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INBOX NOTICES DECEMBER 2008 |
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. FIXTURES 08-09 . RAMBLINGS 08-09 . DECEMBER TT REPTS . LATEST IMAGES . PROGRAMME INFO. . MFP 08-09 . L L 08-09 . MPG 08-09
Monday 29 December - Programme News: Graeme Askham - the latest from Bilbrook (v Wolverhampton United) in the West Midlands League Div.1 played on Saturday 27th December added to the PA page for 2008-2009... Monday 29 December - Pitstone & Ivinghoe FC: Gyles Basey-Fisher - writes: 'An update on Pitstone & Ivinghoe... I visited for the match against Tring Corinthians on 27th December and had a chat with a very helpful official. There seems to be no hurry to move to the new ground as their present ground has very good changing facilities and a bar, but things are moving. The next job is for the main pitch to be enclosed and permanent dug outs positioned. The club is waiting for a grant to get changing rooms up to League standard, a bar and build storage facilities. In December some club officials visited Hitchin Town Arena at Norton Road to look at the 3G pitch as they are planning a second pitch for junior football. One interesting thing that the official said was that they played their pre-season fixtures at the new ground, so this could be of interest to some next season. The club don't produce a programme for League games, but have done so for Cup matches and they have kindly promised to forward me one, but I'm sure if you let them know you are coming they could save you one...'. Monday 29 December - TT No.117: Ian Hill - Just In! Ian attends his old stomping ground as he takes in the Premiership match at West Bromwich Albion (v Manchester City) played on 21/12/08... Monday 29 December - TT No.116: Mike Latham - don't miss the matchday report and photos from Mike's visit to TIC Dynamos (North Lancs & District League Premier Division) v Storeys played on 27/12/08... Monday 29 December - Latest Images: WebEd - the latest ground, action and matchday images from Manchester City (Premiership) v Hull City played on Boxing Day and Bradfield Rovers (Essex & Suffolk Border League Division 1) v Holland FC on 27/12/08 added to the Last Match Album 2008-2009...reports to follow... Monday 29 December - TT No.115: Richard Panter - an East Anglian derby for Richard as he attends the Southern League Midlands Division fixture at Bury Town (v Soham Town Rangers) played on 27/12/08 ...essential reading! Monday 29 December - TT No.114: Paul Roth - check out Paul's report and photos following a visit to Springfield FC (Essex Olympian League Senior Division 2) v Shenfield AFC played on 27/12/08 ...not to be missed! Monday 29 December - COMING SOON...in the next update...don't miss Gary's photos from Pilkington XXX, Bridgnorth Town, Pelsall Villa and Forest Green Rovers...Andy's TT from Wrexham and Leon's Lens match stats from Glapwell and Shirebrook...more programme reviews from Richard, Leon and Bob... Wednesday 24 December - With Thanks: WebEd - may I take this opportunity to wish all readers and contribtors to FGIF a Happy Christmas. I would also like to thank all contributors for your continued support to the site. Enjoy tour festive travels wherever you go! Next update Sunday 28th December... Wednesday 24 December - TT No.113: Paul Roth - check out Paul's report from his visit to Lemsford (Herts County Senior League Premier Division) in the high-scoring Premier Division match v Knebworth played on 20/12/08 now added to the TT page for December 2008...includes terrific matchday photos...essential reading! Wednesday 24 December - MPG No.17: Andy Gallon - Tis the season to be jolly...well maybe not if you're involved in the cut throat world of professional football, that is! As Paul Ince and Gary McAlister both lose their jobs this week, Andy acknowledges that managers now face impossible time constraints to achieve success. Despite the economic downturn neither will apparently suffer any great hardship with a large compensation package to help soften the blow...not to be missed! Wednesday 24 December - Website Latest Update: WebEd - apologies for the lack of updates to FGIF in recent days! After struggling with a pretty nasty flu bug since the weekend I have been ordered to rest and take my medication! Many thanks to all readers who have sent in new reports and photos...your contributions will be added to the site very shortly...here are some of the latest bits and pieces...more to follow... Wednesday 24 December - AFC Hatfield Town FC: Neil Clixby - writes: 'After our 9-3 thrashing at Hitchin Town Arena last Saturday we won 4-0 away yesterday at St Peter's - an early Christmas present! As promised here is a brief history of Hatfield Town FC: Hatfield Football Club was founded in 1886 by members of Hatfield Cricket Club and played their matches in Lord Salisbury's Hatfield Park (part of the Hatfield House estate).
In 1906/07 season, Hatfield FC merged with Dagmar House School Old Boys to form Hatfield United FC. The merger was driven by there being only one pitch available, namely Showfield, later known as Stonecross Road, Hatfield.
The club began their league campaigns in the Mid Herts League in the 1890's and then moved to the Herts County League. In the 1920's there was another merger, this time with Hatfield Cricket and Athletics Clubs to form Hatfield United Athletic Club. The Club moved up to the amateur Spartan League but their first season was cut short by the outbreak of war and they managed to complete just one fixture. The Club reformed after the war and in 1947 the merger with the cricket club was undone with the cricketers returning to Hatfield Park and the football section continuing to compete in the Spartan League as Hatfield Town FC at Stonecross Road.
After seven seasons in the Spartan League, the Club were not re-elected and joined the Parthenon League in 1954 and then the London League in 1959. In 1965 Hatfield Town turned semi-professional and joined the Metropolitan League with a number of permit players on their books. During the 1960's this League consisted of teams such as Arsenal, Tottenham and West Ham's third teams. In 1976, the Club returned to the London Spartan League and from 1979 competed in the South Midlands League and won the South Midlands League Division One in the 1979/80 season. Hatfield Town left Stonecross Road in February 1980 when the land was sold for housing and were forced to move to Angerland Common until 1984 when the Club folded due to lack of finances and a committee to run the Club.
The Club reformed in 1989 and entered the Herts Senior County League. Their progress was unprecedented as they won all three divisional championships in successive seasons. Promotion to the South Midlands League followed in 1992 and this prompted a move to the Gosling Sports Park in Welwyn Garden City. Hatfield Town spent 4 seasons in the SML and finished runners-up to Arlesey Town in the Premier Division in the 1995/1996 season. The Club were offered the chance of promotion to the Isthmian League but were unable to find a suitable ground to play at and the Club once again folded.
However, Hatfield Town were revived a year later in August 1997 and returned to the Herts Senior County League where they played for the next 11 seasons. In April 2008, both the First Team and Reserve Teams won their respective divisions and the Club were once again promoted to the South Midlands Spartan League. Both teams are currently progressing well and they are both third in their respective divisions.
A sister club to Hatfield Town was formed for the start of season 2008/09. Called AFC Hatfield Town, the Club compete in the Herts Senior County League Division One and is made up mainly of 16 year olds with a couple of older players assisting the youngsters. Managed by Darryn Stewart (who scored 227 goals for Oxhey Jets) who has been coaching the youngsters for the last 8 years, the intention is that the Club will provide future players for Hatfield Town's First Team and Reserve Team. AFC Hatfield Town are a separate Club though, with a separate committee (apart from Neil Clixby who is Vice-Chairman of Hatfield Town and Chairman of AFC Hatfield Town) and a separate financial structure. Results have gone against AFC this season although we have won 2 out of the last 3 games.
Best regards. Neil Clixby, Chairman, AFC Hatfield Town
P.S. Martin - please let me know if you (or other members of the FGIF team) are coming to Hatfield to watch either of the Clubs play. We would like to see you and you would be sure of a warm welcome. Your website is excellent'.
WebEd - much appreciated Neil...
 Wednesday 24 December - Website Latest Update: Simple Pieman - Just In! The Pie & Mushy Peas weblog has just been updated with a report and pictures from Colchester United (Football League Division 1) v Scunthorpe United played on 20/12/08. For more go to the following web link: http://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2008/12/colchester-united-fc.html
Thursday 18 December - Arnold Town FC: WebEd - Breaking News! A posting on the ATFC website reads: 'On Saturday 20th December the First team play Long Eaton United in a top of the table clash. The Eagle Valley facility will not be completed in time. The match will now be played at Gedling Miners Welfare FC with a 3.00pm start...the next game to be played is December 27th against Nostel in the NCEL. Arrangements for the venue for this game are also dependant on the opening of Eagle Valley and will be decided as soon as possible. For more log on to: http://www.arnoldfc.com/news.php. Thursday 18 December - Berkhamsted Town FC: Brian Buck - writes: 'I have heard on BBC Three Counties Radio this morning that Berkhamsted Town will fold within two weeks unless they can find £10,000. Their Herts Senior Cup match at home to Stevenage Borough was called off on Tuesday because the clubs electricity had been cut off. Stevenage Borough have been awarded a walkover. The club have been operating without a chairman for over a year now. It is thought that the clubs match against Brimsdown Rovers might be their last game'. Wednesday 17 December - TT No.112: Paul Roth - a game with a difference! Paul travels across Kent to watch Dover Athletic (Ryman League Premier Division) v Tooting and Mitcham United (on 16/12/08) in what was a nostalgic occasion. But why the big crowd? Read Paul's report to find out more...also includes terrific matchday pix! Wednesday 17 December - Desborough Town FC: WebEd - Breaking News! A fire has destroyed part of the United Counties League club's Waterworks Field ground. Fore more details travellers should go to the UCL website: http://www.ebucl.com/leaguenews.pl Tuesday 16 December - Latest Images: Mike Latham - Just In!! Check out these superb ground photos taken yesterday when Mike visited the new Leigh Sports Village. Added to the MFP Album for 2008-2009 they are most definitely essential viewing!! Tuesday 16 December - TT No.111: Ian Harkness - writes: 'In and around Barcelona there are loads of lower league grounds to visit although most have articial grass...' Check out Ian's report from CF Gava (v Orihuela CF) from the Spanish Segunda B...also includes matchday video action!! Tuesday 16 December - New Website Link: Fabrizio Pugi - writes: 'Ciao! Only to inform that I am redeveloping my website StadiaPostcards (now in Italian only, but soon in English) and that I have a new URL: www.stadiapostcards.com Also I am writing to you to ask to change my URL in your links area and to inform you that your website is now linked! Thanks for all!' WebEd - a great site. Thanks Fabrizio! Tuesday 16 December - FGIF Site Updates Notice: WebEd - the TT Index page for 2008-2009 now covers a total of 103 clubs featured in the TT reports contributed to the site up to and including the end of November for 2008... Monday 15 December - Tottenham Hotspur FC Latest Ground News: Simple Pieman - writes: 'The latest in what promises to be a lot of announcements from the club regarding the proposed new stadium. Contains images'. For more infomation click on the following THFC weblink: http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/clubrevealsfirstimagesofproposednewstadium151208.html Monday 15 December - Latest Images: Mike Latham - more photos from Mike's travels on Saturday... check out the pics from Clitheroe (Unibond League Division 1 North) v Bamber Bridge and Preston North End (Football League Championship) v Birmingham City...added to the MFP Album for 2008-2009...not to be missed... Monday 15 December - Fixture Information: Andy Whittle - THE GOLDLINE TROPHY SEMI FINAL!!!!! MATCH ON TONIGHT !!!! STONECLOUGH v EUXTON VILLA MON 15th DECEMBER at Chorley Fc 7.30pm KO... Sunday 14 December - Programme Review: Neil Clixby - the latest details from AFC Hatfield Town (Herts County Senior League Division 1) v Berkhamstead Reserves in the Herts Intermediate Cup played on 25/10/08 added to the PR page for December 2008. Sunday 14 December - TT No.110: Paul Roth - despite losing all his chosen games to the bad weather Paul visits Deal Town (Kent League) v Holmesdale in a Kent Senior Trophy Round 2 fixture played yesterday...as always his report contains the very best ground, action and matchday photos...essential reading! Sunday 14 December - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - you will simply love these photos! Gary travels up to Dumbarton (Scottish Football League Division 3) for the visit of Forfar Athletic played yesterday at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium. All the ground, action and matchday photos have been added to the NEW User Uploads Album for December...mouth-watering! Sunday 14 December - TT No.109: Mike Latham - How does he do it? Despite the atrocious weather conditions Mike still manages to get in three games yesterday. His main report and matchday pictures come from the exciting top of the table clash at Rimington (East Lancashire League Division 1) v Hurst Green...not to be missed...more photos from Mike's other two games to follow... Sunday 14 December - Latest Images: WebEd - matchday images from Hitchin Town Arena (v AFC Hatfield Town) in the Herts County Senior League Division 1 played yesterdaY added to the Last Match Album for 2008-2009... Sunday 14 December - LL No.32: Leon Gladwell - our lens master travels to Ransomes Sports (Suffolk & Ipswich League) v Stowupland Falcons for a Senior Division match played yesterday...check out all the ground, action and matchday images here... Sunday 14 December - Latest Images: WebEd - matchday images from VCD Athletic (Kent League) v Frimley Green in the FA Vase Round 3 replay played on Tuesday 09/12/08 now added to the Last Match Album 2008-2009... Thursday 11 December - Programme Reviews: Richard Panter - the latest news from Leek and Shepshed Dynamo (both Unibond League Division 1 South) v Loughborough Dynamo (on 22/11/08) and Retford United (on 02/12/08) respectively. Now added to the PR page for December 2008. Thursday 11 December - LL No.31: Leon Gladwell - our star snapper travels to Germany to bring us the matchday photos and stats from Bayern Munchen (1. Bundesliga) v 1899 Hoffenheim played on Friday 05/12/08 now added to the LL Index 2008-2009. Not to be missed! Wednesday 10 December - Programme Review: WebEd - the latest from VCD Athletic (Kent Football League) v Frimley Green in the FAV3 replay played last night added to the PR page for December 2008. Wednesday 10 December - R No.22: WebEd - report and photos from Bucks Students Union FC (South Midlands League Division 2) v Risborough Rangers in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup Round 3 played on 06/12/08 now added to the Ramblings Stats page for 2008-2009... Wednesday 10 December - TT No.108: Ian Hill - Ian sends us his latest matchday report following what he describes as a rather 'uninspiring day' at AS Perpignan Mediterannee (France Division Honneur - Languedoc Roussillon) v Ales Olympique played on Sunday 07/12/08.... Monday 8 December - MPG No.16: Andy Gallon - When a game is called off....abandoned matches: surely the scourge of football fans everywhere? As Andy finds his chosen match at Durham City falls victim to the adverse weather this weekend, he seriously questions the referee's decision to call the game off....and considers the effect this has on both clubs and the paying spectator...not for the faint-hearted...essential reading! Monday 8 December - Programme Review: Andy Gallon - the latest details from Durham City (Unibond League Division 1 North) v Mossley played on 06/12/08 added to the PR page for December 2008... Sunday 7 December - TT No.107: Paul Roth - the report and matchday photos from Paul's visit to the Carlsberg Stadium for an FA Vase Round 3 tie between Biggleswade Town (South Midlands League Premier Division) and Wivenhoe Town played yesterday added to the TT page for December...essential reading! Sunday 7 December - TT No106: Mike Latham - Three games in a day! Check out Mike's first match as he attends the Welsh National League Premier Division fixture at Overton Recreational (v Borras Park Album) played yesterday. As always the very best matchday images are included with Mike's report...not to be missed! Sunday 7 December - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - check out the superb ground, action and matchday images from Gary's visit to Stewarts & Lloyds (United Counties League Premier Division) v Daventry Town for the FA Vase Round 3 tie played yesterday. All photos now added to the PR page for December... Sunday 7 December - Programme Review: WebEd - the latest from Bucks Students Union FC (South Midlands League Division 2) v Risborough Rangers in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup Round 3 played yesterday added to the PR page for December 2008... Sunday 7 December - Latest Images: Stephen Gray - it's FA Vase action for Stephen as he attends the Round 3 tie at Long Buckby (United Counties League Premier Division) v St Ives Town played yesterday. The very best matchday images have been added to the NEW User Uploads Album for December 2008... Sunday 7 December - Latest Images: WebEd - ground, action and matchday images from Bucks Students Union FC (South Midlands League Division 2) v Risborough Rangers in the Berks & Bucks Intermediate Cup Round 3 played yesterday added to the Last Match Album 2008-2009...report to follow... Friday 5 December - Programme Reviews: Andy Gallon - more programme covers and stats added to the PR page for December following Andy's recent visits to Farnham Town (Combined Counties League Division 1) v Sheerwater played on 22/11/08; Studley (Midland Alliance) v Barwell FAV2R on 18/11/08; Askern Villa (Northern Counties East League) v Scarborough Ath in LC2 on 11/11/08; Appleby Frodingham (Northern Counties East League) v Barton Town OB in Wilkinson Sword Trophy Round 2 on 04/11/08; Ibstock United (East Midlands Counties League) v Graham St Prims on 08/11/08 and Parramore Sports (Central Midlands League Division 1) v Parkhouse in League Cup Round 1 on 26/11/08. Thursday 4 December - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - check out more photos from Gary's weekend trip to Cornwall. In PART 3 ground, action and matchday images from St Blazey (South West Peninsula League Premier Division) v Holsworthy played on Saturday 29/11/08 have now been added to the NEW User Uploads Album for November 2008... Thursday 4 December - Programme Reviews: Bob Davies - Ten of the Best! Bob sends us details from the following clubs and matches: Leverstock Green (Spartan South Midlands Premier Division) v Harefield United played on 21/10/08; CRC FC (Ridgeons League Challenge Cup) v Mildenhall Town on 27/10/08; Charlton Athletic (Football League Championship) v Barnsley on 01/11/08; Biggleswade United (Spartan South Midlands Premier Div) v Leverstock Green on 04/11/08; Hatfield Town (Spartan South Midlands One) v Kings Langley on 05/11/08; Daventry Town (United Counties Premier) v Stotfold on 08/11/08; Kings Langley (Spartan South Midlands One) v Arlesey Athletic on 12/11/08; Bracknell Town (British Gas League S&W) v Slough Town on 15/11/08; Bedford (Spartan South Midlands League One Cup) v Royston Town on 18/11/08 and Berkhamsted Town ( Spartan South Midlands Premier) v Langford on 15/11/08, all added to the PR page for December 2008... Wednesday 3 December - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - check out the latest photos from Gary's weekend trip to Cornwall. In PART 2 images from Nanpean Rovers (East Cornwall League) have been added to the NEW User Uploads Album for November 2008. Gary writes: 'For years I have been hearing about the legendary ground of Nanpean Rovers so on Saturday I decided to take a slight detour and look for myself! I was suitably impressed'. Wednesday 3 December - TT No.105: Mike Latham - Hot off the press! A hopper's dream and a report to lift the spirits on these cold winter evenings. Mike takes in the Unibond League Cup Round 3 tie played last night at Skelmersdale United (v Bamber Bridge) and is treated to a real goal feast, something similar to this he last witnessed more than 25 years ago. But that's not all. Not to be missed! Tuesday 2 December - FGIF Site Statistics: WebEd - just opened an E-Mail from Bravenet.com to say that Football Grounds In Focus recieved a record number of viewers yesterday when 319 page hits were recorded on the site...thanks to everyone for your continued support...remember to keep on sending in your news and reviews!! Tuesday 2 December - R No.20: WebEd - match report and images from Lemsford FC (Herts County Senior League Premier Division) v Bovingdon played on 22/11/08 added to the Ramblings Index 2008-2009... Tuesday 2 December - LL Nos.29 & 30: Leon Gladwell - PART 2 of an amazing four match hopping weekend! Check out the second two games featuring Football League Championship action at Preston North End v Bristol City played on Saturday 29/11/08 and the Welsh derby at Swansea City (v Cardiff City) played on Sunday 30/11/08 now added to the LL Index for 2008-2009...not to be missed! Tuesday 2 December - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - A Mini Weekend Hop in Cornwall (PART 1). Check out the first selection of photos from Gary's his trip down to the West Country with a visit to Penzance (South West Peninsula League Division 1 West) v Newquay played on Friday 28/11/08...now added to the NEW User Uploads Album for November...more to follow including some terrific images from the legendary Nanpean Rovers ground!! Monday 1 December - LL Nos.27 & 28: Leon Gladwell - PART 1 of an amazing four match hopping weekend! Check out the first two games featuring FA Cup Second Round ties at Barrow (Conference Premier) v Brentford played on Friday 28/11/08 and at Fleetwood Town (Conference North) v Hartlepool United played on Saturday 29/11/08 now added to the LL Index for 2008-2009...PART 2 to follow... Monday 1 December - Miles Per Gallon No.15: Andy Gallon - The things people say...on another busy weekend of football action Andy reflects on some of the media coverage...from the live televised FA Cup match at Histon...to the post match comments at Chesterfield...there's more from Fergie and with Christmas just around the corner Andy is already looking forward to Spring... Essential reading! Monday 1 December - Latest Programme News: Graeme Askham - details from the following matches added to the PA page for 2008-2009: Bletchley Town (South Midlands League Div 2) v Mursley United played on 29/11/08 and Corby Madisons (Northants Combination Premier Division) v Harborough Town on 22/11/08. Monday 1 December - TT No.104: Mike Latham - Just In! Check out Mike's report and ground, action and matchday photos from his recent visit to Formby (North West Counties League Premier Division) v St Helens Town played on 25/11/08. Not to be missed! End |