
David Richardsoin; Michael Denton, Michael Trevethan. 4thers Ian Johnston.

The match was at Brighouse as they had won the toss, neither team being keen to play at the County HQ and with two sides within walking distance of each other, it attracted a large crowd. There was a nostalgic element to the evening - probably the last-ever chance not to see Mr Denton's knees. All three officials pleasingly donned long sleeves.

Surprisingly, it was Brighouse who posed the first threat, the Sedge keeper managing to turn the ball round the post for a fourth minute corner. On 17 minutes, however, JCFC once again demonstrated his in-depth understanding of football, noting that Liversdge were now exerting their superiority. Thirty seconds later, the Sedge keeper was picking the ball out of his net, following good work by the Town striker. The lead was to last less than five minutes, but the equaliser went unseen by JCFC, the raffle-sellers having arrived at that moment to block the view. The Town number 7 had a great chance on the half hour, but his shot was rather weak.Just before the break the Town keeper required treatment and subsequently dropped the ensuing corner, but a defender blocked the shot and the ball was scrambled clear.

Liversedge's greater strength and experience put Town under pressure and they went ahead on 65 minutes. When they added a third a few minutes later, the game was as good as over and Liversedge added the County Cup to the trophy they had won as champions of the Division, to complete a great season for them, one which has also seen a number of improvements to their ground.

For Mr Richardson it was a very comfortable evening, apart from the occasion when he had to hurdle over the offender when allowing an advantage. There were three routine yellows and little or no dissent. A job well done by all the officials.

Any disappointment at the result was slight, as there had been few expectations of victory. There were even Brighouse smiles: from the treasurer as he totted up his share of the takings and from JCFC's friend, who, having won the unwanted second prize of cans of lager in the raffle, discovered that they had run out and received a more welcome bottle of wine instead, which would put him in favour with his good lady.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 08 May 2022 13:25
With Steps 3 and below now finished, there remained three accessible matches, from which the choice fell upon the one to which Simeon Lucas was appointed. Arriving at the ground, JCFC was asked by an official whether he was one of the hundred who had been held by the police - being taken for a hooligan is a first, and possibly even slightly flattering. Entering the ground, the first sight was the officials setting off on their warm-up lap. Two things were apparent:
1) Referee fees are not high enough to allow for the purchase of razor blades
2) None of the three officials was the aforementioned Darwen stylite.
As disappointments go, however, it could have been much worse, as the replacement was someone who had impressed in the past and who bizarrely looked younger than he did when last seen eight years ago.

Saturday 7th May 2022
National League North
David McNamara; Darius Bradley, Henry Naylor.
Farsley Celtic   0   v   2   Boston United.

Farsley had fought back recently from a parlous position to have their survival at this level in their own hands (or feet): a draw would suffice, leaving relegation to be between Telford and Guiseley. Farsley looked second best, but did have a dangerous cross headed out for a corner. The Boston number 10 was cautioned just after the half-hour, whether for the foul for which he had been penalised, or for his extended whinge (the latter appearing the more likely.) News soon came that Telford had taken the lead against York, moving them above Farsley. Things grew more dangerous when Boston made their pressure tell with a goal on 36 minutes. The visitors missed an excellent chance to add a second from a long throw just before half-time.

Farsley showed a much greater spark in the second half, creating several good chances, but only once requiring much of the Boston keeper. Then despair set in, Guiseley taking the lead at Alfreton, their less bad goal difference putting them ahead of Farsley. The Boston number 29 received a yellow for a pull back, but Boston added a second to make Farsley's situation more desperate, York's equaliser at Telford not being enough to rescue Farsley.. As the final whistle drew ever closer, there was a loud cheer (and a green smoke flare) from the hitherto subdued home fans - Alfreton had drawn level on 88 minutes. Indeed they subsequently grabbed a winner. So, Guiseley were relegated, Farsley survived, much to their delight, while Kettering's draw at Curzon Ashton enabled Boston to leapfrog them to earn a play-off tie at Kidderminster on Thursday.

In all of the excitement, Mr McNamara passed largely unnoticed. He was agreeably liberal in terms of bodily contact, which occasionally annoyed home fans, and on one occasion the home players, but pleased JCFC as the game was kept moving well. He appeared to indulge in a far greater number of informal chats with players and maintained a good level of control with no obvious problems. Will he still look young in another eight years?
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 08 May 2022 15:45
Mistaken for a hooligan?  Gosh!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 08 May 2022 16:02
One to add to the collection.

About 20 years ago a security guard drew his gun as I approached a bank in Bratislava thinking I was perhaps a potential armed robber, as I had made the mistake of reaching into my breast pocket to take out my wallet and passport, in order to change enough to buy lunch.

Going back over 50 years I was returning in a friend's car from an evening out in Altrincham (We really knew how to live it up!) when we were stopped and surrounded by a number of police cars, taken out, hands on roof etc. We had made the mistake of being the same number in the car as had just been involved in an armed robbery at a Royal Mail Office. We must have been a sore disappointment for the officers involved.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 08 May 2022 18:40
Bit of a serial offender then? Your luck will run out one day.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: RCG on Sun 08 May 2022 19:08
No smoke without fire 😏
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Mon 09 May 2022 08:23
WANTED posters of JCFC are a bit of a collectors' item so I believe.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sat 14 May 2022 21:11
It had seemed likedly that JCFC would have to look to Step 7 and try to find his way to Hunslet Club. A more appealing alternative was later discovered, however. Despite the presence of a group of noisy women cackling shrilly from Sowerby Bridge to Manchester, it proved a case of "better to travel hopefully than to arrive." On arriving at the ground, JCFC's first glance at the programme drew from his lips a rare mention of ladies' underwear, the referee having singolarly failed to add to your correspondent's enjoyment of a Vase tie at Wythenshawe earlier this season.

Saturday 14th May 2022
NWCFL Macron Cup Final
At Victory Park, Chorley
Charnock Richard   5   v   0   Cammell Laird 1907
Tom Elliott; Oliver Holland, Kris Spencer. 4thers Ian McGuinness.

The early stages saw each keeper forced to tip the ball over the bar. It looked for a while as if Mr Elliott was in for another testing time, as a series of comings=together led to a number of head injuries, some appearing more genuine than others. Mr Elliott looked to be uncertain as to what, if anything, had happened and JCFC was in no position to comment. There was plenty of help from the stand, but it may not have been wholly impartial and Mr Elliott settled for a quiet word or two. If his demeanour at this point gave a suggestion of muddling through, it proved effective and matters gradually subsided. There was a yellow card on 25 minutes, for the Lairds number 7, when he blocked a fierce shot - probably correct procedure, but it seemed harsh, unless it was compounded by dissent at the decision. Laird's had a good shot blocked, but it was Charnock, from a division above, who broke the deadlock with a long, low shot just before half-time.

Charnock Richard produced a number of bouts of slick passing after the restart, one such ending with their second goal There was a correct yellow on 54 minutes for a reckless challenge on halfway by a Charnock defender, but his side added a third on 69 minutes. Number four followed just three minutes later, the move starting in their own penalty area. A pass back by a Lairds player from inside the Charnock half went out for a corner. Having used their subs, Laird's played the final few minutes with ten men, following an injury, and Charnock Richard added a fifth.

In the end the officials can be pleased with their work. Mr Elliott proved pretty capable,though without looking totally dominant. For JCFC was he worth the £22.90 train fare to Chorley? No. Would it have been worth crossing the road to see? Yes.

Everything was set up for thje presentations on the pitch, yet the stewards kept the gates at the tunnel shut, keeping us prisoner on the wrong side. Even when only the winners were left on the pitch, celebrating and being photographed, still the gates remained firmly shut against us. JCFC eventually made his way back up into the stand and worked his way to the other end. to escape. Who knows? The stony-faced stewards may be there still.


Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 25 May 2022 12:13
The final Sunday of the National League season had been missed, as it clashed with a Choral Evensong in memory of an old friend and colleague. (Why, incidentally, do Anglicans collect the offertory on an open plate rather than the more discreet velvet bags used by nonconformists?) There was therefore quite a wait until

Tuesday 24th May 2022
National League Play-Off Eliminator
Halifax Town   1   v   2   Chesterfield
Scott Tallis; Daniel Jarvis, Stuart Morland. 4thers: Thomas Parsons.

Mr Tallis had been seen once before - at Royston, where he had created a good impression, his subsequent upward movement coming as no surprise.  He had a fairly easy time for the first half hour, Halifax being largely confined to their own half and straying offside when they did venture into Chesterfield territory. They did, however, manage a shot on 17 minutes, which was blocked. Almost immediately, the Spirites retaliated with a shot, turned for a corner - from which they took a deserved lead. There was a brief delay because of a blue flare throw from the visiting end - somewhat incongruously, as they were the team playing in red on this occasion. On the half hour a visiting player went down under a challenge, no free-kick was given and as Halifax looked to break clear, their player was summarily taken down, prompting protests from both sides and a yellow card for the Chesterfield offender, though it was raised oddly with only home players nearby. A nothing foul three minutes later again caused the participants to get over-excited, but Mr Tallis dealt with it calmly enough. Not for long, however, as what looked quite a nasty foul drew a flag from Mr Jarvis, who was hunted by the visitors as players converged, Halifax sending their posse to assail Mr Tallis. After a word with Mr Jarvis, Mr Tallis showed a yellow card to the Chesterfield offender - a move which did not satisfy the home crowd. BT viewers will probably have had a clearer view of events. Fortunately, things calmed down. Mr Tallis allowed five minutes added time, during which Halifax won a free-kick in a promising position, only to be caught idiotically offside - the idiocy being that of the attacker, not of Mr Morland, who looked accurate throughout.

Halifax showed greater spirit after the restart and took the game to their opponents, shooting just over the bar. Chesterfield, though, had a shot saved on 62 minutes, but a superb finish three minutes later gave the home keeper no chance. To their credit, Town responded immediately and pulling a goal back following a corner. Things became scrappy, with the visitors looking for ways to waste time, Mr Tallis doing his best to speed things up. One visitor went down for no obvious reason, but forgot to hold his head, so Mr Tallis signalled for the throw to be taken, prompting a miracle cure. On 83 minutes it looked as if Mr Jarvis had been unsighted by a player, as he gave a throw, when the ball did not appear to have gone wholly out of play.There was a yellow card for another visitor on 84 minutes and, pleasingly, another for not moving to take a throw from the right place when told to do so. Six minutes were added -it could conceivably have been a little more - and Halifax pressed for an equaliser, but in the final seconds put their shot wide. At the end, Mr Tallis blew his whistle and sprinted like mad for the tunnel - looking rather silly, as things turned out, as there was no sign of any pitch invasion and Mr Morland was able to make a more leisurely way from the opposite touchline.

Appointment to this match would suggest that Mr Tallis is probably in the top six or so in the merit table and though he had his work cut out at times, with both players and management getting worked up, he controlled the game well and did nothing to mar his reputation.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 25 May 2022 14:26
As we draw towards the conclusion of another season, this is a good opportunity for me to express thanks and appreciation to JCFC for his entertaining and informative reports in Pyramid Patrol. I am sure that many will echo my sentiments and also concur that Pyramid Patrol is my favourite part of Rate The Ref.

Now as to the liturgical matter raised about receptacles for the offertory. As a High Anglican I tend to regard the Offertory as the bringing of bread and wine to the altar for the Eucharist and any monetary giving was termed the Collection. However, I realise that in some Non Conformist circles the offertory is the bringing up and hallowing of money. I suspect the open plate is employed precisely so that the giving of money may be seen as an overt token of discipleship. Two texts, from the Sermon on the Mount, might be thought applicable and perhaps mutually contradictory. Matthew chapter 5 verse 16  and  Matthew chapter 6 verse 4. The most important thing, I suggest, is the motivation of the giver.

Where I attend worship there is no longer a plate or bag passed among the congregation. It is hoped most regular worshippers give by Direct Debit or Bankers Order and there is a machine which will take donations from a credit/debit card at the back of church as well as a basket for cash donations.. Increasingly we are becoming a cashless society so the great brass of silver offertory dishes which most churches and chapels boast are now becoming more decorative than functional pieces.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 25 May 2022 14:37
Thank you for the kind remarks, Whistleblower.

As to the terminology: From my Methodist background I have always used the word "Collection." The "teamsheet" on this occasion (at Blackburn Cathedral) did say that a collection would be taken - during what was labelled the Offertory Hymn, (the excellent Lord of the Years.) That's a cxase of having your cake and eating it - though the light refreshments did not stretch to cake. Off now to see what Matthew had to say.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Bakis on Wed 25 May 2022 19:45
My thanks also to JCFC for his reports which are always a pleasure to read.
On the liturgical question my understanding is similar to Whistleblower's, although I suspect that some Anglicans less inclined towards green hymnbooks may take a different view. Covid has accelerated the decline of cash giving, which in the case of the church where I am warden is now restricted to a few older worshipers and occasional visitors, who make use of a plate at the entrance. One welcome advantage is that the collections need counting and taking to the bank less frequently!  Another interesting consequence of Covid is how readily people have adapted to receiving in one kind only, which would previously have been regarded as distinctly Roman.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 26 May 2022 09:26
So that old Sunday School standard "Hear the pennies dropping" must have fallen into desuetude.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 26 May 2022 10:35
So that old Sunday School standard "Hear the pennies dropping" must have fallen into desuetude.

As indeed has the much older pre Reformation practice of selling Indulgences. The little slogan attributed, possibly unfairly, to Johann Tetzel " When the coin in the coffer rings a soul from purgatory springs "

Desuetude is a wonderful word; it could be aptly applied to the practice of a referee raising two arms to signal advantage or the wearing of socks with white turnovers
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Thu 26 May 2022 16:27
For some time now I have been puzzled by part of one of the windows in the Church in Alloway.  The window was installed in 1895 and funded by William Houldsworth, who co-incidentally was the cousin of the owner of one of the large mills in my home, one time village, of Reddish - so it has a connection to my early life.  The minister of the Church at that time, Rev Samuel Marcus Dill, came from Ireland and went on to be a Moderator of the General Assembly.  He had two sons killed during the first world war.
About 2/3rds of the way up the window are two quatrefoils each containing eleven characters; not finding any convincing ecclesiastical basis for these, I can only assume that they represent football teams.  The formation is a bit strange with two goalkeepers, three left side midfielders, three right sided midfielders and three forwards.  Each team seems to bring with it their own set of match officials - appropriately shown as angels - note two of those with the left team are wearing yellow!

Left team

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_329e4f25261a4c9b93a0bcc625585343~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_446,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20left%20201200719con.jpg)

It is possible to identify a few of the players, but most are a mystery.  At centre-forward we have St John, later to turn out for Liverpool, and identified by the winners cup in his hand and the snake emerging from it.  In the left midfield, half hidden we have, possibly, St Matthew (half hidden) holding out the offering box and St Andrew (in a green robe) - recognised by the diagonal (red) cross behind him.  Possibly the right hand goalkeeper is St Thomas (patron saint of architects) with a model of a new Stamford Bridge.  The left hand goalkeeper could be St David or St Francis.  Note the prescience of the window's designer in incorporating, either side of the goalkeepers, images looking like early representations of a corona virus.

Right team

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_a201066434d5466f95e8cd282da97577~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_448,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20right%20201200719%20s.jpg)

Again a few players can be recognised. The right forward is St Stephen identified by the rock in his hand showing his martyrdom'  In left midfield we probably have John (again?) with Mary, Jesus' mother, and Mary Magdelene (identified from images elsewhere in the window).  Right midfield represents a bit of a problem as it seems to represent two bishops and perhaps a pope.  Celtic perhaps- though you would have expected them to be on the left side.  Why they could have been allowed in a Presbyterian Church in the 1890s is an enigma.   The right hand  goalkeeper also has the look of a bishop and carries a flaming heart (again how did that come to be in a 19C Presbyterian Church?)  Perhaps it represents Heart of Midlothian FC.  The left hand goalkeeper looks a bit more at home in the reformed tradition  - Martin Luther or John Knox maybe?

Normally, pre-covid my BLFG & I would have been hoping to enjoy Sunshine on Leith this week as it is the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, but this year we have visited virtually through the CoS website and this may well be the future.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 26 May 2022 17:04
It is wonderful what I can learn and what enjoyment often results when I lead posters astray into assorted byways.

I dare say the High Heid Yins will be relieved sorry that Microscopist will not be there in person.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 26 May 2022 17:41
The Goal Keeper in red for the Right Team looks very much like a Cardinal to me, perhaps he had come on a transfer from the baseball team in St Louis or the American football team in Arizona.

In the Right Team left midfield, I believe carrying the lamb is Agnes; pictorially often represented like this as a pun Agnus Dei. They are all carrying palm branches so would be martyrs (  to bad refereeing decisions perhaps ! ) so I would doubt John, Mary and Mary Magdalene
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Thu 26 May 2022 19:45
And learn I continue to do! Perhaps Whistleblower could expand his explanation of symbolism in religious iconography still further. I had no idea that a palm signified martyrdom - being solely aware of it as a later symbol of pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I confess to being childishly amused by the image conjured up by the line from the hymn "By the light of burning martyrs." I wonder whether the Government is looking into this as a source of cheap energy in the present difficult situation
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Thu 26 May 2022 22:23

The Goal Keeper in red for the Right Team looks very much like a Cardinal to me, perhaps he had come on a transfer from the baseball team in St Louis or the American football team in Arizona.

In the Right Team left midfield, I believe carrying the lamb is Agnes; pictorially often represented like this as a pun Agnus Dei. They are all carrying palm branches so would be martyrs (  to bad refereeing decisions perhaps ! ) so I would doubt John, Mary and Mary Magdalene
Thank you Whistleblower, I think you may be correct on both counts.  The red hat would fit with one style of Cardinal's hat popular around Tudor times  - it does leave a puzzle as to how so many Catholic characters came to be in the windows of a Scottish Presbyterian Church.  It is only this week that the Church of Scotland  and the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland signed a declaration essentially saying that we are friends.  It is only about 50 years ago that a "conscience" clause was added to the declaration that the Westminster Confession, as the principle subsidiary standard, was passed. Amongst other things this meant that it was not necessary to regard the Pope as the antichrist.  When I first moved to Scotland about 30 years ago the then minister at Alloway wouldn't allow candles in Church (not even at Advent) because they were associated with Catholicism.  I'm pleased to say that is no longer the case.  Personally I exchange Christmas Cards with Canon Keegans with whom I once shared a funeral service.  Whatever denomination, Pat Keegan was one of the "good guys" - he had been the Parish Priest in Lockerbie when the Pan Am plane came down.  More recently a minister friend of mine faced complaints for talking about St Patrick in one of his school talks.  But in the 19th Century I don't think that the Presbyterian Church would have considered Church of Rome symbology to be appropriate.  I wonder whether you can shed some wisdom on a small detail in that section of the window.  On the goalkeeper's  LH green glove is a symbol I haven't seen before.  It can be seen in this more detailed image.

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_e03d5c04a3a944dd82790d896b01f0a8~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_397,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20right%20201200719%20c.jpg)


The Church of Scotland isn't big on saints and it certainly wouldn't canonise anyone but quite likes the Scottish saints and the more popular saints.  Our current Minister is a big fan of St Francis.  Saint Agnes however, was not on my radar but having looked at some pictures of her I see that she is indeed often pictured with both the lamb and the palm.  I was conscious of the palm being a symbol associated with martyrdom and St Stephen also holds a palm frond; but St Andrew doesn't which had made me wonder how reliable that was.  If that is St Agnes then that does, as you indicate, mean that the other two are not Mary and John - I can't see anything that would help me identify the other two.  In any case I'll need to alter the text on our website. 
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Fri 27 May 2022 00:08
So the two saints whom you have shown in detail are I believe St Augustine on the right whose symbol is a flaming heart and St Ambrose on the left holding what I think is a honeycomb ( the reference in Psalm 19 to God's judgement being "sweeter than honey from the honeycomb" ) which is often depicted as his symbol. The pattern on Augustine's glove is a simple cruciform decoration without any specific significance in my view.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Fri 27 May 2022 00:15
On second thoughts, I think the figure in red is St Jerome, one of the Doctors of the Church and what he is holding might be a volume of his writings. He is usually depicted wearing red and gazing at a crucifix
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Fri 27 May 2022 09:44
Thank you Whistleblower I am greatly impressed.  I have asked a number of people both within the Church of Scotland and beyond and not got any real answers.  The people I have asked include a couple who have approached me for information on other Alloway windows. One of those and one I was fortunate to become a "virtual" friend of, was Princeton University Emeritus Professor Lionel Gossman who sadly died last year.  He contacted me for pictures of one of our Stephan Adam windows.  A Glaswegian by birth he was one of the most charming people that I have known. His obituary in the Herald can be read here:-
https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/19091506.obituary-lionel-gossman-academic-lifelong-passion-native-glasgow/

Tho other was well versed on stained glass windows by Christopher Webb where we had one of the "missing" windows from his collection.  He too was unable shed any light on our Houldsworth Window.

The Kirk Session records of the time were of no help and the factory of Clayton and Bell, who supplied the window, were damaged during the war and many of their records were destroyed.  So you will see that your input has been greatly valued.

St Augustine fits well and would probably just about be acceptable to a Presbyterian Congregation,  St Jerome likewise.  My only previous recollection of St Jerome was from my book of el Greco paintings where (at least in the one that shows him fully clothed) he is wearing red.  A search of online images shows him sometimes wearing a similar hat to the one in our window.  Since he was, apparently, eventually persecuted by the Roman Church I guess he too would have been welcome on Alloway's team.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Ref Watcher on Fri 27 May 2022 11:02
The angelic referee supplied by the left team must be BMB of this parish; driven to prayer by the appearance of her assistants in yellow.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Fri 27 May 2022 11:46
Thank you Whistleblower I am greatly impressed.  I have asked a number of people both within the Church of Scotland and beyond and not got any real answers.  The people I have asked include a couple who have approached me for information on other Alloway windows. One of those and one I was fortunate to become a "virtual" friend of, was Princeton University Emeritus Professor Lionel Gossman who sadly died last year.  He contacted me for pictures of one of our Stephan Adam windows.  A Glaswegian by birth he was one of the most charming people that I have known. His obituary in the Herald can be read here:-
https://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/19091506.obituary-lionel-gossman-academic-lifelong-passion-native-glasgow/

Tho other was well versed on stained glass windows by Christopher Webb where we had one of the "missing" windows from his collection.  He too was unable shed any light on our Houldsworth Window.

The Kirk Session records of the time were of no help and the factory of Clayton and Bell, who supplied the window, were damaged during the war and many of their records were destroyed.  So you will see that your input has been greatly valued.

St Augustine fits well and would probably just about be acceptable to a Presbyterian Congregation,  St Jerome likewise.  My only previous recollection of St Jerome was from my book of el Greco paintings where (at least in the one that shows him fully clothed) he is wearing red.  A search of online images shows him sometimes wearing a similar hat to the one in our window.  Since he was, apparently, eventually persecuted by the Roman Church I guess he too would have been welcome on Alloway's team.


Microscopist, it has been a real pleasure. Deciphering stained glass and other iconography has long been an interest of mine. Just after Easter we were in East Sussex and I visited , for the first time, the stunning windows at Winchelsea Church and revisited the extraordinarily wonderful Chagall windows at Tudeley Church in Kent

Of your windows, one is clearly of the eleven Apostles and it would be very hard to work out who was who among those apart from some of the more obvious signs which you have spotted already. If you send close ups of the other three panels ( sans angels ) of the Right Team I'll see if I can spot any clues as to identity.

Pyramid Patrol is just fantastic; it takes us down all sorts of interesting and lesser trodden paths. I fear other RTR readers who get more exercised by application of the offside law will just have to indulge us for now, with the permission of our excellent Moderators of course.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Fri 27 May 2022 14:11
Thank you Whistleblower.
I should perhaps say just a little more about the window.  It was gifted to the Church as a tribute to a man's wife.  At the bottom of the window are six small panels depicting women from the Bible.  From left to right they are:-
Miriam (sister of Moses and Aaron); Ruth with Naomi and Orpah; Hanna (mother of Samuel): Martha and Mary; Mary (mother of Jesus visiting her cousin Elizabeth; Dorxas (Tabitha, from Joppa)
So the window divides into two halves Old Testament on the left: New Testament on the right.
This division into Old and New Testament continues with two tableaux each in three sections; on the left is a scene of Moses lifting the brass serpent on a pole to cure the Israelites of snake bites and on the the right is a crucifixion scene.  In the quatrefoils the two scenes are linked in the flags carried by the match officials by a verse from John 3:14 "As Moses lifted the serpent in the wilderness .... even so must the Son of man be lifted up".  Naturally you would think that the left hand team would be Old Testament and the right hand team would be New Testament and the song line "eleven for the eleven that went to heaven" springs to mind.  But that isn't the case with John and Andrew fairly securely seen in hatt would have been the Old Testament team and quite likely Matthew also.
So here are the the remaining lobes of Right Hand or "New Testament FC"
 SORRY - these are from the Old Testament FC or Left Team
Forwards

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_2899a9b9e0cb4b04b5acdeef4fe10779~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_510,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20left%20201200719c%20s.jpg)

Left Midfield

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_7773ccb8617b44238e37a72b9d884c06~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_553,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20left%20201200719c%20l.jpg)

Right Midfield

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_c30baf42428048a9b89fbdf5645fc341~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_668,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20left%20201200719ci%20.jpg)



Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Fri 27 May 2022 17:19

"Microscopist, it has been a real pleasure. Deciphering stained glass and other iconography has long been an interest of mine. Just after Easter we were in East Sussex and I visited , for the first time, the stunning windows at Winchelsea Church and revisited the extraordinarily wonderful Chagall windows at Tudeley Church in Kent"

We do have a number of Scottish Artists represented in our windows spanning from 1858 through to 2001 when all the available windows had been taken.  We don't have any Douglas Strachan windows, though the beautiful nearby Church at Symington dating back to the 12th Century does have his windows.

You must have had fun deciphering the symbolism in the Marc Chagall windows.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Fri 27 May 2022 22:36
I can't really make any headway with the Left Team of Apostles unless there are more specific hints. I can't see any keys which often symbolise St Peter. perhaps they are not all Apostles; the lamb and Flag is the symbol of St John the Baptist. Close ups of the Right Team ( the one containing Augustine and Jerome ) might make for more fruitful research
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Sat 28 May 2022 07:35
For completeness I'll include the goalkeepers from the Left Team.  Following the identification of St Agnes, St Jerome and St Augustine on the Right Team I'm coming to the conclusion that the Left Team are Jesus' earthly disciples who remained in good standing which would cast doubt on the left side keeper being St David or St Francis.

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_43947f6b3ca4482eb71d33e03329410c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_617,h_501,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20left%20201200719c%20b.jpg)

Now to the Right Team who perhaps could be thought of as Saints FC and could be post-resurrection characters.

Forwards

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_b656b91c83124fe8a140cbac49504c30~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_390,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20right%20201200719%20c.jpg)

Left Midfield

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_f319e0f289604a28ae5d30b71084addd~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_421,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20right%20201200719%20c.jpg)

Right Midfield

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_e61181419c4349ec97c88fc6c8ffcd9c~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_562,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20right%20201200719%20c.jpg)
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Sat 28 May 2022 09:46
I think the Left Team probably are the faithful Apostles, after all there are 11 of them. If the Goalkeepers were from the Old Testament then I would suggest Noah ( with the bird ) and Solomon ( with a model of the Temple ) but if they are Apostles which I think is most likely, then I have no idea who they are.

Now to the Right Team. Well Stephen ( with the rock ) and Agnes ( with the lamb ) I think at right midfield might be Ambrose ( carrying a beehive which in iconography he often is ) In the Forwards is someone wearing a crown so a king and carrying a palm branch so also a martyr and that might possibly be Oswald.  Apart from that I can't see any distinguishing symbols that lead me any further on. With Agnes are two other martyrs, one male and one female but nothing to suggest who they are. The male looks very young so possibly St Pancras and the female perhaps either Perpetua or Felicity but that's just a guess. With Ambrose ( beehive ) at right midfield is a bishop and a pope. I suspect the pope is Gregory the Great, thus completing the 4 First Doctors of the Church with Augustine, Jerome and Ambrose but no idea about the bishop.

I think that's about the best that I can do.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: bmb on Sat 28 May 2022 13:10
The angelic referee supplied by the left team must be BMB of this parish; driven to prayer by the appearance of her assistants in yellow.

Not convinced it would be prayer that I would be driven to!

Forgive me father for I have sinned...
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Sat 28 May 2022 13:35
Thank you again, Whistleblower.  After you had previously mentioned St Ambrose I did wonder about the  right midfielder - I had previously thought he might have been caryring a helmet though a beehive seems more likely.  The idea of the four Doctors of the Church seems credible.  There is a local connection to St Oswald - a few miles South of Alloway is Kirkoswald - the present church there is an Adam building built at the same time as Culzean Castle, though there are the ruins of an earlier church nearby.  Another Saint with local connections is Cuthbert at Straiton - returning to the issue of collection plates there are collection boxes on long poles in the church, though whether they are used or not I don't know.  Kirkcudbright (Kercoobrie) is also named after Cuthbert.

On the "Apostles Faithful FC" I'll go with Thomas as the right goalkeeper until something better turns up.

You have certainly given me a better idea of a ratioale for who these people might be and some leads to follow up - thank you.

For interest, above the quatrfoils is a cinquefoil showing Christ in glory and surrounded by a circle of eleven angels with red wings. (And many more representations of corona virus particles - at least to my microscopist's eye(!) - others might think they are stars)

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_33737ff3e84f408d945ffd6ee8a5771d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_889,h_660,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20top%20Cinquefoil%20Large%202012007.jpg)
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Sat 28 May 2022 13:48
(https://wp.en.aleteia.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/WEB3-Gregory-the-Great-SAINT-shutterstock_749997562.jpg?w=640&crop=1)
This picture has convinced me of St Gregory: bmb there is hope for you yet!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: nemesis on Sat 28 May 2022 16:46
The Goal Keeper in red for the Right Team looks very much like a Cardinal to me, perhaps he had come on a transfer from the baseball team in St Louis or the American football team in Arizona.

In the Right Team left midfield, I believe carrying the lamb is Agnes; pictorially often represented like this as a pun Agnus Dei. They are all carrying palm branches so would be martyrs (  to bad refereeing decisions perhaps ! ) so I would doubt John, Mary and Mary Magdalene


  ....... more likely on loan from Woking.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 29 May 2022 09:47
After this fascinating hagiological interlude, it seems a shame to leave behind Alloway Parish Church (not to be confused with the Auld Kirk) and set off to see the Timperley Kirk. His game at Damson Park is surely a plum appointment.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: PhiltheRef on Sun 29 May 2022 14:25
I await your views with eager anticipation, Mr Kirk having been a near neighbour of mine for a period of time
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 30 May 2022 12:16
As so often, Phil, anticipation will prove to have been better than the actual outcome. It was only on printing out the ticket that it was revealed that because of the TV gantry, the view from seats in block O would be impeded or restricted. Coupled with increasing difficulties with eyesight, it made key incidents difficult to judge. Those watching on the television will have had the advantage and may perhaps contribute a definitive version of events.

The journey to the ground went well: train from New Street to Birmingham International, followed by a short ride on the X12 bus. The ticket gave no indication of which turnstile to use and the maps at the ground were confusing, so having found my way to the gate behind the Airport stand, which was locked, I checked with a steward at the next entrance whether this was the right one and received a positive response. Once in, I found myself in the Chesterfield section. A young female steward barred my attempt to reach my seat,suggesting that I would have to walk all the way round the ground (doubtless negotiating other barriers.) I was rescued, however, by a more senior gentleman who checked my ticket and allowed me through to enjoy my restricted view of:

Sunday 29th May 2022
National League Play-off Semi-final
Solihull Moors   3   v   1   Chesterfield
Tom Kirk; Jack Clench, Christopher Myatt. 4thers Elliott Swallow.

Mr Kirk turned out to be a little taller than I remembered and had a mature, less boyish appearance. Neither assistant was familiar, the guess being that the fair-haired AR2 was Mr Myatt, but that is open to correction by those who know.


Solihull began well, three times creating dangerous-looking chances in the opening minutes. Chesterfield's first real attack did not come until the eighth minute, but it was a rapid break down the right and a splendid cross which allowed them to take the lead. Recalling he match at Halifax, JCFC feared that Mr Kirk was going to have to contend with another 80 minutes of sterile time-wasting, but fortunately things turned out differently. Shortly after the quarter hour, Chesterfield pressed, winning a series of corners, defended with difficulty, until Solihull finally managed to get one out of danger, superb passing converting it into a great equaliser. Another attack just a minute later created another chance for the home side, but this time they did not get it on target. A corner on 36 minutes enabled Solihull to take the lead. Mr Kirk had had an uneventful, from a refereeing point of view, first half, until the 44th minute, when there was a major scramble following a fumble by the home keeper, and when the play moved towards the corner where the away fans were located, there was a concerted appeal for handball from fans and players alike. AR2 was on the receiving end of Chesterfield protests, with a home player or two interposing the opposite view, but nothing was given. At a subsequent stoppage Mr Kirk lectured a Chesterfield player, with captain, for dissent. At the half-time whistle, a further brief approach was made by a couple of players. TV viewers, with the benefit of replays, will have been able to decide whether there should have been a penalty, but it was not evident from the stand. The fans' appeal was instantaneous and sounded convincing - well, it would, wouldn't it? The man next to me checked his phone and declared that it had been a Chesterfield hand - but then he was a Moors fan, JCFC was none the wiser.

Eight minutes into the second half the home striker raced into the box and fell when challenged. Mr Kirk was again unmoved, a Chesterfield defender briefly berating the forward for what he deemed a dive. The decision to play on looked correct from a distance, with little fuss from the home players, though the striker subsequently tried to disagree, but was shepherded away by a colleague.  On 57 minutes a Chesterfield player was setting himself for a clear shot, when a defender appeared from nowhere to effect a great block. Two minutes later the home striker was clear again, the keeper doing well to turn the shot for a corner - though from this Solihull were able to add their third.Mr Kirk was quick to intervene a minute later when Solihull made a substitution, making sure that the outgoing player left by the nearest exit, so to speak. Chesterfield were in for a spot of their own time-wasting medicine, but Mr Kirk was quick to show yellow cards to a couple of culprits One injury, initially thought to be another case of "sham pain" was possibly genuine, as he was substituted - this time 4thers, who had struggled with multiple substitutions, had time to get the board ready. There was an excellent chance for Chesterfield on 85 minutes, but the home keeper managed to tip the ball for a corner. At the end of the five added minutes, AR2 was already 30 yards onto the pitch when Mr Kirk blew for full-time. On this occasion the sprint was justified as fans came racing on in large numbers.

It had been an absorbing game, with positive and creative passing, especially from the home side. Mr Kirk might have been considering the need for a yellow at one point in the first half, as Chesterfield rang up a number of petty fouls, though the first player to receive a short lecture was a home one. His decision not to do so, however, was justified as things became more settled and the play more open. The two no-penalty decisions (there was actually a third, clearly correct) may or may not have been open to debate, but overall he looked the part and an excellent match resulted. AR1 was notable for his sprints into position after confirming the placing of the ball for restarts, AR2 for the fluency of his side-skipping.

JCFC was only able to make his way out of the ground in time to see the bus leaving the stop, so there was a half-hour wait, but otherwise the return trip (routed via Sheffield because of the Sunday Trans-Pennine strikes) went smoothly, to end the season well.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: PhiltheRef on Mon 30 May 2022 17:14
Many thanks, as always for your observations.
From my seat on the Sofa each of the three "penalty" decisions seemed correct and the subsequent replay supported this decision.

I think that Mr Kirk can be more than satisfied with his afternoon's endeavours and the lack of obviously displeased correspondence on this and other sites adds support to my assertion.

I wish you a restful close season and look forward to the contributions of all our correspondents next season
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 30 May 2022 19:25
From my seat on the Sofa each of the three "penalty" decisions seemed correct and the subsequent replay supported this decision.

I am delighted to hear that. Thank you for the clarification.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 31 May 2022 20:46
It is only right as the season draws to its close, to convey thanks:

Though they will probably not read this. to all the unpaid volunteers, who work so tirelessly to help keep clubs and leagues going.

To aaa, as always, for telling me where to go (in the nicest possible way) by his greatly appreciated efforts in posting details of appointments.

And above all, to all referees, at whatever level, who have turned out to make matches possible - even (or perhaps especially) to those few who have been on the wrong end of JCFC's distorting lens.

Have a good Summer everybody - you have earned it!
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Wed 01 Jun 2022 10:07
There being a wider and more fluid pool of officials at Level2 and below, I cannot rival TVOS's ongoing relationship with Messrs Haines and Boyeson, nor with supporters in the upper echelons, who seem to have the same officials every four or five weeks. Nevertheless, before the thread slips into the relegation zone, I thought I would list the Top Ten, in terms of matches watched, over the last dozen seasons.

 1.  Luke Watson          14
 2.  Tom Nield              13
 3.=Michael Denton      10
      Martin Woods         10
 5.  Jamie Rhodes          9
 6.=Tom Bramall            8
      Ian Johnston           8
      Andy Smith             8
      Jamie Waters          8
10.=Joe Goodwin          7
      Dean Watson          7
      Jack Hall                7

Many of these fall into Michelin's "Vaut le voyage" 3-star category, but clearly none are at the other end of the scale and all are or have been good to watch.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Scally Bob on Thu 02 Jun 2022 16:50
I agree that it’s the most entertaining part of RTR and I always turn to it first. I’ve managed to avoid JCFC’s critical gaze this season as well, which is nice! Excellent work all round, well done to JCFC and other contributors.

As for any offertory: that would be an Ecumenical matter
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Fri 03 Jun 2022 10:53
Thank you for those kind words, Bob.

In fact, I have never had the pleasure of seeing you in the middle. I only recall your appearance on the line at West Didsbury and Chorlton, when your "groupie" - your son, immaculately attired in velvet jacket, if I recall correctly - was capturing your FA Cup debut on his camera. Without ploughing through records, no other sightings come immediately to mind. With trips to Lancashire, especially West Lancs, becoming infrequent, you should be safe from scrutiny in the future.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Sun 05 Jun 2022 17:50
My preference would have been for Solihull Moors to have a first taste of Football League status, congratulations to Grimsby Town, who return to the EFL at the first attempt. They did it tyhe hard way: having finished sixth, they have had to win at Notts County and then Wrexham before today's victory in the Final.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: PhiltheRef on Mon 06 Jun 2022 16:21
Further to the recent reports I am pleased to advise that, inter alia, Tom Kirk has been promoted to the National List.
Congratulations to all him and all those whose progress we have been able to follow through the good offices of contributors to various Pyramid Patrols over the years
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Mon 06 Jun 2022 21:07
Warmest congratulations to all five who are moving up to the Elysian Fields League - well done indeed

In answer to the questions posed by Whistleblower elsewhere:

My viewing of National League matches is very infrequent, but two whom I hoped to see promoted are

Matthew Russell - seen only once at Cray Valley PM, but who impressed very much on that occasion.
Lewis Smith - who has put in some excellent performances in the past, and who was forecast by RefObserver to be in the EFL by now. .
There are others who are highly accomplished, but who have been unlucky with injuries.

Of the successful referees:

Sunny Gill I have never seen
Adam Herczeg - seen once and was deemed pretty good, but not quite in the outstanding bracket. Wrong again JCFC.
Thomas Parsons - seemed nervous on the first sighting, with little eye contact. Improved each time he was seen subsequently and has clearly done well at 2A. I understand from another referee that he is a very decent guy.
Tom Kirk - As stated above, I liked his personal manner and have found him a very good referee after a testing first game.

The other one is particularly pleasing:

At the end of the 2013/14 season, I posted


Most referees have in my opinion performed to a high standard, especially those from along the M62 corridor, but the

JCFC Award For The Best Young Referee Not Called Tom is awarded to Martin Woods.


What kept them?

In fact, it seemed on checking that he was not that young, being 27 at the time and is now 35, I believe. It is some time since I last saw him - it may be that he no longer looks like my childhood cuddly monkey. Be that as it may, I am delighted that he has finally made it.

Good luck to all of them in their careers.


Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: RefObserver on Tue 07 Jun 2022 10:20
Warmest congratulations to all five who are moving up to the Elysian Fields League - well done indeed

In answer to the questions posed by Whistleblower elsewhere:

My viewing of National League matches is very infrequent, but two whom I hoped to see promoted are

Matthew Russell - seen only once at Cray Valley PM, but who impressed very much on that occasion.
Lewis Smith - who has put in some excellent performances in the past, and who was forecast by RefObserver to be in the EFL by now. .
There are others who are highly accomplished, but who have been unlucky with injuries.

Of the successful referees:

Sunny Gill I have never seen
Adam Herczeg - seen once and was deemed pretty good, but not quite in the outstanding bracket. Wrong again JCFC.
Thomas Parsons - seemed nervous on the first sighting, with little eye contact. Improved each time he was seen subsequently and has clearly done well at 2A. I understand from another referee that he is a very decent guy.
Tom Kirk - As stated above, I liked his personal manner and have found him a very good referee after a testing first game.

The other one is particularly pleasing:

At the end of the 2013/14 season, I posted


Most referees have in my opinion performed to a high standard, especially those from along the M62 corridor, but the

JCFC Award For The Best Young Referee Not Called Tom is awarded to Martin Woods.


What kept them?

In fact, it seemed on checking that he was not that young, being 27 at the time and is now 35, I believe. It is some time since I last saw him - it may be that he no longer looks like my childhood cuddly monkey. Be that as it may, I am delighted that he has finally made it.

Good luck to all of them in their careers.


I did indeed think Lewis Smith would have made it by now. Matt Russell had an interview last year and was unsuccessful. I expected him to in the mix this year as well with although I don't recall him doing many games the latter end of the season. Injured perhaps?

I still think both will ultimately get onto the FL, albeit not as quickly as I thought!

One to watch coming up from 2b is Jason Richardson. I think he'll do well.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 19 Jul 2022 20:17
With the new season still 10 days away, I have been enjoying watching Le Tour de France on ITV4. This has inspired (?) me to concoct  another quizzle entitled Le Tour de Yorkshire. Anyone looking for something to do can find it in the Trivia section at the foot of the index page. No, I didn't really think you would.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: JCFC on Tue 19 Mar 2024 17:28
For some time now I have been puzzled by part of one of the windows in the Church in Alloway.  The window was installed in 1895 and funded by William Houldsworth, who co-incidentally was the cousin of the owner of one of the large mills in my home, one time village, of Reddish - so it has a connection to my early life.  The minister of the Church at that time, Rev Samuel Marcus Dill, came from Ireland and went on to be a Moderator of the General Assembly.  He had two sons killed during the first world war.
About 2/3rds of the way up the window are two quatrefoils each containing eleven characters; not finding any convincing ecclesiastical basis for these, I can only assume that they represent football teams.  The formation is a bit strange with two goalkeepers, three left side midfielders, three right sided midfielders and three forwards.  Each team seems to bring with it their own set of match officials - appropriately shown as angels - note two of those with the left team are wearing yellow!

Left team

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_329e4f25261a4c9b93a0bcc625585343~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_446,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20left%20201200719con.jpg)

It is possible to identify a few of the players, but most are a mystery.  At centre-forward we have St John, later to turn out for Liverpool, and identified by the winners cup in his hand and the snake emerging from it.  In the left midfield, half hidden we have, possibly, St Matthew (half hidden) holding out the offering box and St Andrew (in a green robe) - recognised by the diagonal (red) cross behind him.  Possibly the right hand goalkeeper is St Thomas (patron saint of architects) with a model of a new Stamford Bridge.  The left hand goalkeeper could be St David or St Francis.  Note the prescience of the window's designer in incorporating, either side of the goalkeepers, images looking like early representations of a corona virus.

Right team

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/fc8091_a201066434d5466f95e8cd282da97577~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_448,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Houldsworth%20Quadrafoil%20right%20201200719%20s.jpg)

Again a few players can be recognised. The right forward is St Stephen identified by the rock in his hand showing his martyrdom'  In left midfield we probably have John (again?) with Mary, Jesus' mother, and Mary Magdelene (identified from images elsewhere in the window).  Right midfield represents a bit of a problem as it seems to represent two bishops and perhaps a pope.  Celtic perhaps- though you would have expected them to be on the left side.  Why they could have been allowed in a Presbyterian Church in the 1890s is an enigma.   The right hand  goalkeeper also has the look of a bishop and carries a flaming heart (again how did that come to be in a 19C Presbyterian Church?)  Perhaps it represents Heart of Midlothian FC.  The left hand goalkeeper looks a bit more at home in the reformed tradition  - Martin Luther or John Knox maybe?

Normally, pre-covid my BLFG & I would have been hoping to enjoy Sunshine on Leith this week as it is the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, but this year we have visited virtually through the CoS website and this may well be the future.

Having lapsed in my following of the live streaming of services from Alloway, I have only just chanced upon the one in which there is a detailed analysis of the window in question - with acknowledgement of the contribution of a certain lawyer from St Albans by the name of Whistleblower.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Wed 20 Mar 2024 21:53
Quote
JCFC
Having lapsed in my following of the live streaming of services from Alloway, I have only just chanced upon the one in which there is a detailed analysis of the window in question - with acknowledgement of the contribution of a certain lawyer from St Albans by the name of Whistleblower.

Luke 15:7  and as in Heaven so in the heart of at least one of Alloway's members!

I'm not sure whether you noticed that there was a bit of a kerfuffle shortly after I started speaking when a lady of good pedigree and provenance collapsed in the pews.  I don't think it was something I said nor the thought that for over 130 years this Presbyterian Congregation had, hiding in plain sight, Pope Gregory, Cardinal Jerome, Bishop Augustine and Bishop Ambrose, plus sundry other Saints looking down on them every Sunday.  Fortunately a recently retired doctor was in the congregation and attended to her whilst an ambulance was called and was content for me to continue meantime.  The lady recovered but is now comfortably in a local care home.
It was made a bit more curious that only a few weeks earlier our minister had been crediting Pope Gregory with establishing the reputation of Mary Magdalene unaware that Pope Gregory and Mary Magdalene were looking down on him.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 21 Mar 2024 08:43
I remember some years ago seeing an icon of John Knox. Whether this is an abomination of desolation or a wonderful expression of ecumenism is perhaps a debatable point.  I am in the latter camp. The icon writer is a committed Methodist.
Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Microscopist on Thu 21 Mar 2024 17:47
I remember some years ago seeing an icon of John Knox. Whether this is an abomination of desolation or a wonderful expression of ecumenism is perhaps a debatable point.  I am in the latter camp. The icon writer is a committed Methodist.
I too am firmly in the latter camp.

John Knox in his two "books of discipline" established KIrk Sessions as being responsible for establishing schools within their parishes and arguably giving Scotland a lead in making education available to all.  Not an entirely altruistic action but none the less giving Scotland one of the best educated populations of its time; sadly like Milton's Paradise, something now lost.  Around 150 years ago the Church of Scotland gave, or was maybe forced to give, its schools' estate over to the state.  It got little in return except the right to appoint a non-elected member to the local authority Education Committee.  A few years later the Catholic Church also transferred its schools to the state but were canny enough to get a rather better deal with continuing considerable influence over their Catholic schools. as well as a representative on the Education Committee.  Ex-Church of Scotland schools are classified as non-denominational and access to them by the Kirk is at the discretion of the Head Teacher / Local Authority Head of Education.  I have the privilege of being the CoS representative on a local authority Education Committee.

On the ecumenical front Scotland is a bit behind England so far as I can see.  In 1985 they did manage to weaken the commitment to the Westminster Confession so we no longer had to believe that the Pope was the anti-Christ and a couple of years ago managed to sign the St Margaret declaration which states that we are "friends" with the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland!  I am friendly with Canon Pat Keegans the retired priest of St Margaret's RC Cathedral in Ayr.  He was the Priest in Lockerbie when the plane crash happened and it took its toll on him.  Anyhow we exchange Christmas cards and I notice that he has elevated me to the priesthood by addressing me as Rev on the envelope!  I wrote to him about the Houldsworth Window which attracted interest and some humour amongst him and his colleagues.  The Church of Scotland's response generally, lacks either,  Given the state of the mainline Churches in the UK it seems to me that it it is time the Churches put a much more co-ordinated and combined effort into outreach.  The more I looked into that window and the matters being debated in Church and society at the time of its installation the more I came to see it as  being prescient.  It foresees the increasing importance of women in Church and Society, the need for churches to set aside their differences and concentrate on promoting God in words and works.

Title: Re: Pyramid Patrol 2021/22
Post by: Whistleblower on Fri 22 Mar 2024 12:34
It was sometimes rather snidely said of the Scottish Episcopal Church ( the Anglican church in Scotland ) that it was " a joke and not a particularly funny one "  Ouch.  Being not the Established Church it has had far more freedom to determine its own theology, pastoral practice and polity. Hence it is very liberal on matters such as Equal Marriage whereas the Church of England, still accountable to the Ecclesiastical Committee of Parliament, treads much more cautiously. Hurrah for the Scottish Episcopal Church says I