Post by: JCFC on Sun 31 Jul 2022 20:55
Saturday 30th July 2022
NCEFL Premier Division
Thackley 1 v 1 Golcar United
Christopher Rose (Sheffield); Josh James, Craig Smith.
The reasons were several: as Gary Chapman once said, Thackley is one of the pleasantest clubs to visit (though not to leave after dark on the unlit, unpavemented lane); Golcar is a club I have grown to like in the past couple of years; both clubs are firmly and commendably rooted in their local communities; Mr Rose had not been seen in the middle before.The main one, however, was to discover whether the assistant listed as Craig Smith (Lancashire) was the young man from Cherry Tree, whom I remembered from cricketing days. It wasn't - and on reflection, he would be into his forties by now.
The game was always enjoyable and played in a very decent spirit for the most part. Thackley went ahead after 20 minutes, a cracking effort from the corner of the box into the opposite top corner. There were appeals for a Golcar penalty on 23 minutes, quickly waved away, without much in the way of protest. Two minutes later a cross from near the right touchline was met with a strong far-post header to give Golcar the equaliser.
The yellow card made its appearance on 61 minutes, a visiting player stopping a not-particularly-promising attack - not wrong, but maybe not strrictly necessary. It reappeared again on 65 minutes, something of a mystery, the guess being that it went to the home number 10 for speaking out of turn after a Golcar player had regained his feet after an injury pause, but maybe for the visitor for an unnoticed foul. (Is the sin-bin experiment still operating?) There was a long word with one of the Golcar bosses on 73 minutes - Mr James may well have been the instigator - and two routine cautions for Golcar players for fouls to stop attacks. To avoid being caught the wrong side of the players'exit JCFC headed towards the corner of the ground. And so we reached 93 minutes, with Thackley officials calling on Mr Rose to blow for time. Unfortunately, he didn't. A Thackley forward then broke clear and ran into the penalty area, where a challenge from behind saw him go to ground. Mr Rose had not had time time to get a decent angle and was looking from more or less straight behind and quickly waved play on. Thackley supporters and JCFC reckoned that there had been a foul; one Golcar player was quick to lean over the man on the ground, as if to berate him for simulation. A Golcar supporter, coming from close to the incident, declared that his side had been lucky as it should have been a penalty. The final verdict rests presumably with Mr Observer Haycock and his bodyguard. (She must surely by now know as much about refereeing as most watchers.) It shows, though, how one late decision can affect people's view of an otherwise very satisfactory refereeing performance.
It had been a good afternoon, and cheap into the bargain: free bus travel, £3 admission, £1.30 for coffee and £2 for a programme represented excellent value. The programme, in particular, was superb - not the glossy advertising rag that is sometimes found, but well-researched and interesting, with a fine assortment of funnies to boot. Even at Golcar's home matches. JCFC had never discovered that the village owes its name to Saint Guthlac - even Whistleblower's in depth knowledge of saints might be stretched by that one.
Sadly, the coming week offers no accessible matches and next weekend's FA Cup fixtures have not offered a chance to take in more than one game.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 07 Aug 2022 07:58
Saturday 6th August 2022
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Handsworth 1 v 0 Sleaford Town
Scott Mason ("Mansfield way"); Tristan Churcher, Joseph Golland
It was the dullest of dull first halves - after 44 minutes JCFC's notepad was blank. At this point the visitors presented a Handsworth forward with a clear chance, but their keeper dived to turn the shot round the post.
A few minutes into the second period, JCFC's weary sigh drew sympathetic agreement from nearby spectators, one commenting that you could write what had happened to date on a postage stamp, leaving JCFC thinking that the new code section would not be needed. Just after the hour, it was the turn of the home defence to gift Sleaford an unmissable scoring chance, which was duly missed. As the soporific afternoon wore on, further amusement in the stand was caused by a comment that even the fouling had not been very good. Perhaps appropriately in a match which prompted thoughts of Waiting for Godot, in which nothing happens - twice, on 83 minutes Handsworth got Lucky, taking advantage of a couple of rebounds to prod home the winner.
Mr Mason had an excellent reverse gear and made a couple of splendid curving sprints, getting very wide, in a game which did not really test him. He is lightly built, though with a slightly lived-in appearance of someone already into his thirties, at a guess. (There speaks the 74 year old!) His two assistants were more sturdy in appearance, neither of them quite qualifying for "Bright young thing" status, but all three officials performed well.
The day's real stars, however, were the two ladies in the clubhouse, who produced pie chips and gravy an hour before the match.
Contrary to previous expectations, it will be possible to take in another tie today.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 08 Aug 2022 09:28
Contrary to previous expectations, it will be possible to take in another tie today.
As things turned out, it was possible - though "nobbut just." The route allowed for a connection time of 32 minutes at both Leeds and Derby, so missed connections should not have been a problem. At Leeds, however, it was announced that the CrossCountry train was delayed by 29 minutes, though the company's website's revised schedule showed an arrival in Derby in time for the next train. The delay grew by a few minutes and both before and after Wakefield the train trundled rather slowly. By the time we should have reached Derby, we were still North of Rotherham, and approaching Chesterfield as the next train left Derby. The only solution was to take a taxi - with a driver who wanted me to choose which route to take. In the end there was time to grab a cheeseburger and a tea on arrival at
Sunday 7th August 2022
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Belper United 0 v 3 Lichfield City
Robert Pealing (Nottinghamshire); David Henfrey, Jack Simpson.
Mr Pealing did not turn out to be the imagined wiry young hopeful. It should not, however, be inferred from this that he was old and hopeless. On the field his age would have been guessed as about 40; at close quarters, though, he appeared rather younger.
The first minute produced an almighty collision between two players: JCFC was inclined to give it as a foul by the defender, but as usual he was wrong. Mr Pealing promptly gave the free-kick the other way and nobody was unhappy (except the two men groaning on the ground - fortunately both recovered.) On 7 minutes JCFC was surprised at the award of a free-kick for what seemed a perfectly executed tackle by a home defender, and this time his view was supported by several Belper players. Lichfield were well on top and the Belper keeper was kept busy, making a couple of miraculous saves. On 26 minutes a couple of players found themselves gently wrestling on the gound, Mr Pealing having a quick word, but rightly deeming no further action necessary. The half ended with another brilliant save by the keeper after his defenders had given the ball to the opposition striker. There was a sense of disbelief at the break that the visitors were not already several goals clear.
Belper actually started the second half quite well, but Lichfield finally took the lead on 53 minutes. The home side did create a couple of decent chances, but blasted the ball over the bar. Mr Pealing called a Lichfield defender for a lecture after he had chirruped too persistently. There was a strange moment at a substitution, with Mr Pealing being called from the other side of the pitch for the briefest of words with Mr Henfrey, before making his way back across to his position. Reason unknown. Lichfield added two goals in the closing minutes as even the home keeper ran out of saves.
Despite a slightly greater degree of noise on the pitch - notably from the Lichfield keeper, who was not always too careful in his choice of language - Mr Pealing had coped very comfortably. The suspicion remained, however, that this was perhaps his right level. Given JCFC's lack of judgement in such matters, wise gamblers (if that is not a contradiction in terms) would be advised to invest a few bob on promotion in forthcoming windows. The two assistants were both different from those named in the programme, but did well and had no reason to use those names as aliases.
The train from Belper to Derby was on time, but CrossCountry again were running late, leading to the connection in Leeds being missed. Brighouse had disappeared from the "Next train for" board as the 21.30 was cancelled. Ironically it was northern who solved the problem, with a train to Bradford, from where a bus enabled JCFC to reach home at 21.58.
The good(!) news is that rail strikes are planned for the next two Saturdays, so there is no risk of such journeys then.
Post by: cwh on Tue 09 Aug 2022 05:12
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 09 Aug 2022 07:34
Nice to see you back with your amusing reports - I particularly enjoy reading about the journeys to and fro each match - they would make good reading on Train websites!!! - it amazes me that you bother sometimes with all the 'obstacles' you have to overcome to actually get to a ground in the first place - I wonder if any of the refs/assistants read your reports -I'm sure they would benefit by so doing
I echo the appreciation for JCFC's excellent accounts of his travelling and footballing adventures. I have no direct knowledge but I would be extremely surprised were not his match reports a regular topic of conversation among the match officials whose exploits appear in Pyramid Patrol.
Post by: ell on Tue 09 Aug 2022 10:36
Nice to see you back with your amusing reports - I particularly enjoy reading about the journeys to and fro each match - they would make good reading on Train websites!!! - it amazes me that you bother sometimes with all the 'obstacles' you have to overcome to actually get to a ground in the first place - I wonder if any of the refs/assistants read your reports -I'm sure they would benefit by so doing
i can assure you there's plenty of refs in the area who do
i suspect many fear JCFCs review more than the observers!! if only we knew where he was in advance...
Post by: Conkernut on Tue 09 Aug 2022 17:00
Mutn3 reported on a game that I was on last season and although he/she didn't mention my performance it was nice to read about it. I'm sure others feel the same way
Keep it up JCFC and Mutn3, it's much appreciated
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 09 Aug 2022 19:39
Mutn3 reported on a game that I was on last season and although he/she didn't mention my performance it was nice to read about it. I'm sure others feel the same way
Keep it up JCFC and Mutn3, it's much appreciated
Were you AR or 4th then Conkernut ? I presume so for it would be strange for a site which provides input on match officials not to comment on the performance of the referee.
Post by: bmb on Tue 09 Aug 2022 20:02
Mutn3 reported on a game that I was on last season and although he/she didn't mention my performance it was nice to read about it. I'm sure others feel the same way
Keep it up JCFC and Mutn3, it's much appreciated
Were you AR or 4th then Conkernut ? I presume so for it would be strange for a site which provides input on match officials not to comment on the performance of the referee.
You may or may not have noticed the frequent diversion that threads take on this forum - from a match report to poetry via the state of the railways, obscure towns oop north, palm trees protecting the southern softies from all the sun we get, the price of bread, ring roads, hymns and whatever else can be linked in along the way! There is always that one person who attempts to get a thread back on topic, they normally fail miserably though...
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 09 Aug 2022 23:34
Mutn3 reported on a game that I was on last season and although he/she didn't mention my performance it was nice to read about it. I'm sure others feel the same way
Keep it up JCFC and Mutn3, it's much appreciated
Were you AR or 4th then Conkernut ? I presume so for it would be strange for a site which provides input on match officials not to comment on the performance of the referee.
You may or may not have noticed the frequent diversion that threads take on this forum - from a match report to poetry via the state of the railways, obscure towns oop north, palm trees protecting the southern softies from all the sun we get, the price of bread, ring roads, hymns and whatever else can be linked in along the way! There is always that one person who attempts to get a thread back on topic, they normally fail miserably though...
Noting that this post about attempting to get a thread back on topic comes immediately after mine I sincerely hope I am not regarded as the culprit. I pride myself on being one of this forum's great diversionists and have always found journeying down the byways far more rewarding that the direct routes. I would be mortified were I to stand accused of relevance !
Post by: ell on Wed 10 Aug 2022 08:20
Nice to see you back with your amusing reports - I particularly enjoy reading about the journeys to and fro each match - they would make good reading on Train websites!!! - it amazes me that you bother sometimes with all the 'obstacles' you have to overcome to actually get to a ground in the first place - I wonder if any of the refs/assistants read your reports -I'm sure they would benefit by so doing
i can assure you there's plenty of refs in the area who do
i suspect many fear JCFCs review more than the observers!! if only we knew where he was in advance...
i feel this may have taken on more significance after last night...
Post by: Conkernut on Wed 10 Aug 2022 09:06
Mutn3 reported on a game that I was on last season and although he/she didn't mention my performance it was nice to read about it. I'm sure others feel the same way
Keep it up JCFC and Mutn3, it's much appreciated
Were you AR or 4th then Conkernut ? I presume so for it would be strange for a site which provides input on match officials not to comment on the performance of the referee.
I was dugout side AR. It was Yaxley vs Spalding in August last year.
Post by: nemesis on Wed 10 Aug 2022 09:55
Mutn3 reported on a game that I was on last season and although he/she didn't mention my performance it was nice to read about it. I'm sure others feel the same way
Keep it up JCFC and Mutn3, it's much appreciated
Not true - you definitely got a mention !
https://ratetheref.createaforum.com/general-discussion-5/pyramid-patrol-202122/msg36337/#msg36337
Post by: JCFC on Wed 10 Aug 2022 15:37
Nice to see you back with your amusing reports - I particularly enjoy reading about the journeys to and fro each match - they would make good reading on Train websites!!! - it amazes me that you bother sometimes with all the 'obstacles' you have to overcome to actually get to a ground in the first place - I wonder if any of the refs/assistants read your reports -I'm sure they would benefit by so doing
i can assure you there's plenty of refs in the area who do
i suspect many fear JCFCs review more than the observers!! if only we knew where he was in advance...
i feel this may have taken on more significance after last night...
I imagined when ell posted yesterday that he suspected that JCFC would be heading to
Tuesday 9th August 2022
NCEFL Premier Division
Golcar United 0 v 1 Handsworth
Elliot Shiers (Leeds); Kerion Moore, Declan O'Regan
If he didn't, he did by the end of the warm up, as AR2 had apparently spotted your scribe minding his own business (a mug of tea and a sausage bap) in the stand. Shortly before kick-off, a cheery young man bounded up with a pleasant greeting. This turned out to be Umar Ahmed, who had been seen at Emley some time ago.
Mr Moore's unusual first name suggested that it should be pronounced like a Kelvinside resident's favourite comic films, but seemingly isn't. A recent smart haircut had left Mr O'Regan's crowning glory less striking than before, but as the light held until the closing minutes, he remained visible even without that beacon. Mr Shiers retained his upside down styling - he may be stuck with it for life.
Home supporters shouted for a handball penalty on 2 minutes, Mr Shiers being unimpressed, as was JCFC. Golcar created a couple of openings, but were off target, while Handsworth had a shot comfortably saved. A drinks break was called midway through the half, at which point Mr Ahmed reappeared, showing a message from a recently promoted official who had sailed through Level 3 remarkably quickly. The sentiments contained were flattering, if scarcely believable. The 37th minute brought a yellow card for the Golcar number 7, whether for the foul, partly hidden by the perspex of the dug-out, or for tapping the ball away when penalised. On 44 minutes a visiting forward was heading goalwards, with a defender in close attendance and was brought down just short of the area. Mr Shiers saw it as a foul - and there is no reason to doubt him - and from that point the defender's early departure was inevitable. Significantly there was no contestation from the home bosses.
Despite being a man short, Golcar dominated the third quarter, creating numerous chances, but were unable to find the target. Their number 11 did find his target on 63 minutes, a thwack on his opponent's leg earning a clear yellow, which somehow his managers seemed to think harsh. At the second-half drinks break, an official from the Handsworth bench had something he wanted to complain about, but it was hard to think what, and he was given short shrift. As the players tired, play became scrappier, with more petty fouls and occasional cases of trying it on, to which Mr Shiers was mostly wise. On 86 minutes Handsworth put in a cross, there were appeals for handball, Mr O'Regan flagged, the penalty was awarded and the home managers produced a string of language that would not have found favour with St Guthlac, who ensured that Handsworth scored from the spot - for a second late win in four days. At the close the handshakes were taking place stage left, when minor hostilities reappeared centre stage - fortunately quickly quelled by the arrival of Mr Shiers. It is not the first time that Golcar have failed to realise that the contest is over at the final whistle. The officials, though, had to endure a lecture from the home managers before they could leave the field.
Mr Shiers is not the most elegant of movers - not one of those referees who seem to float over the ground - but he is willing to work commendably wide when appropriate. His manner appears courteous and all three officials put in a decent shift. The real star, though, was Mr Ahmed, who insisted on giving JCFC a lift back to Brighouse. That young man should go far!
Post by: ell on Wed 10 Aug 2022 16:01
a decent run out for sure and indeed my upside down head is set for life...
cheers!
Post by: Conkernut on Wed 10 Aug 2022 16:10
Mutn3 reported on a game that I was on last season and although he/she didn't mention my performance it was nice to read about it. I'm sure others feel the same way
Keep it up JCFC and Mutn3, it's much appreciated
Not true - you definitely got a mention !
https://ratetheref.createaforum.com/general-discussion-5/pyramid-patrol-202122/msg36337/#msg36337
Ha ha, I stand corrected.
Apologies Mutn3
Post by: jad on Wed 10 Aug 2022 16:19
Post by: JCFC on Wed 10 Aug 2022 16:37
Mutn3 reported on a game that I was on last season and although he/she didn't mention my performance it was nice to read about it. I'm sure others feel the same way
Keep it up JCFC and Mutn3, it's much appreciated
Not true - you definitely got a mention !
https://ratetheref.createaforum.com/general-discussion-5/pyramid-patrol-202122/msg36337/#msg36337
Ha ha, I stand corrected.
Apologies Mutn3
And apologies from me to Conkernut for a wholly inadvertent dumb rating.
Incidentally, Mutn3 does not appear to have been active on here since April. I hope he is merely enjoying his cricket and that he has not been taken ill.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 10 Aug 2022 16:41
No self-respecting resident of Kelvinside would ever stoop to watching a Kerion film.Indeed, the same thought did occur to me.
Post by: JCFC on Thu 11 Aug 2022 21:15
Wednesday 10th August 2022
FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round Replay
Albion Sports 2 v 2 Barnoldswick Town
James Gallagher (W. Riding FA); Haim Fiterman, Anonymous Steve Lynch lookalike.
The officials carried on with their warm-up for some time after the players had headed indoors and as a result, it was already 19.45 when the bell was rung and play was accordingly late starting - not something likely to endear Mr Gallagher to JCFC. Fortunately for the referee, the bright sun made viewing even trickier than usual, so Mr Gallagher passed largely unnoticed.
The match got off to a lively start, Albion going ahead on 2 minutes only for Barlick to draw level within a minute. Albion regained the lead on 17 minutes. There was a wonderfully quaint piece of barracking from the other end of the stand: "That was never a foul." (It was!!) "You blackguard, referee." Shortly after the break, Albion were penalised for a back-pass, but Barlick were wide with the free-kick. They did, however, equalise once more just before the break.
Again the teams seemed more eager to get started than the officials, both referee and managers with the usual late traipse across the pitch. Things gradually became untidy, though Mr Gallagher appeared to remain calm and in control, though it was not always wholly clear where his line was drawn. As is often their wont, Albion got under their opponents' skin and Barlick received a couple of yellow cards. The half was dominated by unwelcome thoughts of looming extra-time, a view shared, it seemed, by AR2 and the Farsley groundsman.The final ten minutes of the half brought three yellows for Albion - the first leading to an indignant delegation.
So, extra time it was to be - eventually, as the turn round was delayed rather longer than usual and there seemed to be a mass meeting of players and referee before it got under way. There were some decent saves at each end, but no further score. Three minutes into the second period Mr Fiterman flagged for a clear attack-stopper and the visiting left back received his second yellow and made his way slowly across the pitch. This produced the evening's highlight as he left the field in high dudgeon, uttering the odd oath - at which point a young girl piped up very loudly "Naughty boy!" JCFC had no wish to spend the night in Bradford Bus Station and had to leave a few minutes before the end - at 22.20
The visitors' Twitter reported that they had a man booked right at the end for kicking the ball away, and that Albion went through 4-3 on penalties.
Apart from his dilatoriness (perhaps Cornish time is more relaxed) Mr Gallagher did not appear to do much wrong, but JCFC will not be in a great hurry to see him again - not, at least, if bus times are tight.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 14 Aug 2022 21:00
Saturday 13th August 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 1 v 3 Hebburn Town
George Eaton (Marple); Ian McGuinness, Danny O'Brien.
The match was sponsored by the home manager, Vill Powell, to celebrate the 77th birthday of his Dad, who rejoices(?) in the first name Weaville. Suggestions that his sisters were called Beddbugg and Dungbeattle were probably inaccurate.
JCFC had attended Mr Eaton's last match as a Level 4 - a testing promotion play-off, which he coped with, though not without some controversial moments. It would be interesting to see how he fared in his first League match after promotion.
After just 2 minutes, he was faced with a choice: Hebburn had been awarded a free-kick, but complained long and hard that they should have had one earlier. Ignore them or make it clear that he was not going to accept dissent? Each course had its merits and Mr Eaton chose the former, which worked well for a while. The opening quarter was pretty frenetic and Hebburn were better at this, though after the drinks break, things slowed down and Brighouse came back into the game. A crunching challenge on 27 minutes drew a warning for the visiting number 8 - which might have been on the charitable side. On 35 minutes, Brighouse played the ball down the right wing, where their winger was well offside. His colleagues shouted to him to leave it and the ball ran into touch, giving Hebburn a throw near their corner, rather than a free-kick. Their manager had an extended moan at Mr Eaton, who again issued no formal rebuke. He did finally have a word with a player for complaining that he had been fouled.
Hebburn found the net three minutes into the second half, but Mr McGuinness had flagged for offside.The home number 10 seemed to think that "I touched the ball" meant
a) that he couldn't be penalised for a barge and
b) that he was allowed to address the referee in unparliamentary terms
and it turned out that he was correct on b). Just after the hour, home fans' hopes were raised when their team took the lead. On 64 minutes an injury saw the players take a drinks break - unofficially, as Mr Eaton called for the official one three minutes later. A Hebburn defender received a yellow on 73 minutes, but his team equalised with a good header a minute later. It was soon the turn of a Brighouse player to see the yellow card and Hebburn exploited the home side's aerial deficiencies to add two further goals. A late free-kick for Brighouse produced a brief contretemps and possibly a yellow card, though that was not clear. As the players headed towards the dressing-rooms at the end, there was some kind of hold-up at the exit; maybe it was just "After you Cecil," as the officials watched but did not get involved.
Last season, JCFC had commented on the excellence of Mr Eaton's reverse gear. It was in evidence once again in this match - but on one occasion he missed his footing as he set off and finished on his backside. Fouls by attackers seemed to be more common than by defenders - Brighouse might even have conceded a penalty for a push. Had my usual colleague been able to attend, he would doubtless have described Mr Eaton as " a bit ineffectual," and might have offered some advice during the game. JCFC is more easily pleased and put some of the apparent diffidence down to the referee finding his feet at a new level. With a few more games under his belt, he may develop in confidence.
Post by: ajb95 on Sun 14 Aug 2022 21:04
At the start of the day, Brighouse Town were second in the tabke, only Bridlington Town denying them the top spot. Bitter experience suggested that this state of affairs was unlikely to last long - and bitter experience proved correct at
Saturday 13th August 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 1 v 3 Hebburn Town
George Eaton (Marple); Ian McGuinness, Danny O'Brien.
The match was sponsored by the home manager, Vill Powell, to celebrate the 77th birthday of his Dad, who rejoices(?) in the first name Weaville. Suggestions that his sisters were called Beddbugg and Dungbeattle were probably inaccurate.
JCFC had attended Mr Eaton's last match as a Level 4 - a testing promotion play-off, which he coped with, though not without some controversial moments. It would be interesting to see how he fared in his first League match after promotion.
After just 2 minutes, he was faced with a choice: Hebburn had been awarded a free-kick, but complained long and hard that they should have had one earlier. Ignore them or make it clear that he was not going to accept dissent? Each course had its merits and Mr Eaton chose the former, which worked well for a while. The opening quarter was pretty frenetic and Hebburn were better at this, though after the drinks break, things slowed down and Brighouse came back into the game. A crunching challenge on 27 minutes drew a warning for the visiting number 8 - which might have been on the charitable side. On 35 minutes, Brighouse played the ball down the right wing, where their winger was well offside. His colleagues shouted to him to leave it and the ball ran into touch, giving Hebburn a throw near their corner, rather than a free-kick. Their manager had an extended moan at Mr Eaton, who again issued no formal rebuke. He did finally have a word with a player for complaining that he had been fouled.
Hebburn found the net three minutes into the second half, but Mr McGuinness had flagged for offside.The home number 10 seemed to think that "I touched the ball" meant
a) that he couldn't be penalised for a barge and
b) that he was alowed to address the referee in unparliamentary terms
and it turned out that he was correct on b). Just after the hour, home fans' hopes were raised when their team took the lead. On 64 minutes an injury saw the players take a drinks break - unofficially, as Mr Eaton called for the official one three minutes later. A Hebburn defender received a yellow on 73 minutes, but his team equalised with a good header a minute later. It was soon the turn of a Brighouse player to see the yellow card and Hebburn exploited the home side's aerial deficiencies to add two further goals. A late free-kick for Brighouse produced a brief contretemps and possibly a yellow card, though that was not clear. As the players headed towards the dressing-rooms at the end, there was some kind of hold-up at the exit; maybe it was just "After you Cecil," as the officials watched but did not get involved.
Last season, JCFC had commented on the excellence of Mr Eaton's reverse gear. It was in evidence once again in this match - but on one occasion he missed his footing as he set off and finished on his backside. Fouls by attackers seemed to be more common than by defenders - Brighouse might even have conceded a penalty for a push. Had my usual colleague been able to attend, he would doubtless have described Mr Eaton as " a bit ineffectual," and might have offered some advice during the game. JCFC is more easily pleased and put some of the apparent diffidence down to the referee finding his feet at a new level. With a few more games under his belt, he may develop in confidence.
Good to see George settling in. I’m out with him and a few friends in a couple of weeks so I’ll pass on your good comments JCFC. 👍😃
Post by: nemesis on Sun 14 Aug 2022 22:54
At the start of the day, Brighouse Town were second in the tabke, only Bridlington Town denying them the top spot. Bitter experience suggested that this state of affairs was unlikely to last long - and bitter experience proved correct at
Saturday 13th August 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 1 v 3 Hebburn Town
George Eaton (Marple); Ian McGuinness, Danny O'Brien.
....
Last season, JCFC had commented on the excellence of Mr Eaton's reverse gear. It was in evidence once again in this match - but on one occasion he missed his footing as he set off and finished on his backside. Fouls by attackers seemed to be more common than by defenders - Brighouse might even have conceded a penalty for a push. Had my usual colleague been able to attend, he would doubtless have described Mr Eaton as " a bit ineffectual," and might have offered some advice during the game. JCFC is more easily pleased and put some of the apparent diffidence down to the referee finding his feet at a new level. With a few more games under his belt, he may develop in confidence.
...... or not
Post by: mutn3 on Mon 15 Aug 2022 09:27
To quote the famous cockney Dick Van Dyke, my club has two wheels on it's wagon, having won the first eleven, and then losing four of the last six!
Once we are (not) promoted I'll be able to slay a few more dragons on here, but I need to find that hidden cricketing cave first ! 😄
Post by: mutn3 on Wed 17 Aug 2022 08:16
A callow younger me made my Northern Premier League Assistant's debut here a hundred years ago. Shepshed Charterhouse, as was, v Colne Dynamos, as was. It wasn't a success! Let's hope for better for Martyn Gospel at ...
Shepshed v Dereham Town
Northern Prem D1
Att: 198
Difficulty 2/5
Match 3/5
Score 2:2
A genial referee, who looked to have good gentle rapport with players and colleagues alike.
Any criticism, nay, observation would be reserved for lacking an obvious sprint, for getting there in your own time has as many benefits as those who make instant up-with-play decisions before giving themselves time to think.
First half Dereham, two goals down at the break, did look as though a hard season might await, but the fightback in the second half was commendable.
The pitch, mottled greens and browns, did not take any prisoners, but what must have seemed manna from up above was the steady refreshing rain throughout, which may have got as much applause as the game.
Nothing to push the referee here, the sort of game where no one can have anything to moan about really.
Post by: Ref Watcher on Wed 17 Aug 2022 12:41
the sort of game where no one can have anything to moan about really.I bet that didn't stop anyone though!
Post by: bmb on Wed 17 Aug 2022 13:53
the sort of game where no one can have anything to moan about really.I bet that didn't stop anyone though!
Truth!
Post by: JCFC on Wed 17 Aug 2022 16:05
Tuesday 16th August 2022
NPL Division 1 West
Mossley 1 v 0 Runcorn Linnets
Elliot Bell (Liverpool FA); Jacob Viera, Adam Sefton.
Arriving very early in Mossley, JCFC opted for an alternative ascent through the park, in the hope that it would be easier; it wasn't, but did offer a couple of short flat sections, one a terrace with an interesting view back down to the railway line. The pie chips and gravy had been well earned and were greatly enjoyed.
The name Elliot Bell prompted thoughts of a possible long-lost sister of Currer, Ellis and Acton, quickly dismissed as silly. In appearance Mr Bell ticked all the boxes for the typical modern referee. A little research suggests that he might be about 24.
It was soon clear that this was to be quite a testing game, with plenty of physical contact and a degree of macho posturing. Mr Bell assessed the situation accurately, issuing a deserved yellow card to a Mossley defender for an attack-stopping foul, though he was surrounded by the Linnets' posse, claimimg that the ball had eventually ended up with an attacker in a possibly advantageous position. Runcorn soon levelled the yellow card count and took the lead in that competition on 23 minutes, for recklessly flattening a defender. this prompted a minor contretemps, quickly calmed, only to restart, fortunately mildly, when Mr Bell turned away to check on the injured player. Mr Viera was able to contribute a useful flag for a little tug on a shirt. On 40 minutes the Runcorn number 7 went for a ball with a raised foot - carelessly rather than recklessly - and Mr Bell was right to have just a quiet word. Linnets had a long shot over the bar on 42 minutes as JCFC was pushed to recall a shot on target.
Mossley made a good start to the second half - and did indeed force the Runcorn keeper to make a save. They had the better of things until three quarter time, but then Runcorn came back, but neither side could find the target. The Runcorn boss seemed keen to deliver a tutorial to Mr Bell, but in truth it was not required. On 80 minutes the home left winger fired a cross hard into the area, where it was immediately blocked by a defender. Mr Bell, ideally placed, immediately blew for a penalty. The posse reappeared, but their protests might have carried more weight had they not shown too great a propensity to complain about things earlier. JCFC was in no position to offer a verdict, so is happy to accept the referee's decision - as was the Mossley striker who converted the penalty to give Mossley the win.
Mr Viera took his time noting details of substitutions and on a couple of occasions Mr Bell whistled for play to resume when his assistant was marginally short of his position, but there were few other things to quibble about in a well-judged performance. His cards were correct - and did the job. His use of the whistle, sharp but short, was pleasing and he appeared to have a decent degree of interaction with the players - particularly in the second half, when his smile was used. His movement was outstanding in all modes, not just in terms of rapidity, but also in lateral coverage - no ploughing up and down the middle here! JCFC was reminded in many ways of a young Darren England - but then JCFC's judgement is notably fallible. Certainly the nearest to a purr so far this season.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 21 Aug 2022 14:50
Saturday 20th August 2022
FA Cup Preliminary Round
Brighouse Town 1 v 2 Penistone Church
Thomas Smith (W. Riding FA); Jamie Albison, James Barker.
His details revealed that he took the referees course (at Harrogate) as recently as 2018, so he must have impressed to be in the middle for such a game so quickly.Mr Albison, incidentally, though looking younger has been refereeing for longer. Young Mr Baker must have "taken the Fifth" as his space remained blank.
Long-suffering Brighouse fans (is there any other sort?) know that being drawn against their side in the FA Cup is tantamount to a bye. For the first quarter, though, it looked as if things might be about to change. They dominated in terms of territory and created numerous chances, but without anything to show for their efforts. On 28 minutes, Penistone managed an attack and duly took the lead, proceeding to look the better side for the rest of the half - though Town did equalise on 39 minutes, with a long shot from the right wing.
The second half was fairly evenly contested, with thoughts that one more goal might be decisive. A substitution on three-quarter time was conducted by Mr Albison in front of the Church bench, some ten yards short of half-way - a small detail, but one which looked amateurish. On 72 minutes a Brighouse player lay injured as the ball was played forward, where a Penistone player gained possession - at which point Mr Smith whistled. Both JCFC and his colleague were expecting a drop-ball for Church in the home half, but play restarted with a free-kick to Penistone back in their own half. We must assume that advantage had been played for an offence we had missed. The kick, however, turned out well for Penistone, as the home keeper failed to collect a high ball and the visitors took the lead. There was one other curiosity: in the 82nd minute a Brighouse player was again down injured, Mr Smith checked and raised an arm at which point the physio raced on and was about to attend to him when he recovered and she was not required. The player was not required to leave the field. Brighouse created the odd chance in the second half - including one header than should have been scored - but Penistone it is who progress to the next round. Nobody in Brighouse is surprised, though the club treasurer was disappointed to miss out on the winning bonus. All the more so, as the programme had commented on the cost of match officials in the previous weekend's game. They did not begrudge the fees, but when travel from Stockport was added (£64.80) the total came to just 20p short of £220 - no wonder we were exhorted to buy Golden goal and Raffle tickets.
There was little in the game to trouble Mr Smith. He did possess the ability to sprint rapidly, but was less energetic in his movements than most of his colleagues at this level, and showed no sign of a reverse or sideways gear. He generally seemed to favour a minimum level of intervention and on this occasion it worked well, but there were reservations as to how he would fare in a more hard-fought match. His whistle had a most irritating tone - very shrill, as if out of a Christmas cracker. That has its uses on a parks pitch, where it distinguishes it from the next pitch, but a more conventional one would be preferable here. Fortunately he did not have to use it too often.
President Hacking was in attendance, at a distance, reminiscing with spectators, and will doubtless have been happy with the proceedings.
Post by: mutn3 on Wed 24 Aug 2022 02:04
These pitches seem to exaggerate any work a player puts on the ball. Put any topspin on it, and it beats anything Barnes Wallis came up with. A bit of check, and the ball almost stands still. Yaxley, who play on a similar pitch, ought to have been prepared, or at least brought a goalkeeper who was! Three first half goals were down to his major errors in not understanding how the pitch would react. Not that it mattered, it was 8-0 at half time!
Harborough Tn v Yaxley
Score 9:1
Referee: Ashley Allen
Match difficulty 2/5
Entertainment 3/5
I'm a fan of anything TCM put out there. Once a day you can be sure to find " Casablanca". I'm not quite watching it on loop but I could have mistaken the referee for a young Claude Rains. I may watch a little too much television in the afternoons.
An early penalty, correct in all aspects, and little to do except watch the 'keeper find way after way to make the wrong choice. At times it seemed I was watching a struggling Sunday side. At half time, there was a small ripple of applause, but there was little excitement in watching such one way traffic.
I did have concerns that Mr Allen did allow too much protest from Harborough at times ( they were only eight up, think if it were tight?) but there really wasn't much to test him. That's another thing with these pitches, proper tackles seem very rare, and thus much less to ask the best of the referee, or ought I to say, find the better referee!
Mr Assistant (stand side) judgement of offside was certainly different to mine on a few occasions, and the third goal featured a hokey cokey flag (up one moment, down the next) that Mr Allen did not seem to pick up on. Whether Assessor Mr Taylor (I think t'was he, certainly the right area) had more to say on it, I don't know.
Assuming there weren't any mass brawls to test Mr Allen in the final twenty minutes, he'd be happy with his day at the office. Talkative, genial and there or thereabouts.
Not so sure about his footwear though. A flash of white on each instep reminded me of winged footed Mercury. As Mercury served as an intermediary between gods and mortals, perhaps I'm not too far off!
Post by: JCFC on Wed 24 Aug 2022 12:03
Tuesday 23rd August 2022
NPL Premier Division
Liversedge 1 v 4 Morpeth Town
Jacob Graham (Manchester); Adam Watson, Taylor Metcalf.
Prices are going up everywhere and the only pie on offer (Potato and meat) was £3.50 and despite an additional 50p for peas, proved lass than palatable. Chips would have added an extra £2, so this miserable skinflint went without.
When Mr Graham's name began to appear in the appointments, it seemed possible that he might be the son of Paul Graham, but unless Paul hails from Northern Ireland, that appears unlikely. The programme did inform us, however, that he is 22 and a civil servant. (Does anybody claim to be an uncivil servant? There must be a few around.) He looked the model of the young referee - tall, but not to excess, slim, with well-groomed dark hair and a good reverse gear.
Unfortunately, he was presented with a tricky match to referee. The early stages were scruffy in the extreme, players wrestling (gently) at every challenge, with pushes and barges galore. Mr Graham awarded regular free-kicks, evenly distributed, with just a vague hint of Buggins turn as often he had a choice of simultaneous offences. On 10 minutes a Morpeth player required attention from the physio; as he left the field, a colleague sought a quick consultation and he too was sent to the touchline. Midway through the half a home player was heading for AR2 to give him a piece of his mind (which he really could not spare) but was halted by a crescendo triple "Whoa" (not to be confused with Frankie Howerd's "Woe, woe and thrice woe!") Liversedge have in goal the Odious Porter, who used to disgrace Brighouse and on one occasion he charged way out of his area, for no obvious reason, made no contact but sadly was rescued by his defenders, who cleared the danger. Just after the half hour, Mr Graham was dealing with a free-kick in the Morpeth half,when a spat started deep in Liversedge territory, with the OP naturally involved. Mr Metcalf came on, Mr Watson joined them for a chat and a couple of players received a long ticking-off. Liversedge went ahead on 35 minutes, a good finish after some nifty footwork in a crowded area. The lead did not last long: Home defenders looked to be in a position to clear a high ball on the edge of the penalty area, but the OP came and missed, leaving an attacker to head into an empty net. When he repeated the scenario four minutes later, with an identical result, JCFC's Schadenfreude knew no bounds It had, though, been a poor half. Mr Graham must have been wishing for a clear bookable offence to try to settle things down, but only one chance came and it was not taken. It was a situation where the first player cautioned would be entitled to feel aggrieved in a "Why me?" sort of way, but at times the referee must bite that bullet.
That feeling must have been raised in the officials' room at the break, as there were two cautions, one per side, in the first three minutes of the second half. There was another mass gathering at an injury stoppage, with a voice from the benches repeatedly shouting "Can I have a word" to which the only correct answer is "No." The low point of the evening came on 53 minutes when the OP made a brilliant save. Around the hour mark, the home crowd demanded a red card, with laughable shouts of "Last man" but only a yellow card resulted, indistinctly shown. A defensive error soon gave Morpeth their third goal, Sedge were not quite finished, but a free-kick clipping the top of the bar was as near as they were to get. The visitors' fourth came after 86 minutes, to kill the slight hopes remaining. Just before the end, Mr Graham did well to intercept a home player, this tine with a quintuple "Whoa," and a modicum of difficulty. As a result, he ended up issuing his calming words with his back to the crowd of players, but fortunately nothing amiss happened.
As stated at the start, it was not an easy game to handle and could probably have benefited from a more experienced referee - or at least one with a bit more "clout." Mr Graham will surely become a fine official in time, but that time has not quite arrived yet. He will learn from experience, no doubt, and overall his work was acceptable and things seemed more amicable at the end than they had been at times.
Ten years ago, JCFC thought nothing of walking home after matches at the Clayborn. He certainly thinks very little of the idea now, so waited for the 22.40 bus, changing at Bankfoot, and was home by 23.50.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 24 Aug 2022 19:31
Instead, I offer this snippet from today's Tipping Point. The eventual winner, who described himself as researcher in linguistics, was asked which character in the Bible performed The Dance of the 7 Veils. His answer, Jesus, created a disagreeable mental image.
Post by: PhiltheRef on Wed 24 Aug 2022 23:13
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 25 Aug 2022 08:17
Lest I should be accused, not for the first time, of dereliction of duty, I had better make it known that I intended to go to the FA Cup replay at Albion Sports. I made it to the bus stop, the bus didn't and the next one, half an hour later, would have been too late.
Instead, I offer this snippet from today's Tipping Point. The eventual winner, who described himself as researcher in linguistics, was asked which character in the Bible performed The Dance of the 7 Veils. His answer, Jesus, created a disagreeable mental image.
I do not know this programme but clearly to win it requires no knowledge of either Biblical scholarship or opera. Perhaps this person was getting confused with the Vale of Tears or the Vale of Kidron.
Post by: Boris10 on Thu 25 Aug 2022 11:31
Strauss[R]turning in his grave.
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 25 Aug 2022 14:06
An Italian/German type of sausage would have been closer.
Strauss[R]turning in his grave.
Yes indeed, though sadly it was not the dancing protagonist but John the Baptist who eventually got sliced !
Richard Strauss at his raunchiest best.
Post by: Microscopist on Thu 25 Aug 2022 14:10
I believe that Jacob is indeed the son of Mr Paul Graham who is, in my experience a fine official and a finer individualMy third thought proved to be correct. My first thought was fleeting but cast my mind back a few years when my BLFG and I were responsible for providing images on the screen to enhance / distract from the minister's reflection / sermon. During the summer he often chooses a bible character for a form of sequential exposition, this year was Jonah. However a few years, back he chose David. When it came to the encounter with Goliath I was struck by the number of triumphal images showing David with Goliath's severed head and chose to avoid using these. It was the time when Daesh were carrying out similar acts. Therein is also a link to the lady of the seven veils dance. Returning to the David series, when it came to the encounter with Bathsheba the minister cautioned me not to be "too liberal" with the images - I found it slightly odd that I had not received such a caution over the more violent images. The corner of the Church where we operated from was known as the "naughty corner" which perhaps explained his concerns.
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 25 Aug 2022 14:26
I believe that Jacob is indeed the son of Mr Paul Graham who is, in my experience a fine official and a finer individualMy third thought proved to be correct. My first thought was fleeting but cast my mind back a few years when my BLFG and I were responsible for providing images on the screen to enhance / distract from the minister's reflection / sermon. During the summer he often chooses a bible character for a form of sequential exposition, this year was Jonah. However a few years, back he chose David. When it came to the encounter with Goliath I was struck by the number of triumphal images showing David with Goliath's severed head and chose to avoid using these. It was the time when Daesh were carrying out similar acts. Therein is also a link to the lady of the seven veils dance. Returning to the David series, when it came to the encounter with Bathsheba the minister cautioned me not to be "too liberal" with the images - I found it slightly odd that I had not received such a caution over the more violent images. The corner of the Church where we operated from was known as the "naughty corner" which perhaps explained his concerns.
I am not sure that the Kirk is as liberal as the Scottish Episcopal Church in these matters ( though I may be wrong about that ) so goodness only knows what illustrations the Minister might have feared appearing when he spoke about David and Jonathan 2 Samuel chapter 1 verse 26
Post by: jad on Thu 25 Aug 2022 14:43
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 25 Aug 2022 16:40
I believe that a certain amount of pedantry is tolerated in this thread, so as a sort-of researcher into a sort of linguistics perhaps I could point out that the correct answer to the quiz question should have been 'nobody', since the Biblical text merely mentions a nameless daughter performing a nameless dance. Apparently Salome and the dance of the seven veils is an invention of Oscar Wilde's.
Oh yes, I, for one, always welcome pedantry though some texts of Mark's Gospel eg the New Revised Standard Version, do in fact name the young dancing woman as Herodias ( Mark chapter 6 verse 22 ). Although this may be a confusion with the name of her mother, I don't think it's entirely accurate to describe her as nameless. The Biblical Salome is the woman whom Mark's Gospel describes as being present at the Crucifixion and bringing spices, for post mortem anointing, to the tomb. Sometimes reckoned to be a sister of Jesus' mother or the mother of the sons of James and John, her identity is not known for sure. Although I hold to the possibility of the redemption of the individual, I think it unlikely that this was the dancing daughter of Herodias.
Post by: Microscopist on Thu 25 Aug 2022 19:05
Quote
I am not sure that the Kirk is as liberal as the Scottish Episcopal Church in these matters ( though I may be wrong about that ) so goodness only knows what illustrations the Minister might have feared appearing when he spoke about David and Jonathan 2 Samuel chapter 1 verse 26
Well the text he chose ended at verse 18, so the question didn't really arise directly. His sermon tended towards the spiritual rather than physical nature of their friendship....
The Kirk's position could well be described as confused, or perhaps more diplomatically as being a "broad church". In effect different ministers and congregations can follow their conscience provided that they do so consistently. Rev Scott Rennie now minister at Crown Court Church of Scotland,. London sparked considerable, often acrimonious and passionate, debate over a number of years before the Kirk reaching this slightly uneasy compromise. The Free Church of Scotland and I think the Presbyterian Church of Ireland broke off "diplomatic relations" with the Kirk as it moved to this position.
Moving tangentially, as we do from time to time, I thought of you and Nemesis when, for perhaps the fifth time in my life, I came across the word shibboleth, whilst browsing through a City Fans' Website. Apparently the Ukrainians are using the word ‘palianytsia’ (a type of bread) in the same manner as the tribe of Gliead.
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 25 Aug 2022 19:59
Whistleblower:QuoteI am not sure that the Kirk is as liberal as the Scottish Episcopal Church in these matters ( though I may be wrong about that ) so goodness only knows what illustrations the Minister might have feared appearing when he spoke about David and Jonathan 2 Samuel chapter 1 verse 26
Well the text he chose ended at verse 18, so the question didn't really arise directly. His sermon tended towards the spiritual rather than physical nature of their friendship....
The Kirk's position could well be described as confused, or perhaps more diplomatically as being a "broad church". In effect different ministers and congregations can follow their conscience provided that they do so consistently. Rev Scott Rennie now minister at Crown Court Church of Scotland,. London sparked considerable, often acrimonious and passionate, debate over a number of years before the Kirk reaching this slightly uneasy compromise. The Free Church of Scotland and I think the Presbyterian Church of Ireland broke off "diplomatic relations" with the Kirk as it moved to this position.
Moving tangentially, as we do from time to time, I thought of you and Nemesis when, for perhaps the fifth time in my life, I came across the word shibboleth, whilst browsing through a City Fans' Website. Apparently the Ukrainians are using the word ‘palianytsia’ (a type of bread) in the same manner as the tribe of Gliead.
I think the Kirk's policy in leaving the matter to the consciences of ministers and congregations is an eminently sensible one and the Church of England could learn a lot from it. In the C of E there is an official line, on the conservative side as these things tend to be regrettably, but pretty much everyone knows that it is honoured more in the breach than the observance.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 27 Aug 2022 21:23
EPISODE 1
Saturday 27th August 2022
FA Vase 1st Round Qualifying
Eccleshill United 9 v 1 Willington
Natty Beard; Sandy Longfellow, Curly Youngman
And no County Badge to provide a clue. It was largely one-way traffic in the early stages and Eccleshill went ahead through a 12th minute header. When a home forward was pulled back as he headed for the penalty area, a yellow card might have been appropriate, but the referee opted for just a warning. Eccleshill continued to move the ball quickly and inventively and were able to exploit the space thus created, adding a second on 19 minutes, a third just after the half hour, a fourth on 37 minutes, soon followed by the best of the lot, number five including a couple of backheels.
THe first minute of the second half saw Willington clear off the line, but goal number 6 did not come until the hour, a shot going in off a defender. One trip too many brought the game's only yellow on 73 minutes, for a visiting defender. Goal number eight came on 78 minutes, with Willington finally scrambling one themselves three minutes later. Eccleshill soon added number nine, and the referee charitably blew for time dead on 90 minutes.
It was a game that required just the lightest of touches and the officials wisely did not seek to make any waves. The referee was prepared to allow a reasonable degree of physical contact and to their credit, the players were happy to accept this. A peaceful afternoon for the officials,who fulfilled their contract with little difficulty.
Post by: OwdReds on Mon 29 Aug 2022 19:28
AFC Totton v Sholing Referee: Benjamin Duffill Assistants Lee Nowacki and Thomas Farr
An afternoon only slightly spoiled by my proximity to the Sholing bench who complained about or sarcastically commented on every decision made, including Mr Duffill's failure to blow for a foul at one point where his excellent advantage allowed their team to have a shot at goal. They also encouraged their players to get in the referee's ear as much as they could. Personally, I didn't think the refereeing team had a bad afternoon and Mr Duffill continued to smile in spite of the provocation. There were only two notable errors that I could see. On 30 minutes the Totton Number 9 was penalised for a pull on the edge of the Sholing Penalty Area when I thought that was the second foul, him having been pulled back first and on 81 minutes the Sholing Number 10 was clearly pulled back by his shorts, preventing him getting a shot at goal. I think Mr Duffill was probably unsighted for the second incident although running a wider angle might have given him a better view. It was also on the wrong side for his assistant.
My only other complaint was his indistinct brandishing of his yellow card. On 45 minutes the Sholing Numbers 6 and 11 combined to stop a promising attack. He spoke to number 11 at close quarters and number 6 at rather longer range before waving his yellow card. I was unclear which, or whether possibly both of them, had been the recipient. On 57 minutes, the Sholing Number 3 (I think) was shown a yellow card for dissent. Again it wasn't very clear who the card was being shown to. On 60 minutes a Totton shot was deflected onto the crossbar and following the resulting corner Mr Duffill was surrounded by a group of Sholing players for reasons unknown. He reached for his pocket but I don't think produced anything from it. Sholing took the lead on 67 minutes following a long ball and received 3 further yellow cards before the end of the match, their number 2 for a late tackle, number 6 for dissent (which cleared up what must have happened in the first half) and the goalkeeper for time wasting. At the end of the match the Sholing management team could be heard questioning why they had won the yellow card battle 5-0. Answer: Perhaps Totton behaved better but games of football are not always won by the better behaved team.
Post by: JCFC on Tue 30 Aug 2022 08:31
EPISODE 2
Sunday 28th August 2022
FA Vase 1st Round Qualifying
Hallam 3 v 2 Ashton Athletic
Tyler Machin (Worksop?); Nick Botten, Cameron Hoyle.
Not only were the officials listed in the interesting programme, but the splendid PA announcer made them (with one change) the headline act when giving out the teams. As one with a liking for Arnold Bennett, JCFC would have leked the referee to be called Denry, or the more formal Edward Henry, (Google tells us that there is already at least one Denry Machin, who is a published author) but Tyler is certainly a splendidly distinctive alternative.
Things started promisingly: Mr Machin moved well, his reverse gear being employed merely for short evasive adjustments, but proving the master of the side-skip. Decisions were sharply made. Ashton, playing down the slope, took the lead on 27 minutes and could well have added a second soon afterwards but for a woeful finish. The odd minor difference of opinion between individuals began to develop and Mr Machin was not always able to deal with these without interventions from other players. On 42 minutes, one such led to a degree of difficulty in clearing away those not required, prior to a long, long lecture for the Hallam number 2 and his captain. On the whole, though, he had had a decent half and it was a surprise to see him abused by one onlooker as he left the field.
Hallam had the ball in the net early in the second half, but Mr Machin rightly blew for a foul on the keeper - leading to an ongoing ripple of disagreements between players as the keeper was treated. It was becoming apparent that stronger action was going to be required. The 52nd minute brought what the announcer referred to, presumptuously but accurately, as Hallam's first goal. The yellow card made its (possibly slightly belated?) appearance on 55 minutes, for a reckless Ashton challenge, another soon following for a pull-back, before Hallam took the lead on 65 minutes. Their third, on 74 minutes, looked to have settled things and there was little concern two minutes later when a great chance was blasted into orbit. There was a third yellow for an Ashton defender, but in added time the visitors scored a second goal. Mr Machin's commendable reaction was to rush to the goalmouth in case of a tussle for the ball, but he was not required. From the restart, Hallam headed for the corner and a more experienced referee might have taken up a much closer position - it was, after all, on "his" diagonal, but Mr Machin remained 25 yards away - and the scuffle duly developed. He did move swiftly to the spot, but as he tried to stop this, a rolling maul developed and the assistants came to observe. There was little sign of anything more than pushing and jostling before order was eventually restored. The officials conferred; The Ashton number 9 was called for a yellow card, then the Hallam number 9 and finally the Ashton number 6, all of which occupied a considerable time. After just a few seconds of play, Mr Machin blew for full time and the officials had to endure an extended barrage of complaints from the Ashton posse, continuing even as they were finally able to head up the steps to the changing rooms.
For Mr Machin it was a bit of a mixed bunch: accurate decisions and plenty to like, but perhaps leaving a feeling that his talking does not always carry sufficient weight and he could be more assertive when looking to isolate a player. A decent pass mark, but no purring from JCFC this time.
The 51 bus back down into the city took a different route, leading to a number of bewildered visitors looking for the station, but JCFC knew more or less which way to head and though there was almost an hour to wait for the train,Sheaf Street helped pass it agreeably enough.
Post by: ajb95 on Tue 30 Aug 2022 14:42
Post by: Ref Watcher on Tue 30 Aug 2022 17:19
In this age of gender fluidity and pick your own sex (like strawberries?) it is unwise to jump to conclusions, but none of the three officials looked likely to answer to the advertised "Sophie," while a club official mentioned a change of referee. An online programme showing TBC, no teamsheets posted and no PA did not make for the best of starts to JCFC's favourite competition atAccording to MOAS their other names are:
EPISODE 1
Saturday 27th August 2022
FA Vase 1st Round Qualifying
Eccleshill United 9 v 1 Willington
Natty Beard; Sandy Longfellow, Curly Youngman
Referee: Tonks, Bradley
Assistant Referee: Harrington, Brett
Assistant Referee: Kent, Paul
I am afraid I can't enlighten anyone as to which assistant was Sandy, Curly, Long or Young.
Post by: JCFC on Tue 30 Aug 2022 17:29
Post by: JCFC on Tue 30 Aug 2022 18:41
Could you try again, please? Thanks.
Post by: Conkernut on Wed 31 Aug 2022 09:23
27 SAT
15:00
Eccleshill United FC Limited (First Team) v Willington (First Team)
F.A. Challenge Vase
Referee: Whiteman, Liam
Assistant Referee: Meadows, John
Assistant Referee: Churchill, Jack
No mention of a Sophie I'm afraid
Post by: JCFC on Wed 31 Aug 2022 09:41
Post by: Ref Watcher on Wed 31 Aug 2022 11:46
A further check suggests bthat Mr Tonks and co were at Eccleshall, rsather than Eccleshill United.An easy mistake to make.Note to self: pay more attention to detail. :-[
Could you try again, please? Thanks.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 31 Aug 2022 15:10
Monday 29th August 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 3 v 0 Tadcaster Albion
Barry Lamb (Manchester); Nick Greenwood, Emma Taylor.
...though this may owe more to the team's form in recent home games than to Mr Lamb's lack of drawing power. For JCFC the question was whether the flapping locks that he sported last year had been merely a passing fad. A cursory glance in the clubhouse confirmed that it had, Mr Lamb having reverted to a more sensible style, similar to JCFC's (in whose case "lack of style" would be more accurate.) Mr Lamb had made an impressive input into his programme pen picture. He is apparently now 53 and was very appreciative of the work put in by all club volunteers.
The 9th minute saw chaos in the Taddy defence, Brighouse winning possession and shooting to an empty net, only to hit the inside of the post and fall into the arms of the keeper. Mr Lamb likes to engage individual players in chats: his side-by-side position for this is admirable, avoiding any possible sense of confrontation, though the arm across the back is perhaps a step too far for JCFC's liking. Midway through the half, one spectator declared "I thought that lino was a fellow with a pony tail, but it's a woman." We're an observant bunch in Yorkshire.Things were relatively quiet until the 28th minute, when Tadcaster managed a shot on target, comfortably saved, the following minute producing a good turn at the opposite end, with the shot clearing the crossbar. On the half hour a Brighouse defender was fouled as he cleared the ball. Mr Lamb naturally blew for the free-kick, just as the ball was collected by a home player in their attacking half. Recognising the missed opportunity for advantage, Mr Lamb immediately put his hands on his head like naughty primary school pupils were told to do - and in consequence there was little complaint, the home skipper receiving one of the chats as play restarted. Brighouse nearly went behind, but were saved by a magnificent leaping touch from their goalkeeper.
Early in the second half Tadcaster were penalised for preventing the keeper from putting the ball into play, leading to another round of "Barrychats" which again had the desired effect. A tangle off the ball led to a yellow card for the visiting number 4. JCFC was by now hoping that Tadcaster wouldn't score first, but in fact they did - fortunately, though, turning a powerful cross into their own net on 78 minutes. Town added a second just three minutes later, their third coming from a late penalty.
JCFC had enjoyed Mr Lamb's work (not for the first time) and his efforts to keep ahead of any possible problems, an aim in which he was largely very successful. His hard running may not be as rapid as it once was, but he covered the ground effectively to be where he was required. For JCFC it was a very good afternoon's work. Opinions can differ, though. The usual colleague, who arrived into the second half, having been detained by a golfing commitment, offered the verdict "Insipid. That lass on the line has more oomph than him" You pays your money and you takes your choice.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 03 Sep 2022 12:06
Friday 2nd September 2022
FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying
Three Bridges 2 v 1 Erith Town
Joshua Langley-Fineing (Sussex FA); Oliver Westgate, Patrick Jolliffe.
The view from the stand was hampered by the eye-level lights shining brightly the length of the (closed) clubhouse building. Well, that's my excuse.
The home side produced the first attack, the Erith keeper palmed the ball away to the home striker who decided that it would be better in the net and promptly put it there. Thoughts of an easy win for Three Bridges were soon dispelled as Erith came back strongly. There were appeals for a penalty on 9 minutes, not only from the row of visiting supporters, who thought that roughly 50% of decisions were wrong (guess which), but also in rather unsavoury terms from the Erith boss, whose view will have been rather distant. Erith got their equaliser on 14 minutes and for the next half hour there were moments of danger at each end, but no further scores. In stoppage time Three Bridges were awarded a free-kick just outside the box, the referee racing to the spot to prevent any afters and the defender received the game's first yellow card. The free-kick was powered home, half-time following the restart immediately.
This turned out to be bad for the game as the home management were soon barking orders to take time out of the game. Their own contribution being to demonstrate a range of ways not to provide a replacement ball promptly or rolling it slowly to where nobody was. This did not improve feelings on or off the pitch and Mr Langley-Fineing had a more testing half. He tried to keep things moving along, intercepting a subbed player to point him to the nearer touchline, and chivvying the keeper, but was not wholly successful. On 83 minutes the one-eyed Erith fans were vociferous in their claims for a penalty, not given, Mr Westgate trying to quell the Erith boss before waving the referee over, a yellow card being the result. There was time for a couple of yellows for the home side - the keeper for timewasting, the number 7 for a foul. There was also further (lesser) comment from the Erith dugout, Mr Westgate again getting involved, perhaps unnecessarily this time. The referee was probably less than delighted to be beckoned over again, with the finger being pointed at a different official. Whether another yellow was shown or not remains unknown as an Erith fan, whose vocabulary was in inverse proportion to his waistline (if such a thing could be found) went berserk, Mr Westgate being on the receiving end of a torrent of abuse. At the final whistle, all was not quite sweetness and light on the field, but a pitch invasion by the Under-10 mascots somehow put an end to that.
Mr Langley-Fineing (another of these aristocratic-sounding names) is new to Level 3 and his display was not without promise, but he did struggle a little to prevent timewasting, though he did add a generous amount of additional time. He will hopefully develop the confidence to deal more firmly with such situations as he becomes settled at this level.
Finding the exit was easy, ditto the station and though the train was slightly delayed, JCFC was back in his hotel just after midnight.
Post by: Whistleblower on Sat 03 Sep 2022 12:29
It was a simple matter to find the ground; finding the entrance was a different matter, but eventually access was gained to
Friday 2nd September 2022
FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying
Three Bridges 2 v 1 Erith Town
Joshua Langley-Fineing (Sussex FA); Oliver Westgate, Patrick Jolliffe.
The view from the stand was hampered by the eye-level lights shining brightly the length of the (closed) clubhouse building. Well, that's my excuse.
The home side produced the first attack, the Erith keeper palmed the ball away to the home striker who decided that it would be better in the net and promptly put it there. Thoughts of an easy win for Three Bridges were soon dispelled as Erith came back strongly. There were appeals for a penalty on 9 minutes, not only from the row of visiting supporters, who thought that roughly 50% of decisions were wrong (guess which), but also in rather unsavoury terms from the Erith boss, whose view will have been rather distant. Erith got their equaliser on 14 minutes and for the next half hour there were moments of danger at each end, but no further scores. In stoppage time Three Bridges were awarded a free-kick just outside the box, the referee racing to the spot to prevent any afters and the defender received the game's first yellow card. The free-kick was powered home, half-time following the restart immediately.
This turned out to be bad for the game as the home management were soon barking orders to take time out of the game. Their own contribution being to demonstrate a range of ways not to provide a replacement ball promptly or rolling it slowly to where nobody was. This did not improve feelings on or off the pitch and Mr Langley-Fineing had a more testing half. He tried to keep things moving along, intercepting a subbed player to point him to the nearer touchline, and chivvying the keeper, but was not wholly successful. On 83 minutes the one-eyed Erith fans were vociferous in their claims for a penalty, not given, Mr Westgate trying to quell the Erith boss before waving the referee over, a yellow card being the result. There was time for a couple of yellows for the home side - the keeper for timewasting, the number 7 for a foul. There was also further (lesser) comment from the Erith dugout, Mr Westgate again getting involved, perhaps unnecessarily this time. The referee was probably less than delighted to be beckoned over again, with the finger being pointed at a different official. Whether another yellow was shown or not remains unknown as an Esher fan, whose vocabulary was in inverse proportion to his waistline (if such a thing could be found) went berserk, Mr Westgate being on the receiving end of a torrent of abuse. At the final whistle, all was not quite sweetness and light on the field, but a pitch invasion by the Under-10 mascots somehow put an end to that.
Mr Langley-Fineing (another of these aristocratic-sounding names) is new to Level 3 and his display was not without promise, but he did struggle a little to prevent timewasting, though he did add a generous amount of additional time. He will hopefully develop the confidence to deal more firmly with such situations as he becomes settled at this level.
Finding the exit was easy, ditto the station and though the train was slightly delayed, JCFC was back in his hotel just after midnight.
Thank you for another excellent report JCFC as you roam the South Country. I have always thought that many double-barrelled names sound like rather darling old thespians doing Rep in the 1950s. Langley Fineing would have been a case in point perhaps specialising in professional character roles such as judges, senior civil servants and bishops.
Post by: Leggy on Sat 03 Sep 2022 12:36
It was a simple matter to find the ground; finding the entrance was a different matter, but eventually access was gained to
Friday 2nd September 2022
FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying
Three Bridges 2 v 1 Erith Town
Joshua Langley-Fineing (Sussex FA); Oliver Westgate, Patrick Jolliffe.
The view from the stand was hampered by the eye-level lights shining brightly the length of the (closed) clubhouse building. Well, that's my excuse.
The home side produced the first attack, the Erith keeper palmed the ball away to the home striker who decided that it would be better in the net and promptly put it there. Thoughts of an easy win for Three Bridges were soon dispelled as Erith came back strongly. There were appeals for a penalty on 9 minutes, not only from the row of visiting supporters, who thought that roughly 50% of decisions were wrong (guess which), but also in rather unsavoury terms from the Erith boss, whose view will have been rather distant. Erith got their equaliser on 14 minutes and for the next half hour there were moments of danger at each end, but no further scores. In stoppage time Three Bridges were awarded a free-kick just outside the box, the referee racing to the spot to prevent any afters and the defender received the game's first yellow card. The free-kick was powered home, half-time following the restart immediately.
This turned out to be bad for the game as the home management were soon barking orders to take time out of the game. Their own contribution being to demonstrate a range of ways not to provide a replacement ball promptly or rolling it slowly to where nobody was. This did not improve feelings on or off the pitch and Mr Langley-Fineing had a more testing half. He tried to keep things moving along, intercepting a subbed player to point him to the nearer touchline, and chivvying the keeper, but was not wholly successful. On 83 minutes the one-eyed Erith fans were vociferous in their claims for a penalty, not given, Mr Westgate trying to quell the Erith boss before waving the referee over, a yellow card being the result. There was time for a couple of yellows for the home side - the keeper for timewasting, the number 7 for a foul. There was also further (lesser) comment from the Erith dugout, Mr Westgate again getting involved, perhaps unnecessarily this time. The referee was probably less than delighted to be beckoned over again, with the finger being pointed at a different official. Whether another yellow was shown or not remains unknown as an Esher fan, whose vocabulary was in inverse proportion to his waistline (if such a thing could be found) went berserk, Mr Westgate being on the receiving end of a torrent of abuse. At the final whistle, all was not quite sweetness and light on the field, but a pitch invasion by the Under-10 mascots somehow put an end to that.
Mr Langley-Fineing (another of these aristocratic-sounding names) is new to Level 3 and his display was not without promise, but he did struggle a little to prevent timewasting, though he did add a generous amount of additional time. He will hopefully develop the confidence to deal more firmly with such situations as he becomes settled at this level.
Finding the exit was easy, ditto the station and though the train was slightly delayed, JCFC was back in his hotel just after midnight.
The trains from Three Bridges are very often "slightly delayed" - but at least there are plenty of them. Don't, however, go venturing down the East Grinstead line as COVID has been used as an excuse to reduce the service to hourly (and then there is the risk of cancellations ......).
Post by: JCFC on Sat 03 Sep 2022 18:33
"This is due to an unknown problem."
Post by: JCFC on Sat 03 Sep 2022 21:44
Saturday 3rd September 2022
FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying
Hitchin Town 0 v 3 Heybridge Swifts
Tommy Breen (London); Oliver Potter, Fanran Meng.
Arriving early at the ground, JCFC found the first entrance, but was turned away by a steward, who explained that they were trying to introduce a one way system, and gave confusing directions to a different gate. This proved to be shut so the quest continued round the corner and along the road. There was a third gate, where a helpful club officer referred your weary scribe back to gate number 2. When this eventually opened, it was made clear that tickets had to be purchased online. After some deliberation, we two ticketless souls were led to the office, where an obliging official wrestled with his computer, his printer and his debit card reader to produce the necessary tickets. That was not the end of it, though, as these now had to be scanned. The expected gent with the scanner was not there, so we were led back to entrance 2 and our tickets were finally valid. This system has apparently been widely publicised, but not in the. Brighouse Echo. It seemed a complicated way of making things easier. Perhaps they could try a novel system that some clubs have discovered - spectators turn up, hand over cash or present a card and are allowed into the ground.
Mr Breen had a very smart short back and sides. If this was an attempt to dilute the effect of the ginger, it succeeded; or at least it would have done, but the clippings had apparently been glued to his jaw, which undid the good work.
Heybridge could have taken the lead after just 4 minutes, the attacker first to his feet after a tangle outside area, but when he lifted the ball over the stranded keeper, it went just wide of the unguarded goal. Mr Potter had fun with a couple of vigorous flags, but the officials were not greatly taxed. Heybridge took the lead in the 25th minute, heading in from a corner, rather too easily for the locals' liking. Swifts put another good chance wide just before the half hour. On 36 minutes there was an off-the-ball collision, whether accidental or not. For a moment it looked a possible flashpoint, but the players seemed to be heading their own ways without problems. At this point Mr Breen decided to play safe and blew his whistle, at which point the hordes descended to have their say, were cleared away and the two players were spoken to at length. Sadly, the visiting number 6 who had been haranguing both Mr Breen and Mr Meng throughout this, did not get to make a closer acquaintance with Mr Breen.
Swifts twice came close again at the start of the second half, while Hitchin managed a long shot. There was a yellow card for the Heybridge number 8 on 58 minutes, when he caught an opponent when trying to play the ball with a raised foot. A splendid Swifts attack put an attacker clear in on goal, but the home keeper stood firm and made an effective block. There was nothing he could do to save a splendid long shot on 64 minutes. Swifts continued to attack, another corner being headed in for their third on 75 minutes, another effort hitting the post. Hitchin did force the Heybridge keeper into a pair of excellent saves, but it was the visitors who progressed comfortably into the next round.
Mr Breen showed a willingness to engage in brief unofficial chats, not of a disciplinary nature, and though it did not turn out to be a difficult game, he and his colleagues can take every satisfaction from their afternoon's work.
And without any interventions from VAR!
Post by: Leggy on Sun 04 Sep 2022 10:38
Oddly enough, I did consider East Grinstead, but thought better of it. Last night's delay was only a matter of minutes and was explained by the informative announcement:
"This is due to an unknown problem."
Rumours that JCFC's quote: "I did consider East Grinstead, but thought better of it" appears on the Town Council's website cannot be confirmed or denied!
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 04 Sep 2022 15:19
Post by: JCFC on Sun 04 Sep 2022 20:22
Sunday 4th September 2022
FA Cup 1st Round Qualifying
Enfield 2 v 1 Rushden and Diamonds
Teddy Osborn (Kent FA); Terry Dawkins, Ka Ho Wong.
To this old chap, Mr Osborn's surname suggested a fine head of snow white hair, while his Christian name conjured up thoughts of the Beverley Sisters. As a new Level 3, he is far too young to have acquired the former, while lacking the physical attributes of the latter.
He was soon in business, a dodgy challenge by the Rushden number 7 earning him a yellow card after just one minute. It appeared again on 16 minutes, when the Rushden number 2 tried to pull back the Enfield winger. Mr Osborn waited a second, but the ball continued into touch, so the free-kick was awarded - correctly done in every respect. Diamonds are not the force they were and went behind on 22 minutes, when the keeper rolled the ball out quickly to a defender, who promptly gave it to an attacker who equally promptly lobbed it over the keeper and into the net. The comedy of Rushden errors continued three minutes later when one of their strikers, presented with a gentle low cross that merely required tapping in, somehow contrived to trip himself up. They did create another decent chance on 33 minutes, but the home keeper did just about enough.
If Rushden had been lacklustre in the first half, they began the second with greater vigour. A handball by an Enfield player on Mr Osborn's blind side went unspotted and unfortunately led to Rushden's third yellow card as the player was pulled back as he looked to take advantage of his offence. Mr Osborn was onto possible timewasting as early as the 47th minute, having a quick word with the Enfield keeper, and he continued to keep things moving thereafter. The Enfield keeper dropped the ball carelessly just after the hour grovelling at an attacker's feet until rescue came. Enfield then had a chance, but this time the Diamonds' keeper earned his corn. There was a yellow for Enfield for an attack-stopper and on 77 minutes the home keeper came out of the area to head clear, but missed, allowing Rushden to equalise from the narrowest of angles. Thus encouraged, Rushden pressed for a winner, creating two good chances, but in added time it was Enfield who got the winner they probably deserved.
Mr Osborn began by whistling loud, hard and long in a style that would go down well in Germany, but gradually moderated it. For a newcomer to Level 3 he looked pretty sound and avoided any serious problems, receiving little grief from the players. A job well done by the three officials.
The 20 minute walk took 32 minutes this time. Cambridge was avoided, the return being by way of Tottenham Hale and Finsbury Park. At least JCFC had spotted this time (albeit at the last minute) that the kick-off was at 13.00, so the trip had not been in vain.
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 05 Sep 2022 15:14
Post by: mutn3 on Thu 08 Sep 2022 14:47
Att:565
Referee: Matt Tyers
Difficulty 3/5
Match 3/5
I've said enough about the setting in the past. Hills and Dales, tick. Castle on the hill, tick. It really is one of the very best settings for NPL football.
Not an easy game, and refereed very well by Mr Tyers, his nonchalant and laid back approach finding favour with everyone, though I did like him picking up on a perceived head injury, the player miraculously recovering once he knew a goal had been scored!
Mr Mason ( Causeway Lane side) was low key, the Referee and Assistant working as one, and Ms Ball equally so, though that she wasn't wearing the FA badge was noticeable. Perhaps she doesn't need to? Idk.
As good a game as Mr Tyers had (and I've struggling to write up better) I was taken back to Dave Jones' 2002 comment about Roger Furnandiz and old tug boats, but hey, we can't all be whippets, and Mr Tyers wouldn't become a better referee just because he galloped around!
A 9/10 from me. And I've not even been on the sherry!
Post by: JCFC on Tue 13 Sep 2022 12:31
Monday 12th September 2022
FA Trophy 1st Round Qualifying
Brighouse Town 0 v 2 Worksop Town
Sam Wright (Sheffield); Gary Hubbard, Alfred Finch-Critchley.
After a minute's silence, during which not a sound was heard, Worksop set to with a will and the home keeper was in difficulties almost immediately, though he just managed to get a hand to the ball to touch it to relative safety. A cross and powerful header gave the visitors the lead on 6 minutes, to nobody's great surprise. There was a measure of surprise on 19 minutes: The home keeper caught the ball, ran forward to launch a (rare) attack, but merely succeeded in kicking the ball against the back of a retreating forward. To those watching from the stand, the award of a free-kick seemed remarkably generous, with the resulting yellow card for the attacker seeming harsh. Perhaps Mr Wright had seen something that we had missed - or maybe, just maybe, he had been caught off guard and had jumped to conclusions. There was no question about Worksop's next yellow card, for a late tackle. The visitors continued to dominate, but Brighouse steadied the ship and made it to half-time only one behind - and were probably relieved to do so.
When a visiting attacker was clipped as he ran into the box on 57 minutes, they made no mistake from the penalty spot. The game was as good as over: Brighouse tried hard, but were never able to get the ball under control and desperate hoofed clearances soon saw Worksop restore the pressure, without themselves playing a great deal of constructive football. They did pick up a third yellow as the game subsided to its finish. Worksop are a big strong side, with some experienced players and will trouble several sides this season; Brighouse, sadly, were as so often, outmuscled.
There was not a lot in the game to trouble Mr Wright. He looks a little less elegant than some of his contemporaries, but got around the pitch well enough. His voice is strong, his patter routine, his decisions correct for the most part and his manner earnest. He did raise a bleak smile when my colleague invited him to come into the stand and book the Worksop supporters, who seemed to be of the opinion, loudly expressed, that he hadn't got anything right all night. A decent refereeing performance, if not quite top-drawer perhaps. Mr Hubbard was safe on the far side; Mr Finch-Critchley, whose name suggested a lesser-known minister in Stanley Baldwin's government, had to endure the Worksop fans' comments from behind him, but emerged reasonably unscathed.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 14 Sep 2022 11:44
I had hoped to see him in the middle at Silsden the following day, but current restricted timetables make that too risky...
Post by: JCFC on Wed 14 Sep 2022 12:49
Tuesday 13th September 2022
NCEFL Premier Division
Golcar United 0 v 3 Maltby Main
Brandon Blackham (West Riding FA); Kerion Moore, Jermaine Isherwood.
The first business of the evening was to call at the Junction Chippy, to purchase a fish and a long teacake, separately wrapped. Sadly when a sloping seat was taken at the nearby bus stop, in order to assemble a fish butty, the teacake bit the dust. Never mind, the fish was excellent, cooked to order. (Had I settled for burger and chips at the ground, it would have cost just a bargain £3, compared with the £8 at one ground visited last weekend.)
On entering the ground, there was a pleasant greeting from Ian Cox, there, together with Brian Gould, on a ground-grading inspection. Perhaps there could be a new post of shirt-grading, as under lights Golcar's green and black was hard to distinguish at distance from the navy and blue of the visitors, with Mr Blackham's black disappearing into the mix.
With a bus from the bottom of the Avenue at 21.38, a prompt start is vital, but there was a lack of urgency on the part of the officials and the home side, especially with the knowledge that there would be a minute's silence and the start was delayed by three minutes. Any thoughts the home side might have had that they were in for an easy evening against bottom side Maltby, were soon dispelled when the visitors went ahead on 6 minutes and added a second on 12. Mr Blackham was not inclined to award free-kicks every time players ended up on the ground, though there appeared to be one, or maybe two little incidents where a yellow card was shown - AR1 had his pen poised, anyway. On 38 minutes the Maltby keeper caught the ball on the edge of his area, with vociferous shouts from spectators that he was outside, but Mr Isherwood gave no signal and play continued. The home boss was not happy, while one gentleman, at the opposite end of the field, must have been blessed with superhero vision, shouting "I could see that from here." When next play was stopped, there was a long lecture for a Golcar player.
Golcar had looked capable of a come-back towards the end of the first half, but their hopes disappeared just three minutes after the restart. Their number 8 made a ludicrous challenge two minutes later and Mr Blackham, perhaps charitably, showed him a second yellow and there were no arguments about that. There was a yellow for Maltby on the hour, and to their credit, Golcar's ten men fought hard and came close towards the end, but to no avail.
With viewing difficulties it was hard to say what, if anything, Mr Blackham did wrong, but equally so what he did particularly well, though there were no recriminations at the end. Two minutes more had been lost at half-time, so one thing he did do well was to allow six minutes added time - AR1's running up and down the line at substitutions having been more of a trundle - thereby decreasing the length of the wait for the alternative 22.10 bus. The connection at Huddersfield was made comfortably, but after just two stops, the new bus lost power and we had to wait for a replacement to be sent out. Better luck tonight, let's hope.
Post by: JCFC on Thu 15 Sep 2022 11:45
Wednesday 14th September 2022
NCEFL Premier Division
Albion Sports 2 v 0 Eccleshill United
Lee Hodgkinson (RAF FA); Louie Parker, George Paterson.
The League's website is usually very reliable, so it must be assumed that the officials were as listed. Clearly, though, neither assistant was the ... er...mature George Paterson remembered from seasons past. I recall once remarking that there must be a younger AR of that name, but was assured that he was simply wearing well.
The minute's silence was observed quietly, but unlike the two previous ones, very many people remained seated.
Either of the two strips on display would have been most welcome at the previous night's fixture at Golcar: Albion in their usual pale lemon shirts, while Eccleshill, for whom a win would take them to the top of the table, sported a change strip with a bright candy pink shirt.
On just 4 minutes a defender made a typical Albion challenge - never mind the ball, just clatter the opponent's legs - and seemed surprised to be summoned to receive a yellow card. If so, he was in a minority of one, even his team-mates telling him just to take his medicine. Things proceeded quietly thereafter, the main moment of excitement coming when Eccleshill broke and netted on 24 minutes, but were correctly denied by AR1's flag. In the latter stages of the half there was a lecture for an Albion player and his captain, presumably for dissent, followed a minute later by one for the visitors, minus captain (or maybe he was the captain.) A minute into added time Albion took the lead Play continued and the ball went out for a throw. Mr Hodgkinson knew how to annoy JCFC - wait for the ball to be retrieved, wait for the player to be ready to take it, encourage with a "Let's go" and blow his whistle the moment the ball left the thrower's hands.
Six minutes into the second half there was a curious tangle between two players on the edge of the Eccleshill area, with the defender apparently emerging with the ball, but it broke instead to a lone attacker, who easily scored his side's second. Things continued quietly thereafter and JCFC was thinking that Mr Hodgkinson was looking one of the more convincing Level 4s, when, on 83 minutes, Eccleshill thought they had scored. Mr Hodgkinson initially seemed minded to award the goal, but the home side protested (led by the noisy guy in the centre circle.) The referee then ran over to AR2, who didn't appear to have flagged, though JCFC might simply have missed it. After a conversation, Mr Hodgkinson returned to disallow the goal. It may well have been the right decision - who knows? - but it was not arrived at in the most convincing manner. There was quite a delay, during which Mr Hodgkinson did a decent job of dealing with Eccleshill protests, taking the captain to one side and clearing others away, both from himself and the assistant (though the latter continued to receive unsolicited advice from a distance) and managed to sell his decision at length to the captain. At the final whistle there were no obvious complaints from the players, but Mr Hodgkinson led his team off the pitch with the players still out there, before the managers could reach him.
That little incident perhaps took some of the gloss off an otherwise good evening's work, but generally Mr Hodgkinson's manner and triage impressed. In a quiet ground, what did not impress was the language of the two sides, which repeatedly carried into the stands. I do wish they knew better - but then I am an old puritan.
Post by: bmb on Thu 15 Sep 2022 14:32
Either of the two strips on display would have been most welcome at the previous night's fixture at Golcar: Albion in their usual pale lemon shirts, while Eccleshill, for whom a win would take them to the top of the table, sported a change strip with a bright candy pink shirt.
y****w & pink... *shudder*
Post by: Whistleblower on Thu 15 Sep 2022 16:57
Post by: Microscopist on Fri 16 Sep 2022 08:30
Alfie Finch-Critchley indeed sounds as if he would feel at home among the Drones but to me the name suggests a designer of ladies' high couture, the sort of thing where the less material is used the more per square inch it costs, exhibiting his creations on the catwalk at a fashion show in Milan.Not something that would appeal to the "puritan" then?
Post by: JCFC on Sun 18 Sep 2022 14:59
Saturday 17th September 2022
FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying
Liversedge 1 v 1 Chorley
Helen Conley; Dwayne Chappell, Waqar Ahmad.
Her first problem (if we discount having to talk to a boring old idiot during her pre-match refreshments) was getting the match started. It was one minute to three before the teams were led down the steps onto the pitch for the handshakes and net checks. There followed the minute's silence, all standing, but without removal of headgear. Silence this time was relative, as an afternoon match saw the presence of numbers of toddlers, who could not be expected to understand. Next came the toss and it was almost five minutes late that the match finally got under way, though this did not present a problem at this time of day.
Chorley made the early running, a fierce shot being blocked to provide the keeper with an easy catch and another effort being well turned for a corner. Liversedge gradually settled into the game, coming close after a defender miscued, and a minute later a low pass inside left a choice of two attackers to tap the ball in, duly accomplished, only for the offside flag to be raised. Midway through the half, a fierce Chorley shot was deflected over for a corner, from which a defender managed to clear off the line. On 37 minutes a late and unnecessary challenge brought a yellow card for the Chorley number 13, a late and equally unnecessary hoof of the ball by one of his colleagues, passing without any obvious rebuke. Just before half-time Chorley took a quick throw and caught the home side out, to take the lead. They had had the better of the half, though their twitter description of "dominant" seemed a slight exaggeration.
Ten minutes after the restart, another Chorley player kicked the ball 50 yards away, well after his colleague had been penalised - perhaps this is accepted at higher levels, as nothing was said. Just before the hour, Sedge hit the woodwork and the Chorley keeper received a yellow card for yapping or for time-wasting, an excellent early intervention, if the latter. There was a very minor contretemps after a free-kick to Chorley followed shortly afterwards by a yellow for a Sedge player. There were close things at either end, before Sedge were awarded a free-kick just outside the Chorley penalty area, which produced an unstoppable shot in off the opposite top corner. In added time there was a vigorous flag from Mr Chappell as a couple of players took a dislike to each other, followed by the inevitable gathering of the clans. When things subsided (quickly) Miss Conley had a chat with her assistant, showed a yellow card to a Sedge player, having a little difficulty in locating the relevant Chorley man to receive the same treatment. All seemed sweetness and light at the end, however, as the tie goes to a replay on Tuesday, as, hopefully, will JCFC - but not the same one.
Throughout the game an elderly Liversedge supporter with a very, VERY loud voice had regularly been making his views known, largely concerning the shortcomings of his own side, with particular reference to the unfortunate striker, Walshaw. Just a couple of times Chorley players were advised that there was nothing wrong with them, while it was only very late on that Miss Conley was treated to "What are you doing, woman?"
In fact, Miss Conley had done a pretty good job. She is tall, but still very willowy, which perhaps deprives her of a degree of physical presence. A regular diet of steak pudding and chips could remedy this easily enough, though it would probably not do much for her fitness. Nevertheless, she controlled matters well and there were no complaints at the end (except perhaps gentle ones from JCFC, who disliked the Chorley habit of kicking the ball away!)
Post by: cwh on Sun 18 Sep 2022 16:00
With rail travel not recommended during the period of lying in state, JCFC had only one easily accessible tie to watch, but fortunately it provided a chance to see a recently promoted referee last seen in March 2015, when she was faced with two stroppy teams, but just about kept on top of things, performing better than either team. There proved to be fewer problems atGood to hear a good revue of Ms Conley - have seen her several times in WSL and always looked very competent - Steak pudding and chips sounds good!!!!!
Saturday 17th September 2022
FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying
Liversedge 1 v 1 Chorley
Helen Conley; Dwayne Chappell, Waqar Ahmad.
Her first problem (if we discount having to talk to a boring old idiot during her pre-match refreshments) was getting the match started. It was one minute to three before the teams were led down the steps onto the pitch for the handshakes and net checks. There followed the minute's silence, all standing, but without removal of headgear. Silence this time was relative, as an afternoon match saw the presence of numbers of toddlers, who could not be expected to understand. Next came the toss and it was almost five minutes late that the match finally got under way, though this did not present a problem at this time of day.
Chorley made the early running, a fierce shot being blocked to provide the keeper with an easy catch and another effort being well turned for a corner. Liversedge gradually settled into the game, coming close after a defender miscued, and a minute later a low pass inside left a choice of two attackers to tap the ball in, duly accomplished, only for the offside flag to be raised. Midway through the half, a fierce Chorley shot was deflected over for a corner, from which a defender managed to clear off the line. On 37 minutes a late and unnecessary challenge brought a yellow card for the Chorley number 13, a late and equally unnecessary hoof of the ball by one of his colleagues, passing without any obvious rebuke. Just before half-time Chorley took a quick throw and caught the home side out, to take the lead. They had had the better of the half, though their twitter description of "dominant" seemed a slight exaggeration.
Ten minutes after the restart, another Chorley player kicked the ball 50 yards away, well after his colleague had been penalised - perhaps this is accepted at higher levels, as nothing was said. Just before the hour, Sedge hit the woodwork and the Chorley keeper received a yellow card for yapping or for time-wasting, an excellent early intervention, if the latter. There was a very minor contretemps after a free-kick to Chorley followed shortly afterwards by a yellow for a Sedge player. There were close things at either end, before Sedge were awarded a free-kick just outside the Chorley penalty area, which produced an unstoppable shot in off the opposite top corner. In added time there was a vigorous flag from Mr Chappell as a couple of players took a dislike to each other,followed by the inevitable gathering of the clans. When things subsided (quickly) Miss Conley had a chat with her assistant, showed a yellow card to a Sedge player, having a little difficulty in locating the relevant Chorley man to receive the same treatment. All seemed sweetness and light at the end, however, as the tie goes to a replay on Tuesday, as, hopefully, will JCFC - but not the same one.
Throughout the game an elderly Liversedge supporter with a very, VERY loud voice had regularly been making his views known, largely concerning the shortcomings of his own side. with particular reference to the unfortunate striker, Walshaw. Just a couple of times Chorley players were advised that there was nothing wrong with them, while it was only very late on that Miss Conley was treated to "What are you doing, woman?"
In fact, Miss Conley had done a pretty good job. She is tall, but still very willowy, which perhaps deprives her of a degree of physical presence. A regular diet of steak pudding and chips could remedy this easily enough, though it would probably not do much for her fitness. Nevertheless, she controlled matters well and there were no complaints at the end (except perhaps gentle ones from JCFC, who disliked the Chorley habit of kicking the ball away!)
Post by: JCFC on Sun 18 Sep 2022 16:12
Steak pudding and chips sounds good!!!!!It does indeed! If only I weren't having salmon, baby potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower - a very poor substitute!
Post by: JCFC on Wed 21 Sep 2022 22:25
Tuesday 20th September 2022
FA Cup 2nd Round Qualifying Replay
Farsley Celtic 0 v 3 Fylde
Jamie O'Connor (Chesterfield); Umar Ahmed, Connor Everard.
Fylde, with their number 3, Cranston, (probably unrelated to the tea-room proprietrix) posing a threat on the left, were possibly the more dangerous-looking, but Farsley had their moments too, in a fairly even first half. The visiting number 8 was cautioned on 32 minutes for an attack-stopper and within a minute play had switched to the other end, where Fylde hooked a great chance over the bar. Just before the break a scramble in the Fylde goalmouth saw unsuccessful claims for a penalty, though rather more from spectators than players.
Fylde came out in determined fashion and went ahead after just two minutes, through a chip over the keeper. They continued to press and just after the hour a run into the area resulted in a penalty, a yellow card for the Farsley man and Fylde's second goal. For once, perhaps, Mr O'Connor hadn't got the ideal viewing angle, but JCFC would be more inclined to back him than the fans who loudly berated his every move for the rest of the match. The third Fylde goal came on 72 minutes, and though each side had further near things, a reasonably entertaining match drew to a peaceful conclusion.
As at Loughborough, Mr O'Connor earned Brownie points for long sleeves, and this time retained them for the second half. He impresses with his anticipation that usually finds him where he needs to be without the need for any hard running. He has a strong voice and uses it well and his triage appeared reasonable to JCFC - if not to Farsley supporters. He does, however, have one slightly irritating habit - standing at the point of an offence until the ball is placed, then moving players back,before making an unhurried way into position. He is very tall, a full head above each assistant, and was always in control, but something about his style possibly contributed to the repeated cries of the loudest fan to "Get a grip, Ref." A good evening's shift, nevertheless.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 25 Sep 2022 22:40
Episode 3
Saturday 24th September 2022
FA Vase 2nd Round Qualifying
Gedling Miners Welfare 1 v 1 Belper United
Alexander Cotterill (Nottinghamshire); Liam Vayro?, ?
The three trains (one Grand Central, two Northern) were punctual, if eventually overcrowded, and Nottingham was reached early. The walk through the centre led to the appropriate bus stop and a number 47 was duly caught. Google maps listed the required stop as Plains Road, the bus had other ideas, so JCFC enjoyed an extended ride to Lambley, and back to Plains Road, alighting at the opposite end and walking back to the ground - another no-onions zone.
The gentleman who sold me a raffle ticket at the gate had no programmes, claiming that they were online. Sure enough, there was the programme - for last Tuesday's match, so the mystery of the missing assistant was not solved. While JCFC was fiddling with this search, the 3 officials had made their way to the far corner for a somewhat static-looking warm-up. Mr Cotterill was the tallest of the trio, with tidy light brown hair and an otherwise unremarkable appearance. JCFC's distorting lens was doubtless working overtime, as AR1 was vaguely reminiscent of Greg Rusedski, with a possible nod to Herman Munster. His plunging neckline was not the most appealing of looks. AR2 was the smallest and his age was hard to assess: from afar he looked quite old, as he came closer the sense was that he was a fresh-faced youngster with very blond hair.
Before the toss the assistants checked the nets at the opposite ends to those at which they were to function, meaning that AR1, not a fluent mover, had the long run to the far end and back. Gedling penned the visitors in their own half from the off, looking dangerous. After some 5 minutes the referee trotted over to the Gedling box and a sub was sent, apparently to replace the corner flag; given that it was on the referee's diagonal and the play had all been at that end, JCFC could think of many officials who might have done it themselves. The next few minutes produced two or three clumsy challenges, which earned free-kicks but nothing more. Mr Cotterill's judgement proved correct, however as things calmed down. Belper had a better spell and play became more even. On 32 minutes a Gedling forward went down as he ran into the box at the far end to the left and on the opposite side, leaving JCFC none the wiser, but a very loud voice belonging to a young man to my right was in no doubt that it should have been a penalty - a view which he continued to air for the rest of the half. Belper had a decent shot turned for a corner and on 39 minutes they had the ball in the net, but an offside had been spotted.
The same procedure was followed after the break, with AR1 making the long run to his opposite end and back. Very odd. Gedling went ahead from the spot after just three minutes. In the first half Gedling had made a substitution, which seemed to happen very quickly. On 63 minutes AR1 flagged correctly for offside, duly given. Mr Cotterill indicated a substitution, but AR1 stood his ground. Eventually he made a short move towards halfway, but by now the substitute was taking his place on the pitch, so went no further. There was a short pause, then Mr Cotterill took stock of what had happened, called the assistant to halfway for a chat, during which the assistant made the substitution signal, notes were taken, the sub recalled, shown a yellow card and allowed on officially. After a couple of minutes of play, Mr Cotterill raced over and the yellow card was shown to someone in the Belper technical area. The Belper right back received a yellow on 73 minutes, but the visitors equalised with ten minutes to go. When Gedling won a free-kick on 86 minutes, the Belper number 9?, not involved in the tackle, gratuitously kicked the ball a long way away. The number 8(that distorting lens again!) was called for a lecture, but goodness knows why no yellow was shown. There was a chance missed at either end before the final whistle.
And so for the comedy act - or penalties as it is usually known. Gedling went first and the first five kicks were all scored, giving the home side a 3-2 lead. Belper failed with their third, but a feeble effort from Gedling did not press home their advantage. Thus reprieved, Belper struck their fourth penalty hard - against the post. With their fifth shot, therefore, Gedling could win the tie, but could not find the target, and Belper drew level. Gedling put penalty number 6 into orbit, but their keeper rescued them by saving Belper's next effort The Belper keeper saved the next shot, but his mate hit the post. Having missed four in a row, Gedling scored with their eighth, Belper drawing level. Gedling's ninth was another feeble effort, described by the aforementioned young man as a pass-back, but Belper fired theirs way over the bar. Gedling's tenth attempt followed a similarly wayward trajectory, but Belper's keeper took their tenth, scoring emphatically to seal the tie 5-4.
The match as a whole had not been unduly exciting - little better than the previous evening's Italy v England game - but the penalty shoot-out was a delight. Mr Cotterill had done a reasonably good job, with perhaps just a slight suspicion of sometimes muddling through. Far better at refereeing than many players were at taking penalties.
The drawback of the extended shoot-out was that the bus back to the city sailed past while it was still in progress, but the trains (two Northern and one Cross-Country) again ran to time, so JCFC was home just after 9pm.
Post by: nemesis on Mon 26 Sep 2022 10:07
With a favourite referee in charge at Brighouse, it was a wrench to set off early for
Episode 3
Saturday 24th September 2022
FA Vase 2nd Round Qualifying
Gedling Miners Welfare 1 v 1 Belper United
Alexander Cotterill (Nottinghamshire); Liam Vayro?, ?
...
The gentleman who sold me a raffle ticket at the gate had no programmes, claiming that they were online. Sure enough, there was the programme - for last Tuesday's match, so the mystery of the missing assistant was not solved.
...
If only you'd had the programme !!
[attach=1]
Post by: ajb95 on Mon 26 Sep 2022 10:22
Post by: GasRef95 on Mon 26 Sep 2022 10:25
F.A. Challenge Vase
Referee: Cotterill, Alexander
Assistant Referee: Kiely, Paul
Assistant Referee: Vayro, Liam
Post by: JCFC on Mon 26 Sep 2022 10:27
Post by: JCFC on Mon 26 Sep 2022 15:12
Episode 4
Sunday 25th September 2022
FA Vase 2nd Round Qualifying
Albion Sports 3 v 4 Whickham
James Gallagher (W. Riding FA); Dwayne Chappell, Wait and see...
Having had the misfortune to be landed with a second Albion knockout match of the season (he did their Extra Preliminary Round FA Cup replay in August,) he now found himself one assistant short, the (unknown) listed Dene Stockton not being in attendance. Phone calls were made, Farsley interrupted their warm-up, more phone calls and eventually a replacement had been secured and was on his way, the kick-off time being put back to 15.15. Sure enough, at 14.50 in galloped the cavalry, or at least the familiar figure of Elliot Shiers, and perhaps more of a canter. In August JCFC had been critical of Mr Gallagher's lack of urgency, but on this occasion he could not be faulted and, indeed, deserves credit for rescuing the situation.
In the very first minute, an Albion forward robbed a defender and raced goalwards, with an excellent scoring chance, but seemed to elect to pass and the chance went begging. Two minutes later, in another Albion attack the shooting opportunity appeared to have passed, but the ball was slotted home from a narrow angle to put the home side ahead. Albion showed their customary "uninhibited" approach to tackling and it was not long before Whickham decided that the role of shrinking violets was not for them. On 17 minutes a clumsy challenge led to a little silly pushing and a general assembly to discuss the price of fish, with both assistants taking closer order, ending with a yellow card for the Albion number 10. On 35 minutes, there appeared to be a chance for a repeat of the first goal, but this time the ball found its way to the other side of the goal area, and was struck home from there like a mirror image.
Whickham had the snell wind behind them in the second half and immediately had a couple of good chances, but nothing to show for their efforts but a yellow card for their number 7. On 57 minutes, however, they were correctly awarded a penalty and made it 2-1. Mr Shiers was alert to the possibility of a tussle for the ball and Mr Gallagher, too, got involved. The two had a brief consultation and the Whickham number 9 received a yellow card. The Whickham twitter spotted the same for the Albion keeper at this point, but JCFC missed it, Mr Gallagher's carding technique being rather perfunctory, Premier League style, blink and you miss it. Another visitor was cautioned just after the hour, followed three minutes later by a yellow for Albion. The home side's third goal on 66 minutes was a belter - rapid passing, a nifty lay-back and a superb shot into the top corner. Whickham responded with a nice goal on 74 minutes, adding an all-too-easy one just a minute later. Towards the end there was a yellow card to someone for something - presumably an Albion player. As added time was starting, a Whickham corner led to a scramble in the goalmouth, a half clearance and the ball finding its way into the net. Several seconds later, Mr Shiers was seen standing on the pitch with raised flag; Mr Gallagher went and had a brief consultation, but the goal stood, with no further action taken. There was time for an Albion defender to receive a yellow card, followed three minutes later by one for the visiting number 9 - his second, so followed by a red. At the final whistle there was a threat of a further scuffle as Albion players headed for the officials - apparently not entirely full of goodwill - and Whickham tried to pull them away, but they quickly dispersed, leaving the Albion coach to show his lack of sportsmanship with an extended moan at the officials. Perhaps JCFC is doing him an injustice and he was singing their praises, but somehow that looked unlikely.
Curiously, or maybe not to those who know Albion Sports, the pattern of the match followed that of Mr Gallagher's earlier game there, with cards accumulating, ending with a late dismissal for a visitor. Mr Gallagher started brightly, moving in bouncy fashion and "pattering" well. His bonhomie could only last so long, however, and, though he retained a calm demeanour, it became something of a struggle, as so many referees have found there. A tricky match negotiated more or less successfully.
Post by: ell on Wed 28 Sep 2022 08:29
must have been a good game to watch, especially the last 20 mins.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 02 Oct 2022 19:14
Saturday 1st October 2022
Nation League
Halifax Town 0 v 4 Woking
Scott Simpson (Staffordshire); Ashley Royston, Matthew Bacon. 4thers Tom Wall.
It may be that JCFC has simply been unaware of officials from further South, but Mr Simpson has appeared to have made rapid progress through the ranks in the last few seasons. The assistants were well-known S&H officials, though from the back of the stand, the bright sun made it impossible to be certain which was which, while the 4th official was someone whose name had never registered at all.
A Halifax attacker was briefly free in the first 30 seconds - quickly gobbled up - and Woking took control. They missed a chance on 6 minutes, lifting the ball over the bar from 3 yards. Two minutes later, Woking lifted a free kick into the box; AR2 correctly withheld his flag for a player in an offside position, allowing a man to run from deeper; his effort was parried away, leaving a comfortable finish for the striker. The home left back was having a torrid time, his winger putting dangerous crosses into the area. One such on 17 minutes led to a scrambled block by the keeper, with a rebound off a defender for an own goal. On 34 minutes, Halifax did manage a shot. Was it on target? Only if the target in question was the third advertising board to the right of the goal. Halifax came close to another o.g. a minute later, but they did end the half with a decent shot which skimmed the Woking crossbar. There were loud boos as the players left the field - and they were not aimed at Mr Simpson.
Halifax came to life - briefly - after the restart. A good cross from the right corner cleared the central attacker; his colleague waited for it to arrive, hoping to volley it into the net, but a retreating defender managed to nip in and put it out for a corner. Things continued uneventfully until the 75th minute when Woking added their third, with little opposition from the home defence. The crowd thinned considerably at this point, and even more so shortly afterwards, when the keeper could only parry a shot, leaving a simple tap-in. As in the first half, Halifax had a good shot as the game entered added time, but it rebounded off the post. Further boos came at the final whistle.
It was not an afternoon to test Mr Simpson's abilities, but he did the job pretty well. His whistling is brief, but imperious, and there was little for players to complain about. On a couple of occasions he made "Sieg heil" gestures when awarding a free-kick. JCFC could not see a card, but wondered if this had been another case of perfunctory carding technique, but decided not, as neither the referee, either assistant nor 4thers appeared to write anything down. JCFC was wrong, of course, as the NLP indicated that two Halifax players had been cautioned.
Any lower league club looking for an interesting tie when the FA Cup draw is made tomorrow could do worse than hope to be drawn against Halifax, though whether many of the Shaymen's supporters would be in attendance is open to question.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 05 Oct 2022 10:13
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 0 v 0 Pontefract Colls
Joe Moss (Leeds); Sam Bragg, Haim Fiterman
Ponte made the brighter start, looking to pass the ball, mostly effectively, and they had a strong early shot deflected for a corner. Brighouse soon settled and there was a yellow card for a Ponte player. An excellent diagonal pass the width of the field found the home right winger, who would have expected to do better. Another home attack ended with a weak effort past the post, but the Ponte keeper had somehow sustained a serious injury. Both physios were quickly in action, thermal insulation, blankets and a stretcher were brought on, with an ambulance being called, it being rightly thought unwise to risk moving him. Mr Moss took up a good position in the goal area, from which he would be able to keep an eye on the remaining players. It appeared as if the normally reasonable Town manager made an injudicious remark which annoyed the visiting players and they made towards him, Town players facing up to them. Mr Bragg did splendidly to take control of the situation, restoring sense and shepherding the manager away for a chat. Several more minutes passed and Mr Moss leaned over the boundary fence to have a word with Mr Fiterman. It will no doubt have been deduced that this was Mr Moss père, who then started to head round to the opposite side of the field, followed by Mr Observer Carter. Mr Fiterman, meanwhile, trotted over to the referee and after a few moments the players were sent inside, the officials following. The minutes passed, the ambulance had not appeared, but players came back out to kick a ball or two. Shortly afterwards there followed referee, AR1 and Observer and after further chats the game was sensibly abandoned. There had been roughly a dozen minutes of play and it was already almost 20.30.
Great credit in the circumstances to the two young female physios, who looked after the keeper and to the club officials who helped out in various ways. It appears that the ambulance came and the injured keeper was on his way to hospital by 21.00. The good news is that there does not appear to have been any serious damage and he was sore, but otherwise OK in hospital. Wishing him a good recovery!
As an afterthought, did JCFC win the half-time raffle?
Post by: JCFC on Sun 09 Oct 2022 17:34
Saturday 8th October 2022
FA Trophy 3rd Round Qualifying
Clitheroe 2 v 2 Marske United
Zharir Mustafa (Cheshire FA); Abdul Hakimy, Alexander Phillips.
In the opening minutes, it looked as if the higher-ranking visitors were going to dominate, but Clitheroe soon worked their way into the game. A slip by the Marske defence left the home number 9 free to run at the keeper, but he touched the ball too wide and though he retained possession for several seconds, the visiting defence was able to regroup. Marske picked up a yellow card on 42 minutes for stopping an attack that did actually look promising, while before the break Clitheroe hit the post with a great long shot. Half time therefore arrived with JCFC's Golden Goal ticket still alive.
But not for long as Clitheroe went ahead on 51 minutes. A home player was next to see the yellow card just a minute later, while Marske added another to their collection on the hour. They equalised on 63 minutes with a great long shot angled into the far corner. Within a minute, they claimed a penalty as an attacker went down in the box, rejected by Mr Mustafa, who added a third yellow card for Marske during the ensuing period of treatment for the player down, dissent being the obvious conclusion. The Clitheroe keeper made a splendid reflex save as Clitheroe came under pressure, but on 72 minutes a handball offence gave Marske a penalty. Clitheroe's routine protests were half-hearted; not so the penalty kick that put Marske ahead. What looked like a little punch to the stomach in a tussle earned a fourth Marske player a sight of the yellow card. On 83 minutes Marske thought they had settled the tie, but Mr Phillips flagged for offside, Clitheroe took the kick quickly, raced to the other end and equalised. There was a late clearance off the line by a home defender, but no further goals.
The penalty shoot-out was much shorter than the 20-kick one at Gedling recently. Marske scored their first three, Clitheroe missed their first and third, so when the visiting keeper struck home Marske's fourth, it was all over and Clitheroe were out of an FA competition for the second time in four days.
The officials had good games, with the speed of Mr Phillips's side-skipping down the line being something to behold. Mr Mustafa had a decent line in patter. He was willing to work wide - on a couple of occasions the play forced him even wider, resulting in determined crossfield charges when play was switched. His triage seemed good and there were few complaints from the fans or the players. A job well done.
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 10 Oct 2022 12:20
Post by: JCFC on Thu 13 Oct 2022 14:14
Wednesday 12th October 2022
NCEFL Premier
Albion Sports 2 v 0 North Ferriby
Charles Mulhall (S&H FA); Declan O'Regan, Giorgio Luongo.
As expected, the top of the table visitors had much the better of the early exchanges. They created numerous close-range chances, but failed to make appropriate contact with high balls into the goalmouth, though they did on occasion make inappropriate contact with the home keeper. Albion did mount a couple of threatening attacks, but the Ferriby keeper was only called upon to come out of his area to clear through balls. JCFC's only note was a query as to the helpfulness of the vague instruction at a throw-in "Go back a few" but Mr Mulhall was close enough to see that the required distance was reached.
Albion looked altogether more dangerous after half-time. A break on their right ended with the keeper bringing down an attacker. The penalty was awarded, only for the kick to strike the post. On the hour two players went for the same ball. Unsurprisingly, JCFC read it wrong, seeing it as a pretty horrendous foul by the Albion player, the sort which would normally lead to a mass scuffle and a red card. The reactions on the field, though, were muted and the free-kick went to Albion, though the Albion player , who had quietly sloped off from the scene during attention to his opponent was called back for a short word. Albion went ahead on 64 minutes, with a strong shot from outside the area. There was a yellow card soon afterwards, the Ferriby number 7 having taken a reckless thwack at an opponent who had just dispossessed him (legally?) There was a brilliant reflex save by the Albion keeper, before his side added their second on 82 minutes.
So, it was hard to know what to make of Mr Mulhall. He achieved the seemingly impossible at the start, getting everybody out and ready for a prompt kick-off. It was a pretty peaceable game, which suggests that he must have been doing plenty right (though that has not always helped referees at Albion's matches) and there was not even much comment from the bosses. Mr Bell's coaching must have served him well. That said, there did not appear to be anything out of the ordinary in his work - solid, but not spectacular. Most officials would probably feel happy at that - and at Albion, positively elated!
The odd evening continued: major roadworks ruled out the usual bus stop, JCFC walked to Stanningley Bottom, where the screen showed a bus due in four minutes. It is uncertain whether it was the earlier one running 19 minutes late, or the next one 9 minutes early. An unexpected connection at Bradford Interchange was a further pleasant surprise, so much so that JCFC lost track of where we were and flew past the stop, leaving an extra few minutes walk back through the town centre - an unusual end to an unusual evening.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 16 Oct 2022 13:07
Saturday 15th October 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 1 v 3 Grantham Town
Joe Cunningham (Salford); Stephen Brown, Gennaro Contursi.
... and was soon wishing that he had gone to Mossley instead. On 13 minutes a Grantham player ran into a defender in the penalty area and went down, Mr Cunningham blowing his whistle. Opinions were divided on the field as to the correctness of the decision, with a meeting to discuss it, and in the stand there was even uncertainty from Mr Cunningham's actions as to what the decision was. With some difficulty, he managed to rid himself of Grantham protesters and flashed a red card for the defender. So, for the second Saturday running, Brighouse were left to play over 75 minutes with ten men. Last week they had clung on, like M. Seguin's goat, until conceding the only goal in the 90th minute; this time, however, the resulting penalty kick left them with an uphill struggle. The home players, however, showed greater belief than did the supporters and just after the half hour, they rattled the bar with a powerful shot. Unfortunately, Grantham took advantage and took play to the other end, where Brighouse conceded another penalty. This time there must have been clear contact, as there were no protests, but the attacker didn't half make a meal of it. Again, the penalty was powered home. Brighouse still stuck to their task, and grabbed a rather scrambled goal back with the final move of the half.
For much of the second period, hanging on to what they had seemed to be the limit of Grantham's ambition and Brighouse applied pressure, again hitting the woodwork on 58 minutes. The visitors received a brace of yellows - one for an attack-stopper, one for timewasting at a throw. As Brighouse pressed, they inevitably left gaps and were perhaps fortunate that Mr Cunningham failed to penalise what looked a clear foul in the box by their captain, but he was correct shortly afterwards to wave further Grantham penalty appeals aside. In added time Grantham naturally looked for the corners, and when Brighouse extricated the ball, it merely resulted in a 96th minute third for Grantham. If they can get their injured striker fit, Brighouse have every chance of winning the three points back in the return fixture in February.
Mr Cunningham had been seen in his early days at Level 4 two seasons ago, in a display that was sound, but not outstanding. Now at Level 3 he cuts an imposing figure, physically, looking older than he is. Whether the initial penalty (and red card) was correct or not - and let's assume that it was - he deserves some credit for taking action appropriate to what he had seen. Perhaps JCFC's view is somewhat partisan, but though the game remained under control, the players did seem to put him under a degree of pressure, and in the end his triage seemed perhaps somewhat erratic.
Next weekend sees the next round of the Vase - at least JCFC will not have to witness another Brighouse defeat!
Post by: JCFC on Fri 21 Oct 2022 18:54
Post by: JCFC on Sat 22 Oct 2022 21:26
Saturday 22nd October 2022
FA Vase 1st Round
Downham Town 2 v 3 Stansted
James Truman (Spalding); Connor Knight, Paul Kent.
Having broken his fast before 7am, JCFC was distinctly unimpressed to discover that there was no food for spectators. The seats, the most uncomfortable this side of Liversedge did create an impression - sadly a painful one.
Despite a bright start from Stansted, it was Downham who opened the scoring with a fine shot after 5 minutes.On the quarter hour, Stansted equalised with an even better one from close to forty yards. A trip brought a penalty for the home side on 30 minutes, and a considerable delay while Mr Truman found the right player to lecture. The keeper blocked the kick, but Downham were quicker to the rebound to go ahead once more. They then seemed happy to play for half time, with leisurely approach to restarts, and achieved this aim successfully.
Thirteen minutes into the second half a note of discord crept in. A Stansted player went down injured and lay flat out for an extended period. His side were in possession and had several chances to put the ball out of play in midfield, but did not do so. When they eventually managed to create an attack, Downham won the ball and raced to the other end. Perhaps fortunately for Mr Truman, they failed to take the chance. There would have been little sympathy for the visitors had they done so. After this, AR1 lost a little concentration for a moment and allowed a substitution direct from the bench, some 20 yards from half way. The visitors drew level on 68 minutes and went ahead four minutes later - on each occasion the home defenders failing to deal with high balls into the goalmouth. No prizes for guessing which team looked to slow things down now. Downham did create one glorious chance, but shot straight at the keeper. An 87th minute corner led to a penalty for Downham, but this time there was a double save, leading to a corner and a mystery yellow card for goodness knows who.
Mr Truman could perhaps have been a little more dynamic in his attempts to speed up restarts, and was happy to ignore the fact that Stansted had three members of staff standing and bellowing instructions virtually throughout. That apart, though, he conducted affairs with little trouble and put in a very steady shift.
JCFC was finally able to assuage his hunger at 17.30, courtesy of a chippy on the way to the station.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 24 Oct 2022 10:56
Episode 6
Sunday 23rd October 2022
FA Vase 1st Round
Whyteleafe 7 v 1 Snodland Town
Colman O'Meara (NW London): Sikiru Idris (Thanks RefWatcher!), James. Grimley.
AR1 and the young man appeared for their brew and the referee turned out to be a pleasant young man, with an agreeably gentle Irish lilt. Perhaps spotting the Brighouse cap, he correctly put two and two together (without needing a calculator, so he can't be that young) having occasionally come across my ramblings.
Snodland took the lead after 8 minutes, rather too easily, it seemed, but the home side drew level on 25 minutes. Snodland should have done better with a good chance, but Whyteleafe broke and added a second goal,
Early in the second half the home number 9 was injured - very painfully judging by the groans - and though Mr O'Meara allowed play to continue briefly, he soon stopped play and cautioned the visiting number 5. It is possible to envisage a rationale which led to a restart with a dropped ball for the Snodland keeper, but it looked a little odd. Fortunately, number 9 was able to play on after treatment. Whyteleafe added a third just before the hour. On 65 minutes a home attacker was fouled just outside the area, stumbling on before going down in the box. Mr O'Meara correctly. awarded free-kick, but the Snodland keeper led a protest, ending with a trip to the sin bin for the visiting number 12. During his absence, Whyteleafe scored their fourth. Snodland hit the bar, but goals five, six (from the spot) and seven ended the match in quick succession.
Mr O'Meara had moved well, with a pleasing willingness to work wide when needed. His decisions were confidently made and his use of his whistle - strong but not protracted - found favour. He did not seem to offer a great deal of patter, or if he did it was very quiet: the only time his voice reached the stand was when he sensibly decided not to stop play unnecessarily when Mr Grimley had flagged for offside. Overall, a very good performance in a match which he controlled comfortably.
On the way back to the station, the heavens opened with a thunderstorm, strong gusts rendering umbrellas of little use and it was a very soggy JCFC that travelled back to his hotel. It is to be hoped that Mr O'Meara got a lift.
As Victoria approached, it became apparent that Her Majesty's bloomers must have been wet as, in attempting to dry them she had set fire to them - at least in the West.
Post by: Ref Watcher on Mon 24 Oct 2022 14:14
Engineering works meant that Thameslink services were not able to cross London, while no trains were running on the Caterham line, so JCFC had to ignore Leggy's recent advice and venture onto the East Grinstead line. The initial walk from hotel to station had been accompanied by steady rain, but by the time the train arrived, a patch of blue had appeared and the sun peeped through. It was too good to last, of course, and the Dutchman soon lost his trousers. Victoria's bloomers were a dingy grey, but dry - just as well, as the Underground spewed JCFC forth at an unfamiliar spot, from where a wrong turn resulted in quite a walk. By the time the train reached Selhurst, there was enough blue sky to preserve the modesty of a whole regimentMOAS lists AR1 as Sikiru Idris.
of Dutchmen - though Dutchmen are usually less concerned with such things. Shortly after alighting at Upper Warlingham, JCFC was overtaken by a young man in the familiar referees' track suit. JCFC retook the lead when the young man stopped to check his phone, but was quickly outpaced on the way to
Episode 6
Sunday 23rd October 2022
FA Vase 1st Round
Whitespace 7 v 1 Snodland Town
Colman O'Meara (NW London): Steven Perry?, James. Grimley.
AR1's name is as published, though the PA announcement sounded more like Nagutis.
I do like the idea of Whyteleafe being renamed Whitespace ;D.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 24 Oct 2022 14:23
Post by: Leggy on Mon 24 Oct 2022 16:07
Engineering works meant that Thameslink services were not able to cross London, while no trains were running on the Caterham line, so JCFC had to ignore Leggy's recent advice and venture onto the East Grinstead line. The initial walk from hotel to station had been accompanied by steady rain, but by the time the train arrived, a patch of blue had appeared and the sun peeped through. It was too good to last, of course, and the Dutchman soon lost his trousers. Victoria's bloomers were a dingy grey, but dry - just as well, as the Underground spewed JCFC forth at an unfamiliar spot, from where a wrong turn resulted in quite a walk. By the time the train reached Selhurst, there was enough blue sky to preserve the modesty of a whole regiment
of Dutchmen - though Dutchmen are usually less concerned with such things. Shortly after alighting at Upper Warlingham, JCFC was overtaken by a young man in the familiar referees' track suit. JCFC retook the lead when the young man stopped to check his phone, but was quickly outpaced on the way to
Episode 6
Sunday 23rd October 2022
FA Vase 1st Round
Whyteleafe 7 v 1 Snodland Town
Colman O'Meara (NW London): Sikiru Idris (Thanks RefWatcher!), James. Grimley.
AR1's name is as published, though the PA announcement sounded more like Nagutis. He and the young man appeared for their brew and the referee turned out to be a pleasant young man, with an agreeably gentle Irish lilt. Perhaps spotting the Brighouse cap, he correctly put two and two together (without needing a calculator, so he can't be that young) having occasionally come across my ramblings.
Snodland took the lead after 8 minutes, rather too easily, it seemed, but the home side drew level on 25 minutes. Snodland should have done better with a good chance, but Whyteleafe broke and added a second goal,
Early in the second half the home number 9 was injured - very painful fully judging by the groans - and though Mr O'Meara allowed play to continue briefly, he soon stopped play and cautioned the visiting number 5. It is possible to envisage a rationale which led to a restart with a dropped ball for the Snodland keeper, but it looked a little odd. Fortunately, number 9 was able to play on after treatment. Whyteleafe added a third just before the hour. On 65 minutes a home attacker was fouled just outside the area, stumbling on before going down in the box. Mr O'Meara correctly. awarded free-kick, but the Snodland keeper led a protest, ending with a trip to the sin bin for the visiting number 12. During his absence, Whyteleafe scored their fourth. Snodland hit the bar, but goals five, six (from the spot) and seven ended the match in quick succession.
Mr O'Meara had moved well, with a pleasing willingness to work wide when needed. His decisions were confidently made and his use of his whistle - strong but not protracted - found favour. He did not seem to offer a great deal of patter, or, if he did it was very quiet: the only time his voice reached the stand was when he sensibly decided not to stop play unnecessarily when Mr Grimley had flagged for offside. Overall, a very good performance in a match which he controlled comfortably.
On the way back to the station, the heavens opened with a thunderstorm, strong gusts rendering umbrellas of little use and it was a very soggy JCFC that travelled back to his hotel. It is to be hoped that Mr O'Meara got a lift.
As Victoria approached, it became apparent that Her Majesty's bloomers must have been wet as, in attempting to dry them she had set fire to them - at least in the West.
I am glad that the East Grinstead line did not let you down, even if the weather did!!
Post by: JCFC on Tue 25 Oct 2022 13:27
Post by: Leggy on Tue 25 Oct 2022 17:43
In fact the East Grinstead line was very kind. With no possibility of making it to the station in time for the 16.58, JCFC squelched onto the platform at 17.06 - and was delighted to find a miserable group huddled there waiting for the train that had been rescheduled for 17.08 because bad weather had imposed speed restrictions, with fear of fallen branches. The expected wait of over 20 minutes was therefore cut to just two!
I am equally glad you benefitted from the bad weather! Southern does have a habit of making trains on that line miss out some of the "lessor" stations when this happens. You are advised that the train has been cancelled only to see that very train speed through the station - infuriating!!
Post by: JCFC on Sat 29 Oct 2022 20:48
Saturday 29th October 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 0 v 2 Stockton Town
Matt Tyers; Drew Dutton, Steven Taylor.
Earlier this year, Mr Tyers (again with Mr Dutton assisting) had refereed the corresponding fixture on St George's Day, a match which saw the visiting spectators arriving dressed as knights in armour, together with some damsels - distressed or otherwise - and the odd dragon to be slain. The gala atmosphere had rubbed off on the players and though Mr Tyers had attracted the scorn of my friend for his lethargic approach, he had sailed more or less serenely through the afternoon.
When, 60 years ago, school assembly found the pupils having to sing
"God, who created me
Nimble and light of limb"
JCFC always felt something of a fraud, being anything but. Given his career path, Mr Tyers can have had no such reservations, though of the three elements mentioned, "to ride" and "to swim" must have done the heavy lifting, as "to run" is definitely not his forte.
Coming from a run of four defeats, Brighouse started better than expected against the league leaders and had the better of the play for the first half hour, even managing a header on target on the quarter hour, though the visiting keeper dealt with it well enough. It was not until the 36th minute that the home keeper was troubled - by a splendid shot, which he just managed to turn for a corner. Half time was signalled after the usual pointless wait for the goalie to apply boot to ball at a goal kick.
Hopes that Brighouse could repeat their first half performance were quickly dashed: a foolish challenge on 48 minutes led to a penalty for Stockton - correctly given and equally correctly converted to give Stockton the lead. There was a yellow card for the home number 8 before the players made their way to their position for the restart.With Brighouse's continuing attacking limitations, the result was not in doubt. The visitors missed a good chance on the hour and ten minutes later put in a great shot, the home keeper again doing superbly to deflect it onto the post, the attacker putting the rebound over the bar. There was a yellow card for a Stockton player, who seemed rather unfortunate and yet again an added-time goal when Stockton emerged from a spell in the corner to add their second.
Earlier this season, our Nottinghamshire correspondent gave Mr Tyers a glowing report, ending with a question as to whether being closer to the play would have made him a better referee. (What our Latin master would have referred to as a question requiring the answer "No.") On this occasion, but not the earlier one, JCFC would be tempted to answer with a "Yes, possibly," as the odd decision - or non-decision - raised a gentle eyebrow. From the other end of the stand it raised a less gentle cry of "Get nearer to play, ref," while at one offside free-kick, JCFC's colleague commented "He can't even find the energy to raise his arm straight." That said, the game again passed without major incidents. Mr Tyers, with his slow manner - he is clearly a graduate of the Grundy school of refereeing - does seem to help keep things calm on the pitch, so credit to him for that.
Post by: cwh on Sun 30 Oct 2022 08:13
Post by: JCFC on Sun 30 Oct 2022 09:41
Post by: nemesis on Sun 30 Oct 2022 15:31
JCFC Being ignorant in these things what actualy is the Grundy school of refereeing?
.... died on a Saturday ?
Post by: JCFC on Sun 30 Oct 2022 15:52
Post by: cwh on Sun 30 Oct 2022 17:04
A very reasonable question, cwh. Ten or so years ago, a former member, Hx Philip, and I both found the slow refereeing style of a well-known referee from Sheffield irritatingly "ponderous." His name was Craig Grundy. Like Mr Tyers, though, he got the job done effectively.thank you - now enlightned
Post by: PhiltheRef on Sun 30 Oct 2022 23:07
Post by: Boris10 on Mon 31 Oct 2022 16:21
Post by: JCFC on Thu 03 Nov 2022 11:53
Wednesday 2nd November 2022
UEFA Youth League
Manchester City 1 v 0 Sevilla
Martin Dohal; Tomáš Vorel, Milan Štrbo. (Slovakia)
4thers: Anthony Backhouse. (Appointed for his fluency in colloquial Slovak?)
City have assembled a better outfit than in recent campaigns and were already assured of topping the group. Their play featured extended passing spells, with Sevilla allowing them room to do so and retreating to defend. The play in the first half was therefore confined to the opposite half to the spectator accommodation. Pán Dohal initially created a good impression - decent movement, with use of reverse gear and a firm, but brief whistle - but for JCFC this did not last. On 21 minutes a City player received a yellow card for what seemed a nothing challenge, but the referee was doubtless justified, as the Spanish player required treatment. The whistle style became more insistent and began to grate. City won a number of corners, each one leading to a burst of whistling and words with players before the kick could be taken. On the half hour Sevilla briefly had possession in the City half for the first time, but normal service was soon resumed, City taking the lead in added time - through their striker according to City, through a Sevilla defender said UEFA. There did not seem to have been anything controversial, but at the half-time whistle, a group of City players headed straight for the referee. It had been all very scientific and skilful, but JCFC yearned for the urgency - and yes, the mistakes - of his usual fare.
The officials were first out after the break, followed quickly by City, but Sevilla delayed their entry and even then did the little running practice. Play in this half was more visible, though Sevilla did manage to venture rather more frequently into the City half, where the defence coped admirably. Just before the hour, there was a foul by the City number 4, which looked clearly worthy of a yellow card. Initially the referee appeared not to be producing one, gesturing the City player back towards his goal, only producing a card when a Sevilla player ran to accost him. JCFC could not be certain whether it had been for the foul, or for the protest by the player standing in front of him. It seems it was for the foul, but the carding technique was confusing. There may, or may not, have been another just seconds later - AR2 was seen to be writing at this point. City forced a good save by the keeper on 64 minutes, but otherwise Sevilla defended effectively. There was a late yellow for a City defender, somewhat mysteriously as they were awarded a free-kick. As Mr Backhouse lowered his board, having shown five added minutes, the visiting number 4 received a yellow card for a foul and when he committed a further foul off the ball two minutes later, off he inevitably went.
Though it is hard to assess the atmosphere on the pitch from high in the stand, it had looked for the most part fairly straightforward. The Observer may well have been impressed by Pán Dohal's firmness, but JCFC could not escape the feeling that the game had been over-refereed. Not a referee one would look forward to seeing again.
Post by: Microscopist on Thu 03 Nov 2022 12:13
Post by: JCFC on Sun 06 Nov 2022 19:05
Saturday 5th November 2022
NPL Premier
Liversedge 1 v 3 Hyde United
Jack Hall; Brandon Blackham, Thomas Crossland.
Arriving early, JCFC invested in a chip butty, but while making his way to the stand, failed to notice a hidden step. The resulting stumble (no more) led to the loss of a number of chips. This would have been of no consequence, but it was the top layer that fell, the one that had received the ketchup. The butty was therefore less tasty, but on the other hand, the front of JCFC's trousers was more colourful and fragrant.
Liversedge had lost all eight previous home league games, and for the first hour played as if determined to extend that record. JCFC liked Mr Hall's early shout to a Hyde attacker to allow the keeper to clear the ball. Hyde took the lead on 10 minutes, when the Sedge keeper could only parry a shot to a lurking attacker. Three minutes later there was a yellow card for a Liversedge foul, though it was slightly delayed by the need to check on the fouled player and to ward off a Hyde posse. No referee does so, but it would be great to see the card followed by a summons for the captain of the other side, to emphasise that hounding officials is not acceptable. Mr Hall was kept quite busy with Sedge fouls resulting in a warning, followed by one with captain in attendance. On 37 minutes a Liversedge defensive mistake led to a tangle on the edge of the area, Mr Hall sensibly whistling early and awarding the free-kick to Liversedge - and there were few complaints. Liversedge received another yellow card before the break (numbers on their shirts being indecipherable from a distance.)
Hyde added their second goal just before the hour and finally Sedge began to show some attacking intent. They had a golden chance on 62 minutes, but blasted it over the crossbar, but found the target two minutes later to raise the locals' hopes. They had specious claims for a penalty, a spot of backchat resulting in a lecture for a Sedge player - though perhaps with more hand movements from Mr Hall than JCFC would have considered ideal. Hyde restored their two goal advantage on 75 minutes, Sedge adding another yellow to their tally, another following on 79 minutes. There was a very good save by the home keeper towards the end. In added time, a little off the ball silliness saw players wishing to join in - thinking perhaps that Blessed are the Peacemakers - Mr Hall having a word with the two protagonists, but nothing more was needed. The cards had not yet finished their work, however, as the Sedge keeper received a yellow for a late foul.
Any comments should take into account that Mr Hall is currently JCFC's favourite Level 3, but once again he did a very good job. He remained very calm throughout, moved well and his triage appeared appropriate at all times. There was little or no criticism from the occupants of the stand and not much on the field. Hopefully, Mr Observer was equally happy with his performance.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 13 Nov 2022 20:01
Episode 7
Saturday 12th November 2022
FA Vase Round 2
Fisher 1 v 2 Jersey Bulls
Joseph Gray (Thurrock); Aidan Molomey, Dean Banks.
Fortunately there was just time to grab a cup of tea before the minute's silence. The officials were fully badged. It is not known if Mr Gray has been influenced by Movember or whether his facial adornment(?) is a regular feature.
From the off Fisher looked dangerous, slicing rather easily through the Jersey defence.. At the end of one such attack, they seemed to have 0PP+ost possession in a series of goalmouth rebounds, but their striker stretched out a leg and his persistence was rewarded with a goal. A better finish shortly afterwards would have produced another but the chance went begging. Midway through the half a Fisher player was caught by a jump challenge and AR1 flagged vigorously. JCFC waited to see what colour the card would be. He did see Mr Gray have a word with the assistant as players congregated. It is perhaps understandable that he should have failed to spot the card, but inconceivable that he should have missed a red shirt crossing an empty part of the field on the way to the dressing room. Had the offender merely jumped over the fence and was off to drown himself in the Thames? Anyway, from then on Jersey played with ten men. From this point, however, they began to look more dangerous, though their keeper had to make a good save just before the break. At the whistle, a few Jersey players seemed to take extended issue with AR2, who had barely had anything to do.
Fisher offered little in the second half, with Jersey doing all the attacking. The home number 22 received a yellow card before Jersey got a deserved equaliser on 74 minutes. Fisher did finally manage a break, but hit the ball against the keeper on the edge of the area. There was a clear yellow for the home number 15, but the Jersey number 10, who raced to the scene bellowing at Mr Gray, sadly escaped censure. Jersey had further near misses, finally getting their winner deep into added time.
For the most part. Mr Gray did pretty well, but could perhaps have dealt more rigorously with the numerous Jersey moaners. It is to be hoped that in the next round they have a referee who dislikes being told what to do.
At least there was no doubt about which bus would take this errant traveller back to Blackfriars.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 14 Nov 2022 10:33
Episode 8
Saturday 12th November 2022
FA Vase Round 2
St Panteleimon 3 v 3 Sheringham
Billy Morgan (Hemel Hempstead); Simon Cudnor, Christopher Geelan.
Mr Morgan turned out to be very young, slender and slightly unlikely perhaps in his appearance. He is new to Level 4 this year, having progressed 7-6-5-4 season by season. His two assistants were of a more mature vintage. AR2 wore a knee and thigh bandage on his right leg. He kept having to roll up his shorts to adjust it - maybe he should invest in a suspender belt. Badges again were out in force.
The view was further limited by the arrival of a trio of visiting fans who stood up whenever Sheringham attacked, obscuring that end of the field completely. The home side went ahead on 3 minutes, Sheringham equalising a minute later. The excitement did not last and the arrival of mist did not help matters. There was an interminable delay over a free-kick as Mr Morgan moved the wall back, then called an attacker ten yards in the other direction for a lecture, before resetting the wall. In time added a Sheringham player went down in the box; there was a delayed whistle and a yellow card, presumably, but not clearly, to the attacker for simulation.
A free-kick to Sheringham saw the wall set, move forward as Mr Morgan took up his position, be moved back again, once more walking forward, the referee letting it go this time. Around the hour, the two lights at one end of the pitch went out. Mr Morgan awaited developments before coming for a discussion with a man in the tunnel. The other two sets were then switched off and the players left the field in darkness. Sadly the lights began to come back on after about a quarter of an hour. JCFC, who would have quite welcomed an abandonment, had made his way to stand behind AR2 and was able to see that gentleman give an instant chest indication when the home side appealed for a handball penalty. A good long shot gave St Panteleimon the lead for nine minutes before Sheringham equalised again. The home side went ahead for the third time, but then appeared to pick up a couple of yellow cards. In stoppage time there was a commotion in the mist at the far end, with Mr Morgan backing away from a pack of Saints defenders. A penalty it was, scooted to put Sheringham level once more. At the final whistle, JCFC decided that the wise course was to head for the station, but can report that the home side went through 3-2 on penalties.
Mr Morgan had had quite a testing evening. He looked to be trying to do the right things but seemed as yet to lack the clout to assert his authority and see things through. He is still relatively new to this level, so will no doubt develop into a very decent official with further experience. His extensive use of reverse gear was as impressive as any ever seen.
The walk back to the station was even more convoluted, the path having been locked in the interim, meaning a diversion through the town, but JCFC made it with minutes to spare.
Post by: cwh on Mon 14 Nov 2022 17:30
I for one really appreciate this as I find your reports are most entertaining and informative
Thank you
Post by: JCFC on Mon 14 Nov 2022 19:22
The next instalment will not be informative, but heavy on problems!
Post by: JCFC on Mon 14 Nov 2022 20:36
Episode 9
Sunday 13th November 2022
FA Vase Round 2
Baldock Town 1 v 4 Newport Pagnell Town
Daniel Jones; Ezenwa Ukeje, David Murphy.
Without wishing to make unjustified assumptions, JCFC felt that AR1 certainly did not live up to the published name, so it may be that any or all of the above are what Mrs Malaprop might have called a fig-leaf of the imagination. The referee was again young and slim, the two assistants more mature. AR2 resembled a cross between the Incredible Hulk and the Jolly Green Giant. Jolly he apoeared to be, giant certainly, but sadly he failed the green criterion.
The visitors went ahead on 5 minutes and continued to put the home defence under pressure. Midway through the half, however, a Baldock forward brought the ball down well and an expert finish put his side level - though one of his colleagues received a lecture from the referee before the restart. The fancied visitors went ahead again just after the half hour. There was a yellow card for a foul by a Baldock defender before a long shot had the Newport Pagnell keeper leaping to tip it to safety, colliding heavily with the post on the way down. Mr Jones showed commendable urgency, racing to the scene and summoning the physio as he did so - it was not a case for waiting to ask the player. Fortunately he was able to carry on after treatment.
In a sunny first half, Baldock's all purple kit and Newport Pagnell's all green had provided a colourful contrast but in the period when the light was fading and the floodlights had not fully warmed up, the participants were less easy to distinguish, becoming almost ghostly as the mist descended. Newport Pagnell added a third two minutes after the restart and though their keeper had to make two good saves within seconds of each other, they extended their lead still further just after the hour. A free-kick to the visitors caused a delay, with a Baldock player or two shouting at AR2, who had not been involved.
Mr Jones, if he it was, had covered the ground well and though the conditions ultimately made it hard to see what in particular he was bringing to the party, JCFC could not really recall anything he did wrong - though the home side claimed that there were some soft free-kicks, awarded, they felt, on the basis of yelps of feigned pain.
The walk from the station had taken about 40 minutes. For the return, it was now dark and Arlesey is not well endowed with street lighting, so there would be a need to take things carefully, leaving no chance of catching the 17.24 train. JCFC therefore took things carefully and steadily. About two thirds of the way completed, there was a road leading to a residential cul-de-sac on the left. Careful checking revealed no traffic in sight, so JCFC started to cross. Halfway across, (it begins to sound like Hoffnung's bricklayer) two headights suddenly appeared from nowhere. (A subsequent check on Google maps shows a hidden car park) JCFC therefore broke into what passes for a run, but the junction had a fan exit onto the main road and JCFC was still short of the pavement when bumped by the car, ending up on the road, much to the consternation of the driver. Apparently he had set off without waiting for his windscreen to demist and had only just slammed on his brakes at the last minute. The actual contact had caused no damage, but the road surface had weighed in with a swollen left knee, a dodgy right ankle and grazes to hand, nose and forehead, but fortunately nothing serious. The driver produced a towel to wipe the blood away and offered me a lift, asking where I was heading. On hearing "to the station" he asked what I was going to do there - catch a train, of course. So a lift was provided to the station - the driver seeming more shocked than JCFC. And of course, every cloud has a silver lining - we arrived in time to avoid an hour's wait for the next train. All's well that ends well.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 14 Nov 2022 21:48
Thank you for your kind words, cwh. I sometimes wonder why I bother, tonight being a case in point. I was somewhat reluctant to venture out, for reasons that will become apparent in due course, but I owe a certain loyalty to Brighouse Town. So I walked on to the bus station, only to find that the Halifax bus was cancelled, leaving no possibility of getting to the match in time, so here I am, back at home.
Thereby missing seeing Brighouse end their run of seven defeats - with a 6-0 victory!
Post by: cwh on Tue 15 Nov 2022 04:28
All becomes clear - I'm sorry to hear about your accident and thank goodness it wasn't worse and I hope you are still OK -when one is 'getting on a bit' it takes time to get over this sort of thing - but still you carry on - shame abut missing the 6-0Thank you for your kind words, cwh. I sometimes wonder why I bother, tonight being a case in point. I was somewhat reluctant to venture out, for reasons that will become apparent in due course, but I owe a certain loyalty to Brighouse Town. So I walked on to the bus station, only to find that the Halifax bus was cancelled, leaving no possibility of getting to the match in time, so here I am, back at home.
Thereby missing seeing Brighouse end their run of seven defeats - with a 6-0 victory!
Post by: bmb on Tue 15 Nov 2022 09:00
The walk from the station had taken about 40 minutes. For the return, it was now dark and Arlesey is not well endowed with street lighting, so there would be a need to take things carefully, leaving no chance of catching the 17.24 train. JCFC therefore took things carefully and steadily. About two thirds of the way completed, there was a road leading to a residential cul-de-sac on the left. Careful checking revealed no traffic in sight, so JCFC started to cross. Halfway across, (it begins to sound like Hoffnung's bricklayer) two headights suddenly appeared from nowhere. (A subsequent check on Google maps shows a hidden car park) JCFC therefore broke into what passes for a run, but the junction had a fan exit onto the main road and JCFC was still short of the pavement when bumped by the car., ending up on the road, much to the consternation of the driver. Apparently he had set off without waiting for his windscreen to demist and had only just slammed on his brakes at the last minute. The actual contact had caused no damage, but the road surface had weighed in with a swollen left knee, a dodgy right ankle and grazes to hand, nose and forehead, but fortunately nothing serious. The driver produced a towel to wipe the blood away and offered me a lift, asking where I was heading. On hearing "to the station" he asked what I was going to do there - catch a train, of course. So a lift was provided to the station - the driver seeming more shocked than JCFC. And of course, every cloud has a silver lining - we arrived in time to avoid an hour's wait for the next train. All's well that ends well.
Oh my goodness. Hope you are recovering well JCFC. Sending hugs
Post by: Ref Watcher on Tue 15 Nov 2022 11:55
... A chance, therefore, to catch up. The draw had suggested that there would be the possibility of another Sunday trip to Chislehurst, but that fell by the wayside, the only remaining fixture involved tackling again the long drag from station to football ground at Arlesey forI was also at this game and, making a similar assumption to you, my first reaction on seeing the officials was to consult MOAS to confirm the identity of AR1. At the time it still listed the officials as above however it has now been changed. MOAS now lists only Daniel Jones and David Murphy. AR1's real identity may remain a mystery.
Episode 9
Sunday 13th November 2022
FA Vase Round 2
Baldock Town 1 v 4 Newport Pagnell Town
Daniel Jones; Ezenwa Ukeje, David Murphy.
Without wishing to make unjustified assumptions, JCFC felt that AR1 certainly did not live up to the published name, so it may be that any or all of the above are what Mrs Malaprop might have called a fig-leaf o0f the imagination.
A competent performance by Mr Jones without being outstanding. Good energy, calm manner, might have given a bit more but the game was safely delivered. Both ARs were a little pedestrian for my liking but it wasn't for want of effort. Both showed an interest in flagging for free kicks which really didn't need their input.
Sorry about your misfortune after the game (I hasten to add, for the benefit of others, that it wasn't me who mowed our illustrious correspondent down) although I would, of course, have been happy to transport you to the station for whatever activity you intended to pursue there had I known you were in attendance!
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 16 Nov 2022 10:08
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 16 Nov 2022 10:21
Post by: JCFC on Wed 16 Nov 2022 10:31
Post by: mutn3 on Wed 16 Nov 2022 14:15
Hope you're okay etc..
In keeping with your vintage and hoped for recuperation, I have posted to you some horse liniment , a handful of smarties, and a crate of Davenports.
Cheers!
Post by: nemesis on Wed 16 Nov 2022 16:19
Thank you for your kind words, cwh. I sometimes wonder why I bother, tonight being a case in point. I was somewhat reluctant to venture out, for reasons that will become apparent in due course, but I owe a certain loyalty to Brighouse Town. So I walked on to the bus station, only to find that the Halifax bus was cancelled, leaving no possibility of getting to the match in time, so here I am, back at home.
Thereby missing seeing Brighouse end their run of seven defeats - with a 6-0 victory!
I thought of you when I saw the score. Then I read your recent posts !!
Sorry to hear about your accident and glad you're okay. Sounds like it could have been a lot worse.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 20 Nov 2022 14:35
Saturday 19thy November 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 1 v 4 Long Eaton United.
Joe Moss; Alfie Finch-Critchley, Adam Gibbons.
Several weeks ago, in the aftermath of the defeat by Grantham, this had been picked out as Brighouse's next possible source of points. They made a decent start, and after 10 minutes JCFC remarked to his friend, that on the evidence so far, they had nothing to fear but mistakes. The more astute friend pointed out that the visiting winger was pacy. Three minutes later he was proved correct, as the winger was largely responsible for Long Eaton's taking the lead - though in self-defence JCFC could point to an error of judgement by the young home keeper. The same two players were involved five minutes later in the visitors' second goal. The home defence continued to look frail, allowing attackers to run past or through them, but Town clung on until the 43rd minute, when Long Eaton scored an all-too-easy third. Brighouse got one back within a minute and hopes were briefly raised, only to be snuffed out within seconds by the visitors' fourth goal.
The second half was tedious in the extreme. Long Eaton did not need to try too hard, though they did create - and miss - the best chance of the game. Brighouse waited until three-quarter time before their second shot on target, met with a good save by the keeper. They did hit the crossbar late on, but otherwise there was little incident.
Mr Moss offered less in the way of patter than some of his colleagues - or maybe JCFC's hearing is becoming as defective as his eyesight. He did scoot rapidly around the pitch - (maybe his dad once did?) - giving himself good angles to make crisp and correct decisions, allowing for little or no contestation. He might, perhaps, and arguably should, have shown a yellow for a high challenge that resulted in an injury to the Town striker's thigh. The card did appear towards the end - there must have been more to the nature of the foul than immediately apparent, as no Brighouse attack could be described as promising. JCFC's sympathy goes to the unfortunate Mr Observer, who had to find something to say about very good refereeing of a non-event. It would be good to see Mr Moss confronted with a more testing encounter, but maybe he has the knack of keeping things calm on the pitch.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 20 Nov 2022 17:22
Post by: Boris10 on Mon 21 Nov 2022 16:34
Best wishes/take care/happy public transport journeys.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 27 Nov 2022 12:34
East Arseley or West?Perhaps being a bit cheeky?
Best wishes/take care/happy public transport journeys.
Sorry, Boris10, I never got to the bottom of that one.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 27 Nov 2022 13:18
Saturday 26th November 2022
NCEFL Division 1
Horbury Town 3 v 2 Beverley Town
Lewis Pursglove (S&HFA); Matthew Collins, John Hislop.
The oddly-placed small stand would offer no view of the play, so JCFC was forced to stand throughout. Perhaps there are plans to bring the ground up to a better standard in time. To add to the growing Rate the Ref Hymn Book, Horbury was the birthplace of Onward Christian Soldiers, written when Sabine Baring-Gould was a young curate there. (St Gertrude came along somewhat later.)
The first half hour proved totally forgettable, but a rapid raid from halfway put the home side ahead on 32 minutes, only for Beverley to respond a minute later. A header from a corner just before half-time saw the visitors take the lead. JCFC spent the interval working out the "official" route back to the bus-stop: it involved heading in the opposite direction to start with.
Shortly before the hour mark a Horbury attacker beat his marker on halfway, and ran on to equalise with a strong finish. The winner for Horbury came on 74 minutes, the ball curiously trundling in slow-motion fashion through a group of defenders before ending in the net,
JCFC had expected the referee to be the standard tall, slim, dark-haired young template, but Mr Pursglove did not match that model; short of stature, stocky of build, well-endowed of posterior, fairish of hair and of indeterminate age. From a distance he might have been a fit 40-something, though at closer quarters he looked much younger. Whether he was young enough to be the Lewis Pursglove (middle name Joseph) born in Rotherham in 2000 is not certain. He issued two yellows, both to home players, and kept a firm grip on proceedings without difficulty, without adding greatly to the gaiety of the occasion, though JCFC's mood may have influenced that view. JCFC would be happy to see him again - a second visit to Horbury being less likely.
The walk back to the bus stop passed easily enough, with a wait of 25 minutes, and Huddersfield was reached in nice time for the 18.25 Bradford bus. Alas, it was one of the 40% of those listed on the departure board to show the legend CANCELLED. Another hour's wait for the next one, but at least the Bus Station offered seats and was warm - pity the poor souls waiting along the route.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 27 Nov 2022 13:24
Post by: JCFC on Tue 29 Nov 2022 12:01
⏰ Sat 3pm
🍻 Bar Open
🍔 Kitchen open
📺 WC on TV
The last item is worrying - better go easy on the pre-match cuppa this weekend.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 04 Dec 2022 10:15
Episode 10
Saturday 2nd December 2022
FA Vase 3rd Round
Whittlesey Athletic 1 v 3 Romford
Christopher Darling; Andrew Hitchcox, Paul-Valentin Mihalache.
The train journey went well, with a change at Peterborough. Unfortunately, Whittlesea (sic) station is barely on speaking terms with the town, while the football ground maintains fairly distant relations with both. JCFC had memorised the route, but was led astray when the road he planned to take was marked cul-de-sac, thereby adding fifteen minutes of (unnecessary) walking. The ground was eventually accessed along a muddy drive with potholes full of water. In view of the previous post, both the toilets and the television were avoided.
Mr Darling had been seen once before, when JCFC thought he had done well, though whether the experts watching (Messrs Richardson and Coote) agreed is anyone's guess. On that occasion JCFC had bizarrely suggested that anglepoise lamp must have featured in his DNA. Though his elbows jutted at times, there were no such thoughts here: instead his running style , tentative in appearance, called to mind Auntie Elsie competing in the egg and spoon race - but it got him where he needed to be. Brownie points for the badges and long sleeves. One assistant was dark-haired, tall and imposing, the other fairer, shorter and less so, though he was kept busy with his offside flag, particularly in the second half.
The first ten minutes were end to end - with little in between, resulting in a number of stoppages for clashes of heads under high balls, before an element of football was introduced. The home subs were sent to warm up - in bibs that were the same shade as Romford's pink strip, and Mr Darling rightly intervened. On the half hour a minor off the ball tangle led to a lot of noise. Mr Darling produced his yellow card a few minutes later, shown to a visiting player. Whittlesey took the lead on 37 minutes, from a free-kick whose position caused some discussion, There was a yellow card for a member of the coaching staff as a result. Romford equalised a minute later.
Romford had much the better of the second half, taking the lead just before the hour and almost immediately having a further effort ruled out for offside. The home number 8 received a yellow card late on and Romford sealed their win with a low shot from 30 yards.
After the slight contretemps in the first half, Mr Darling had, perhaps understandably, adopted a policy of sprinting rapidly (Auntie Elsie temporarily banished) with arm outstretched and long whistle blast towards any foul. This technique ran the risk of over-dramatising things and creating extra tension - but it worked and he was able to keep a tight grip and retain control to the end.
Or maybe not, as JCFC, needing to catch the 17.29 train - and be there before the crossing gates closed - or face a two hour wait, set off in added time. The drive was squelched through with difficulty, but thereafter things improved. The direct route was found (via the marked cul-de-sac) and all went smoothly.
Post by: Ivanhoe on Mon 05 Dec 2022 13:46
Keep up the good work !
Post by: JCFC on Tue 06 Dec 2022 14:27
Episode 11
Sunday 4th December 2022
FA Vase Round 3
Dunstable Town 2 v 3 Tring Athletic
Elliott Mayer; Marc Rister, Jake Bloom
Fortunately the turnstile and the small bar were already in operation at 13.00.
Mr Mayer had been the referee for a match at Biggleswade United which never got under way, the goalkeeper collapsing during the warm-up (fortunately recovering in hospital overnight.) On that occasion it was a tall, fairly mature member of the officials who seemed to be in charge. Clearly he must have been an assistant, as Mr Mayer turned out to be young, short and bearded. On a very cold afternoon, his choice of short sleeves cast doubts on his sanity, but encouraged him to move very rapidly about the pitch. AR2, addressed by the referee at one stage as Jack, went with pretend long sleeves (as detailed by Ref Watcher elsewhere) and black gloves, while wearing his socks Denton style. Mr R15TER went with the sleeves and gloves, but appeared to have commandeered his girlfriend's tights. He might get away with it in Bedfordshire, but there are places where that garment might not "have such kindly judgement given" - Frickley or Maltby, for example.
The Dunstable number 6 made an early bid to take over Mr Mayer's job, rushing, with a colleague, to the scene of a Tring foul, offering voluble advice as to the action to be taken and being reluctant to go away. That finally achieved, Mr Mayer called the Tring number 17 for a long lecture and seemed about to settle for that, but the player may have talked himself into the yellow card that was eventually shown. JCFC was willing Mr Mayer to call the home 6 back to spell out that his intervention was not welcome, but referees do not do that. A splendid run down the right wing enabled Tring to take the lead just after the quarter hour. Number 6 was in the action again on 24 minutes, this time in the role of defence counsel, but his pleadings were again unsuccessful and Mr Mayer rightly showed a yellow to the home number 5. Two minutes later, Tring doubled their lead through a diagonal ball to the right, some nifty footwork and a good shot. Number 6 was no more successful as counsel for the defence when his number 2 was rewarded for a reckless tackle with a sight of Mr Mayer's yellow card.
Dunstable pulled a goal back in the second half, Tring adding a third on 76 minutes. The home side added a second on 84 minutes and continued to push for an equaliser, but Tring held out to proceed to Round 4.
After a well-handled match, it was a chilly JCFC who walked back into town, whence two buses saw him back into his hotel in time to watch the England game. Sadly, as England passed the ball to and fro, allowing Senegal a couple of possible chances, the old fool nodded off and woke to find that England had scored.
Post by: Microscopist on Fri 09 Dec 2022 08:03
Post by: JCFC on Fri 09 Dec 2022 08:34
" while wearing his socks Denton style."?
I have no knowledge of the sartorial habits of your former near neighbours, Microscopist, so apologies for the element of ambiguity. Michael Denton, former Level 3 referee and FL assistant was well known for wearing his socks pulled up over his knees.
Post by: Microscopist on Fri 09 Dec 2022 22:39
Thanls, I can sleep easy now." while wearing his socks Denton style."?
I have no knowledge of the sartorial habits of your former near neighbours, Microscopist, so apologies for the element of ambiguity. Michael Denton, former Level 3 referee and FL assistant was well known for wearing his socks pulled up over his knees.
Post by: JCFC on Thu 22 Dec 2022 23:00
To all club treasurers, a fine Boxing Day, with large crowds to boost the coffers.
Post by: nemesis on Fri 23 Dec 2022 14:41
A very happy Christmas Day to all readers and everyone involved in Non-League football.
To all club treasurers, a fine Boxing Day, with large crowds to boost the coffers.
Thanks ......... and a very Happy Christmas to you, too !!!
Post by: Microscopist on Sat 24 Dec 2022 16:30
...and lang may yer lum reek!A very happy Christmas Day to all readers and everyone involved in Non-League football.
To all club treasurers, a fine Boxing Day, with large crowds to boost the coffers.
Thanks ......... and a very Happy Christmas to you, too !!!
Post by: JCFC on Tue 27 Dec 2022 15:54
Monday 26th December 2022
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 2 v 1 Ossett United
Connor Everard (Barnsley); Liam Smith, Dylan Hague.
Though things have been quieter of late, there is history to this fixture - one game is probably indelibly etched in Lee Hible's memory. JCFC had therefore expected a more experienced official to be appointed. Mr Everard obviously profited from Mr Bell's tutelage last season to earn his promotion to Level 3.
As so often, the home side looked small in comparison to the much taller visitors and Ossett kept them pinned in their own half. After 6 minutes the Ossett number 6 went in for the ball as the keeper claimed it, catching him in the ribs. As this was in the gloom, but against a distant bright background, events were not easy to follow. Brighouse were clearly upset, especially one loud gentleman behind that goal; there was a long succession of whistles; time passed ... and eventually a red card was shown. Brighouse officials said the decision was correct; Ossett took the opposite view. There was much abuse from the vicinity of the Ossett bench - hopefully from fans rather than staff. JCFC can offer no verdict, though his Stentorian Ex Player And Referee friend - SEPAR for short - felt that the card was on the harsh side. The next few minutes were quite testing, with niggly fouls and constant stoppages. Despite being a man short Ossett continued to dominate a woebegone-looking home side. It was only a matter of time and Ossett duly took the lead on 35 minutes. A nasty and very late challenge by the visiting number 4 on 42 minutes led to a minor gathering of advisors and there was uncertainty over the colour of the card to come, but Mr Everard was eventually able to go to his left pocket and show yellow, correctly - just! Brighouse were relieved when half time arrived.
The second half started as the first had ended. Town soon brought on a substitute, much to the displeasure of the SEPAR, who is convinced that the incoming player is useless and has no idea. Soon afterwards, the keeper who had played on after his early injury, was also replaced. On 55 minutes it was the turn of a Town player to be late with a poor challenge; again the Cobra committee assembled to offer Mr Everard the benefit of their advice; again the hand went correctly to the left pocket. Ossett took the free-kick, worked an opening for a good shot, superbly turned to safety by the sub keeper. It was a matter of seconds for JCFC to note "good save" but he looked up to find Brighouse celebrating a surprise equaliser - from the SEPAR's useless substitute. At last Town began to show a little more as Ossett's ten men tired and Town's third sub proved a dangerous attacker and scoring the winner on 72 minutes. It was a result that neither side really deserved, but for the dispirited home fans it did provide a small glimmer of light in a miserable afternoon.
After the early red card, Mr Everard was under pressure from both sides and was the recipient of too much unhelpful advice. He stuck at it well, managing to resist the intimidation, and overall made a pretty fair fist of things, without yet showing quite as much authority as JCFC likes to see. That should come with further experience.
Post by: mutn3 on Sat 31 Dec 2022 01:02
Staveley Welfare v Armthorpe
NCEFL DIVISION ONE
ATT: 328
Referee: David Windsor ( Derbyshire)
Score : 3-2
My, Staveley Welfare FC has changed. A resurfaced car park that looks not to have been done on the cheap, an artificial pitch, and still a very good " Sky TV, Pie n Peas", and at the same time! Money has talked with a loud voice here, but to better it will take some doing!
Referee Windsor, generally leaving his sprints at home with the leftover turkey, seems a very capable official at this level, whatever NCEFL Div 1 now is. Very calm, and that helps the play, and the players.
A good game too. Both teams played their part on the artificial surface. It played well, and didn't turn black under the lights! What more could I want! Three penalties too, though varying degrees of merit in the opinion of many, all dealt with with a quiet, almost gentle authority. Porridge's Mr Barraclough of the NCEL! I don't mean that to sound as a failing, it wasn't, it was an asset.
Retiring to the bar (and why not!) the multiple large screens were on the appropriate channels, so those who wanted to watch Leicester score own goals could do so.
Car home, 25 mins max. Sorry but no JCFC tales of twenty foot snowdrifts blocking the route of the Brighouse Express, but that's Yorkshire for you !
Post by: mutn3 on Wed 04 Jan 2023 23:27
Belper Tn v Stafford Rangers
Att: 651
Score: 2-1
Referee: Ashley Allen
There's a Stiff Little Fingers number (At The Edge). It has a line 🎶 Always yap yap yapping.. More of that later..
Mine is an opinion. It's worth nothing more than the guy in the next seat, or behind the goal. That said, from me, next to me, or from the terraces, there were three incidents that were worthy discussion topics, and most would not have supported the view of Mr Allen, who to his credit was indeed way nearer than those watching.
The first, an aerial challenge from a Belper player did not even warrant a whistle! When play naturally stopped moments later, all Stafford Rangers players within the vicinity surrounded the referee, suggesting they'd seen that challenge as far from legal, as it also appeared to me.
Given the veracity of the complaints, Mr Allen may think next time about his take-up position for the restart? Plonking himself next to the Stafford bench for a potential further ear bashing? Really? Anywhere but there Mr Allen!
The next, a 53rd minute red card to Belper for the sort of challenge that many would have said yellow. Me? Being a little too far away, and not a great angle (tbh angles don't matter much at sixty. At sixty you can see nothing for three feet, and haze after fifty yards), so as much as I "thought" yellow, a better placed referee I'll support.
The final beeeeg decision was a penalty call to Belper. Many more in the ground weren't happy than happy, that's all I'll say!
And coming back to the yap yap yapping.. I well know that referee's chit chat plays a large part in control, but today (in my view) it was overdone. Cannot a referee nowadays control from a distance? Does a referee need to hold play to explain the laws to two players jostling at a corner? Break up play when it's needed please, not as routine.
To his credit Mr Allen kept control, did at least challenge blatant time wasting, but I'm left with the feeling that I did not see the best of him today, but as I was wanting a Jimmy Riddle for much of the second half, maybe it was I who was distracted, not the referee!
Post by: JCFC on Fri 06 Jan 2023 17:27
(tbh angles don't matter much at sixty. At sixty you can see nothing for three feet, and haze after fifty yards)
Tell me about it! Just wait till you are 74.
Post by: mutn3 on Sun 08 Jan 2023 12:16
Rocester v Barnton
NWC South Division.
Score 3:2
Referee: Because I missed a programme, I emailed NWCFL for information. As of 22 hours after kick off, I have yet to receive a reply!
An exciting game, light on skill, heavy on poor tackling, bossed by everyone, and dissent by the JCB bucketful! Managers on the pitch at least twice, "helping" out, and an unpleasantness to the whole proceedings. A mass melee, with little action taken. Guess what? Another one followed!
What also continued to throw me was a yellow card that looked both jaded and..er...not wholly yellow. A rhubarb and custard sort of card, that had me doubting which card when shown. The whole procedure, brought in to aid understanding of those spectating, starts to fray if said spectators can't understand the messaging. With a yellow whistle brighter than any sou'wester on a Fisherman's Friend ad, or any weetabix packet, it's not as though there wasn't a yardstick to hand!
All of that said, I did feel somewhat for the official. Would he have been better wading in and sorting out, or would that have meant more rhubarb, more custard without any more control?
We are all good armchair officials, aren't we? I've had my very best games from the seat on the halfway line, and certainly since I retired, but sometimes you just gotta be brave, realise that there's no going on a journey with both teams, and just blooody sort 'em out! The referee today seemed a very pleasant guy, but this game needed more than bonhomie to manage some of the shenanigans.
All have have had games where your best of intentions lead to twenty two horses galloping out of the open stable door, but lessons are learned, and next week (or our next game) we recognise danger signals more readily, we learn not to let too much rope out etc. One remembers one of Mr Clattenburg's later games ( was it Tottenham v Chelsea? I forget) where, in my view, things didn't go hunky dory. It can and has happened to us all.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 08 Jan 2023 16:02
Obviously we are seen as dangerous lunatics.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 08 Jan 2023 17:50
Saturday 7th January 2023
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 2 v 3 Stocksbridge Park Steels
Connor Scott; Ben Brighton, Abdul Hakimy.
Fortunately, from the programme we learnt that he is from Newcastle - pity the treasurer paying travelling expenses, unless he came as part of a boys weekend away in Yorkshire. (Kirk Freeth was at Guiseley). We also discovered that he is 28 and a paralegal. When he made his appearance, he proved to be tall, but of matchstick build. Clearly he could not be accused of having over-indulged during the festive season. Perhaps he is waiting for his imminent qualification as a fully fledged solicitor to be able to afford food. His build, however, did enable him to get around the field well.
Two recent wins had moved Town into the top half of the table, though still not far from the lower reaches, while the visitors were in third position. Unusually, Brighouse started quite confidently and on 8 minutes the Steels keeper could only parry a long shot and the SEPAR's Mr Useless was on hand to tap the rebound into the net. So, that counts as two shots on target - there was to be a long wait for the third. Stocksbridge soon equalised, with a ball - shot or cross? - that appeared to go through the keeper. Though they picked up a yellow card on 26 minutes, the visitors were well on top and were able to take the lead when Town conceded a penalty. It was a relief to reach the break without further setbacks.
The visitors received another yellow early in the second half, but came close on the hour with a header onto the top of the bar. As so often, play was largely confined to the bench side of the pitch. JCFC suggested that there should be reduced admission for those in the stand, while the SEPAR was moved to ask AR2 whether he was getting lonely. As Brighouse gradually introduced substitutes, their performance became more lively - their number 2 rightly receiving a yellow card - and they exerted pressure on the Steels defence. At last, Town attacked on their right for a change - and drew level on 81 minutes, their third shot on target. They continued to pose a threat (of sorts) but conceded a free-kick near the touchline just as the PA announced 4 minutes added time. "That will leave us 3 minutes to equalise," declared JCFC, ever the pessimist, and was proved correct when the ball was floated over, the keeper did not deal with it and Stocksbridge had their winner. They would not be bothered about receiving another yellow in the remaining minutes.
For once, Town had not been bullied to defeat, simply beaten by a team that for the most part looked more coherent in their play and deserved their three points.
It had not been a troublesome match for Mr Scott. There were perhaps a couple of minor points at which JCFC saw things differently - but bear in mind the state of his eyesight - but Mr Scott controlled proceedings well, with little fuss. His habit of going and standing on the spot for free-kicks is perhaps unnecessary most of the time, but that is a very minor point. He can be well pleased with his venture South ... and at least the assistants were both pretty local, so their expenses will have been reasonable!
Post by: Conkernut on Mon 09 Jan 2023 10:26
Well, one things for sure. The further down the pyramid you travel, the attitude of players and management do make you wonder sometimes why anyone referees. In my view this game needed a firmer hand, but when nobody wants to play...
Rocester v Barnton
NWC South Division.
Score 3:2
Referee: Because I missed a programme, I emailed NWCFL for information. As of 22 hours after kick off, I have yet to receive a reply!
An exciting game, light on skill, heavy on poor tackling, bossed by everyone, and dissent by the JCB bucketful! Managers on the pitch at least twice, "helping" out, and an unpleasantness to the whole proceedings. A mass melee, with little action taken. Guess what? Another one followed!
What also continued to throw me was a yellow card that looked both jaded and..er...not wholly yellow. A rhubarb and custard sort of card, that had me doubting which card when shown. The whole procedure, brought in to aid understanding of those spectating, starts to fray if said spectators can't understand the messaging. With a yellow whistle brighter than any sou'wester on a Fisherman's Friend ad, or any weetabix packet, it's not as though there wasn't a yardstick to hand!
All of that said, I did feel somewhat for the official. Would he have been better wading in and sorting out, or would that have meant more rhubarb, more custard without any more control?
We are all good armchair officials, aren't we? I've had my very best games from the seat on the halfway line, and certainly since I retired, but sometimes you just gotta be brave, realise that there's no going on a journey with both teams, and just blooody sort 'em out! The referee today seemed a very pleasant guy, but this game needed more than bonhomie to manage some of the shenanigans.
All have have had games where your best of intentions lead to twenty two horses galloping out of the open stable door, but lessons are learned, and next week (or our next game) we recognise danger signals more readily, we learn not to let too much rope out etc. One remembers one of Mr Clattenburg's later games ( was it Tottenham v Chelsea? I forget) where, in my view, things didn't go hunky dory. It can and has happened to us all.
Jan 2023
07 SAT
14:00
Rocester (First Team) v Barnton FC (First Team)
North West Counties - Division One South
Referee: Davies, Ryan
Post by: JCFC on Sat 14 Jan 2023 23:19
Saturday 14th January 2023
FA Trophy 4th Round
Farsley Celtic 7 v 1 Marske United
Scott Jackson; Emmanuel Edet, Reece Davies. 4thers: Jack Hall.
In the first minute, a Marske attack ended with unsuccessful appeals for a penalty from the Marske fans behind the goal. One visiting attacker must have voiced his agreement with them, as Mr Jackson had a firm word with him and his captain, prompting a comment from behind of "Good refereeing" while JCFC is always glad to see dissent dealt with. There appeared to be no further instances in the rest of the match! In the 3rd minute, Mr Jackson might have awarded Farsley a free kick, but instead Farsley took the lead with a shot that went in off the underside of the bar. Just a minute later another Farsley shot hit the far post and the rebound was tapped in to double the lead. Marske retaliated with a rapid move, the keeper blocked it with his leg, only to find an attacker, who promptly fell over the ball and a subsequent shot was saved. Farsley made it 3 midway through the half, with a header from a corner. Just before half time a Farsley attacker raced clear, but was denied by the keeper - not that it mattered as the resulting corner produced goal number 4.
Marske were sent out early - into a heavy, squally downpour. It did them no good, as within a minute the ball was lifted deftly over their keeper for goal number 5. A tackle distinctly lacking in reck earned Marske a clear yellow card, but on 59 minutes the visitors set out on the comeback trail - perhaps the shortest of the season, as a minute later a visiting defender was dispossessed, allowing the attacker to race clear and beat the keeper for goal number 6. There was another yellow for Marske on 69 minutes, the keeper rushing out of his area and making contact with an attacker. He might have been better advised not to bother, as the attacker was heading towards the touchline, whereas the free-kick was expertly fired home to complete the scoring. The remaining minutes were spent huddled, trying to keep out the bitter wind - not a good day to be 4thers, though at least he could wrap up well - Mr Jackson bravely went with short sleeves. That apart he was virtually faultless, going largely unnoticed in an unobtrusive way. The officials all did well - I hope there was some hot refreshment on offer after the match.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 21 Jan 2023 12:57
Post by: JCFC on Wed 25 Jan 2023 20:51
Tuesday 24th January 2023
West Riding County Cup Quarter Final
Brighouse Town 2 v 4 Campion
Arran Williams (Elland still?); Dwayne Chappell, Jason Smith.
Campion are currently two steps below Town, but are having a tremendous season and by next year the gap should be narrower. It is often the case that blower ranked sides do well in such competitions - Brighouse had already beaten BPA - so the home side put out a reasonably strong side from amongst those available. Campion, however, looked the better, both individually and collectively and made a good start. Brighouse were disrupted in the opening minutes when their promising Bradford City loanee was stretchered off with a suspected broken ankle, while their striker soon began to show signs of a recurrence of what seems a chronic knee problem, leaving Town with little attacking threat. Campion went ahead on 17 minutes, but a splendid crossfield ball ended with a Campion foul and a Brighouse penalty. The shot was weakish and saved by the keeper. Campion added a second on the half hour. There was a yellow card for a home player for what Town fans were convinced was a fair tackle shortly before half time.
After a dismal first half performance, Brighouse came out and showed greater spirit, though with no improvement in accuracy of passing or ability to retain possession. As the right back was pushed forward into his previous right wing position, things began to improve and Town pulled a goal back. Campion earned a couple of yellow cards for fouls before Brighouse scored an equaliser. Until this point Campion had perhaps been happy to keep what they had, but were stirred into action once more. The closing ten minutes saw a yellow for the Town card- collector, but weak defending allowed Campion two further goals for a deserved win. Unless Town can eliminate the defensive errors, there may not be even one step between them next year.
Many years have passed since a young official starting out invited (challenged?) JCFC to watch him for Rate the Ref. The chance never came, though he had been seen on the line. Over the intervening years, Mr Williams had been assiduous in his involvement off the field and his performance on the field has led to promotions to his current level. This match produced a little more heat than is usual in County Cup matches, but Mr Williams generally kept quite decent control, though as yet without a wow response from JCFC. It was however pleasing that both he and Mr Smith (who had only received the appointment that morning) had donned their West Riding badges - Mr Chappell possibly, but too far away to be sure.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 29 Jan 2023 17:42
The next task therefore was to book train tickets. The two previous Saturdays had offered relatively straightforward trips, changing at Manchester and Nuneaton. This week there were warnings that the return trains would not run as planned - both Avanti and TransPennine being in trouble. An alternative, more expensive, route was proposed, via Sheffield, Leicester and Nuneaton. Eventually a better solution emerged - Brighouse to Leeds and a further change at Tamworth. The first section was scheduled to take twice as long as usual, suggesting that it was to be a replacement bus, but there was no sign of life at 8.45. A call on the information phone sent JCFC to the opposite side of the station - where he waited and waited for the 9.00 replacement bus. at 9.10 a further call was made, the helpful young man offering to check and send the driver back if necessary. Half an hour later, still nothing, so JCFC decided to take the train on the one line - towards Bradford, that was running. Thereafter all worked swimmingly, with everything on time and JCFC arrived very early for a splendidly filling pulled pork roll with stuffing, gravy and apple sauce, before:
Episode 12
Saturday 28th January 2023
FA Vase 4th Round
Atherstone Town 2 v 0 Hartpury University
William Booth (Sutton in Ashfield still?); Jordan Griffiths, Shaun Currall. 4thers: Nelson Oppong.
Young Mr Booth (23?) had been seen on the line at Penistone a couple of years ago, but has progressed rapidly and to be appointed to this tie in his first season at Level 3 suggests that he has been doing well. JCFC's expectation of an array of Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire badges was to be disappointed, as all had been overcome by an attack of shyness.
The local supporters seemed a pleasant and civilised bunch, but on 4 minutes there were shouts for handball, when a Hartpury defender was struck by the ball. The fact that Mr Booth immediately whistled and raced to the spot (the fastest he moved all afternoon) outpaced only by the physio, who had to help the player off to be replaced, suggests that on this occasion their eyes deceived them. Hartpury threatened on occasions, but Atherstone were looking the stronger side. On 19 minutes the visiting keeper was fouled as he collected a high ball; home fans were not convinced, nor was one home player. It was good to see Mr Booth summon both him and his captain for a warning that this was not acceptable - and from that point there was no obvious dissent. Perhaps Mr Booth had taken on board Mutn3's strictures from a match a season or two ago. Another Atherstone attack just a minute later saw the keeper palm a high cross away, but only to an opponent just inside the area and an undisputed foul gave the home side a penalty and the lead. A swift break, with a couple of good passes gave them their second on 27 minutes. There was almost a third just before half-time, but the crossbar came to the rescue.
When, immediately on the restart, the unchallenged home keeper collected a gentle ball and did the customary belly flop, it was clear what Atherstone had in mind. There developed a double act between keeper and defender at goal-kicks, keeper faffing about placing the ball, defender appearing from some distance to take the kick - eventually. On the first occasion Mr Booth whistled from near the centre circle, on the second he repeated the process. JCFC was by now willing him to stay deep at the next one, rather than heading off upfield, but no! The third was not unreasonably delayed, but the fourth was a total mickey-take, with the defender coming to replace the ball that the keeper had so carefully positioned. Mr Booth walked a little way towards the area to admonish them. Still, he retired to the centre circle for the fifth one, but this time he ran back to show the defender a yellow card. JCFC wondered whether a more active approach could possibly have avoided this. Probably not, but it would have been good to see an attempt. Hartpury had a better second half and forced one good save, but could not find the net. On 82 minutes a Hartpury attacker was brought down in full flight, Mr Griffiths flagged and the timewasting defender was asked to depart early. Home supporters, to their credit, and club officials subsequently, attached no blame to the referee, but to the defender for his foolish timewasting card. There was a further Atherstone yellow in added time for a reckless attempt at a tackle.
As hinted earlier, Mr Booth was more economical in his movement than any referee of a similar age - staying central in the manner of the upper echelons and hoping, usually successfully, that distance would lend enchantment to the view. He did miss one late challenge on a Hartpury player, awarding a throw-in instead, thereby earning Mr Currall - whose decision it wasn't - a volley of comments from the small visiting contingent. The same official had earlier been on the receiving end of an expression of disagreement over an offside decision, which the spectator was in no position to judge. Realising that his comment was outwith the club's code of conduct, he changed it, with a shout of "That's testicles, lino." If to some extent, JCFC was not quite as impressed with Mr Booth as he had hoped to be, it is doubtful that any such reservations would be held by the clubs and he did emerge unscathed and with a degree of credit.
The walk back to Atherstone station passed quickly - too quickly, as it meant a 45 minute wait in an unlit shelter, but thereafter the trip went well. The bus was waiting at Leeds, depositing JCFC in the station car park at Brighouse, solving the mystery of its non-appearance in the morning. Home at 21.35.
Post by: nemesis on Sun 29 Jan 2023 18:51
For the past three weeks JCFC had been looking forward to watching an official who seemed to have passed quickly through Levels 4 and 3 and will start February as a Level 2b. Unfortunately, a Friday check revealed that he had been replaced. Any disappointment, however, was tempered by the fact that his replacement was a young official with refereeing in his genes (his middle name might provide a clue!)
The next task therefore was to book train tickets. The two previous Saturdays had offered relatively straightforward trips, changing at Manchester and Nuneaton. This week there were warnings that the return trains would not run as planned - both Avanti and TransPennine being in trouble. An alternative, more expensive, route was proposed, via Sheffield, Leicester and Nuneaton. Eventually a better solution emerged - Brighouse to Leeds and a further change at Tamworth. The first section was scheduled to take twice as long as usual, suggesting that it was to be a replacement bus, but there was no sign of life at 8.45. A call on the information phone sent JCFC to the opposite side of the station - where he waited and waited for the 9.00 replacement bus. at 9.10 a further call was made, the helpful young man offering to check and send the driver back if necessary. Half an hour later, still nothing, so JCFC decided to take the train on the one line - towards Bradford, that was running. Thereafter all worked swimmingly, with everything on time and JCFC arrived very early for a splendidly filling pulled pork roll with stuffing, gravy and apple sauce, before:
Episode 12
Saturday 28th January 2023
FA Vase 4th Round
Atherstone Town 2 v 0 Hartpury University
William Booth (Sutton in Ashfield still?); Jordan Griffiths, Shaun Currall. 4thers: Nelson Oppong.
Young Mr Booth (23?) had been seen on the line at Penistone a couple of years ago, but has progressed rapidly and to be appointed to this tie in his first season at Level 3 suggests that he has been doing well. JCFC's expectation of an array of Nottinghamshire, Staffordshire and Shropshire badges was to be disappointed, as all had been overcome by an attack of shyness.
The local supporters seemed a pleasant and civilised bunch, but on 4 minutes there were shouts for handaball, when a Hartpury defender was struck by the ball. The fact that Mr Booth immediately whistled and raced to the spot (the fastest he moved all afternoon) outpaced only by the physio, who had to help the player off to be replaced, suggests that on this occasion their eyes deceived them. Hartpury threatened on occasions, but Atherstone were looking the stronger side. On 19 minutes the visiting keeper was fouled as he collected a high baqll; Home fans were not convinced, nor was one home player. It was good to see Mr Booth summon both him and his captain for a warning that this was not acceptable - and fr4om that point there was no obvious dissent. Perhaps Mr Booth had taken on board Mutn3's strictures from a match a season or two ago. Another Atherstone attack just a minute later saw the keeper palm a high cross away, but only to an opponent just inside the area and an undisputed foul gave the home side a penalty and the lead. A swift break, with a couple of good passes gave them their second on 27 minutes. There was almost a third just before half-time, but the crossbar came to the rescue.
When, immediately on the restart, the unchallenged home keeper collected a gentle ball and did the customary belly flop, it was clear what Atherstone had in mind. There developed a double act between keeper and defender at goal-kicks, keeper faffing about placing the ball, defender appearing from some distance to take the kick - eventually. On the first occasion Mr Booth whistled from near the centre circle, on the second he repeated the process. JCFC was by now willing him to stay deep at the next one, rather than heading off upfield, but no! The third was not unreasonably delayed, but the fourth was a total mickey-take, with the defender coming to replace the ball that the keeper had so carefully positioned. Mr Booth walked a little way towards the area to admonish them. Still, he retired to the centre circle for the fifth one, but this time he ran back to show the defender a yellow card. JCFC wondered whether a more active approach could possibly have avoided this. Probably not, but it would have been good to see an attempt. Hartpury had a better second half and forced one good save, but could not find the net. On 82 minutes a Hartpury attacker was brought down in full flight, Mr Griffiths flagged and the timewasting defender was asked to depart early. Home supporters, to their credit, and club officials subsequently, attached no blame to the referee, but to the defender for his foolish timewasting card. There was a further Atherstone yellow in added time for a reckless attempt at a tackle.
As hinted earlier, Mr Booth was more economical in his movement than any referee of a similar age - staying central in the manner of the upper echelons and hoping, usually successfully, that distance would lend enchantment to the view. He did miss one late challenge on a Hartpury player, awarding a throw-in instead, thereby earning Mr Currall - whose decision it wasn't - a volley of comments from the small visiting contingent. The same official had earlier been on the receiving end of an expression of disagreement over an offside decision, which the spectator was in no position to judge. Realising that his comment was outwith the club's code of conduct, he changed it, with a shout of "That's testicles, lino." If to some extent, JCFC was not quite as impressed with Mr Booth as he had hoped to be, it is doubtful that any such reservations would be held by the clubs and he did emerge unscathed and with a degree of credit.
The walk back to Atherstone station passed quickly - too quickly, as it meant a 45 minute wait in an unlit shelter, but thereafter the trip went well. The bus was waiting at Leeds, depositing JCFC in the station car park at Brighouse, solving the mystery of its non-appearance in the morning. Home at 21.35.
Do they still have the Andy Rammell Stand ? I hope so.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 29 Jan 2023 19:10
Post by: cwh on Tue 31 Jan 2023 03:37
I suppose this is down to absolute dedication or madness!!!! (no offence intended)
However I still enjoy your posts and long may it continue
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 31 Jan 2023 08:09
Post by: JCFC on Tue 31 Jan 2023 10:44
JCFC - it never ceases to amaze me the amount of time you obviously spend studying road and rail timetables in order to get to some fairly obscure grounds, and then spend more time in actually travelling to those grounds and then reverse everything to get back home sometimes fairly late in order to post your very entertaining reviews
I suppose this is down to absolute dedication or madness!!!! (no offence intended)
However I still enjoy your posts and long may it continue
Thank you for the kind remarks. Dedication would imply some worthy end, rather than merely ill-informed and occasionally scurrilous musings. So madness it is - after all, I have already been classified as "daft" by David Richardson and certified as "bonkers" by no less an authority than James Bell - both people whose judgement I respect.
Post by: JCFC on Tue 31 Jan 2023 10:58
I think perhaps JCFC follyws Robert Louis Stevenson's dictum 'it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive'.
I did not realise that RLS was the source of that quotation, but it has certainly been true of some grounds and many matches over the years. Incidentally, the abandonment pf the tie at Tring at the weekend might have offered an opportunity to add Episode 13, but with rail strikes on Wednesday and Friday, Saturday seems more like a case of travelling hopelessly. Fortunately, tonight should be simpler - I could always walk home if the worst comes to the worst.
PS If this site believes I am going to start spelling realise with a z, it has another think coming
Post by: Microscopist on Tue 31 Jan 2023 17:18
Quote
PS If this site believes I am going to start spelling realise with a z, it has another think coming
Quite right too. I recall when working in Leatherhead writing a paper and submitting it to our editor (a Portsmouth supporter, but she was OK). I had written "sulfur" and was admonished for doing so. My defence (not as my spell check would prefer "defense") was that IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) now used sulfur was met with - "We are always interested in the opinions of IUPAC but here at LFRA we will use the English - sulphur."
Post by: JCFC on Tue 31 Jan 2023 17:25
Post by: JCFC on Wed 01 Feb 2023 21:02
Tuesday 31st January 2023
NPL Premier Division
Liversedge 1 v 0 Gainsborough Trinity
Jack Hall; Gordon Greaves, Matt Coles
Entry to the ground was briefly delayed by a scout from Boston United, whose name did not appear on the list at the turnstile. To his credit, he offered to pay and claim it back from Boston - as a paying customer, I rather feel that should be the norm.
The visitors had opted for a grey strip with a touch of bilious yellow - goodness knows why anyone would - which was just about distinguishable from Sedge's sky blue from the stand, but none too easily. They proceeded to dominate the play for most of the first half. There was an early yellow for Sedge, before a Gainsborough header was just off target. The visitors had a strong shot midway through the half, but again, just missed the target. On 28 minutes Mr Hall allowed advantage after a strong Liversedge foul, summoning the offender when the ball finally went dead. It looked likely to earn another yellow card for Sedge, but Mr Hall settled for an extended lecture. Minutes later, his jaw got further exercise, this time the recipient of the talking-to being a visiting defender. Sedge did eventually come into the game and took the lead from a 39th Minute corner.
Gainsborough received two yellow cards midway through the second half, with one for Liversedge following. There was little to warm the blood - goodness knows what the scouts (there was at least one other) learnt from an encounter between two pretty mediocre sides. In added time Gainsborough worked a clear opening in front of goal, but a desperately weak shot was easily saved.
In a scruffy sort of match it was never possible for Mr Hall to be outstanding, but his triage was sound and there can have been no real complaints from either side - not that that ever stops some players.
The 47 minutes waiting in Cleckheaton bus station passed comfortably enough, the further 20 in a draughty shelter at Mayo Avenue did not.
Post by: Ref Watcher on Thu 02 Feb 2023 12:54
Tuesday 31st January 2023Funnily enough I also watched Gainsborough Trinity play away from home on Tuesday evening; at Grantham Town in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup Quarter Final. A number of previous failed attempts to play the game had apparently left the visitors fearing a fine from the Lincolnshire FA if they cried off due to the deadline for the round to be completed.
NPL Premier Division
Liversedge 1 v 0 Gainsborough Trinity
Jack Hall; Gordon Greaves, Matt Coles
Grantham Town 3 v 0 Gainsborough Trinity
Lee Hartley; Aimee Keir, Laura Van Lier; Ellis Mills
Gainsborough predictably fielded a team of youth players and trialists and Grantham appeared to have followed suit. It looked and felt like a youth team game. A refereeing team of one level three and three level fours unsurprisingly had no difficulty in keeping this under control and were comfortably the most impressive performers on a cold, windy evening.
Post by: cwh on Fri 03 Feb 2023 03:47
Tuesday 31st January 2023Funnily enough I also watched Gainsborough Trinity play away from home on Tuesday evening; at Grantham Town in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup Quarter Final. A number of previous failed attempts to play the game had apparently left the visitors fearing a fine from the Lincolnshire FA if they cried off due to the deadline for the round to be completed.
NPL Premier Division
Liversedge 1 v 0 Gainsborough Trinity
Jack Hall; Gordon Greaves, Matt Coles
Grantham Town 3 v 0 Gainsborough Trinity
Lee Hartley; Aimee Keir, Laura Van Lier; Ellis Mills
Gainsborough predictably fielded a team of youth players and trialists and Grantham appeared to have followed suit. It looked and felt like a youth team game. A refereeing team of one level three and three level fours unsurprisingly had no difficulty in keeping this under control and were comfortably the most impressive performers on a cold, windy evening.
Interesting to note that the two female assistants appear to be highly thought of in Lincolnshire
Post by: JCFC on Sun 05 Feb 2023 14:18
Saturday 4th February 2023
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 2 v 2 North Shields
Karl Parker (Sheffield); Dwayne Chappell, Jamie Cogill?
Some three and a half years ago, a shambolic competition was organised - using the term in its loosest sense - in Yorkshire. Two of the sides meant to take part dropped out, and we never discovered what happened to the game between Yorkshire and the Chagos Islands. For the match between the hosts and Island of Jersey Parishes, the referee was Mr Parker - then a Surrey-registered new Level 4. He did well enough, without commanding total respect. Since then, he has appeared regularly in Yorkshire and been promoted to Level 3 this season.
Brighouse had the ball in the net early on - unnecessarily, as the whistle had long gone for offside. Mr Parker had a gentle word with the attacker as he trotted back. On 12 minutes, he headed to the North Shields bench to have words with someone. A minute later, a Brighouse attacker was needlessly taken down in the area and Mr Parker was right on the spot to award the penalty. The visitors had already shown a propensity to greet any decision against them with a less-than-edifying verbal response, but the protests were not too prolonged on this occasion. Or that would have been the case, but as the kick was about to be taken, the keeper raced from his goal and plonked himself in front of the ball and had to be ushered back. Time for a caution, thought JCFC. The taker, though, was not deterred and gave Town the lead. Brighouse, however, are generous hosts and granted the visitors an equaliser through a headed own goal on 22 minutes. When North Shields added a second just after the half hour, an all-too-familiar gloom descended on the locals.
Brighouse attacked the second half with a little more energy and drew level within a minute. Exchanges were a little more even - Shields created the better clear chances (indeed, the only ones) but their finishing was fortunately as poor as Brighouse's defending. The SEPAR was in good voice, directing his comments at the visiting players - and occasionally his own - but remarked several times that the referee was doing well, and not just at the four yellow cards shown to North Shields as the game meandered to its conclusion. Town now face a run of four away games - a positive result at Carlton on Tuesday is needed.
JCFC had not been over-impressed with Mr Parker at the previous sighting, or was maybe just grumpy at the general chaos of the occasion, but formed a different view this time. He was always well positioned, giving himself a degree of width when appropriate, and his decisions appeared accurate and were always given sharply and confidently. Though JCFC would have liked to see action against some of the verbals, they never lasted or got out of hand, so Mr Parker was vindicated in ignoring them. A very positive verdict from JCFC is pretty much the norm, but wonder of wonders, while making his way out of the ground, the stentorian friend awarded his man of the match to the referee.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 11 Feb 2023 20:29
Episode 13
Saturday 11th February 2023
FA Vase 5th Round
Eccleshill United 0 v 2 Atherstone Town
Paul Cooper; Matt Archibald, Elliot Shiers. 4thers: Bilal Moosa.
As the officials warmed up in their (almost) matching tracksuits, they looked a handsome bunch - well, remember the eye assessment. Sadly, or on reflection maybe not, Mr Archibald had visited a different barber to his two colleagues.
After 8 minutes a late tackle by a home defender drew a deserved word of warning from Mr Cooper. The rest of the half passed peacefully: the Adders occasionally looked dangerous in their attacks, something Eccleshill did not manage - at least until the final seconds of added time, when they forced a corner. The break brought the good news that Brighouse were a goal up at Pontefract.
Eccleshill looked more lively in the second half, but it was Atherstone who took the lead shortly after the hour. An Atherstone foul five minutes later drew a minor reaction from an Eccleshill man, who wanted the ball back, but Mr Cooper was there very quickly to prevent any escalation. With Atherstone ahead, there were fears of a repetition of the timewasting antics of the previous round, but it was not till late on that he had any goal-kicks - and at the second, Mr Cooper waited on the edge of the penalty area to chivy the keeper into action, which had the desired effect, helped perhaps by the fact that the double act was not in operation this time. A long spell of treatment to a home player saw the Eccleshill man about to take the throw in creep 20 yards forward. Treatment over, Mr Cooper briskly moved him back the full distance - perhaps informed by a shout from Mr Shiers and if not, certainly by the Atherstone players. Atherstone added their second in the last ten minutes and held out as Eccleshill pressed. Full time brought the news that Pontefract had scored twice in the second half, leading to a further Brighouse defeat.
It turned out to be a doddle for Mr Cooper, who has advanced well since JCFC first saw him on the line. Briskly given decisions allowed for little or no contestation. His movement was commendable, with a couple of rapid reverse adjustments. He did try to look for advantages, but only once was the result not a quick recall. His whistle could be shrill and strong, but not overdone. The assistants seemed equally efficient in what was a fine team performance.
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 13 Feb 2023 12:29
Post by: JCFC on Sun 19 Feb 2023 16:52
Saturday 18th February 2023
NCEFL Premier Division
Golcar United 2 v Silsden
Lee Kendrick (Suffolk); Peter Binks, Declan O'Regan.
So what were the disappointments? First of all, a pleasant morning gave way to a dismal, mizzly afternoon; secondly, Silsden had arrived without their Ancient Sages to brighten JCFC's afternoon; thirdly, the programme (no mention of officials, as usual) revealed that the Odious Porter had joined them on loan for a month from Liversedge; finally, when the officials came out, there was a surprise - a referee from outwith the area, who is receiving regular appointments, tends to be a young student. Unless Mr Kendrick is the most mature of mature students, or is completing a protracted PhD, he appeared too old to fit that profile, though not as old, no doubt, as the venerable Mr Binks. JCFC is reminded at this point of a school speech day many decades ago, when the main speaker (Bryan Cowgill of the BBC, if memory serves) made a reference to venerable old gentlemen, which came out as "venereal" causing a degree of barely suppressed mirth.
The game started slowly, with two extended spells of treatment for a home player in the first few minutes, leading to his eventual substitution. Thereafter there was little excitement in either goal chances or indiscipline - bar one Silsden foul towards half-time, which drew a minor reaction and a yellow card for the offender after a long warning, with his captain invited to the meeting.
A yellow for the Golcar number 2, shortly after the restart, was administered without such formality. A spot of silliness on the hour gave Mr Kendrick the chance to exercise his jaw at length to the two initial participants. Five minutes later Silsden conceded a free-kick on the touchline, the ball ending up (perhaps with a little help) nearer the edge of the area. Mr Kendrick came across and was about to pick it up, when a Silsden player tapped it away, fortunately towards the place where the kick was to be taken, so no card was needed, though home fans thought otherwise. Golcar had the ball in the net on 69 minutes, denied by an offside flag from Mr Binks, who was not called upon to exercise his arm when Golcar repeated the process a minute later. A good Silsden attack was stopped just short of the box, but the free-kick came to nothing and a Route 1 attack gave Golcar a second. There was a further disallowed "score" on 85 minutes - this time it was Mr O'Regan quashing any hopes of a late Silsden comeback.
Mr Kendrick did not appear to do anything wrong, maintaining effective control. Given the combination of mizzle and JCFC's decrepitude, however, he often did not appear at all, so it is hard to say what he did particularly well - though he did get Brownie points for keeping his arms decently covered. The first young East Anglian official seen in the Pennines had wowed JCFC - and Jane Simms - but it is doubtful whether Mr Kendrick will follow Tom Nield's trajectory.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 26 Feb 2023 15:07
Saturday 25th February 2023
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 2 v 3 Bridlington Town
Aaron Hallam (Sheffield); Brandon Blackham, Josh Bramall.
There was an example of role reversal among the officials. Mr Hallam had first been seen in one of his earliest NCEL appointments - at Penistone, with Mr Bramall (now taking the specialist assistant route) in the middle. Mr Hallam was subsequently seen on the line at Emley, on crutches at Dronfield, again at Penistone and Emley, always appearing competent, and has this season reached Level 3.
The opening minutes saw Brighouse looking promising, raising hopes of a first home win this year, but Bridlington soon established a pattern of direct play, pressurising the fallible home defence and taking the lead on 17 minutes. The home side soon retaliated, with a surging run from the left back position and two smart passes to score a superb equaliser. Brighouse's passing then reverted to its norm, lacking both direction and judgment of weight as play became all too frantic. Two minutes into added time in the first half a Brid attacker was gifted a penalty - by Brighouse, not by Mr Hallam - and went to the break with a 2-1 lead. Mr Hallam, incidentally, had done very well to dash in to prevent any scuffle for the ball after the successful kick.
The home manager had done his stuff during the break and Brighouse again began strongly, breaking quickly from a Brid free-kick on the edge of the home penalty area and equalising after just three minutes. The usual pattern followed, however, with passes going astray, clearances panicky and Brid playing well to their limitations. The game was settled in the 68th minute Brid were awarded a free-kick in a potentially dangerous position. The SEPAR remarked to a visiting supporter "at the risk of tempting fate, your number 8 hasn't distinguished himself with his free-kicks." Fate was of course tempted and the kick found an attacker, who scored his side's winner. There was little sign that Brighouse would be able to respond and in fact Bridlington spurned a couple of great chances in the closing stages.
Mr Hallam looked confident in what was a very comfortable afternoon for him. There was little in the way of dissent, largely because he gave them little to argue with - though that is in itself not always a guarantee. Towards the end, the SEPAR gave him some fortissimo advice, but commented at the end that the referee had been good - a view with which JCFC was more than willing to concur. It would be interesting to see him take charge of a more demanding game, but his general alertness made for a promising display.
Post by: cwh on Sun 26 Feb 2023 18:40
it was to be another case of "Tell me the old, old story" at
Saturday 25th February 2023
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 2 v 3 Bridlington Town
Aaron Hallam (Sheffield); Brandon Blackham, Josh Bramall.
There was an example of role reversal among the officials. Mr Hallam had first been seen in one of his earliest NCEL appointments - at Penistone, with Mr Bramall (now taking the specialist assistant route) in the middle. Mr Hallam was subsequently seen on the line at Emley, on crutches at Dronfield, in the middle at Emley, always appearing competent, and has this season reached Level 3.
The opening minutes saw Brighouse looking promising, raising hopes of a first home win this year, but Bridlington soon established a pattern of direct play, pressurising the fallible home defence and taking the lead on 17 minutes. The home side soon retaliated, with a surging run from the left back position and two smart passes to score a superb equaliser. Brighouse;s passing then reverted to its norm, lacking both direction and judgment of weight as play became all too frantic. Two minutes into added time in the first half aBrid attacker was gifted a penalty - by Brighouse, not by Mr Hallam - and went to the break with a 2-1 lead. Mr Hallam, incidentally, had done very well to dash in to prevent any scuffle for the ball after the successful kick.
The home manager had done his stuff during the break and Brighouse again began strongly, breaking quickly from a Brid free-kick on the edge of the home penaty area and equalising after just three minutes. The usual pattern followed, however, with passes going astray, clearances panicky and Brid playing well to their limitations. The game was settled in the 68th minute Brid were awarded a free-kick in a potentially dangerous position. The SEPAR remarked to a visiting supporter "at the risk of tempting fate, your number 8 hasn't distinguished himself with his free-kicks." Fate was of course tempted and the kick found an attacker, who scored his side's winner. There was little sign that Brighouse would be able to respond and in fact Bridlington spurned a couple of great chances in the closing stages.
Mr Hallam looked confident in what was a very comfortable afternoon for him. There was little in the way of dissent, largely because he gave them little to argue with - though that is in itself not always a guarantee. Towards the end, the SEPAR gave him some fortissimo advice, but commented at the end that the referee had been good - a view with which JCFC was more than willing to concur. It would be interesting to see him take charge of a more demanding game, but his general alertness made for a promising display.
Could you explain what or who is a SEPAR
It would be very useful if there were list of all these Acronyms(if that is the right word) for all the many abbrieviations that are used in football - it seems to be growing by the day!!!! and I seem to be out of touch
Post by: JCFC on Sun 26 Feb 2023 18:58
In similar vein I have used the acronym UACSOTF - standing for Up And Coming Star Of The Future. Mr Hallam may well come close to that one, but a more testing game would be needed to earn it.
As for YLOMA - a Young Lady Of My Acquaintance.
I hope that clarifies things for you!
Post by: cwh on Sun 26 Feb 2023 19:21
A very reasonable request,cwh! I sit next to a former player at NCEL level, and subsequently a referee. He is noted for an impressively loud voice when berating opposition players and referees so SEPAR stands wholly unofficially for Stentorian Ex-Player And Referee.
In similar vein I have used the acronym UACSOTF - standing for Up And Coming Star Of The Future. Mr Hallam may well come close to that one, but a more testing game would be needed to earn it.
As for YLOMA - a Young Lady Of My Acquaintance.
I hope that clarifies things for you!
Thanks - I don't have any YLOMA at the moment as I presume you do!!!!!
Post by: bmb on Mon 27 Feb 2023 11:07
Post by: JCFC on Mon 27 Feb 2023 11:57
I know it as Sport and Exercise Psychology Accreditation Route but not sure that fits with JCFC's post!
Well, that's the first time JCFC and Exercise have ever appeared in the same sentence.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 05 Mar 2023 22:09
For I forget so soon.
The "early rain" of morning
Has passed away by noon.
Or maybe not for every one, as the attendance fell yet again. JCFC, however, once more made his way to
Saturday 4th March 2023
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 1 v 2 Dunston
Sam Wright; Gordon Greaves, Daniel McKee.
The details of this old, old story may change slightly week by week, but the plot remains substantially the same. A rather lightweight Brighouse. struggling against a physically stronger side, tries, but ultimately lacks composure and comes up short. The SEPAR muttered after five minutes that he would happily settle for 0-0. The first half was largely devoid of incident, bar a lecture for a visiting boss. Dunston claimed a penalty at one stage, Mr Wright immediately giving a corner. It may be that he did not have a chance to get an angle on the challenge; on the other hand, given Dunston's previous moaning and ridiculous appealing, he could just as well have been correct. In a repetition of the previous week, Brighouse conceded a penalty with an ill-judged attempt at a tackle on 43 minutes and went to the break a goal down.
Brighouse showed greater spirit in the second half, earning two yellow cards in the early stages, before breaking away on 79 minutes to score an equaliser. Their hopes were raised still further when a challenge by the visiting number 7 was so late that it constituted an assault. JCFC immediately thought "red card" and after a little thinking time, Mr Wright agreed. A couple of Dunston fans noisily disagreed, but they would, wouldn't they? Brighouse pressed for the much needed three points, creating chances, but a combination of good blocks and inaccurate finishing prevented them from scoring, while Dunston still looked dangerous on the break. On 88 minutes Dunston won a corner. JCFC remarked glumly that we had seen this scenario before - but something strange happened, as a home defender rose and actually managed to head the ball clear. As five minutes of added time was announced (reasonable, given a serious-looking injury to a home full back) the SEPAR was hoping for full-time, even against ten men. He had acquired an equally loud Town fan - never seen before - with a strange (estuarine?) accent and a heavily copulatory vocabulary, who was adamant that Town should be going for the win. This week it was he who ended with egg on his face, as Dunston lifted a free-kick beyond the far post, where it was headed back for the Dunston sub to nod home the winner. As they say, it's the hope that kills you.
AR McKee was unfamiliar, but had served in the army for a decade and in addition to his day job was a professional Thai boxer. Not a chap to mess with. Mr Wright started well, earning Brownie points for his long sleeves - which he promptly squandered on the quarter hour by rolling them up, John Yates style. He showed a good grasp of what constituted a foul, and importantly, what did not and used the appropriate sanctions. A good afternoon's work for the officials, another disappointing evening for the home faithful. Will JCFC be there again on Monday? Very probably - and there will no doubt be even more room in the ground.
Post by: Whistleblower on Mon 06 Mar 2023 09:27
I suspect that for those lower in the Pyramid the glory, if any such there be, is anything but empty and the cost is paid by the faithful supporters.
Please be assured of my enormous appreciation of your match reports. Indeed these words are most apposite :-
" Tell me the story always,
If you would really be,
In any time of trouble,
A comforter to me "
Post by: JCFC on Mon 06 Mar 2023 12:28
"Dew" is much more appropriate, not least because early rain in Brighouse is quite likely to last all day, and possibly most of the night.
Post by: Whistleblower on Mon 06 Mar 2023 13:32
Your post JCFC has brought back all sorts of gentle and sentimental memories for me. 'Tell me the old, old story' was one of my Grandmother's favourite hymns together with 'The old rugged Cross'. She was a staunch Wesleyan Methodist and would sometimes sing them when doing her housework. Even more telling for me is the fact that when, as a child, I was seeking to invent some excuse for wrongdoing or else trying to inveigle some special treatment or other, my dear late Mama would sing 'Tell me the old, old story'
I am in danger of getting maudlin; I have been humming the tune to myself for much of the morning.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 06 Mar 2023 14:28
Post by: Whistleblower on Mon 06 Mar 2023 14:32
Post by: JCFC on Mon 06 Mar 2023 14:37
Post by: Whistleblower on Mon 06 Mar 2023 14:40
Post by: ell on Tue 07 Mar 2023 11:00
Post by: JCFC on Tue 07 Mar 2023 16:43
I do hope you were at Brighouse last night JCFC - sounded incident packed!
JCFC must have upset ell rather badly for him to hope that he had to endure the miserable evening at
Monday 6th March 2023
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 1 v 1 Sheffield
Arran Williams; Dean Grant, Abdul Hakimy.
As predicted the attendance had fallen once again - to just 168. After Saturday's defeat, Town got off to a good start. On 5 minutes a home attacker was fouled as he ran into the goal area. Mr Williams immediately blew for the penalty. In the lengthy discussion that ensued, it was not clear when Mr Williams showed the red card - indeed, the SEPAR had not noticed the dismissal until JCFC pointed out the player trudging down the touchline towards the dressing rooms. Given the position, JCFC tended to sympathise with Mr Williams, but was in a minority, even the home manager declaring that it should not have been a dismissal offence. The keeper got a hand to the spot kick, but could not keep it out. Sheffield lost two further players to injuries in quick time, finding themselves without a regular centre-back. JCFC showed his naivety, assuming that the way to make their numerical advantage tell was to use the space and stretch the opposition by retaining possession and passing the ball. Brighouse, aware of Sheffield's makeshift defence opted for long balls forward, with Sheffield, understandably content to respond in kind - looking the sharper when they did so. Town were indeed fortunate on a couple of occasions that the visitors failed to take their chances. On 43 minutes, JCFC remarked that it was the time that Town concede penalties. Not so this time, merely a free-kick, which led to a header which the home keeper should have saved rather than parrying to an attacker to equalise.
Spectators of all persuasions were of the opinion that what we had witnessed bore little resemblance to football, just kick and rush, and the second half proved no different. JCFC lost the will to live and to keep track of what was happening (if anything) on the field. On 83 minutes a Town defender had a tug at an opponent on the far side of the penalty area - clearly an attack-stopper, but unless there was some extra skulduggery the position did not seem to suggest that any goal-scoring opportunity was sufficiently obvious to merit the red card that resulted. Five minutes later the home captain jumped into an aerial challenge. Mr Williams must have spotted something not apparent from the stand as Brighouse were reduced to nine men. They picked up a further yellow - it was hard to keep track of cautions, Mr Williams being less than demonstrative in his showing of cards. The point gained lifted Town briefly one position further from the relegation zone, but provided no pleasure for the locals.
Mr Williams had refereed, reasonably well, at Brighouse in January. On this occasion he was under pressure following the early red card and his decisions were regularly contested by players, coaches and spectators. There were a number of free-kicks - though it was by no means a dirty game - and many of them were perhaps soft. A soft foul, we know, is still a foul, but as on his previous visit, there appeared to be a few occasions when clean tackles were penalised. Sadly, he never quite appeared on top of events - an evening he will probably not have greatly enjoyed. In that, he joined the vast majority of spectators. so much so that not even the presence of number 1 Jack seems likely to tempt JCFC to Liversedge tonight.
Post by: cwh on Wed 08 Mar 2023 03:51
The precipitation patterns in Yorkshire must be quite different to those of Suffolk where I was brought up where the expression "rain before seven, fine before eleven " was often quoted and invariably proved correct. Being near the coast and not near significant hills meant weather fronts were blown in and out quite quickly.
Your post JCFC has brought back all sorts of gentle and sentimental memories for me. 'Tell me the old, old story' was one of my Grandmother's favourite hymns together with 'The old rugged Cross'. She was a staunch Wesleyan Methodist and would sometimes sing them when doing her housework. Even more telling for me is the fact that when, as a child, I was seeking to invent some excuse for wrongdoing or else trying to inveigle some special treatment or other, my dear late Mama would sing 'Tell me the old, old story'
I am in danger of getting maudlin; I have been humming the tune to myself for much of the morning.
Having been an organist at Methodist chapels for over thirty years I found the use of 'Tell me' certainly declined fairly rapidly and I don't recall playing it for many years - replaced by 'modern hymns' which many of the older congregations struggle with - and still do in smaller Chapels where some organists find 'modern'rhythms difficult to play
Post by: JCFC on Wed 08 Mar 2023 09:12
not even the presence of number 1 Jack seems likely to tempt JCFC to Liversedge tonight.
Just as well, as frozen areas of the pitch led to the game's postponement.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 08 Mar 2023 09:32
Having been an organist at Methodist chapels for over thirty years I found the use of 'Tell me' certainly declined fairly rapidly and I don't recall playing it for many years - replaced by 'modern hymns' which many of the older congregations struggle with - and still do in smaller Chapels where some organists find 'modern'rhythms difficult to play
I am delighted that you still use the term "Chapel" as was always the case in my family.
To return to a discussion on here many years ago, does your congregation prefer Hereford or Wilton?
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 08 Mar 2023 15:49
Post by: JCFC on Wed 08 Mar 2023 16:05
I actually like both, and can understand why a music lover would choose Hereford - Hx Philip did on the old site - and it is possibly more in keeping with the words, but Wilton stirs me rather more, given my nonconformist leanings.
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 08 Mar 2023 16:31
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 08 Mar 2023 16:35
Post by: Microscopist on Wed 08 Mar 2023 16:58
Sadly I cannot find reference to a hymn tune called Axminster or Kidderminster ( or indeed CyrilLord ) so I am unable to return serve on the carpet theme.I'm sure JCFC's Methods will find one for you!
Post by: cwh on Wed 08 Mar 2023 17:07
Having been an organist at Methodist chapels for over thirty years I found the use of 'Tell me' certainly declined fairly rapidly and I don't recall playing it for many years - replaced by 'modern hymns' which many of the older congregations struggle with - and still do in smaller Chapels where some organists find 'modern'rhythms difficult to play
I am delighted that you still use the term "Chapel" as was always the case in my family.
To return to a discussion on here many years ago, does your congregation prefer Hereford or Wilton?
Usually use Hereford - much nicer tune in my opinion but is slightly more difficult for congregations that are smaller number like 4 or 5 as is the case in many chapels these days if still open although Wilton is also used on occasions
Post by: JCFC on Wed 08 Mar 2023 17:22
I expect you have one of those rotating wheels in the middle of your dining room table as well !
While I remember, may I say that I was flattered that Whistleblower should think that I possess a proper table, let alone anything so refined as a dining room.
Post by: cwh on Wed 08 Mar 2023 18:37
Sadly I cannot find reference to a hymn tune called Axminster or Kidderminster ( or indeed CyrilLord ) so I am unable to return serve on the carpet theme.I'm sure JCFC's Methods will find one for you!
Tune - Axminster composed by George F Austin appeared in Methodist Hymn Book 1917 -And are we yet alive
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 08 Mar 2023 20:20
Sadly I cannot find reference to a hymn tune called Axminster or Kidderminster ( or indeed CyrilLord ) so I am unable to return serve on the carpet theme.I'm sure JCFC's Methods will find one for you!
Tune - Axminster composed by George F Austin appeared in Methodist Hymn Book 1917 -And are we yet alive
How brilliant to have tracked that down. I am away, far from home, at the moment and so do not have access to my hymnals.
" And are we yet alive " I am presuming is the first line of a hymn. It's a fabulously good question and is usually the first thing I ask myself when rising from sleep each morning.
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 08 Mar 2023 20:26
I expect you have one of those rotating wheels in the middle of your dining room table as well !
While I remember, may I say that I was flattered that Whistleblower should think that I possess a proper table, let alone anything so refined as a dining room.
My fantasy is that JCFC and Mrs JCFC, or a significant other, sit at either ends of a long refectory style table in a Northern baronial pile and, if a Lazy Susan be absent, slide the chafing dishes and condiments down to each other.
Post by: Microscopist on Wed 08 Mar 2023 22:39
(https://i.ibb.co/T1qZ4zJ/2-Woodhouse-Lane-mansion.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ypBD6LK)
(https://i.ibb.co/cX3sfL1/0-Woodhouse-Lane-mansion.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sJRXxH2)
Brings to mind a recent (Valentine's Night) candle lit tour and meal at Dumfries House. Whistleblower if ever you make the trip to the Burrell collection you should try and include Dumfries House (which is actually just outside Cumnock) and has possibly the finest collection of Chippendale (not of the type Mrs W might be thinking of) and Chippendale designed furniture in the world. It also has an Axminster carpet dating back to the late 18th / early 19th century. Also try to visit its "twin" so to speak, Mount Stuart on Bute which is full of fascinating symbolism that I'm sure you will appreciate.
Edited image formatting - flipmode
Post by: Bakis on Thu 09 Mar 2023 00:07
Post by: OwdReds on Thu 09 Mar 2023 08:38
Post by: Microscopist on Thu 09 Mar 2023 08:51
And are we yet alive is the opening hymn at the Methodist Conference every year. I've long thought it was a good question.The Church of Scotland is not so self aware ....
Post by: JCFC on Thu 09 Mar 2023 12:24
Post by: Microscopist on Thu 09 Mar 2023 21:40
I can endorse Microscopisr's recommendation of a trip to Mount Stuart. It is accessible as a day trip from Glasgow - train to Wemyss Bay, ferry to Rothesay and bus to Mount Stuart, with either a pleasant strll or a minibus ride to the house. It makes for an excellent day out. I would suggest, however, that its twin is not so much Dumfries House (possibly a great-aunt) as the Marquess of Bute's other property, Castell Coch, near Cardiff.I'd consciously put "twin" in inverted commas for shorthand avoiding a slightly more complex sentence. The three; Cardiff Castle. Mount Stewart and Dumfries House are closely linked. Cardiff Castle seems to me to be the more senior of the three and seems to have contributed wealth and facilities to both Mount Stuart and Dumfries House; largely derived from the Port of Cardiff and its hinterland. The development of Dumfries House and estate by the now King Charles has been a quite remarkable boon to the locality providing both employment and training facilities to a relatively underprivileged area. In the early days my son was Head Chef at the Cook School in Kilmarnock and alongside the Prince's Trust took on two cohorts of youngsters from some to the more deprived areas of Kilmarnock and trained them - he found jobs for all but one of them. At the end of training one of the cohorts, he used these youngsters to prepare a meal for the then Prince Charles and some very wealthy people from around the world. Dumfries House now have their own hospitality training facilities along with other training opportunities for local folk.
Talking of Kilmarnock that is another hymn tune with carpet connections, for around 80 years BMK (Blackwood & Morton, Kilmarnock) were major carpet producers and employers in Kilmarnock.
Post by: mutn3 on Sat 11 Mar 2023 22:47
NPL Prem
Att: 473
Referee: Mark Bell
Call me spoilt, but this was my first bus trip in twenty years, around the time Nottm changed from buses to trams. And isn't it a different world, looking out of the side window, not the windscreen? I also aged twenty years in the company of the MTFC Junior Supporters, me foolishly sitting mid bus!
The snows of the North Yorkshire Moors, the soaring gulls, and what might have been a couple on very friendly terms, standing by a copse (or they might just have been holding one another up to take it in turn to clean their wellingtons!).You see more, but kinda see less looking to the front.
Whitby is great. Fish breakfasts, lunches and high teas. You can see why Dracula liked it so ! If you've an afternoon free, it's recommended.
It's Goal of the Month time too folks! Write down your Whitby favourites, and place them in order. For me it was ACBD, they were all crackers. Not sure how, because the pitch was very difficult. Well done to Whitby for getting the game on. Well done to Whitby for their goals scored.
Mr Bell was excellent, with a capital E. Five cautions, and all nailed. His willingness to let the game breath suited this game, arguably most games, and the league in general. A lesson too to some colleagues, perhaps?
His Assistants Mr Mitchell and Mr Tones had their moments. Mr Bell did cover the odd idiosyncrasy, though as a team they generally held it together well, and contributed to an excellent afternoon's entertainment.
Well done x 3
Post by: Whistleblower on Sun 12 Mar 2023 09:37
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 12 Mar 2023 22:39
Just a brief return to hymn tunes. This morning we worshipped at St George's Cathedral Cape Town ( itself a good tune ) and sang 'Just as I am ' to the lovely tune Saffron Walden with the line representing the hopes of many football fans and indeed promotion aspiring referees " here for a season then above "This morning was a trip up the Doon Valley to assist the congregations in Patna and Bellsbank - Bellsbank being uniquely classified by the Scottish Government as Remote Rural and in the 5% most deprived areas according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. Some folk there with huge hearts.
Meanwhile Alloway communion this evening on cue: "Kilmarnock" got an airing though to words I'd never come across before ..
"The body has so many parts,
with each its role to fill...."
Bit of a Scotfest actually and we also had the tunes "Leaving of Lissmore" and "Maryton".
Post by: JCFC on Wed 15 Mar 2023 12:18
I had thought of the link between BMK carpets and Kilmarnock, but have never found that a particularly inspiring tune.
I have long heard of Patna - and passed through it on the way to Dalmellington - but Bellsbank is a name totally unfamiliar to me.
Similarly, I know of Lismore, though have never made the crossing there, but Maryton was another I had never heard of - near Kirriemuir (Thrums) I gather. Equally I did not know either tune, but liked both when I checked - assuming the former is that of the Kenneth McKellar song I found.
It's good to learn!
Post by: JCFC on Sun 19 Mar 2023 17:11
Saturday 18th March 2023
NPL Premier Division
Liversedge 3 v 3 Stafford Rangers
Steven Lawson (Stockton); Matthew Morton, Anthony Ficetola.
The referee's name was unfamiliar, but fortunately the Sedge programme provided not only his domicile but also his age (40) and various other details. The line of officials before the hand slaps was reminiscent of the famous TV sketch. The very tall AR1 played the John Cleese role - though with a less superior bearing. Mr Lawson, in the middle had the Ronnie Barker role - but fortunately not the figure that his professed enjoyment of a few beers with the lads might suggest. The much smaller AR2, like Ronnie Corbett, knew his place. The opening quarter offered little to trouble Mr Lawson, so he found little cause to trouble the players. His use of reverse gear was very good and his coverage of the ground was good, if not extravagant. A splendid header from a free-kick gave Stafford the lead on 22 minutes and things became a little more lively. Liversedge claimed a penalty - not given, probably correctly - with the Stafford keeper for some reason racing towards the centre circle to complain to the referee. Meanwhile from the home technical area came a loud suggestion that it was a disgrace, while Mr Lawson had a long word with a home player. On 34 minutes, the Stafford keeper went down bravely to snaffle the ball from an attacker's feet - but then got up and angrily barged his opponent, leading to the arrival of numerous "peacemakers." For JCFC , the correct decision would have been the one that no referee would ever give - a penalty for the keeper's barge. When matters were resolved between the players, Mr Lawson was standing near the goal-line, the players lined up for a clearance ... when from the far side of the field there appeared AR1. A discussion followed and a Sedge player was called back to receive a yellow card, followed by one for the keeper. It all seemed slightly unorthodox. A couple more yellows followed in the ensuing minutes - one per side - with that for Stafford leading to an equaliser on 43 minutes.
A half-time check revealed that Brighouse Town, rather than concede a penalty just before the break, had scored and led third-placed Stockton 2-0. The Stockton scout who had endured the dreadful match against Sheffield, must have been shaking his head in disbelief.
Stafford went ahead again just a minute into the second half, the lead lasting just four minutes before a header from a free-kick put Liversedge level once more. Stafford's third came from a less powerful header from a long throw after 58 minutes. Ten minutes before the end a second yellow saw Stafford go down to ten men. As added time began, the visitors conceded a penalty and Liversedge rescued a point.
It had been an entertaining game, so credit to Mr Lawson for that. Overall he had a pretty reasonable match, though without any clear sprinkling of stardust. Most referees would settle for that, however.
Back at Cleckheaton bus station, a further check revealed that Stockton had scored in the final minutes, but Brighouse had come away with an unexpected and much needed three points. All the more needed as their fellow relegation dodgers had also picked up points. Brighouse are seven points clear of automatic relegation, but there still looms the possibility of a play off against a Step 5 team.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 26 Mar 2023 21:42
Saturday 25th March 2023
NPL Divisioin 1 East
Brighouse Town 0 v 6 Worksop Town
Jamie Rhodes; Matthew Malton, Luke Hood
It seems that this season's experiment of playing with an invisible ball has been abandoned, making watching a little more interesting.
Hopes for JCFC were few; Brighouse gave the new champions a guard of honour onto the pitch - perhaps that might encourage them to be gentle with us. JCFC was hopeful - just - that the home side might hang on until his 19th minute Goalden Goal ticket was a potential winner. Neither hope lasted beyond the 3rd minute, when the visitors took the lead rather too easily. They had an effort disallowed for offside midway through the half. A home player was injured when an opponent rose over him to head clear. No foul was given - JCFC was in the minority of home supporters not to disagree - and Mr Rhodes had a word with the home number 10 and his captain. Just after the half hour, Brighouse had a wonderful chance to equalise, but skied the shot way over the goal. Instead, a long ball on 42 minutes set up Worksop's second. Added time saw the home side again fire a good chance over the bar, with Worksop scoring again to lead 3-0.
Early in the second half there was a conversation between Mr Rhodes and the visiting skipper, followed by the keeper. At first it seemed there was a mystery caution, but after Mr Rhodes had subsequent words with the coaches, the assumption is that the keeper had received some abuse from a small group of youngsters behind his goal. Midway through the half, the home captain was cautioned, with an indication that it was not his first offence. Brighouse fans were slightly cheered by the prospect of possibly drawing the second half - and indeed on 78 minutes the Worksop keeper just managed to turn a fierce shot onto the post and to safety. On 80 minutes, however, a grotesque miskick by a home defender gifted Worksop their fourth. A bad tackle, quaintly described by the visitors' twitter as "nefarious" resulted in a yellow card, which did not entirely satisfy some of the home contingent. Goal number five came on 87 minutes, and the sixth deep into added time.
Once again, Mr Rhodes dispelled the reservations JCFC had had earlier in his career. He is still not the most demonstrative of referees and his communication remains quiet, but he has become a brisk and accurate decision maker and controlled the match with excellent judgment.
Things did not turn out well for Brighouse: though rivals Carlton lost, Grantham won, to leave Brighouse just 4 points above automatic relegation, with a tough away fixture next weekend.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 02 Apr 2023 15:40
Saturday 1st April 2023
NWCFL Division 1 North
Ilkley Town 1 v 1 St Helens
Anyhony Parr Robinson (West of the Pennines); Paul Watson, Sam Sutton.
The grandiosely-named "Stadium" is a modern wired enclosure behind the Ben Rhydding Hockey club - of which JCFC did a circuit before locating the entrance. Catering was restricted to coffee and chocolate bars, seating to a 50-seater stand tucked away in the very corner behind the left back. Not a place, in short, to raise much enthusiasm.
The programme repaid JCFC's £2 investment with repeated criticism of the referee of their previous game, who had enabled Chadderton to win with an added-time penalty awarded, they claimed, for handball by their keeper. For the present match they observed the NWCFL's refusal to make referee appointments known. JCFC was left pondering the usual descriptions until half time, when the home twitter revealed a photo of the team sheet - their tweeter can expect a hit-man from the NWCFL to exact revenge for this breach of the code of secrecy. Mr Parr Robinson was shorter than his name, with a bit of a beard, Mr Cooper, at close quarters, looked younger than his bald pate had led to believe when seen at Prescot, and warmed up in short sleeves, before earning Brownie points for long sleeves for the match. Mr Sutton, tall and dark-haired did the opposite.
The game started in lively fashion, adventurous goalkeeping affording moments of excitement. After the home keeper had shepherded the ball out for a goal-kick under pressure, he gave Mr Cooper a very long, hard stare, though the reason was not visible to JCFC. A strong, but fair-looking, tackle was penalised, leading to a group protest from St Helens. On 24 minutes, a home defender was ahead in a chase for the ball in front of Mr Cooper, when he looked to be clipped from behind and went down, leaving the "clipper" free to set up the opening goal. This time it was the turn of Ilkley players to protest, with the keeper claiming that the assistant had now missed two offences - the hard stare earlier being the result of a kick from behind. St Helens led for just four minutes, Ilkley scoring after a neat move, with no controversy. Not for the first time, it seems, JCFC's understanding of Laws and regulations proved inadequate; after a clearance in the Ilkley goalmouth a home player was down with a head injury and Mr Parr Robinson rightly stopped play with the ball now in the other half, The player was checked, the physio summoned and there ensued a couple of minutes of treatment, which allowed a few home players to repeat their case about the goal. The player rose, the physio trundled off, but the injured player did not and play restarted with the ball dropped correctly to the St Helens keeper. As there had been no offence - and therefore no caution - and only one player involved, JCFC was left wondering what new decree he had missed. As half-time approached St Helens were annoyed at the referee's (correct) failure to award a free-kick, while the half ended with a contentious corner awarded against Ilkley - whether on the say-so of referee or AR1 was not clear. The home coach did well at the break to move his players away from the officials.
The third quarter offered a fair amount of attacking enterprise, but with nothing to show for it. St Helens had possibly been shading it, but the best chance fell to an unmarked Ilkley sub on 73 minutes, who could not prevent his touch six yards out from flying over the bar. Five minutes later there was a mass Ilkley appeal for a barge in the penalty area, but it was short-lived as play continued. On 83 minutes Ilkley did win a penalty, the keeper going down at the feet of an attacker and taking him down, but the spot-kick was saved. A third claim for a penalty shortly afterwards was rightly rejected. The programme had mentioned that St Helens were the division's draw specialists - 12 to date - and they seemed quite happy to make it 13, as the two late substitutions saw players leave the field to the rhythm of the march to the scaffold.
There was nothing in the officiating to earn a "vaut le voyage" recommendation, but in the final event they appeared to be well-enough received. As at half-time, however, credit to Mr Sutton for his speed in getting to his colleague's side. It had been a pleasant enough afternoon, but it is not a ground that will be visited again in a hurry.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 05 Apr 2023 15:48
Tuesday 4th April 2023
NPL Premier Division
Liversedge 1 v 1 Lancaster City
Jack Hall; Gordon Greaves, Matt Coles
JCFC received a friendly wave from Mr Hall as he came towards the end of his warm-up - no prizes for guessing which of the two that "he" refers to.
In the 9th minute Lancaster were awarded a penalty, queried, but not too vehemently by a number of Sedge players; the taker made a very rapid run-up and blasted the ball into the net. A brief check on twitter revealed that Brighouse Town had gone behind at Shildon, which put their hosts above them and left Town currently facing a relegation play-off. A home player and his captain were the recipients of a longish lecture three minutes later. The rest of the half passed agreeably, with the visitors having the better of the play.
At half-time, a further twitter check revealed that Brighouse had scored in the 44th minute to move them above Shildon once more. Google revealed that Cleckheaton bus station was being avoided from 5pm because of anti-social behaviour (ASB) by some youngsters. A strange quotation from one Inspector David Bates - "A juvenile was recently arrested at the location on suspicion of other ASB by officers" - gives what one trusts is a misleading impression. It is not clear whether the station will be avoided on further evenings, or even at all times.
Sedge started the second half much better, having a couple of early shots blocked and scuffing another shot when clean through. They then had a penalty appeal turned down, the appeals not being prolonged. On 53 minutes Mr Hall had a pre-emptive word with the visiting keeper, to avoid time-wasting at a free-kick. There was a yellow card for a Lancaster player for a foul just after the hour as Liversedge continued to dominate. This did leave them exposed and it took a great block by a defender racing back to prevent Lancaster having a great opportunity to extend their lead. Substitutions allowed a further check on Twitter - and Town had surprisingly taken the lead. Sedge headed over the bar and Lancaster pulled a shot wide, as Sedge were stretched. Three minutes into added time the visitors appeared to be about to seal the points, with an attacker one on one with the keeper. The young goalie, however, managed to block the ball to safety and thence it was played immediately to the other end and into the Lancaster net, for an equaliser that Liversedge deserved.
Mr Hall has been commented on many times before, so sufficient to say that he added use of a trailing eye to his alertness. His movement is not exaggerated, but when he senses a possible danger, he makes sure that he is on the spot with a fine turn of speed. The officials seemed to be well enough received at the final whistle - and rightly so.
Given that the bus station was out of commission, though still lit up, JCFC paid a further visit to Obediah Brook to wait for the 22.46 bus. £2.46 was exchanged for a pint of Kirkby Lonsdale 1822, but the comfortable seat was the main object of the exercise.
Brighouse, meanwhile, had hung on to take all three points, which lifted them above Sheffield and Lincoln United, but still some way from safety.
Post by: Microscopist on Thu 06 Apr 2023 15:43
Post by: JCFC on Thu 06 Apr 2023 20:00
Post by: Microscopist on Thu 06 Apr 2023 22:05
Yes - an attempt to clarify a post which covered three different strands. Each colour could be read separately if there was any confusion. I don't suppose it worked, though.Worked for me!
I had thought of writing those elements of my posts where I was deliberately putting a City perspective in blue and highlighting those parts of other folks posts where they were being similarly partizan in Red but thought better of it .....
Post by: JCFC on Thu 06 Apr 2023 22:39
Post by: bmb on Fri 07 Apr 2023 07:38
Well, I did make sure that Brighouse matters were in orange.
You steered clear of THAT colour as well!
Post by: JCFC on Sat 08 Apr 2023 12:33
Friday 7th April 2023
National League North
Bradford Park Avenue 2 v 0 Southport
Michael Crusham; Ryan Aldred, Adam Watson.
Once a regular Football League fixture in the old Division 3 North - albeit at the old Park Avenue ground - this match was JCFC's first visit of the season to the Horsfall Stadium. As the officials warmed up in the corner, it was possible to see them at close quarters while passing on the way to the stand. The good news is that Mr Crusham has abandoned his flirtation with the Baldrick's Slug look. However, he appeared to have employed a rusty razor, giving him a desperado appearance - someone best avoided - which on reflection may be a wise option when dealing with footballers. It is possibly just a case of Running Track syndrome, but from the seats he looked perfectly smart.
After 40 minutes JCFC's notepad remained blank, so stock was taken. BPA looked an even younger side than Brighouse's usual "boys against men" line-up. Southport had put a couple of shots just wide and had often looked dangerous, but Avenue had defended stoutly. Bradford, on the other hand, had not looked dangerous and Southport defenders had rarely been tested at all. Mr Crusham had appeared pleasantly chatty with players of each side and established a decent atmosphere, earning an easy half. He had twice been struck by the ball, the result of player incompetence rather than any obvious fault on his part, but had otherwise been impeccable. Tandem fortasse minime peccavit. On 42 minutes he placed the ball for a free-kick right on the touchline and turned away to wave four fingers at AR2 - allowing the taker to move the ball several yards infield. As suggested, hardly the most mortal of sins on his part. Avenue finally managed a decent shot, the keeper getting a foot to turn it away. Just after the 45 minute mark, the PA declared there would be 4 minutes added, Mr Crusham whistling for half-time (correctly) after adding just a minute.
It was a different Avenue performance in the second half and within a minute they had taken the lead. They continued to attack, a Southport defender just managing to head the ball over his bar. On 68 minutes Avenue were denied what looked an obvious corner - it was not clear whether the referee or AR1 was responsible - and there was a subsequent word with the home boss. The Southport keeper made a great save, leaping to touch the ball for a corner In the next minute he came out of his area to head clear a long ball with an attacker arriving at the same time. The whistle was blown, players discussed matters with Mr Crusham and the keeper received a yellow card, which he appeared to accept. From the opposite side of the field, it was impossible to be sure whether it was for handball or for some illegal contact. There was no doubting the reason for the yellow for the Avenue number 3 - an attack-stopping pull back as Southport pushed for an equaliser. The visitors continued to dominate the closing minutes and looked threatening, until one of their players lost his footing, leaving an attacker clear, still in his own half, to run on and draw the keeper towards him, before slipping the ball sideways to his number 9 to add a simple second goal.
Mr Crusham had had a little more to do in the second half, but looked comfortable throughout, using advantage very effectively. His whistling was brief - all that was required. An enjoyable game, very well handled by the three officials.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 08 Apr 2023 12:55
Post by: JCFC on Sun 09 Apr 2023 14:44
Saturday 8th April 2023
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 2 v 0 Grimsby Borough
Umar Ahmed (Batley); Dean Grant, Ben Brighton.
It was a pleasant surprise to discover that the visitors were no bigger than the home side. Thus encouraged, Brighouse made a lively start, having a good shot touched to safety by the keeper in the first minute and hitting the post just two minutes later. When Town went ahead on 10 minutes, it was deserved. There was a surprise midway through the half, when Mr Ahmed signalled a drinks break on what was a pleasant but not hot afternoon. He had, however, made a good start, with assured decisions as to what constituted a foul and importantly what did not. By the half hour the SEPAR was making complimentary remarks about his refereeing (though he did offer a couple of bits of "helpful advice" later on.) Grimsby came back into the game and from a corner were denied by a goalmouth block, followed by a headed clearance off the line.
Grimsby continued to pose a threat in the second half, but their finishing was wayward. As three-quarter time approached, a speculative long Town clearance found their striker on the left touchline and he carried the ball forward and was cutting in along the dead-ball line when he was brought down by a defender. Mr Ahmed's penalty decision was clear-cut, the defender received a yellow card and Brighouse converted the penalty, to ease home fans' nerves. There was to be a yellow card for another visiting defender for an over-vigorous barge into the hoardings, while, not to be outdone, the Brighouse right back (for this match anyway - he has spent most of the season on the left wing, though his preferred position would be the right) decided that he would like a look at the card and got his wish with thirty seconds to go.
By the end, both neighbours and the gentleman in front agreed that Mr Ahmed had done very well. Hopefully, Mr Observer Taylor agreed - he did not look unhappy. There had been a couple of possible minor errors on chest or handball decisions (not in dangerous positions) and one throw given the wrong way, but his overall control had been excellent, helped by generally respectful players. JCFC, having been given a lift by Mr Ahned earlier in the season, had thought that he might have to repay the favour with a charitable post, but, as with David Richardson's Bakewell tarts, no such allowance needed to be made. He certainly did not look like a first season Level 3 in a confident afternoon's work - particularly, we learnt from the programme, from somebody still awaiting his eighth birthday.
Post by: mutn3 on Mon 10 Apr 2023 15:10
Northern Premier League D1 E
Referee. Macauley Gibson
Possibly Scarborough
Don't think that I don't enjoy coming here. The ground always has plenty of atmosphere, the chips are great, and there's a pub clinging to the side of the ground. What's not to like!
It was one of those days which only come to Sheffield FC in August and April. Tough conditions to play good football, the ball bouncing around like Skippy on a trampoline. I suppose it's better than Sept to March, where though its still a great ground to spectate, one is more reminded of the Grimpen Myre. That Dronfield, where Sheffield FC play, is on the edge of the Peak District, and one of the local referees from down the road is called Baskerville.. There's a pretty solid link if you ask me!
Mr Gibson had a pretty easy afternoon in the first 85 mins (gotta beat the traffic, haven't you, in a 534 gate!). Fit, calm and with good player management. There was so little to report that I'm going to take a couple of minor points and transfer them to billboards, though 4000 miles from Ebbing, Missouri.
Twice is not habitual, but nor is it once, and twice Mr Gibson stopped play for a " head injury assessment " which, with somewhat more experience he'd have assessed it himself by telling the fly in the eye to move it, or by removing the eyelash from the field of play! On each occasion the physio didn't look that keen to enter the field. He, like me, realised it was not much about very little. I'm all for caution, but both incidents could have been read a little better.
Secondly, we all realise that there are optimum positions to take on corners, attacking free kicks etc, though gawd knows they have changed down the years, but you'd think if you needed to shield your eyes from the sun, then that isn't the best position to take after all? To take up exactly the same position in the very next minute for another corner.. What did Einstein say about doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results.... Think on your feet Mr Gibson, don't be a slave to positioning advice, only if it's from me! 😉
My last word on this is a guarded one regarding predictive text. Type in Missouri, and it comes up as Kissograms!! I can't be too long away from a knock at the door! 😄
Post by: jad on Tue 11 Apr 2023 14:28
West Yorkshire has tended to treat Good Friday as a working day and have Tuesday as a holiday instead, so it was a little surprising to find Halifax Town with an afternoon kick-off (and an unexpected result), as was also the case for
Friday 7th April 2023
National League North
Bradford Park Avenue 2 v 0 Southport
Michael Crusham; Ryan Aldred, Adam Watson.
My possibly faulty recollection is that when Bradford (PA) were still in the Football League, Bradford City tended to play their home Easter fixture on the Monday, while Avenue played theirs on the Tuesday, albeit that in later years the match was sometimes played as an evening fixture.
The practice of taking Easter Tuesday instead of Good Friday as a holiday was widespread in parts of Yorkshire and Lancashire and related to the exigencies of operating a steam-powered textile mill in the days when Saturday-morning working was the norm. Now that both steam-powered textile mills and Saturday-morning working have mostly passed into history, there is presumably no longer any reason for not observing Good Friday, though I would like to think that it is taken as a holiday as well as, rather than instead of Easter Tuesday..
Post by: JCFC on Tue 11 Apr 2023 17:21
Monday 10th April 2023
NPL Division 1 East
Ossett United 0 v 4 Brighouse Town
Anthony Tankard; Stephen Beresford, Charles King
Having no prior knowledge of the appointments for this game, JCFC was relying on the programme and was miffed to find that there wasn't one. The sight of mud and puddles in the stand-end goalmouth suggested that the referee would be an old hand, rather than a young thruster - and when the officials came out to warm up, Mr Tankard was easily recognised, and seemed a good choice for a match with a degree of history. JCFC thought AR2 was Mr King, but would not have risked more than 5p on it. Mr Beresford was completely unrecognised, appearing far more jovial than the grim photo hr once supplied to the Brighouse programme suggested.
As feared, Ossett were well on top in the first quarter. They netted on 7 minutes, but were denied by Mr King's offside flag and continued to press, forcing the Town keeper into an excellent fingertip touch for a corner. Mr Tankard had a firm word with the Ossett number 9, but it was the Brighouse right back who was correctly shown the game's first yellow. Brighouse did begin to put a few moves together, and one great chance went begging as the striker could not quite get the necessary touch. Town were coming up against their perennial problem of small attackers against tall defenders, but as half-time approached, they found a solution - drawing the defender and then dinking the ball over him for a colleague to run onto and power home. There was still time for a pointless foul in no man's land to earn the home number 5 a yellow card.
During the interval JCFC checked the progress of the division's other strugglers - mixed - and then turned to Rate the Ref. At this point it is necessary to lodge a complaint about Mutn3: his excellent post was so enjoyable that JCFC decided to finish the last few lines as the teams kicked off for the second half. Looking up on reaching the end, he found Ossett about to kick off, having conceded a second goal. It was said to be a well-worked move, but as the source of that information was the Brighouse secretary, it should perhaps not be taken as Gospel. Brighouse were now on top, and had a shot tipped for a corner by the diving keeper. JCFC can confirm that the third goal, on 58 minutes, was indeed the result of a decent move. Mr King was on the ball to disallow a Brighouse effort and in the closing stages there were cautions for two Town players for offences in the far corner. As JCFC was heading towards the exit with the intention of making a sharp dash to the bus station across the road at the final whistle, the home keeper looked to dive to save, but he brought down an attacker, conceded a penalty and received a red card, An outfield player donned the gloves, but could not save the spot kick.
Despite the red card and four yellows, it had been a very comfortable afternoon for Mr Tankard, who was always well in control and made things look easy without having to try too hard. There is much to be said for experience! It was an even better afternoon for Brighouse, who secured their place at Step 4 for another season. The dash across to the bus station was successful, thus saving an hour and seeing JCFC home by 18.05
Post by: JCFC on Thu 13 Apr 2023 14:43
Wednesday 12th April 2023
NCEFL Division 1
Campion 0 v 1 Harrogate Railway Athletic
Charles King (S&H FA); Joe Wink-Simmonds, Nick Britcliffe.
Each side had something to play for: victory would take Campion, already champions and assured of promotion, past the 100 point mark, in line with their goal difference; the visitors, currently in third place, were sure of a home semi-final in the play-offs, but needed a win to leapfrog Rossington Main to ensure home advantage should they reach the final.
For the first 35 minutes, Campion were on top, but the Rail defended resolutely. Midway through the half Mr King had a firm word with a Rail defender, but it was to be the Campion number 10 who was subsequently to receive the first yellow, for a palpable trip. Railway game into the game a little more towards the end of the half and had one appeal for a penalty, but it was rightly rejected, the attacker having gone over too easily in legitimate contact.
From the restart it was the visitors' turn to apply sustained pressure, but they did not make the most of two very good chances. Campion still looked dangerous and it took a good save by the Railway keeper to keep them out. On 67 minutes there was a nasty-looking challenge by the Campion number 11. Mr King seemed to be fiddling with his top pocket, but as far as could be seen, no card was shown. The visitors had the last laugh, though, as they took the lead immediately afterwards. Campion had to press for the equaliser, leaving space for Harrogate to exploit, but though there was plenty of excitement, neither side was able to score, though Campion did come close late on.
For a high-profile (at their level) match, it is a reasonable expectation that one of the better-rated officials would have been appointed, and there was no reason to disagree with that. Mr King kept a reasonably low profile himself and did nothing to frighten the horses - unless the equine inhabitants of Manningham are scared by a goal-kick award when Campion wanted a corner. His decisions overall appeared accurate and helped to serve up an engrossing game.
The Rail now face Horbury Town (replacing Staveley MW, who were not eligible, having taken voluntary relegation last season) at Starbeck this weekend, while Rossington will entertain Wakefield.
EDIT: There was a yellow card for the Campion player on 67 minutes according to their twitter account. It must have been brief and instantaneous.
Post by: mutn3 on Sun 16 Apr 2023 10:35
NPL Premier Div
Referee: Ashley Royston ( RTR info)
Att: 954
An important game. Could Bamber Bridge secure a home play off? Could Matlock take the last play off spot?
A sticky pitch, and no wonder! Bamber Bridge's insistence on playing out from the back was fraught with risk. Had they not had enough rain to float the Ark in Preston the day before? It certainly wasn't well read, and contributed to Matlock's dominance in the first half.
Now, if you like your meat raw and your vegetables crunchy, Mr Royston is probably not the referee for you. Aside from the game's winning penalty, which caused much mirth in the Twigg Stand, and much consternation from everyone wearing yellow, he really got little wrong.
Mr Royston certainly controlled the game, he certainly applied the law, but those together don't mean I have to warm to a style. That he saw everything, gave everything , in my view it kinda crushed the spirit somewhat. Sometimes to see and not give isn't always a dereliction of duty.
Different times I know, but I wonder what former Panel and NPL referee John Barlow (Ripley), who refereed when dinosaurs roamed, would have made of it. I exaggerate a little (but not much) and say there were more free kicks at Matlock yesterday than John gave in two seasons!
Did Mr Royston referee well? By today's standards (aside from the penalty) very well indeed. Would I want to see him every week? As nice a guy as I'm sure he is, not really!
Post by: JCFC on Mon 17 Apr 2023 17:39
Saturday 15th February 2023
NPL Division 1 East
Brighouse Town 2 v 0 Consett
Matthew Langdon; Adam Gibbons, Haim Fiterman.
JCFC's disgruntlement stemmed from a match at Hemsworth last season, in which Mr Langdon seemed to have got most decisions correct, but lacked authority with players and coaches who showed far too much dissent and were allowed to get away with it - a view which appeared to be shared by President Hackett. The match was ultimately abandoned, though no blame could be attached to Mr Langdon for the behaviour of a spectator. JCFC was therefore very surprised when Mr Langdon received his promotion to Level 3 at the end of that season - not the first time his judgement has proved faulty.
As the teams took to the field, Mr Langdon's tall stature was accentuated by his two diminutive assistants. AR1 had some tight offside decisions and though he seemed to get them correct, when the call was to play on, he tended to fall a little behind. AR2 seemed to do well - he must be brighter than he looked from the stand. If only JCFC could make the same claim for himself.
Brighouse took the lead on 16 minutes with a shot which went in off the goalkeeper. The visiting number 3 received a yellow card for a blatant pull back on 20 minutes. The home keeper had to come out well to deny Consett and the visitors number 6 was spoken to, with his captain invited to attend, for a tug back in a less threatening position. Had Mr Langdon earned Brownie points for long sleeves, which he didn't, he would have lost them for an extended unnecessary wait for a throw to be taken, before instantly blowing his whistle the moment the ball was released.
Brighouse created a number of early openings in the second half, but could not make the necessary final contact. The Consett keeper saw yellow for racing out to bring down a Town attacker. Just after the hour a splendid surging run down the right wing led to a splendid shot from the opposite side of the field, to give Brighouse their second goal. In the latter stages the Brighouse number 7 collected his third yellow in as many games - apparently for simulation. When the final free-kick sailed over the Brighouse crossbar, Mr Langdon redeemed himself by blowing the final whistle, rather than making us watch the keeper finding ways to pass the time.
Mr Langdon, it must be admitted, looked a very competent official. A strong voice when needed, a couple of good bits of anticipation when players tangled on the ground and decent use of advantage, in a match in which the players did not give him much trouble. Not yet a JCFC favourite, but previous reservations have been dispelled and Mr Appointments Man is forgiven.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 19 Apr 2023 15:42
Tuesday 18th April 2023
National League
Halifax Town 1 v 1 Bromley
Scott Jackson; Oliver Noonan, Andrew Daniels. 4thers: Adam Watson
The run-up to the start was enhanced by a previously unheard Halifax anthem, with an almost Germanic feeling. Unlike often in Germany, however, there was no crowd participation; possibly fans considered the refrain
"And Glory shone around
On FC Halifax Town"
as ludicrous as it is trite. More probably because there were few fans present at that point - the bar must have been doing a roaring trade.
Halifax made a great start, the Bromley keeper only just managing to palm the ball away in the first minute, and the visitors began to look as if they would settle for a point. The player retrieving the ball to take a free-kick did so in slow motion and when there was a similar delay over another free-kick, Mr Jackson had a word with a visiting defender (the captain?.) As with the early intervention for dissent when seen at Farsley, it had the desired effect. Whether this is attributable to the power of Mr Jackson's eloquence is uncertain, as Halifax took the lead on 20 minutes, thwarting plan A. Halifax hit the post with a long low shot just after the half hour, but then Bromley fought their way back into the game, having a penalty appeal turned down when two players came together in the box with the attacker finishing on the ground. Two minutes later, Mr Jackson again made an intervention about dissent, calling the visiting number 20 and his skipper. Just before the break there was a curious incident where a challenge by a home defender with a high foot appeared to make no contact - but must have done, as the Bromley number 9 required treatment. Home fans, seeing his late fall, booed him loudly when he was allowed back on. Again, the whistle was blown just as a throw was taken, but this time Mr Jackson escapes reproach (almost) as the throw was very prompt.
The second half saw a different Bromley as they dominated affairs, with an early shot over the bar, and a subsequent one on 55 minutes following a corner which the keeper could only push clear. On 64 minutes a trip to stop an attacker in full flight earned a Town defender a yellow card. It looked as if further punishment had been exacted, as the free-kick led to a pin-ball session in the goal area, the ball ending in the net, only for AR1 to flag for offside. Halifax fans are an impatient bunch - at least those in the naughty boys (old men, actually) rows at the top of the stand are - any sideways pass being greeted with cries of "Get the ball forward," or worse should they have the temerity to pass the ball backwards. On 75 minutes Bromley finally got the equaliser they deserved. Halifax did have one opening from a free-kick, but the attacker's contact only managed to loop the ball gently into the hands of the keeper,who immediately launched an attack, which ended with Bromley shooting just wide. The final minutes were a little untidy, with a yellow for a Bromley defender, a dodgy throw-in award from AR1 when the ball (on the grass) did not appear to cross the line and a yellow for the Halifax coach in the aftermath. In the end, both sides were probably quite happy with the draw.
The game as a whole had been problem-free and once again Mr Jackson's interventions had proved well-judged. His manner is not obtrusive, but very effective. He seems to have appeared from nowhere to reach 2A in no time flat, so JCFC has not had the chance to watch him in a tight ground to get a sense of his personality onfield, and never will now, but in both matches he has created a highly favourable impression. There was one error - a throw given to the defender - from the stand it clearly should have been the other way, but from infield the players masked the ball - but it was given confidently and few complaints were made. A style very much to this watcher's liking.
So JCFC was very pleased with Mr Jackson's work, but in the interests of balance, not everyone agreed. As JCFC stood relieving himself of the effects of the pre-match coffee, two gentlemen similarly engaged declared to each other that they had never seen a referee give nothing all match, but just plough up and down the middle. Pay your money and take your choice!
Post by: JCFC on Wed 19 Apr 2023 16:04
Post by: JCFC on Sun 23 Apr 2023 15:53
Friday 21st April 2023
NCEFL Cup Semi-Final
Golcar United 0 v 0 Emley
Sam Bragg (Calderdale); Dominic Jackson, Daniel Kilburn.
The ground was already packed 40 minutes before kick-off. Two well-known officials were already ensconced in the stand, with JCFC shamefully failing to recognise one of them. The reasons are possibly threefold: JCFC'S semi-improved eyesight; or Mr Thomas looked to have been on a course of David McNamara's rejuvenating pills; or most of all the woolly hat he was wearing rather than the curious number with dangling plaits, like a Dutch maiden's, that he had worn in the past - not while actually refereeing, it should be made clear. Having squeezed (literally) his frame into one of the few remaining seats, JCFC prepared to enjoy the entertainment.
Mr Bragg had twice attracted attention for excellent work on the line, but had not been seen in the middle. For a referee relatively inexperienced at this level, a local derby semi-final in front of 1320 vociferous supporters is a big match - and presumably an indication of a successful season in the league.
Things got under way promptly enough and Mr Bragg was understandably keen to keep a tight grip on the match, with a number of high-intensity sprints (would he be able to maintain them?) and several free-kicks. Emley started the more impressively, with a succession of dangerous attacks. Mr Bragg's patience was tested somewhat on 10 minutes, when the match ball disappeared into the neighbouring gardens and his call for a replacement was not answered; a Golcar substitute had to be sent back to the changing rooms as the spare balls had been forgotten. Emley had further good chances, but put their shots wide. Mr Bragg called the Emley 5 and the Golcar 11, to calm a little disagreement, but it was not till later that the yellow card was first shown - to the Golcar number 7, after an advantage call. A good Golcar block completed a half, of which the visitors had had the better, but with nothing to show for it.
There was a tricky decision for Mr Bragg on 52 minutes, as the Emley keeper and a Golcar attacker went for the same ball. He slowed his run, took his time and gave a goal-kick, which from the lack of outrage was probably the correct decision. The second half was proving a much more even affair, with openings at either end and cautions for the home number 11 and the away number 8. The Emley keeper had an uncanny knack of sending every goal-kick, free-kick or simple clearance into touch on his left. He was at fault with a poor punch on 80 minutes, but redeemed himself with a great save in the follow-up. So after 90 minutes the score was 0-0.
JCFC had been happily expecting that the tie would go straight to penalties,but the appearance of a ministering angel bearing drinks for the officials made it clear that there was to be extra time. This would mean that the usual bus would be missed, but the game was entertaining enough for that not to matter too much.
The extra half-hour produced a scrambled clearance at one end and a bad miss at the other, but still no goals. To answer the question raised at the beginning, Mr Bragg's sprinting sensibly became a little slower as time wore on, but throughout he moved well in both sideways and reverse gear, and showed a commendable degree of lateral movement. He succeeded in keeping firm control - and the lack of the usual ferocious complaints from the home technical area can be taken as a sign of a job well done. He did appear rather earnest for most of the match, but did break into a smile once or twice in the later stages. Young Mr Jackson had to run the gauntlet of the noisy home fans and could do little right in their opinion, but like the other officials came through the test well. The refereeing experts present may, of course, have a different, more informed view!
Not wishing to risk missing the last bus - and mindful of the 20-kick saga earlier this season at Gedling to produce a 5-4 win - JCFC left before the kicks were taken. It was a good job too, as Golcar eventually emerged as winners by 13-12, while JCFC was safely on the bus heading into Huddersfield. Golcar will now face Winterton Rangers at Doncaster Rovers on the evening of the 2nd May. Emley will be heading to the same venue later in the month for the final of the S&H FA Cup.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 23 Apr 2023 19:42
Arriving early for Saturday's fixture, I had a dalliance with an Ossett Blonde. Scarcely had my lips made contact when I found myself toppling backwards and being helped to my feet from the floor. The moral: Don't take liberties with Ossett Blondes - they must pack quite a punch.
Post by: Whistleblower on Sun 23 Apr 2023 21:04
A Cautionary Note
Arriving early for Saturday's fixture, I had a dalliance with an Ossett Blonde. Scarcely had my lips made contact when I found myself toppling backwards and being helped to my feet from the floor. The moral: Don't take liberties with Ossett Blondes - they must pack quite a punch.
Indeed most cautionary. I have had a similar experience with that delightful but feisty Belgian, Stella Artois who has a considerable bite as well as punch.
Post by: Whistleblower on Sun 23 Apr 2023 23:17
Post by: JCFC on Mon 24 Apr 2023 05:35
A Cautionary Note
Arriving early for Saturday's fixture, I had a dalliance with an Ossett Blonde. Scarcely had my lips made contact when I found myself toppling backwards and being helped to my feet from the floor. The moral: Don't take liberties with Ossett Blondes - they must pack quite a punch.
Indeed most cautionary. I have had a similar experience with that delightful but feisty Belgian, Stella Artois who has a considerable bite as well as punch.
I avoid Stella. When in Belgium, I prefer the gentle charms of the generic Blanche Citron.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 24 Apr 2023 05:38
And as for what happened when I got my hands on Rev James, well discretion forbids me to divulge any more except to say that I received a lot of admonishment from the wagging Bishop's Finger.
...with a warning of the need to use your Brain's more wisely, no doubt.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 24 Apr 2023 20:02
Saturday 22nd April 2023
NPL Division 1 East
Ossett United 0 v 0 Grantham Town
Jack Hall; Dwayne Chappell, Fotios Skoutas.
The home team had nothing particular to play for, the visitors were safe from the relegation play-offs as long as Lincoln United did not win at Consett. The result was a very conservative opening from both sides, the object appearing to be to have the ball in play as little as possible. After two early ball-changes Mr Hall smelt a rat and refused the third request. When news arrived that Lincoln had taken the lead, Grantham, at least, began to show a little more urgency. Ossett had a header from a corner cleared off the line on the half hour, Grantham were twice denied in quick succession - once by the post, then by a desperate keeper. Grantham's number 20 had the air of a good player gone to seed, and he proved adept at instigating holding and then going to ground claiming that he had been fouled. He did have a good shot tipped over the crossbar on 42 minutes, however. An angry rant by the Ossett captain drew a strong warning from Mr Hall a minute later. There were Grantham appeals for a penalty when the number 5 barged number 20 in effecting a clearance - it could perhaps have been given, but maybe number 20 had cried wolf too often. In added time there was a yellow card for the Ossett number 9, for contact when jumping that caused a head injury. Mr Hall recouped the Brownie point he had lost for wheelie luggage by whistling for half-time with the ball out of play for a throw.
By now Consett had gone ahead against Lincoln, so Grantham looked pretty safe - and the timewasting grew even more irritating. Mr Hall did his best to chivvy players of both sides at substitutions, retrieving the ball for restarts, but with limited success. Would a card - or a general warning to captains have been in order? There was a deserved yellow for the Ossett captain for wiping out an opponent. Ossett got away with a handball in a dangerous attack, but fortunately the defence cleared the danger. A late yellow card for Grantham brought an end to a frustrating afternoon.
It had not been the sort of game in which the referee could create a great impression in Mr Observer Taylor's copious notes, silk purses out of sow's ears are beyond the scope of all officials, but at least matters were brought to a satisfactory conclusion. Not the best of Mr Hall, perhaps, but a decent standard nevertheless. With luck, Mr Observer will have agreed.
As a further note, JCFC was a little sorry to see that Mr Hall has been appointed, as last year, to a promotion semi-final, rather than a final. On the plus side, for one of us, at least, he will most likely be around to see again next season.
Post by: JCFC on Fri 28 Apr 2023 21:53
So, back home to Brighouse. I hope that the officials, whoever they may have been, had a brilliant game and that those lucky enough not to rely on buses enjoyed an excellent match. My wishes for Arriva buses are less charitable.
Twitter tells us that Step 6 Campion came from behind to beat Step 3 Liversedge 2-1. Next season, by the way, the 3 step difference will be just 1.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 30 Apr 2023 16:23
Saturday 29th April 2023
National League
Halifax Town 1 v 1 Eastleigh
Dean Watson; Neil Evans, Michael D'Aguilar. 4thers: Peter Brown.
Mr Warson had been seen twice in the early stages of his Level 3 career, several years ago. Each time there had been an apparent error - not necessarily of his making - but JCFC had very much approved of his general onfield manner and in subsequent matches his excellent work had made him a favourite referee at that Level, but his promotions have meant that he has not been seen for some years. Mr D'Aguilar was seen refereeing (well!) at Hyde even longer ago, before taking the Assistant route. He had obviously not been taking Mr McNamara's rejuvenating pills. Nor, it seemed had the unfamiliar 4thers. Mr Evans was also a new name to JCFC - no need for rejuvenating pills there.
Halifax started impressively, having a strong shot pushed away by the keeper, but Eastleigh began to look dangerous with some pacy attacks. On 16 minutes there was a clash of heads, both players going down and requiring treatment and a new shirt in the case of the Eastleigh man. There may have been more to it than seen from the top of the stand, from where it looked an accident, as Mr Watson showed a yellow card to the Halifax number 27, much to the recipient's surprise. The visitors were twice denied by the keeper, but took the lead on 28 minutes. It was proving a rather unattractive game, with players auditioning for Strictly, though Craig Revel Horwood would have found fault with their holds.
Easleigh had a shot hit the bar early in the second period, bur then began to employ various timewasting manoeuvres. Mr Watson had a quick word with a player who went to take a throw, before leaving it to a colleague, and at the next stoppage made the point informally to his captain. Halifax had a shot tipped over the bar and Eastleigh number 12 was shown a yellow for what had looked a strong, but fair, tackle. Visiting players began to develop injuries: Mr Watson was alive to this and made a point of calling trainers on immediately, resulting in players leaving the pitch. Guess what? The next man to go down with nobody near him was the keeper, who was already doing stalwart work by hanging onto the ball for 14 seconds each time he took possession of it. Sadly, no caution was forthcoming, but there was a late one for a visitor for playing on after the whistle. In the seventh minute of added time a Halifax effort hit the inside of the post, rebounded beyond the opposite post, was played back in and turned into the net for the equaliser.
From the stand, it was not possible to tell whether Mr Watson's manner war as good as recalled, though he did look to have a number of amiable-looking individual chats. There was one very intelligent bit of movement: as the visiting keeper came wide to his left to catch the ball, so Mr Watson moved sharply to his right to be in line with the side of the area. In the end, there was no problem, but it was a good precaution. He allowed one very good advantage, the ball being played to the winger in space to run on. When his inept cross ended comfortably in the arms of the keeper, Mr Watson was berated by the Halifax intelligentsia for not having given the free-kick. One despairs at times! Though not as supreme a performance as JCFC had hoped to see, Mr Watson saw matters to a comfortable conclusion and looked to be well enough received at the end.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 03 May 2023 19:58
Tuesday 2nd May 2023
NCEFL League Cup Final
Golcar United 1 v 2 Winterton Rangers
Michael Robinson (E Riding); Matthew Collins, Jermaine Isherwood. 4thers: Joshua Drake.
Mr Robinson was slim, light on his feet and from a distance had a rather mousy appearance, though when seen at closer quarters as he went to collect his medal(?), his beard gave him a more raffish, piratical appearance. AR1 was a more substantial figure (though not to excess) while the smiling AR2 had copied the Hooper hairstyle.
Golcar made the early running, the Winterton keeper having to back-pedal on 25 minutes to stop a lob from 40 yards. There was a further scramble in the Winterton goal area just a minute later, but the danger was averted. On 34 minutes the Golcar keeper and a Rangers attacker were both down injured and Mr Robinson soon stopped play. The restart was confusing as it seemed to be with a goal-kick. Perhaps Mr Robinson, like JCFC, had forgotten which side was deemed to be in possession when play was halted or maybe he decided belatedly that the attacker had fouled the keeper and it was in fact a free-kick. Whatever, it was a pragmatic decision, as nobody saw fit to question it. At this stage the players had given him nothing to worry about, but a couple of free-kick awards began to be contested, notably by the Golcar number 3. A good Winterton shot was touched over for a corner, at which the keeper came and flapped unsuccessfully, to be rescued by his defenders. Winterton were having a good spell and netted on 43 minutes, only to find AR2's flag raised. A tackle by the Winterton number 2 brought what looked perhaps a harsh yellow card, but a minute later the one for the Golcar number 3, stopping a very dangerous attack after a defender had lost his footing, was thoroughly deserved.
Early in the second half Golcar were caught offside, the player becoming active in his own half, but the kick was taken in the opposing half. JCFC cannot keep up with law changes! The Winterton number 4 was summoned with some difficulty for a lecture on 51 minutes, in the course of which Mr Robinson's hand shot up several times, but without any clear evidence that any of these gestures involved a card. Before the kick was taken, Mr Robinson had an explanatory word with the offender's skipper. A minute later, it was a foul by the Golcar number 5 that definitely saw the yellow card brandished. On 56 minutes there was another slip by a Golcar defender, the keeper parried the shot, but Winterton were able to take the lead from the rebound. When the Golcar keeper again parried a shot shortly afterwards, the follow-up effort was easily dealt with and within seconds Golcar had equalised. On the hour, the Golcar number 3 received a second yellow. With ten men Golcar retreated into full defensive mode, with clearances to a lone attacker being quickly returned. Winterton took advantage with a goal from a corner. They had a great opening on 75 minutes, but the keeper blocked the shot. Winterton soon had a brilliant effort come back off the frame of the goal before Golcar began to make the occasional raid, only to put their best chance wide and Winterton in the end proved deserved winners.
If Mr Robinson was perhaps not quite perfect in JCFC's view, he nevertheless did a pretty good job, as did the two efficient-looking assistants. They were well received at the end, and deservedly so. Credit to Golcar, who accepted defeat with some grace, staying to applaud their opponents as they collected the Cup - we can all recall examples where some professional players have not managed that much. Credit, too, to Winterton, whose victory completed a successful four days. At least they will not be lifting that trophy next season, as Saturday's win at Coggeshall saw them promoted to Step 4.
Post by: JCFC on Fri 19 May 2023 19:22
Thanks to all who keep the site functioning smoothly, to the officials who run the various leagues and especially to the volunteers whose hard work keeps their clubs running.
Best wishes to referees at all levels for an enjoyable Summer. Come back refreshed and raring to go next season - and remember: JCFC knows nothing about refereeing, so you are always far better than he could ever have aspired to be.
Post by: cwh on Fri 19 May 2023 19:47
With the regular season over and just one match remaining, it is time, once again, to express thanks to aaa for his sterling work throughout the season in posting details of appointments. His work is invaluable - and much appreciated.
Thanks to all who keep the site functioning smoothly, to the officials who run the various leagues and especially to the volunteers whose hard work keeps their clubs running.
Best wishes to referees at all levels for an enjoyable Summer. Come back refreshed and raring to go next season - and remember: JCFC knows nothing about refereeing, so you are always far better than he could ever have aspired to be.
JCFC - just a word of thanks for keeping us (me anyway) entertained with all your amusing antics travelling to and reporting on lower League matches which makes a refreshing change from Premiership etc - so well done and thank you
Post by: Whistleblower on Sat 20 May 2023 09:01
With the regular season over and just one match remaining, it is time, once again, to express thanks to aaa for his sterling work throughout the season in posting details of appointments. His work is invaluable - and much appreciated.
Thanks to all who keep the site functioning smoothly, to the officials who run the various leagues and especially to the volunteers whose hard work keeps their clubs running.
Best wishes to referees at all levels for an enjoyable Summer. Come back refreshed and raring to go next season - and remember: JCFC knows nothing about refereeing, so you are always far better than he could ever have aspired to be.
JCFC - just a word of thanks for keeping us (me anyway) entertained with all your amusing antics travelling to and reporting on lower League matches which makes a refreshing change from Premiership etc - so well done and thank you
Many of us RTR correspondents would wish to associate ourselves with this vote of thanks to JCFC for his Pyramid Patrol match reports. They are always informative, invariably amusing and never anything less than generously written. It occurs to me that in future years, anyone reading for a doctorate in early twenty first century social history especially as it relates to amateur sport or transport infrastructure, will find JCFC's Reports a very valuable source material.
Post by: Hadrian on Sat 20 May 2023 22:49
Post by: JCFC on Sun 21 May 2023 19:20
Post by: JCFC on Sun 21 May 2023 20:36
Saturday 20th May 2023
Sheffield and Hallamshire Saturday Senior Cup Final
Emley 2 v 0 Maltby Main
Gareth Thomas; Adam Burgess, Chris Rose.
4thers: Luke Watson.
At the NCEFL Final the other week, spectators had been in the East Stand, this time we were in the West Stand. Fortunately there was no sight of the pulled pork bap.
The two league matches between the teams had ended in draws, so a tight contest was expected. From the stand it was possible to admire the smart haircuts of Mr Watson, Russ and Banno fils, there in his official capacity. The purple-sweatered gentleman masterminding proceedings had not required such attentions.
Emley made the early running, but on 12 minutes JCFC wondered if Mr Burgess missed a trick. The ball was played through and looked to be heading for a goal kick, so Mr Burgess stopped. The Emley keeper, however, came wide to intercept it on the dead ball line - or was it just over? It didn't really matter and play was allowed to continue without problems, but the assistant would have been unable to offer a definitive verdict if it had. So, what is the correct action, to follow in or not? Mr Burgess is an experienced assistant, so was presumably correct. Mr Thomas was correct four minutes later to allow a Maltby attack to continue when a collision off the ball saw a Maltby man go to ground and exact retribution when Emley won back possession. The Maltby managers were not convinced and received a stern word, which appeared to prove effective for the rest of the match. On 21 minutes, Emley netted from a rebound, but Mr Rose was quick to flag for offside. The stay of execution was not long, Emley taking the lead three minutes later and doubling it after a further three, when a Maltby player could have claimed an assist. Maltby had a great chance on 34 minutes, but put the ball wide.
Maltby came out fighting after the break, their number 2 pi king up a yellow for one poor tackle too many, and proceeded to dominate the third quarter with some slick passing and rapid attacks. One such saw the Emley keeper rush to rescue his side with a block, Maltby putting the follow-up shot agonisingly wide of the unguarded net. Emley were still lively, hitting the bar with a shot just after the hour. Gradually they regained the control they had shown in the first half and were looking comfortable as the board went up showing five minutes to be added. At this point, with Maltby about to take a throw, Mr Thomas flashed a card and an Emley player left the pitch, with little argument. It seemed strange to see a straight red in such circumstances and JCFC conjectured that there must have been more to it than the dissent mentioned in the clubs' twitter and match reports - discriminatory language to an opponent came to mind - but it seems not. It lifted Maltby for the closing minutes, but Emley saw the game out with little difficulty.
It is several years since JCFC first saw Mr Thomas referee.On that occasion, he was fine, but did not really stand out, but with each subsequent viewing he has looked increasingly accomplished. He seems to have a good feel for the game, uses his whistle sparingly but effectively and maintains effective control. It was no surprise when he was promoted to 2B at the end of last season and on this occasion his assured triage was first rate.
The final whistle saw a large number of Maltby supporters head straight to the exits, but those who did remain were generous in their applause not only of their players, but of the officials and of the Emley side. The Maltby twitter reporter was equally sporting in his praise for the victors. JCFC's opinion of Maltby Main has undergone a radical upward revision.
So, a third final in Doncaster. Two this season, one mentioned on this site or its previous incarnation, many years ago. Kudos to anyone who can identify what it was. Clue: it was not at Belle Vue.
Post by: Ref Watcher on Mon 22 May 2023 13:03
Emley made the early running, but on 12 minutes JCFC wondered if Mr Burgess missed a trick. The ball was played through and looked to be heading for a goal kick, so Mr Burgess stopped. The Emley keeper, however, came wide to intercept it on the dead ball line - or was it just over? It didn't really matter and play was allowed to continue without problems, but the assistant would have been unable to offer a definitive verdict if it had. So, what is the correct action, to follow in or not?Always follow the ball to the goal line with animated gusto, firstly to avoid problems like the one outlined above and secondly because observers like it when they see it; easy marks!
Post by: nemesis on Mon 22 May 2023 15:36
I’d like to share my own thanks to JCFC for his always entertaining reports, as well as all others who contribute to this thread and of course our appointment poster extraordinaire aaa. This thread is a lovely diversion from all of the posts on that terribly important higher level football, and almost certainly provides the most relatable content for those of us involved actively.
Couldn't agree more. Thanks to both !!!
Post by: nemesis on Mon 22 May 2023 15:44
...
So, a third final in Doncaster. Two this season, one mentioned on this site or its previous incarnation, many years ago. Kudos to anyone who can identify what it was. Clue: it was not at Belle Vue.
Tricky. If I had to hazard a guess, I'd perhaps go for one of the two Rugby League Stadiums used in the 90s, possibly at the time of the Belle Vue fire when their chairman paid someone to burn it down ! Failing that, I've seen senior-ish football in the middle of the dog track at Southend so perhaps that could be a possibility.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 22 May 2023 16:09
Post by: nemesis on Mon 22 May 2023 22:25
You are on the right lines, nemesis, but a quarter of a century late.
Armthorpe Road or Castle Park as is now ?
Post by: JCFC on Tue 23 May 2023 09:30
Post by: nemesis on Tue 23 May 2023 14:19
Post by: JCFC on Tue 23 May 2023 19:56
Post by: nemesis on Tue 23 May 2023 22:18
As nemesis has hinted, the match was played at Tatters Field. Now, can anybody say what the final in question was? If not, the answer will be given in a couple of days.
I think you said finals rather than football finals, so could it be the 1971 Yorkshire Cup Final?
Post by: JCFC on Tue 23 May 2023 22:48
Post by: JCFC on Thu 25 May 2023 11:45
In the early sixties I started watching both Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Rugby League Club (strictly the Huddersfield Cricket and Athletic Club, more commonly referred to as Fartown,) before deciding that the latter offered the better entertainment and venturing to many away matches. In those days teams could retain possession through an unlimited number of play-the-balls, which could produce some fairly sterile periods. Midway through the decade the Top 4 Championship Play-Offs were replaced by a Top 16. In a move to try to find a solution to the retention of possession by one side, The RFL introduced a one-off "Bottom 14" Competition, in which players had to release the ball when tackled. This did not produce Rugby Union style rucks, but did see possession changing hands regularly. Not every club, if I remember correctly, took part, which could explain why the Final was between Doncaster (perennial table proppers-up) and Huddersfield. To nobody's great surprise Huddersfield emerged winners. Did they receive a trophy? Is it still gathering dust in the Huddersfield Trophy Cabinet in perpetuity? I have no idea. The Competition was never held again and the rule change never adopted, though ultimately a four-tackle rule was brought in, later becoming the six-tackle rule operating these days.
I remember little of the match, other than the unaccustomed pleasure of winning a cup. The referee was Sam Shepherd, who several years later refereed the Challenge Cup Final. Like several of his colleagues around that time, Sam was a schoolmaster. Tom Watkinson, Norman Railton and Joe Manley before him spring to mind, as does Gerry Kershaw in the following decades.
I believe this was my only visit to Tatters Field. The 30-team league fixtures were divided into Yorkshire and a nominal Lancashire (and Cumberland) basis. Yorkshire at that time had 16 clubs in the league, so Huddersfield was shunted into Lancashire ( much as Bishops Stortford has again moved North) so most away trips began with a coach ride across the Pennines. Sadly, I never made it to Whitehaven, though I did get to Workington Town. I have memories of a visit to Barrow, when there were too few takers for the normal coach, so we were transferred to a Supporters' Club one, which involved Brunch in Haslingden, "refreshments" in Milnthorpe and a long evening stop in Morecambe. We three youngsters just hung around, but one pleasant old guy who was also not part of the official group went to the cinema. He came back very disappointed, declaring that the film was called "The Virgins" and he had expected it to be a Western. To cap it all, the coach broke down near Keighley, involving a long wait and taxis back home well into the early hours of the morning.
Post by: nemesis on Fri 26 May 2023 19:50
First Doncater Final:
In the early sixties I started watching both Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Rugby League Club (strictly the Huddersfield Cricket and Athletic Club, more commonly referred to as Fartown,) before deciding that the latter offered the better entertainment and venturing to many away matches. In those days teams could retain possession through an unlimited number of play-the-balls, which could produce some fairly sterile periods. Midway through the decade the Top 4 Championship Play-Offs were replaced by a Top 16. In a move to try to find a solution to the retention of possession by one side, The RFL introduced a one-off "Bottom 14" Competition, in which players had to release the ball when tackled. This did not produce Rugby Union style rucks, but did see possession changing hands regularly. Not every club, if I remember correctly, took part, which could explain why the Final was between Doncaster (perennial table proppers-up) and Huddersfield. To nobody's great surprise Huddersfield emerged winners. Did they receive a trophy? Is it still gathering dust in the Huddersfield Trophy Cabinet in perpetuity? I have no idea. The Competition was never held again and the rule change never adopted, though ultimately a four-tackle rule was brought in, later becoming the six-tackle rule operating these days.
I remember little of the match, other than the unaccustomed pleasure of winning a cup. The referee was Sam Shepherd, who several years later refereed the Challenge Cup Final. Like several of his colleagues around that time, Sam was a schoolmaster. Tom Watkinson, Norman Railton and Joe Manley before him spring to mind, as does Gerry Kershaw in the following decades.
I believe this was my only visit to Tatters Field. The 30-team league fixtures were divided into Yorkshire and a nominal Lancashire (and Cumberland) basis. Yorkshire at that time had 16 clubs in the league, so Huddersfield was shunted into Lancashire ( much as Bishops Stortford has again moved North) so most away trips began with a coach ride across the Pennines. Sadly, I never made it to Whitehaven, though I did get to Workington Town. I have memories of a visit to Barrow, when there were too few takers for the normal coach, so we were transferred to a Supporters' Club one, which involved Brunch in Haslingden, "refreshments" in Milnthorpe and a long evening stop in Morecambe. We three youngsters just hung around, but one pleasant old guy who was also not part of the official group went to the cinema. He came back very disappointed, declaring that the film was called "The Virgins" and he had expected it to be a Western. To cap it all, the coach broke down near Keighley, involving a long wait and taxis back home well into the early hours of the morning.
Well I'm glad I didn't have enough spare time to try to track down an answer - I'd never have found it !
Post by: JCFC on Fri 26 May 2023 19:55
Post by: JCFC on Fri 26 May 2023 20:03
As a further note, JCFC was a little sorry to see that Mr Hall has been appointed, as last year, to a promotion semi-final, rather than a final. On the plus side, for one of us, at least, he will most likely be around to see again next season.
On looking at the list of promotions to Level 28, JCFC could not have been more pleased to discover that he had drawn the wrong conclusion. That is until a check on Facebook showed Mr Hall as living in Melbourne, Australia. I don't think I could get back from an evening match there!
Post by: SUFC on Sun 28 May 2023 00:18
As a further note, JCFC was a little sorry to see that Mr Hall has been appointed, as last year, to a promotion semi-final, rather than a final. On the plus side, for one of us, at least, he will most likely be around to see again next season.
On looking at the list of promotions to Level 28, JCFC could not have been more pleased to discover that he had drawn the wrong conclusion. That is until a check on Facebook showed Mr Hall as living in Melbourne, Australia. I don't think I could get back from an evening match there!
I hear on the great vine he is taking a few months to visit family and friends and will be back for the regular playing season.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 28 May 2023 10:27
Post by: JCFC on Tue 30 May 2023 21:02
1. Luke Watson 14
2. Tom Nield 13
3. Jack Hall 11
4=Michael Denton )
Martin Woods )10
Jamie Rhodes )
7=Thomas Bramall)
Ian Johnston )
Andy Smith ) 8
Jamie Waters )
Dean Watson )
Old age is catching up with me - strange how one can go from infancy to second childhood with nothing in between - so it may be that no other referees will be able to make their way onto this list.
Post by: JCFC on Thu 01 Jun 2023 21:21
1. Wears a Green Beret.
2. Albino falcon?
3. A Cockney keeps it under his hat.
4. Leathery skins stitched together.
5. A magnet for Russian tourists, we are led to believe.
6. The celebrated "Two", who escaped slaughter at Malmesbury.
7. Their "fly cemetery" is short, rather than flaky.
8. A century for Grace. Not WG, but the Longstone keeper's daughter.
9. G. or if necessary, Bill's noddle.
10. Alliterative comedian "Cheerful Charlie "
11. Chapel constructed from Antlers.
12. Jack-in-the-bag.
13. Borough whose Lady was aghast at 12's provenance.
14. Where to find stalls catering for those requiring cooked meat.
15. Antarctic protection items.
16. Did the Earl write his letters on a padded sofa?
17. Late questionmaster Gascoigne's card game.
18. Ronald briefly beat Patrick Gordon-Walker at Leyton.
19. Was seraphic Ron Challis one of these?
20. Where a pub draws beer by the bucketful?
21. Erstwhile horse-racing radio commentator Peter. Was he Cross between Bolton and Darwen?
22. Posh athletic games.
23. Thomas's Mr and Mrs Andrews (and the dog) might constitute this.
24. Octothorpe in total agreement.
25. Pottered successfully, but was sadly exposed by Shaffer's Latin horse.
Post by: nemesis on Thu 01 Jun 2023 23:38
2. Whitehawk
3. Barnet
4. Hyde United
5. Redditch ? or maybe Salisbury
6. Tamworth
7.
8. Darlington
9 Gateshead
10 Chester
11 Hornchurch
12
13
14 Needham Market
15 South Shields
16 Chesterfield
17 Bamber Bridge
18 Buxton
19 Tonbridge Angels
20 Barwell
21 Banbury ?
22 Peterborough Sports
23 Gainsborough Trinity
24 Hashtag United
25 Radcliffe
I'll give the others a bit of thought.
Post by: bmb on Fri 02 Jun 2023 00:18
Post by: OwdReds on Fri 02 Jun 2023 08:29
Post by: OwdReds on Fri 02 Jun 2023 08:33
Post by: nemesis on Fri 02 Jun 2023 09:08
21. Bromley
Of course, I couldn't get past O'Sullivan !
Post by: JCFC on Fri 02 Jun 2023 11:13
Post by: jad on Fri 02 Jun 2023 13:54
13. Bracknell
Post by: JCFC on Fri 02 Jun 2023 13:59
Post by: JCFC on Sat 03 Jun 2023 21:08
1. Tups' way in.
2. Scottish Railway crossing for example.
3. Its eponymous Kid died in 1973.
4. Meadow full of waste containers.
5. Perhaps Kielder Forest.
6. Urban area, oddly not in Wales.
7. Unwelcome sight in the skirting board.
8. Scan the animal's home.
9. What City want to do in the derby match.
10.Examinees' cheat sheets.
11.Bond bonded, on paper at least.
12.Vegetarian refreshments encouraged here.
13.Tony, the former Ballet star - though not in Germany.
14.gAshton.
15.Spy fell settlement.
16.Left Roker Park - for New Roker Park.
17.Its riddle is "What am I doing in the Midlands?"
18.Telegrams from Two Jags.
19.Whither John Gilpin was unwillingly carried.
20.Sedentary Declan.
21.Iron, Wheatstone and composer Frank.
22.Primitive medical treatment.
23.For salty marmalade?
24.Maize smuggling songsters.
25.Order to Johns's hero on ditching in shallow water.
I have been to twelve of these, not all local to Harold, of Hobson's Choice.
Post by: nemesis on Sat 03 Jun 2023 23:18
I think you mean scam for no.8 ??
Post by: OwdReds on Sun 04 Jun 2023 08:52
18. Prescot Cables
Post by: JCFC on Sun 04 Jun 2023 10:07
I think you mean scam for no.8 ??
I didn't, but your suggestion works just as well, if not better.
Post by: Microscopist on Sun 04 Jun 2023 17:42
9 Wallop United (I know its wrong but it is nice to type it and - Wallop United. @WallopUnited. 7 a side team playing in the Worcester Tuesday's Leisure Leagues.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 04 Jun 2023 18:04
Post by: Bakis on Sun 04 Jun 2023 18:10
Post by: Bakis on Sun 04 Jun 2023 18:16
20 Sittingbourne
Post by: JCFC on Sun 04 Jun 2023 18:27
Post by: JCFC on Sun 04 Jun 2023 19:33
1. Tups' way in. RAMSGATE
2. Scottish Railway crossing for example.
3. Its eponymous Kid died in 1973. CLITHEROE
4. Meadow full of waste containers.
5. Perhaps Kielder Forest.
6. Urban area, oddly not in Wales.
7. Unwelcome sight in the skirting board.
8. Scan the animal's home.
9. What City want to do in the derby match.
10.Examinees' cheat sheets.
11.Bond bonded, on paper at least.
12.Vegetarian refreshments encouraged here.
13.Tony, the former Ballet star - though not in Germany.
14.gAshton.
15.Spy fell settlement.
16.Left Roker Park - for New Roker Park.
17.Its riddle is "What am I doing in the Midlands?"
18.Telegrams from Two Jags. PRESCOT CABLES
19.Whither John Gilpin was unwillingly carried.
20.Sedentary Declan. SITTINGBOURNE
21.Iron, Wheatstone and composer Frank.
22.Primitive medical treatment.
23.For salty marmalade?
24.Maize smuggling songsters.
25.Order to Johns's hero on ditching in shallow water. BIGGLESWADE
Post by: nemesis on Sun 04 Jun 2023 20:41
5. Northwood
6 Leek Town
7Mousehole
8 Consett
10 Cribbs
11 Basildon United
12 Quorn
13 Hadley
14 Mossley
15 Burgess Hill Town
16 Stotfold
17 Coventry Sphinx
19 Ware
21 Three Bridges
22 Lancing
23 Maldon & Tiptree ?
24 Runcorn Linnets
Post by: JCFC on Mon 05 Jun 2023 10:29
Post by: JCFC on Mon 05 Jun 2023 10:43
1. Tups' way in. RAMSGATE
2. Scottish Railway crossing for example.
3. Its eponymous Kid died in 1973. CLITHEROE
4. Meadow full of waste containers. BINFIELD
5. Perhaps Kielder Forest. NORTHWOOD
6. Urban area, oddly not in Wales. LEEK TOWN
7. Unwelcome sight in the skirting board. MOUSEHOLE
8. Scan the animal's home. CONSETT
9. What City want to do in the derby match.
10.Examinees' cheat sheets. CRIBBS
11.Bond bonded, on paper at least. BASILDON UNITED
12.Vegetarian refreshments encouraged here. QUORN
13.Tony, the former Ballet star - though not in Germany. HADLEY
14.gAshton.
15.Spy fell settlement. BURGESS HILL TOWN
16.Left Roker Park - for New Roker Park. STOTFOLD
17.Its riddle is "What am I doing in the Midlands?" COVENTRY SPHINX
18.Telegrams from Two Jags. PRESCOT CABLES
19.Whither John Gilpin was unwillingly carried. WARE
20.Sedentary Declan. SITTINGBOURNE
21.Iron, Wheatstone and composer Frank. THREE BRIDGES
22.Primitive medical treatment. LANCING
23.For salty marmalade? MALDON & TIPTREE
24.Maize smuggling songsters. RUNCORN LINNETS
25.Order to Johns's hero on ditching in shallow water. BIGGLESWADE
Almost done!
Post by: Hadrian on Mon 05 Jun 2023 11:42
Splendid as ever, nemesis. All correct, bar number 14.
Apologies for piggybacking on the great success of others (mainly nemesis!) but is it Ashington?
Post by: JCFC on Mon 05 Jun 2023 11:44
Post by: JCFC on Mon 05 Jun 2023 11:46
Post by: jad on Mon 05 Jun 2023 15:02
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 05 Jun 2023 15:08
Post by: nemesis on Mon 05 Jun 2023 16:21
Could 9 be T(h)ame United?
Sounds good to me.
So just number 2 to go. Was trying to make Stalybridge Celtic fit. Celtic are Scottish, a bridge is a crossing but that's as far as I can get.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 05 Jun 2023 16:37
Post by: JCFC on Mon 05 Jun 2023 16:43
So just number 2 to go. Was trying to make Stalybridge Celtic fit. Celtic are Scottish, a bridge is a crossing but that's as far as I can get.
The most famous Scottish crossing has a distinctive feature that will lead you nearer to your roots than Stalybridge, nemesis.
Post by: nemesis on Mon 05 Jun 2023 17:15
So just number 2 to go. Was trying to make Stalybridge Celtic fit. Celtic are Scottish, a bridge is a crossing but that's as far as I can get.
The most famous Scottish crossing has a distinctive feature that will lead you nearer to your roots than Stalybridge, nemesis.
Thank you, Redbridge it is then.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 05 Jun 2023 17:18
I shall control myself and refrain from inflicting Step 5 on you all.
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 05 Jun 2023 17:36
How do you get that from Brig o' Doon?
So just number 2 to go. Was trying to make Stalybridge Celtic fit. Celtic are Scottish, a bridge is a crossing but that's as far as I can get.
The most famous Scottish crossing has a distinctive feature that will lead you nearer to your roots than Stalybridge, nemesis.
Thank you, Redbridge it is then.
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 05 Jun 2023 17:53
(https://i.imgur.com/pN8OQZ9.png)
Post by: nemesis on Mon 05 Jun 2023 18:08
I don't know whether others of you have facebook accounts which get frequent postings from "Lost Football Grounds and Terraces of the United Kingdom" which seems quite anarchic in relation to the content and its relationship to the title but often puts up some interesting picture. In the spirit of that though also not complying with the "lost" descriptor - which of JCFC's answers has this as their home ground? Might be a shoe-in for nemesis.
(https://i.imgur.com/pN8OQZ9.png)
Having been there, it certainly is so I'll let others go for it !
Post by: bmb on Mon 05 Jun 2023 18:16
Well done to all who contributed answers.
I shall control myself and refrain from inflicting Step 5 on you all.
I think the others may object if you do not continue!!
Post by: rustyref on Mon 05 Jun 2023 18:20
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 05 Jun 2023 18:42
(https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ayr-united/images/6/64/Beresford_Park_1927.jpg)
Post by: JCFC on Mon 05 Jun 2023 19:41
Well here's one which is "lost" and I didn't know had existed - JCFC might recognise some of the landmarks.(Not one of the quiz questions)
(https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ayr-united/images/6/64/Beresford_Park_1927.jpg)
If the picture had extended a little upwards, might I have been able to spy 25 Gordon Terrace?
Post by: JCFC on Mon 05 Jun 2023 20:12
I don't know whether others of you have facebook accounts which get frequent postings from "Lost Football Grounds and Terraces of the United Kingdom" which seems quite anarchic in relation to the content and its relationship to the title but often puts up some interesting picture. In the spirit of that though also not complying with the "lost" descriptor - which of JCFC's answers has this as their home ground? Might be a shoe-in for nemesis.
(https://i.imgur.com/pN8OQZ9.png)
Well, I have not been there, nor do I feel any great urge to rectify that omission, but the hint as to general area and a dip or two into Google Maps has provided me with the answer, I believe.
Post by: JCFC on Mon 05 Jun 2023 20:15
Post by: nemesis on Mon 05 Jun 2023 21:45
I don't know whether others of you have facebook accounts which get frequent postings from "Lost Football Grounds and Terraces of the United Kingdom" which seems quite anarchic in relation to the content and its relationship to the title but often puts up some interesting picture. In the spirit of that though also not complying with the "lost" descriptor - which of JCFC's answers has this as their home ground? Might be a shoe-in for nemesis.
(https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SaiFPhfqLI4/VqE4jT7k3tI/AAAAAAAABmg/0JIdnMvNJrc/s1600/IMG_4991_2.jpg)
Well, I have not been there, nor do I feel any great urge to rectify that omission, but the hint as to general area and a dip or two into Google Maps has provided me with the answer, I believe.
If it helps, the visitors (in white) were Enfield 1893, it was 7 and a bit years ago, a 5-1 home victory watched by 122 people, of which I was not one.
Post by: nemesis on Mon 05 Jun 2023 21:50
Well here's one which is "lost" and I didn't know had existed - JCFC might recognise some of the landmarks.(Not one of the quiz questions)
https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ayr-united/images/6/64/Beresford_Park_1927.jpg
hmmmm ....... image name is a bit of a giveaway.
Post by: Microscopist on Mon 05 Jun 2023 21:58
Indeed you would have been able to see JCFC Towers. I had no idea there had been a football ground there, the Council Buildings they built on part of the site has now been demolished, the Station Hotel has just survived an attempt to set it on fire but is still enshrouded in a tent-like structure, a cinema that was built on another part of the ground has just closed but some retail outlets survive though with different owners. The name of the stadium lives on in a coup[le of local street names.Well here's one which is "lost" and I didn't know had existed - JCFC might recognise some of the landmarks.(Not one of the quiz questions)
(https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/ayr-united/images/6/64/Beresford_Park_1927.jpg)
If the picture had extended a little upwards, might I have been able to spy 25 Gordon Terrace?
The narrative reads -
"Beresford Park in Ayr was opened in 1884 and was home to Ayr FC (formed by an amalgamation of Ayr Thistle and Ayr Academicals) until 1888, when the club relocated to Somerset Park. It then became home to Ayr Parkhouse until 1910. In that year, they merged with Ayr FC to become Ayr United (the only time when a new Scottish league club has been formed by a merger of two existing league clubs from the same town), and Somerset park was chosen as the home ground. Beresford Park continued to be utilised for reserve matches, but was finally closed in 1926. A cinema was built on part of the site of the old ground, with a retail park following some years later."
Post by: JCFC on Mon 05 Jun 2023 22:09
Post by: Microscopist on Tue 06 Jun 2023 07:56
It had set me wondering whether the Station Hotel had reopened - evidently not. I assume that this means that passengers still have to use the alternative entrance to the station.Yes, I think the portacabin that is now the ticket office will soon become a listed building!
Post by: JCFC on Tue 06 Jun 2023 13:58
It should not be inferred that Aunt Jessie (officially Janet) kept a stock of bottles or cans in her bedroom - she was a committed teetotaller. As previously mentioned, when my Methodist English grandparents took her and my Gran out for a drive and stopped at a country pub for something to eat, the two Scottish ladies refused to enter this den of iniquity. Gran was prepared to accept food brought out to her - Aunt Jessie refused to touch anything prepared in a pub. She died in Ballochmyle hospital in 1954.
When her brother, (G-)Uncle Bob died two years later, the house passed out of the hands of the Alexanders, though it has been a place of pilgrimage for assorted Australians over the years.
Post by: Conkernut on Tue 06 Jun 2023 14:30
I don't know whether others of you have facebook accounts which get frequent postings from "Lost Football Grounds and Terraces of the United Kingdom" which seems quite anarchic in relation to the content and its relationship to the title but often puts up some interesting picture. In the spirit of that though also not complying with the "lost" descriptor - which of JCFC's answers has this as their home ground? Might be a shoe-in for nemesis.
(https://i.imgur.com/pN8OQZ9.png)
@Microscopist please put me out of my misery and name the ground. I have scoured through hundreds of posts on that FB page but not found it :)
Post by: Whistleblower on Tue 06 Jun 2023 15:54
As I have probably said before, 25 Gordon Terrace was also a listed building - albeit not in the same sense. Being adjacent to the railway cutting had left ir with sloping floors. A bottle or can placed on the floor in (Great-)Aunt Jessie's bedroom would roll across the room.
It should not be inferred that Aunt Jessie (officially Janet) kept a stock of bottles or cans in her bedroom - she was a committed teetotaller. As previously mentioned, when my Methodist English grandparents took her and my Gran out for a drive and stopped at a country pub for something to eat, the two Scottish ladies refused to enter this den of iniquity. Gran was prepared to accept food brought out to her - Aunt Jessie refused to touch anything prepared in a pub. She died in Ballochmyle hospital in 1954.
When her brother, (G-)Uncle Bob died two years later, the house passed out of the hands of the Alexanders, though it has been a place of pilgrimage for assorted Australians over the years.
In these days of shifting allegiances and cultural relativism it is good to read about Auntie Jessie whose principles were immutable and not to be moderated by the prospect of a pub meal. It put me in mind of my own dear Grandmother, a Primitive Methodist, one of God's great saints who despite having little herself was unfailingly generous with what she had towards those in the village who had fallen on even harder times than her own family. In riper years she stopped going to the Ladies Social Hour in the village because they introduced bingo with a packet of tea as the prize. Gambling, in which category bingo fell according to her strict code, was not to be trifled with. A temperance lady, she referred to alcoholic drink* as the "devil's brew" and having seen at first hand the ruin to which drinking brought many families, perhaps with good cause. At her knee I learned "My drink is water bright, from the crystal stream". Although her standards were strict she had a generous heart that refused to judge other people, she was probably the least censorious person I have ever known. " We each will have to answer for ourselves on the Great Day" was another of her favourite sayings.
I haven't followed all her precepts, as a cursory glance into our drinks cupboard will attest, though her influence on me was enormous and has shaped much of my value system.
* A curious exception to this was ginger wine which was served with cake at Christmas. I am sure she genuinely thought it was some form of cordial !
Post by: nemesis on Tue 06 Jun 2023 16:19
I don't know whether others of you have facebook accounts which get frequent postings from "Lost Football Grounds and Terraces of the United Kingdom" which seems quite anarchic in relation to the content and its relationship to the title but often puts up some interesting picture. In the spirit of that though also not complying with the "lost" descriptor - which of JCFC's answers has this as their home ground? Might be a shoe-in for nemesis.
(https://i.imgur.com/pN8OQZ9.png)
@Microscopist please put me out of my misery and name the ground. I have scoured through hundreds of posts on that FB page but not found it :)
Would it help if I told you it was an Essex Senior League match ?
Post by: Microscopist on Tue 06 Jun 2023 18:48
Quote
@Microscopist please put me out of my misery and name the ground. I have scoured through hundreds of posts on that FB page but not found it :)The ground is that of Basildon United.
Post by: Microscopist on Tue 06 Jun 2023 19:13
As I have probably said before, 25 Gordon Terrace was also a listed building - albeit not in the same sense. Being adjacent to the railway cutting had left ir with sloping floors. A bottle or can placed on the floor in (Great-)Aunt Jessie's bedroom would roll across the room.My BLFG had her wisdom teeth removed at Ballochmyle hospital - being for a short time therefore my BLFB - as Burns wrote -
It should not be inferred that Aunt Jessie (officially Janet) kept a stock of bottles or cans in her bedroom - she was a committed teetotaller. As previously mentioned, when my Methodist English grandparents took her and my Gran out for a drive and stopped at a country pub for something to eat, the two Scottish ladies refused to enter this den of iniquity. Gran was prepared to accept food brought out to her - Aunt Jessie refused to touch anything prepared in a pub. She died in Ballochmyle hospital in 1954.
When her brother, (G-)Uncle Bob died two years later, the house passed out of the hands of the Alexanders, though it has been a place of pilgrimage for assorted Australians over the years.
Fair is the morn in flow'ry May,
And sweet is night in autumn mild,
When roving in the garden gay,
Or wand'ring in the lonely wild;
But woman, Nature's darling child -
There all her charms she does compile;
Even there her other works are foil'd
Even there her other works are foil'd
By the bonnie lass o' Ballochmyle.
The bonnie lass o' Ballochmyle.
Chorus
The bonnie lass!
The bonnie, bonnie lass!
The bonnie lass o' Ballochmyle.
Oh, had she been a country maid,
And I a happy country swain,
That shelter'd in the lowest shed
That ever rose on Scotia's plain!
Thro' weary winter's wind and rain,
With joy, with rapture, I would toil;
And nightly to my bosom strain,
And nightly to my bosom strain
The bonnie lass o' Ballochmyle!
The bonnie lass o' Ballochmyle!
The hospital is now gone and been replaced by rather upmarket properties inhabited by footballers and their ilk.
Post by: Ref Fan on Tue 06 Jun 2023 22:23
A tenor imo with a lovely tone and such clear diction.
Post by: Microscopist on Wed 07 Jun 2023 08:55
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-lm&q=kenneth+mckellar+the+Bonnie+lass+of+Ballochmyle#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:5253a761,vid:nONDZNFrrOc
This is to a "modern" tune (but still predating my 1858 edition of Songs of Burns) by William Jackson. Burns originally wrote the words to a fiddle tune "Ettrick Banks". It was dedicated to a Miss Wilhelmina Alexander (any relation of JCFC'c Aunt Jessie, I wonder) who was the sister of the Laird of Ballochmyle. Burns sent a copy to her, as was his wont for many a fair maiden. She did not respond but kept the manuscript and remained a spinster. Her family erected a "rustic bower" at the spot on the River Ayr where the meeting took place, to recognise "the immortality conferred upon their kinswoman" by the song.
Here is an artist's impression of Wilhelmina and the spot on the River Ayr where she and Burns met.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Braes_of_Ballochmyle_by_J._Bower._River_Ayr_and_Wilhelmina_Alexander.jpg/640px-Braes_of_Ballochmyle_by_J._Bower._River_Ayr_and_Wilhelmina_Alexander.jpg)
To maintain the pretense of a relationship with football the source of the River Ayr is Glenbuck from where Bill Shankly originated.
Post by: nemesis on Wed 07 Jun 2023 10:28
...
In these days of shifting allegiances and cultural relativism it is good to read about Auntie Jessie whose principles were immutable and not to be moderated by the prospect of a pub meal. It put me in mind of my own dear Grandmother, a Primitive Methodist, one of God's great saints who despite having little herself was unfailingly generous with what she had towards those in the village who had fallen on even harder times than her own family. In riper years she stopped going to the Ladies Social Hour in the village because they introduced bingo with a packet of tea as the prize. Gambling, in which category bingo fell according to her strict code, was not to be trifled with. A temperance lady, she referred to alcoholic drink* as the "devil's brew" and having seen at first hand the ruin to which drinking brought many families, perhaps with good cause. At her knee I learned "My drink is water bright, from the crystal stream". Although her standards were strict she had a generous heart that refused to judge other people, she was probably the least censorious person I have ever known. " We each will have to answer for ourselves on the Great Day" was another of her favourite sayings.
...
Oh for the halcyon days of yore when there weren't millions to be made by discharging sewage into your crystal stream !
Post by: Whistleblower on Wed 07 Jun 2023 15:49
...
In these days of shifting allegiances and cultural relativism it is good to read about Auntie Jessie whose principles were immutable and not to be moderated by the prospect of a pub meal. It put me in mind of my own dear Grandmother, a Primitive Methodist, one of God's great saints who despite having little herself was unfailingly generous with what she had towards those in the village who had fallen on even harder times than her own family. In riper years she stopped going to the Ladies Social Hour in the village because they introduced bingo with a packet of tea as the prize. Gambling, in which category bingo fell according to her strict code, was not to be trifled with. A temperance lady, she referred to alcoholic drink* as the "devil's brew" and having seen at first hand the ruin to which drinking brought many families, perhaps with good cause. At her knee I learned "My drink is water bright, from the crystal stream". Although her standards were strict she had a generous heart that refused to judge other people, she was probably the least censorious person I have ever known. " We each will have to answer for ourselves on the Great Day" was another of her favourite sayings.
...
Oh for the halcyon days of yore when there weren't millions to be made by discharging sewage into your crystal stream !
Amen
Post by: JCFC on Sat 10 Jun 2023 11:11
In the 1921 census the Alexanders were still living in Union Avenue - in Newton on Ayr, I believe. Jessie was listed as a hosiery saleswoman. She used to work in a small shop near the Auld Brig and though she had retired by then, we occasionally called in to see a Mrs Tierney (as near as this comes to refereeing!) in the shop. They sold other items as well as hosiery - they used to do well on race afternoons selling "bunnets" to punters on their way back who had unwisely tossed theirs into the air (not into the Ayr) and not been able to retrieve them. Gran, meanwhile was listed as a clerkess, but was shortly to leave for Canada to get married.
Uncle Bob was an engine fitter working for the Ayr Electricity board. He was subsequently based at Afton Reservoir, beyond New Cumnock and I still have in my possession a report dated 25th April 1938 concerning the Bird Sanctuary at Craigdarroch. It includes a list of 80 species observed on the Council land over the period 33-38 and mentions several others seen in the parish, but not seen on the actual sanctuary. He mentions "vermin" in the form of foxes, weasels, carrion crows and lesser black-backed gulls - "too plentiful by far." Some nesting species, notably the little grebe, "suffer heavily at the hands of thoughtless schoolboys and inconsiderate youths, who do not content themselves with one egg, but seize the whole clutch." Generally, though, the situation was very good.
Sadly, it is not made clear to whom this report was addressed.
Post by: Microscopist on Fri 16 Jun 2023 08:24
Nothing to do with refereeing, or even football at all, but it ties up the three recent themes of Ayrshire geography, crystal streams and the Alexander family.From the odd occasion when I have happened to be near Ayr racecourse on "Ladies Days" I think that there could still be money to be made, though probably by selling plastic sandals to ladies in very high heeled shoes who had either over celebrated their wins or over drowned their sorrows and who were rather unsteadily trying to make their way homewards.
In the 1921 census the Alexanders were still living in Union Avenue - in Newton on Ayr, I believe. Jessie was listed as a hosiery saleswoman. She used to work in a small shop near the Auld Brig and though she had retired by then, we occasionally called in to see a Mrs Tierney (as near as this comes to refereeing!) in the shop. They sold other items as well as hosiery - they used to do well on race afternoons selling "bunnets" to punters on their way back who had unwisely tossed theirs into the air (not into the Ayr) and not been able to retrieve them. Gran, meanwhile was listed as a clerkess, but was shortly to leave for Canada to get married.
Uncle Bob was an engine fitter working for the Ayr Electricity board. He was subsequently based at Afton Reservoir, beyond New Cumnock and I still have in my possession a report dated 25th April 1938 concerning the Bird Sanctuary at Craigdarroch. It includes a list of 80 species observed on the Council land over the period 33-38 and mentions several others seen in the parish, but not seen on the actual sanctuary. He mentions "vermin" in the form of foxes, weasels, carrion crows and lesser black-backed gulls - "too plentiful by far." Some nesting species, notably the little grebe, "suffer heavily at the hands of thoughtless schoolboys and inconsiderate youths, who do not content themselves with one egg, but seize the whole clutch." Generally, though, the situation was very good.
Sadly, it is not made clear to whom this report was addressed.
Post by: JCFC on Wed 21 Jun 2023 15:53
My BLFG had her wisdom teeth removed at Ballochmyle hospital - being for a short time therefore my BLFB - as Burns wrote -
By the bonnie lass o' Ballochmyle.
The bonnie lass o' Ballochmyle.
A wise decision not to follow the Bard's wording TOO precisely. Reference to your BLOB might not have been appreciated.
Post by: JCFC on Sun 25 Jun 2023 15:00
Saturday 24th June 2023
National Conference Division 1 (as is the way of things, the second division!)
West Bowling v Egremont Rangers
First entertaining fifth promised to be a decent game. Entering the ground, I immediately spotted two female officials (one built like a centre, the other a prop) in the green Ronseal shirts standing near the perimeter fence. Oddly, despite a careful scrutiny of the pitch, there was no sign of a third official. The mystery was solved a couple of minutes later, when a fair-haired young man detached himself from the players warming up. This proved to be the referee, wearing the black Ronseal shirt. The RFL website provided details of the appointments for other matches at this level, but unfortunately not this one, so his identity is unknown. He appeared more of sixth-form age rather than university or college.
The first ten minutes were played out with Egremont on the attack, but when West Bowling did finally make it into the Cumbrians' half, they immediately scored a try. The pitch was immaculately marked in white for football, but for Rugby League the brown markings were barely visible and one had to get used to tries being scored as the ball was grounded at first thought short of the line. The locals soon added a second try - neither converted - with Egremont getting one of their own to make the score 8-4 after about 25 minutes. West Bowling were awarded a scrum when Egremont lost the ball in a tackle, quickly converted into a penalty when the decision was contested. This set up an attacking position for the home side to add a further try, a successful kick making the score 14-4. As half time approached a high tackle on an Egremont player drew an immediate whistle for a penalty. Would a stronger, more emphatic whistle have forestalled the Egremont retaliation? Possibly not, but it would have been a good idea. There followed a minor bout of jostling, ending with the referee having a chat with his touch judges and showing a yellow sin-bin card to the West Bowling offender. A similar incident a couple of minutes later, led to another gathering of the clans, another chat for the officials, with TJ Centre appearing to lead the way, and this time the card was red, reducing the home side to 11.
It appears that the laws have changed since the last time a match was seen live, as the practise of setting scrums - and there were a few knock-ons (knocks-on?) - on the line from posts to posts, regardless of where the offence took place, caused some confusion.
Despite their lack of numbers, the home side extended their lead early in the second half, the conversion taking the score to 20-4. On 55 minutes, an Egremont penalty found touch, but TJ Prop took up a position rather too advanced, leading the referee to have to move the players five yards back. In the final quarter, the tackling became slack, allowing West Bowling to add a try, Egremont two, one converted, to take the score to 24 14. Thoughts of a Cumbrian comeback ended, however, with two converted tries, though they did add one of their own at the end leaving West Bowling winners by 36-20.
As stated above, the referee was very young in appearance. He was nimble and light on his feet - his backward running impressive in the extreme - and was always well up with play. It is to be hoped that with time will come more confident body language. His signals for penalties lacked decisiveness and at times were barely distinguishable from scrums and his posture was a touch diffident. That said, he handled the match pretty well - at least to this out of-touch watcher - and kept a firm enough grip on proceedings. It would be interesting to see how he progresses, but as his identity remains top secret, it will not be easy!
All in all, a good £4's worth on a warm afternoon - the ice-cream van parked outside the park being a welcome sight on the way back to the bus stop.
Post by: Shy Talk on Mon 26 Jun 2023 10:12
Whatever the level, RL matches are invariably played with no lack of commitment, endeavour and a spirit of respect sadly lacking in the Association game. It is rare to come away feeling unentertained or having failed to receive value for money.
Sadly the standard of officiating often leaves much to be desired, all the way up the food chain, and the age old cry of "Gerrem onside" continues to ring out at regular intervals!
Post by: Microscopist on Fri 07 Jul 2023 22:20
As it's quiet another one for nemesis. From the early 1930's my Dad told a story of training on this ground, whether he stayed long enough to play for them was never clear. However, he said that one day whilst they were training the ball went over by the touchline and Dad went to retrieve it. There was a man in a suit standing near the touchline and as Dad went over the man said to him "Boy, tie my shoe lace". Dad told him "Tie your own so and so laces." and went back to training. At the end of the session the coach called him over and said "That man the touchline was going to be the new manager, and I'm afraid I'm going to have to let you go". He did however give Dad a letter to take to the coach of another club who he did get to play for, as a part time professional, but only for a short time as a cartilage injury ended his playing career. (No NHS in those days and clubs weren't keen to pay medical bills.)
So whose ground and who was the man in the suit?
Post by: nemesis on Sat 08 Jul 2023 12:26
(https://scontent.fgla3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/355015623_276608794863098_1320482552937638198_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p526x296&_nc_cat=106&cb=99be929b-59f725be&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5cd70e&_nc_ohc=VlkBX6p5SBYAX8Yz5Hh&_nc_ht=scontent.fgla3-2.fna&oh=00_AfBAFPhuKO4Lxr2cv23UpTri5elL9FrUA-ESzPUZVzSb7Q&oe=64AE53E2)
As it's quiet another one for nemesis. From the early 1930's my Dad told a story of training on this ground, whether he stayed long enough to play for them was never clear. However, he said that one day whilst they were training the ball went over by the touchline and Dad went to retrieve it. There was a man in a suit standing near the touchline and as Dad went over the man said to him "Boy, tie my shoe lace". Dad told him "Tie your own so and so laces." and went back to training. At the end of the session the coach called him over and said "That man the touchline was going to be the new manager, and I'm afraid I'm going to have to let you go". He did however give Dad a letter to take to the coach of another club who he did get to play for, as a part time professional, but only for a short time as a cartilage injury ended his playing career. (No NHS in those days and clubs weren't keen to pay medical bills.)
So whose ground and who was the man in the suit?
By the dome, it's known.
It is the old Kursaal ground of Southend United and the manager in question must have been David Jack.
He was the son of Southend's first ever manager, Bob Jack. More famously, he was the first player to score a goal at Wembley stadium appearing for Bolton in the famous White Horse final.
Father Bob returned to, and retired in, Southend and he again worked at the club as a scout for his son.
I suspect David Jack was unique in having the two middle names Bone Nightingale, the latter being his mother's maiden name. Think that's quite a nice idea.
Post by: nemesis on Sat 08 Jul 2023 14:04
Post by: JCFC on Sat 08 Jul 2023 16:00
Post by: nemesis on Sat 08 Jul 2023 18:28
I would be interested to know the purpose of the curious ramp just behind the far goal. The photo is not quite distinct, but it does not appear to lead anywhere.All the fun of the fair !
A water shute.
Post by: JCFC on Sat 08 Jul 2023 18:41
I would be interested to know the purpose of the curious ramp just behind the far goal. The photo is not quite distinct, but it does not appear to lead anywhere.All the fun of the fair !
A water shute.
Thank you!
Post by: JCFC on Sat 08 Jul 2023 19:00
I suspect David Jack was unique in having the two middle names Bone Nightingale, the latter being his mother's maiden name. Think that's quite a nice idea.
The tradition in Scotland used to be that the eldest son was named after his paternal grandfather, the second after his maternal grandfather, usually involving both forename and surname. The eldest daughter would be named after her maternal grandmother, the second after her paternal grandmother. Subsequent children were given the names of relatives (or those with whom one wished to curry favour.)
A little research (unverified) shows a marriage in the Gorbals between a David Jack and a Mary Bone. The 1881 census shows a family in Alloa, (parents David and Mary) with Robert Jack as eldest son and David B Jack as the second. This may be coincidence, of course, but could explain why the name Bone appeared along with the Nightingale, though not quite following the Scottish model: they do things differently in Bolton!
Post by: nemesis on Sat 08 Jul 2023 22:29
I suspect David Jack was unique in having the two middle names Bone Nightingale, the latter being his mother's maiden name. Think that's quite a nice idea.
The tradition in Scotland used to be that the eldest son was named after his paternal grandfather, the second after his maternal grandfather, usually involving both forename and surname. The eldest daughter would be named after her maternal grandmother, the second after her paternal grandfather. Subsequent children were given the names of relatives (or those with whom one wished to curry favour.)
A little research (unverified) shows a marriage in the Gorbals between a David Jack and a Mary Bone. The 1881 census shows a family in Alloa, (parents David and Mary) with Robert Jack as eldest son and David B Jack as the second. This may be coincidence, of course, but could explain why the name Bone appeared along with the Nightingale - though not quite following the Scottish model - they do things differently in Bolton!
I think the chances of this being a coincidence are marginally less than nil. Good research.
Post by: Whistleblower on Mon 24 Jul 2023 19:55
I suspect David Jack was unique in having the two middle names Bone Nightingale, the latter being his mother's maiden name. Think that's quite a nice idea.
The tradition in Scotland used to be that the eldest son was named after his paternal grandfather, the second after his maternal grandfather, usually involving both forename and surname. The eldest daughter would be named after her maternal grandmother, the second after her paternal grandmother. Subsequent children were given the names of relatives (or those with whom one wished to curry favour.)
A little research (unverified) shows a marriage in the Gorbals between a David Jack and a Mary Bone. The 1881 census shows a family in Alloa, (parents David and Mary) with Robert Jack as eldest son and David B Jack as the second. This may be coincidence, of course, but could explain why the name Bone appeared along with the Nightingale, though not quite following the Scottish model: they do things differently in Bolton!
The great Arsenal and Scotland Goalkeeper Bob Wilson, whom I have the pleasure of knowing slightly, was named after a name on his mother's side of the family so he is Robert Primrose Wilson
Post by: JCFC on Mon 24 Jul 2023 20:31
Post by: JCFC on Wed 26 Jul 2023 10:13
It could just as probably be William.