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INBOX NOTICES JANUARY 2012 | ||||||||||
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Tuesday 31st January - LL No.51: Leon Gladwell - Dont miss Leon's matchday photos and stats from his trip to Abingdon Town (v Ardley United) in the Hellenic League Premier Div match played on 28/01/12...now added to the LL Index 2011-12...essential viewing!! Tuesday 31st January - TT No.155: Justin Holmes - '...it is quite a charmless and dreary ground, but it does the job for the level of football'. Justin heads east to bring us a terrific report and pictures from a hop to Lowestoft Town (v Wealdstone) played on 28/01/12...a beautifully written review... Tuesday 31st January - TT No.154: Paul Roth - 'The QES's focal point, the magnificently refurbished Grade II listed Art Deco cafe, does however pass muster '. Paul takes in the Ryman League Div 1 North fixture at Enfield Town (v Great Wakering Rovers) played on 28/01/12...check out his ace matchday report and pictures here... Tuesday 31st January - TT No.153: Mike Latham - 'The playing area, which has sweeping views across sheep-filled fields to three sides, has been railed-off with dug-outs installed along the far side. Behind the near-side goal a small seated stand has been built with the legend ‘CPD Bodedern Athletic’ on the roof'. Mike brings us a report and photos from CPD Bodedern (v Holywell Town) in the Welsh Alliance Div 1 fixture played on 28/01/12...a cracking read... Monday 30th January - Latest Images: Leon Gladwell - View Leon's mouth-watering matchday photos from a hop to Abingdon Town (v Ardley United) in the Hellenic League Premier Div played on 28/01/12...now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...LL covering the game to follow... Monday 30th January - Latest Images: Justin Holmes - Eastern promise! View Justin's ace matchday pictures taken from a hop to Lowestoft Town (v Wealdstone) in the Ryman League Premier Division match played on 28/01/12...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Monday 30th January - Latest Images: Paul Roth - It's Ryman League action for Paul as he takes in the Division 1 North fixture at Enfield Town (v Great Wakering Rovers) played on 28/01/12...don't miss his awesome matchday pictures... now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Monday 30th January - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - Our super snapper covers plenty of miles to bring us the very best ground, action and matchday images from Topsham Town (v Hatherleigh Town) in the Devon & Exeter League Premier Div fixture played on 28/01/12...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Gary writes (via E-Mail sent yesterday): 'A goal filled day yesterday as we followed up Exter City Youth 4 Bristol Rovers Youth 2 with a superb 3-3 draw at Topsham Town'. Monday 30th January - Latest Images: Mike Latham - It's another trip over to Anglesey for Mike as he attends the eagerly-awaited Welsh Alliance Div 1 match at CPD Bodedern (v Monday 30th January - Latest Images: Bob Davies - View Bob's ace selection of matchday images from a trip to watch Cranfield United (v Langford) in the Spartan South Midlands League Div 1 fixture played on 28/01/12...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Bob writes on Saturday (via E-Mail): 'A surprise or perhaps not such a surprise visit to Cranfield United this afternoon. My original destination was Thrapston Town v Northampton Spencer but five minutes before I was due to depart a quick check on the AA roadwatch revealed some serious problems on the A1. Not wanting to get involved in all that I aborted my visit to Thrapston (for a fourth time this season!) and headed for the Spartan South Midlands League Division One game between Cranfield United and Langford. It was an action and incident packed game which saw the home side come out on top by a final scoreline of 4-3 against a ten man Langford team for the last 25 minutes. Coming away from this one I wondered why I even considered going to Thrapston in the first place!'. Monday 30th January - Latest Images: WebEd - View the latest ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to Heacham (v Redgate Rangers) in the North West Norfolk League Div 1 played on 28/01/12...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Monday 30th January - Latest Images: Andy Gallon - Its kick, clap and hop for Andy as he takes in the eagerly-awaited North Lancs/Cumbria League rugby union fixture at Fleetwood RUFC (v Eccles) played on 28/01/12...view the latest excellent matchday images from the game...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Andy adds (via E-Mail): 'A non-football 'double' yesterday - rugby union followed by ice hockey. Kicked off with the top-of-the-table clash between Fleetwood (1st) and Eccles (3rd) in the North Lancs/Cumbria competition. Owing to waterlogging, the game was moved from Fleetwood's Melbourne Avenue ground to the King George V Memorial Playing Fields, a quarter of a mile away and used in the main by the club's junior teams. Fleetwood's only league defeat this season had come at Eccles (22-17), and they lost again - this time 22-0, with the visitors scoring two tries in the last seven minutes for a rather flattering margin of victory. Poor game, though, on an extremely heavy pitch. Admission, including an excellent 20-page programme, was £2, reduced by 50p to compensate for the walk to the alternative venue. My headcount made the crowd 80. I attach some action pictures. At the full time whistle, I drove the short distance to the promenade at Cleveleys and the brand new and charmingly bijou SubZero ice rink. After pausing to admire a breathtaking sunset over the Irish Sea, I watched Fylde Flyers lose 11-3 to Dumfries-based Solway Sharks, the English National League Division Two North leaders. Admission was £5 and a 12-page programme sold for £1. The crowd I estimated at 180. The ice pad at Cleveleys is unusually small (just 36m long and 22m wide), which produces elbow-to-elbow action and lots of shooting at goal'. Thursday 26th January - Website Update: WebEd - The remaining programmes covering matches played this month and those sent in the post will now be carried forward and reviewed in the PR for February 2012... thanks once again to all contributors for your cover scans and info...keep them coming. Thanks, Martin Thursday 26th January - Programme Review: Tony Incenzo - View the latest programme cover scan and details from London Colney Blues (Herts Senior County League) v AFC Hertford played on 14/01/12...now added to the PR page for January 2012... Tony adds: 'Not sure if this a regular issue but it is certainly the FIRST ever programme issued by the club...' Thursday 26th January - R Nos. 29, 30, 31, 32 & 33: WebEd - Read the most recent matchday reports and photos from Enfield Town (v Redbridge) in the Ryman League Div 1 North played on 02/01/12; Belton (v Scole United) in the abandoned Norfolk Junior Cup Q-F and Great Yarmouth Town (v Wivenhoe Town) in the Eastern Counties League Premier Div both on 07/01/12; Belton (v Scole United) in the rearranged Norfolk Junior Cup Q-F on 14/01/12 and Sporting Hackney (v Singh Sabha Slough) in the Middlesex County League Premier Division on 21/01/12...all now added to the Ramblings Stats page 2011-12... Tuesday 24th January - Reduced admission at Coventry Sphinx FC: Lyntos Barios - writes: 'Could you drop some information on your website that might interest some ground hoppers. Sat 28/01/12 - Coventry Sphinx vs Boldmere St Michaels in the Midland Alliance (kick off 3pm) at Coventry Sphinx F.C; Sphinx Drive; Off Siddeley Avenue; Coventry, CV3 1WA. Reduced admission: Adults £2; Concession £1. Many thanks, Lyntos Barios' (http://www.coventrysphinx.co.uk/) Tuesday 24th January - LL Nos. 46, 47, 48, 49 & 50: Leon Gladwell - View the latest excellent LL reviews with photos and match stats from Leon's travels to Harborough Town (v Bourne Town) in the United Counties League Div 1 played on 13/01/12 and Colchester United Youth (v Wycombe Wanderers Youth) in the Football League Youth Alliance South East Conference) and Cedars Park (v Stradbroke United) in the Suffolk & Ipswich League Div 4 both played on 14/01/12; Hinckley United (v Luton Town) in the FA Trophy 2nd round tie on 18/01/12 and Oadby Town (East Midlands Counties League) v Ampthill Town in the FA Vase Round 4 tie on 21/01/12...now added to the LL Index 2011-12...not to be missed!! Tuesday 24th January - Latest Images: Gyles Basey-Fisher - Our super snapper sends us the latest selection of mouth-watering photos from recent hops to Solihull Moors (v Gainsborough Trinity) in the Conference North fixture played on 14/01/12 and Waltham Abbey (v Waltham Forest) in the Isthmian League Div 1 North on 10/01/12...all now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery... Tuesday 24th January - Latest Images: Pete Collins - It's FA Vase action for Pete as he brings us a cracking selection of matchday images from Tunbridge Wells (v St Ives Town) in the 4th round tie played on 21/01/12...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Monday 23rd January - Latest Images: Leon Gladwell - View the latest terrific matchday photos from Leon's hop to watch Oadby Town (East Midlands Counties League) v Ampthill Town in the FA Vase Round 4 tie played on 21/01/12...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...LL to follow shortly... Monday 23rd January - TT No.152: Mike Latham - ''The ground is tucked away off the main road close to a busy shopping and residential area and Pollokshaws East station and backs on to White Cart Water, a fast-running river that separates the ground from a number of huge apartment blocks... '. Mike brings us a superb report and photos from one of his favourite competitions with a trip to Pollok (v Lochee United) for the Scottish Junior Cup Round 4 tie played on 21/01/12...a cracking read... Monday 23rd January - TT No.151: Andy Gallon - ' It boasts the most impressive stand in the Northern League'. Andy takes in the FA Vase 4th round tie at Billingham Synthonia (v Runcorn Town) played on a 21/01/12...a terific read including pictures and packed with loads of fascinating club and ground info... Monday 23rd January - TT No.150: Chris Freer - '...Stompond Lane... where the local council seemingly intent on moving the club out of their home of 80-odd years to allow the building of housing'. Chris reports on a hop to watch Walton & Hersham (v Chipstead) in the Isthmian League Div 1 South played on 21/01/12...a beautifully written account...for more info on Chris' footy travels log on to his inspirational weblog 300 Grounds And Counting at the following address: http://flynn123.wordpress.com/... Monday 23rd January - TT No.149: Keith Aslan - 'I can't recommend this ground highly enough. You won't have seen anything like it anywhere else'. Our hopping scribe brings us an inspirational report from a memorable hop to Cadbury Athletic (v Walsall Wood) in a Smedley Crooke Memorial Cup tie played on 21/01/12...it's a smashing review... Monday 23rd January - TT No.148: Paul Roth - 'I'm pleased to report that The Parish Recreation Ground is an absolute peach....I command you to match me a footballing Valhalla more hauntingly beautiful'. It's a new hopping experience for Paul as he attends the Weald of Kent Charity Cup Q-F tie at Chilham (Canterbury & District League) v Staplehurst Monarchs United played on 21/01/12...complete with matchday pictures it's a fascinating read... Sunday 22nd January - Latest Photos: Paul Roth - Don't miss Paul's mouth-watering collection of matchday photos taken at Chilham (Canterbury & District League) v Staplehurst Monarchs United in the Weald of Kent Charity Cup Quater-Final played yesterday...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly.. Sunday 22nd January - Latest Photos: Mike Latham - It's a Scottish Junior Cup footy fix for Mike as he brings us a terrific selection of matchday pictures from a hop to watch Pollok (SJFA West Premier League) v Lochee United in a 4th round tie played yesterday...TT to follow shortly... Sunday 22nd January - Latest Photos: Gary Spooner - Our lens master brings us the very selection of matchday images from a trip to watch Chelmsley Town (v Leamington Hibernian) in the Midland Combination League Division 2 fixture played yesterday...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Sunday 22nd January - Latest Photos: Bob Davies - It's action Plan B for Bob! Enjoy scrolling through his cracking selection of matchday photos from a visit to Bishop's Stortford (v Workington) in the Conference North fixture played yesterday...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Bob adds (via E-Mail sent yesterday): 'Not my first choice game today but my visit to Littleport in the Cambs League Premier was put on hold until a drier day later in the season! So I thought I might risk a nose bleed as I attended a game from Level 2 of the pyramid far higher than my usual choice on a Saturday. The game wasn't that exciting ending 1-1...' Sunday 22nd January - Latest Photos: Andy Gallon - It's FA Vase action for Andy as he takes in the 4th round tie at Billingham Synthonia (Northern League) v Runcorn Town played yesterday...view the impressive ground photos now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Andy writes (via E-Mail): 'More tripe today. A 0-0 draw (after extra time) between Billingham Synthonia (Northern League Div One) and Runcorn Town (North West Counties League Div One) in the FA Vase fourth round. With the winds so high, couldn't see the point going far - and this revisit was a waste of time, money and petrol. Find attached some shots of the Synners' Central Avenue ground, opened in 1958. Programme review and TT to come. Sunday 22nd January - Latest Photos: WebEd - View the selection ground, action and matchday images from a hop to Sporting Hackney (v Singh Sabha Slough) in the Middlesex County League Premier Div fixture played yesterday...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... WebEd adds: 'A first time visit to the much publicised Hackney Marshes for this MCLP fixture gave us the hoppertunity to take in a game at the new Hackney Marshes Centre, a stone's throw from the neighbouring London 2012 Olympic site at Stratford. Playing in very blustery conditions on their new 'show' pitch against fellow strugglers Singh Sabha Slough the hosts found the going tough and were 4-0 down by the interval. With the breeze behind them a quick rally after the break brought the score back to 2-4 but Sporting were unable to reduce the deficit. Another MCLP side West Essex FC were also at home playing (as always) on the adjacent pitch against Hillingdon FC (0-1). FGIF readers may be interested to know that both clubs issued programmes (available from the changing rooms in the HMC) for their respective games...' Sunday 22nd January - Latest Photos: Leon Gladwell - Just added to the new FGIF album gallery...check out Leon's superb matchday images from Hinckley United (v Luton Town) in the FA Trophy 2nd round tie played on 18/01/12...top notch stuff...LL covering the match to follow shortly... Wednesday 18th January - Latest Photos: Leon Gladwell - View Leon's latest matchday pictures following recent visits to watch games at Harborough Town (v Bourne Town) in the United Counties League Div 1 played on 13/01/12 and Colchester United Youth (v Wycombe Wanderers Youth) in the Football League Youth Alliance South East Conference) and Cedars Park (v Stradbroke United) in the Suffolk & Ipswich League Div 4 both played on 14/01/12...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery...LL's from all three games to follow shortly... Wednesday 18th January - FGIF Goes Global!: Paul Roth - writes: 'On Sunday evening, as I always do, I was checking through the results of the teams I've watched in Spain over the years, and came across something that I cannot for the life of me work out. After logging onto the Futbolme website, I clicked on La Liga Tercera Division, Group 11 and then scrolled down the Results section before clicking on the the club entitled SCR Pena Deportiva (they lost 0-1 at home to CF Son Ferrer last weekend). The page opens to show MY photograph of the club's ground, taken when I visited the club whilst holidaying on Ibiza back in September 2010! How has that photograph, submitted to FGIF 16 months ago (http://www.footballgroundsinfocus.com/TT1011085.htm), gotten onto a Spanish football website!? FGIF's reputation is now global my friend'. Web - Many conratulations Paul! Thanks for sharing your great news. Readers can view Paul's photo on the Futbolme website by clicking on: http://www.futbolme.com/com/index.asp and/or http://www.futbolme.com/com/equipo.asp?codigo_equipo=7&idtorneo=17&origen=1&cd_tor=0 Wednesday 18th January - Programme News: Keith Aslan - With his finger firmly on the paper-chasing pulse Keith brings us another selection of clubs issuing programmes on his recent travels...go to the Programme News page for more...it's essential reading! Wednesday 18th January - TT No.147: Justin Holmes - 'The council owned Tilekiln is home to several clubs in the league and consists of three football pitches'. It's East Sussex League action for Justin as he reports from the Premier Division encounter at Hastings-based St Leonards Social (v Wadhurst United) played on 14/01/12... Wednesday 18th January - TT No.146: Andy Gallon - '...the Galpharm Stadium, shoehorned into a parcel of land between the Colne and the wooded Kilner Bank...rises like a glittering liner above a surrounding ocean of grey'. Read more from Andy's trip to watch Huddersfield Town (v Oldham Athletic) in the Football League Div 1 clash played on 14/01/12...a most revealing account... Wednesday 18th January - TT No.145: Rob Campion - 'The ground on Lindisfarne Road is on the southern edge of the village and the entrance is between two houses. It opens up and there is a small car park to the right and a breeze block building to the left which houses the changing rooms and club room. The pitch is railed off along the two sides and there are dug outs on the far side'. Check out Rob's superb matchday review and pictures from a trip to Eye Sports (v Oakham United) in the Peterborough & District League Prem Div match played on 14/01/12...a great read...for more on about Rob's travels go to his excellent weblog All Roads Lead Somewhere by clicking on the following weblink: http://www.rambler77.net/ Wednesday 18th January - TT No.144: Paul Roth - 'It's never going to win awards for its aesthetic beauty, but the setting 200 yds from the castle, resplendent with its grandiose Motte-and-Bailey gatehouse, and the vista of distant Bidborough Ridge, does at least go some way to compensate for the club's lack of on-field facilities'. Don't miss Paul's matchday account and pictures from a hop to Tonbridge for Hildenborough Athletic (v Sheppey United) in the Kent Air Ambulance Challenge Shield Quarter-Final played on 14/01/12...top notch stuff! Wednesday 18th January - TT No.143: Mike Latham - ' They have a modest ground, but it is lovingly maintained, all spic and span painted in the club colours of red and black with three small covered stands and plenty of room for expansion should the need arise'. Mike attends the Welsh Alliance Div 2 fixture at Gaerwen (v Halkyn United) played on 14/01/12...check out his cracking review complete with breath-taking pictures... Wednesday 18th January - TT No.142: Bob Davies - 'Ground wise there is now a brick covered standing area in front of the main building and planning permission is being pursued to erect floodlights...'. It's Herts Senior County League action for Bob as he takes in the Premier Division fixture at Letchworth Garden City Eagles (v Mill End Sports) played on 14/01/12...not to be missed... Monday 16th January - LL Nos.43, 44 & 45: Leon Gladwell - View all the essential match photos and details from Leon's recent visits to Dundee (Scottish Football League Div 1) v Kilmarnock and Forfar Athletic (Scottish Football League Div 2) v Aberdeen both on 07/01/12 and Arbroath (Scottish Football League Div 3) v Rangers played on 08/01/12...all in the Scottish Cup 4th round...now added to the LL Index 2011-12... Monday 16th January - Latest Images: Pete Collins - Check out Pete's superb selection of matchday photos taken at Woodstock Sports (v Seven Acre & Sidcup) in the Kent Invicta League played on 14/01/12...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Monday 16th January - Latest Images: Justin Holmes - View these ace ground, action and matchday pictures taken on Justin's hop to St Leonards (v Wadhurst United) in the East Sussex League Prem Div played on 14/01/12...now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Monday 16th January - Latest Images: Paul Roth - View the very best ground, action and matchday images from a trip to Hildenborough Athletic (Kent County League Div 1) v Sheppey United in the Kent Air Ambulance Intermedia Monday 16th January - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - Check these out! Our lens master brings us some stunning matchday photos from recent visits to Harpenden Town (v King's Langley) in the Spartan South Midlands League Div 1 played on 02/01/12; Morecambe (v Northampton Town) in the Football League Division 2 on 07/01/12 and Ebbsfleet United (Conference Premier) v Chester in the FA Trophy Round 2 on 14/01/12...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Gary writes (via E-Mail): 'The last day of the Xmas holidays saw yet another double. The morning kick off saw us travelling to Godmanchester. As Bob (Davies) was in attendance I left it him to be FGIF photographer for the morning...the afternoon saw us travel to Harpenden. As has been the recent trend, a warm welcome was received with a cracking game to follow'. 'Last Saturday saw a trip to Morecambe to mop up one of the three new grounds I need to keep the 92 up to date. (Crawley and Chesterfield now remaining). Despite a great result for TMC (The Mighty Cobbs - could be the Conference Cobbs next year!) my visit to the Globe emphasised some of the reasons why League footie is less appealing to me now. £18 admission, no parking allowed at the ground (despite a pitiful crowd and plenty of empty spaces) and the game was garbage! In addition I had e-mailed Morecambe early in the week to see if cameras were allowed in the ground. As no reply was received I decided against taking the normal camera and took a cheapie pocket camera instead. On arriving home I found that Morecambe had e-mailed me on Saturday morning when I was about 100 miles up the M6 to say that there would be no problem with taking pics!!! Re- Sat 14/01/12: 'Cracking day out and yet another double. Much has been written about the Garrison B ground where Colchester Youth play and the fact that Colchester Youth issue a programme (and have done for 25 years!) so before the main event at Ebbsfleet we took in Colchester Youth 0 Wycombe Youth1. No pics as it was a youth game. Ebbsfleet is what I call a "proper" football ground and was well worth the long trip. An entertaining game played in a good atmosphere created by the travelling Chester army'. Monday 16th January - Latest Images: Rob Campion - Don't miss Rob's fantastic matchday photos from a hop to watch Eye United (v Oakham United) in the Peterborough & District League Premier Div played on 14/01/12. ..now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly...
Monday 16th January - Latest Images: Mike Latham - It's Welsh Alliance League action for Mike as he attends the Division 2 fixture at Gaerwen (v Halkyn United) played on 14/01/12...check out his excellent matchday images...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Monday 16th January - Latest Images: Bob Davies - View Bob's terrific selection of matchday images from his trip to Letchworth Garden City Eagles (v Mill End Sports) in the Herts Senior County League Premier Div played on 14/01/12...now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Bob adds (via E-Mail): 'My intended game this Saturday was to have been at Nantwich Town. With the "frost lottery" in operation it was decided that something a little nearer home was a sensible alternative'. Monday 16th January - Latest Images: WebEd - Check out the ground, action and matchday photos from a second hop to Belton (Great Yarmouth & District League Div 1) v Scole United in the replayed Norfolk Junior Cup Quarter-Final tie on 14/01/12...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... WebEd writes: 'In true ground hopping style I headed back to Belton for some unfinshed business. Following the serious injury to the match referee which led to the tie being abandoned after 33 minutes last last week, the fourth round NJC tie was replayed on 14/01/12. Thankfully match official Brian Russell had made a full recovery and was back in charge, posing for the camera before the game with Dean Pretlove, the Belton player who had accidentally kicked him in the head last Saturday! When it looked as though the the hosts had pulled off a shock result Scole equalised in the 91st minute making the score 3-3 to take the game into extra time. Within two minutes of the re-start the visitors took the lead for the first time in the match and looked to have done enough to book their place in the Semi-Final when Belton snatched a very late equaliser (three minutes from time) making it 4-4. As this was (officially) the first meeting between the sides, the match will be replayed (again) next weekend at Scole...phew!! Wednesday 11th January - Programme Reviews: Leon Gladwell - View Leon's latest programme cover scans and details covering matches attended at Berkhamsted (South Mids League Premier) v Oxhey Jets played on 20/12/11; Wellingborough Whitworths (United Counties League Div 1) v Rushden & Higham United on 26/12/11; Rothwell Town (United Counties League Div 1) v Rothwell Corinthians on 26/12/11; Southam United (Midland Comb League Prem Div) v Cadbury Athletic on 31/12/11; Leamington (Southern League Prem Div) v Frome Town on 31/12/11; Rushden & Higham United (United Counties League Div 1) v Bugbrooke St Michaels on 02/01/12; Long Buckby (United Counties League Prem Div) v Irchester United on 02/01/12; Dundee (Scottish Football League Div 1) v Kilmarnock (Scottish Cup Rd 4) on 07/01/12; Forfar Athletic (Scottish Football League Div 2) v Aberdeen (Scottish Cup Rd 4) on 07/01/12 and Arbroath (Scottish Football League Div 3) v Rangers (Scottish Cup Rd 4) on 07/01/12...all now uploaded to the PR page for January 2012... Wednesday 11th January - Programme Reviews: Andy Gallon - View Andy's latest programme cover scans and details covering matches attended at Bradford City (Football League Div 2) v Shrewsbury Town played on 31/12/12; Stockport County (Conference National) v Barrow on 01/01/12; Thornaby (Northern League Div Two) v Birtley Town on 02/01/12 and Corby Town (Conference North) v FC Halifax Town on 07/01/12...all now uploaded to the PR page for January 2012... Wednesday 11th January - Programme Reviews: Mike Latham - Check out Mike's latest programme cover scans and details from Louth Town (Northern Counties East League Div 1) v Grimsby Borough played on 02/01/12; Droylsden (Blue Square Conference North) v Altrincham on 01/01/12 and Ashby Ivanhoe (Leics Senior League Prem) v Thurnby Nirvana (LSC Q-F) on 07/01/11...all now uploaded to the PR page for January 2012... Wednesday 11th January - Programme Reviews: Mark Farnell - Check out Mark's latest programme cover scans and details from the following matches Stewarts & Lloyds Corby (United Counties League Prem Div) v Desborough Town played on 26/12/11; Loughborough University (Midland Football Alliance) v Heather St John's on 31/12/11; Gresley (Midland Football Alliance) v Tividale on 17/12/11; Corby Town (Conference North) v Solihull Moors on 26/12/12 and Sheffield United (Football League Div 1) v Salisbury City (FA Cup Rd 3) on 07/01/12......all now added to the PR page for January 2012... Wednesday 11th January - Programme Reviews: Bob Davies - For Bob's ninth review this season check out cover scans and details from his latest hops to New Bradwell St Peter (South Mids League Div 1) v Langford played on 22/11/12; Letchworth GCE (Herts Senior County League) v Chipperfield Corinthians (ART) on 26/11/11; Crawley Green (South Mids League Div 1) v Bedford on 30/11/11; Cambridge University Press (Eatern Counties League Div 1) v Godmanchester Rovers on 26/12/12; Bedford Town (Southern League Premier) v Cambridge City on 26/12/12; Wodson Park (South Mids League Div 1) v St Albans City Res on 27/12/11; St Margaretsbury (South Mids League Prem Div) v Stotfold on 27/12/12; Potton United (United Counties League 1) v Wootton Blue Cross on 27/12/12 and Cheshunt (Isthmian League Div 1 North) v Leiston on 31/12/12...all now added to the PR page for January 2012... Tuesday 10th January - Great news for Great Yarmouth Town FC: WebEd - writes: - According to the GYT FC website: 'The immediate threat to crisis-hit Yarmouth Town FC’s future has been averted by a cash injection which has been hailed as “a lifesaver”. On the eve of tonight’s extraordinary general meeting which will shape the 114-year-old club’s destiny, a local businessman has donated a five-figure sum, saying he could not allow the situation to deteriorate any further'. For more go to the GYT FC website News page at the following link: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/greatyarmouthtown/news/great-yarmouth-town-fc-saved-b-477540.html Tuesday 10th January - Latest Images: Andy Gallon - View Andy's superb ground photos of the Rapid Solicitors Stadium, home to North Ferriby United FC (Northern Premier League Prem Div) taken this afternoon... now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Andy writes (via E-Mail): 'The sun was shining as I arrived at the Northern Premier League Premier Division club North Ferriby United's Church Road ground. Officials were preparing for that evening's Doodson Sport League Challenge Cup fourth-round home tie with Worksop Town, and the Villagers secretary was happy for me to come in and take pictures. A couple of them, as you'll notice, feature the home dressing room, complete with kit hanging from the pegs. As part of a naming rights sponsorship deal, the ground is now officially known as the Rapid Solicitors Stadium'. Tuesday 10th January - LL Nos. 39; 40; 41 & 42 Leon Gladwell - Now added to the LL Index for 2011-12... all the match reviews and photos from Leon's hops to watch Southam United (v Cadbury Athletic) in the Midland Combination League Premier Div and Leamington (v Frome Town) in the Southern League Premier Div both played on 31/12/11 and Rushden & Higham United (v Bugbrooke St Michaels) in the United Counties League Div 1 and Long Buckby (v Irchester United) in the United Counties League Premier Div both played on 02/01/12...more from Leon's recent Scottish Cup hop to follow shortly... Tuesday 10th January - FA Proposals for Step 5 Leagues: Brian Buck - writes: 'Spotted on the St Ives Town website:- There have been many rumours flying around the non league circuit regarding the FA's intention of reducing the number of leagues at Step 5 from 14 to 12 in the coming seasons. This 'suggestion' has been already discussed amongst the league's representitives across the UK with the FA to make it easier for the 12 leagues at Step 4 to have 1 promotion place per league. Tuesday 10th January - TT No.141: Chris Freer - Read Chris' fascinating report from a first-time trip to Slough for the town's derby at Burnham (v Slough Town) in the Southern League Div 1 South played on 07/01/12...top notch stuff...for more info on Chris' footy travels log on to his inspirational weblog 300 Grounds And Counting at the following address: http://flynn123.wordpress.com/...
Monday 9th January - LL Nos.34; 35; 36; 37 & 38: Leon Gladwell - Just added to the LL Index for 2011-12... all the match reviews and photos from Leon's visits to watch Sporting 87 (v Salvation Army) in the Suffolk & Ipswich League Div 2 played on 10/12/11; Berkhamsted (v Oxhey Jets) in the Spartan South Midlands League Prem Div on 20/12/11; Wellingborough Whitworth (v Rushden & Higham United) and Rothwell Town (v Rothwell Corinthians) both in the United Counties League Div 1 and on 26/12/11 and Sproughton Sports (v Leiston St Margarets) in the Suffolk & Ipswich League Touchline Sports Cup Round 3 on 27/12/11...more to follow.... Monday 9th January - TT No.140: Justin Holmes - Check out Justin's fabulous report (with photos) from a hop to watch Reading (Football League Championship) v Stevenage in the FA Cup Round 3 tie played on 07/01/12.. definitely not to be missed! Monday 9th January - TT No.139: Andy Gallon - Don't miss Andy's excellent report from Steel Park as he takes in the Conference North fixture at Corby Town (v FC Halifax Town) played on 07/01/11...complete with the essential ground photos... Monday 9th January - TT No.138: Rob Campion - Rob heads to London for his footy fix as he reports on the FA Cup Third Round tie at Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League) v Cheltenham Town played on 07/01/12...complete with matchday photos it's a superb read... Monday 9th January - TT No.137: Bob Davies - It's Norfolk Senior Cup action for Bob as he reports on the Quarter-Final tie at Thetford Town (Eastern Counties League) v Wroxham played on 07/01/12...a terrific read with loads of brilliant pictures... Monday 9th January - TT No.136: Mike Latham - For his second game of the afternoon Mike takes in the Midland Football Alliance fixture at Heather St John's (v Alvechurch) played on 07/01/12...but as you will find out it was not a great event...also includes matchday pictures... Monday 9th January - TT No.135: Mike Latham - Part One of a Double Header! Read Mike's inspirational report (with matchday photos) from a trip to Ashby Ivanhoe (v Thurnby Nirvana) in the Leicestershire Senior Cup Q-F played on 07/01/12...top notch stuff! Monday 9th January - TT No.134: Andy Gallon - It's Northern League action for Andy as he reports on the Division 2 fixture at Thornaby (v Birtley Town) played on 02/01/12...a cracking review... Monday 9th January - Latest Images: Justin Holmes - Check out Justin's ace photos from Reading (Football League Championship) v Stevenage in the FA Cup Round 3 tie played on 07/01/12...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Monday 9th January - Latest Images: Leon Gladwell - Our star snapper brings us some terrific Scottish Cup ground, action and matchday photos from the Fourth Round ties at Dundee (Scottish Football League Div 1) v Kilmarnock and Forfar Athletic (Scottish Football League Div 2) v Aberdeen both on 07/01/12 and Arbroath (Scottish Football League Div 3) v Rangers played on 08/01/12...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Monday 9th January - Latest Images: Gyles Basey-Fisher - View the latest mouth-watering collection of superb matchday pictures taken by Gyles from his festive hops to watch: Banstead (v Epsom & Ewell) in the Isthmian League Premier Div and Molesey (v Chessington & Hook) in the Combined Counties League Premier Div both on 27/01/12; Tooting & Mitcham United (v Leatherhead) in the Isthmian League Premier Div on 31/12/11; Darlington (v Gateshead) in the Conference Premier on 01/01/12; Horley Town (v Guildford City) and Corinthian Casuals (v Dulwich Hamlet) both in the Combined Counties League Premier Div on 02/01/12 and Buckingham Town (v Eynesbury Rovers) in the United Counties League Div 1 on 07/01/12...all now added to the new GIF album gallery... Sunday 8th January - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - View the cracking matchday pix from some more of Gary's festive hops featuring matches at Tring Athletic (v Hertford Town) in the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Div played on 27/12/11; Letcombe (v Chalfont Wasps) and Newbury (v Lambourn Sports) both in the East Division played on 31/12/11...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery...more to follow shortly... Gary adds (via E-Mail): 'New Years Eve saw us head South for a Hellenic League double. Due to rather a lot of rain we were dubious as to whether our 1st choice game would still be on. Having rang several times en route and receiving no answer we looked for an alternative. First call was to Letcombe. The phone was answered immediately and the message received was "Game on" so off to Letcombe Regis we headed and what a good decision that turned out to be! The welcome at Letcombe was superb. Admission was just £2 and a 20 page programme was given free as due to the holiday it was not considered to be up to the usual standard! All I can say is that the normal programme must be VERY good. The game itself was a Christmas cracker with Chalfont Wasps stinging Letcombe to win 4-3. As it turned out, our first choice game WAS played though none of us were disappointed that we had visited Letcombe instead. A superb first half of a double and a visit is highly recommended'.' Sunday 8th January - Latest Images: Mike Latham - It's an East Midlands Double for Mike as he takes in matches at Ashby Ivanhoe (Leicester Senior League) v Thurnby Nirvana in the Leicestershire Senior Cup Q-F and Heather St John's (v Alvechurch) in the Midland Football Alliance both played yesterday...check out the superb matchday pictures now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT's covering both games to follow shortly... Sunday 8th January - Latest Images: Rob Campion - View the superb ground images from Rob's trip to White Hart Lane for the FA Cup Round 3 tie at Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League) v Cheltenham Town played yesterday...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Sunday 8th January - Latest Images: Andy Gallon - Don't miss Andy's terrific ground photos taken at Steel Park for the exciting Conference North fixture between Corby Town and FC Halifax Town played yesterday...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly ... Andy writes (via E-Mail): 'There was a meeting of the Gallon clan at Steel Park yesterday for Corby Town v FC Halifax Town (2-4) in Conference North. My youngest brother and I completed a 'double' in the evening by watching Nottingham Panthers v Cardiff Devils (2-4) in ice hockey's Elite League (crowd of 5,026). A 300-mile round trip and a return home just before midnight. A decent day! Our planned early arrival in Corby paid off with me very kindly being allowed in the ground two hours before kick-off to get some shots....'. Sunday 8th January - Latest Images: Bob Davies - View Bob's fantastic matchday photos from a trip to watch Thetford Town (v Wroxham) an all-ECL Norfolk Senior Cup Q-F played yesterday...now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Sunday 8th January - Latest Images: WebEd - Check out the ground, action and matchday images from a trip to Great Yarmouth for Belton (Great Yarmouth & District League Div 1) v Scole United in the Norfolk Junior Cup Q-F and Great Yarmouth Town (v Wivenhoe Town) in the Eastern Counties League Prem Div both played yesterday...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... WebEd - It pays to have a back up!! When the referee was accidentally kicked in the head and knocked unconscious following a spectacular bicycle kick the Norfolk Junior Cup Q-F tie at Belton (v Scole United) was abandoned (with the scoreline at 0-0 and with only 33 minutes gone on the clock). Thankfully the groggy official managed to leave the field with assistance before being taken to hospital. The match will be replayed next week. By now it was 2.35pm giving us just enough time to drive to the Wellesley Stadium to watch Great Yarmouth Town taken on Wivenhoe Town in a bottom of the table ECL Premier Div fixture. The game ended 2-2 with the visitors scoring twice in the last five minutes to grab a much needed point. According to the programme notes the club finds itself in a dire position with lack of assistance and finance and may fold. A decision as to the future of the club is to be made at an EGM to be held in the clubhouse on Tuesday evening (10/01/12) at 7.30pm. Thursday 5th January - TT No.133: Andy Gallon - 'Everywhere you look at Thursday 5th January - Latest Images: Leon Gladwell - View this fantastic selection of ground, action and matchday pictures from Leon's latest travels to watch: Southam United (v Cadbury Athletic) in the Midland Combination League Premier Div and Leamington (v Frome Town) in the Southern League Premier Div both played on 31/12/11 and Rushden & Higham United (v Bugbrooke St Michaels) in the United Counties League Div 1 and Long Buckby (v Irchester United) in the United Counties League Premier Div both played on 02/01/12...all now fully uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...LL reviews from each game to follow shortly... Wednesday 4th January - TT No.132: Justin Holmes - 'The War Memorial Sports Ground is located just five minutes walk away from Carshalton rail station, and is quite an intriguing stadium. It certainly would not win any beauty contests, but it does have some unique character'. Our superhopper brings us a cracking report and matchday pictures from a visit to Carshalton Athletic (v Cray Wanderers) in the Isthmian League Premier Division fixture played on 02/01/12...you'll love it! Wednesday 4th January - TT No.131: Andy Gallon - 'I’m thrilled City are still at Valley Parade because it is the sort of characterful, off-trend ground fast disappearing from the British football scene'. It's Football League action for Andy as he takes in the Division 2 fixture at Bradford City (v Shrewsbury Town) played on 31/12/11... read his inspirational report for more... Wednesday 4th January - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - Check out Gary's ace ground, action and matchday photos from a trip to watch Kings Langley (v London Colney) in the Spartan South Midlands League Div 1 played on 27/12/11...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...more pictures featuring Gary's latest travels coming soon...next up a visit to Tring Athletic FC... Wednesday 4th January - Latest Images: Justin Holmes - View the latest terrific matchday photos from Justin's hop to Carshalton Athletic (v Cray Wanderers) in the Ryman League Premier Division played on 02/01/12...all now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Tuesday 3rd January - TT No.130: Mike Latham - 'A small seated stand with club house above it dominates the neat Park Avenue Stadium. It was possible to watch the game from inside the club house, a home official thoughtfully providing a window wiper on a stick to clear condensation from the windows....'. Mike reviews the goal-busting Lincolnshire derby at Louth Town (v Grimsby Borough) in the Northern Counties East League Div 1 played yesterday...including matchday photos it's inspirational stuff... Tuesday 3rd January - TT No.129: Mike Latham - 'There’s a well-appointed club-house, a small stand with five rows of bench seating, a tea bar and a friendly welcome at the gate.'. It's Midland Football Alliance action for Mike as he reports on the league fixture at Studley (v Tipton Town) played on 31/12/11...a fascinating read...complete with matchday pictures... Tuesday 3rd January - TT No.128: Justin Holmes - 'On entering the ground, it came as a very pleasant surprise, being a good old-fashioned non-league ground...'. For his second game in two days Justin attends the Southern League Premier Division fixture at Chesham United (v Arlesey Town) played on 31/12/11...another cracking review! Tuesday 3rd January - TT No.127: Justin Holmes - '...it certainly ranks amongst the best football grounds at this level for me, containing a bit of everything that is good about a football league ground in the lower divisions'. It's Football League action for Justin as he reports on the Division 2 fixture from Cheltenham Town (v Rotherham United) played on 30/12/11...complete with photos it's a superb account... Tuesday 3rd January - TT No.126: Mike Latham - 'The ground has an open feel, bordered as it on three sides...'. Mike pens a cracking review from his visit to CPD Gwalchmai (v Holyhead Hotspur) in the Welsh Tuesday 3rd January - TT No.125: Rob Campion - 'When arriving at the venue we found it to be typical for this level with no pitch side facilities but there is a social club on site which appeared to be well used by the local community'. It's Northants Combination League action for Rob as he takes in the Div 1 fixture at Spratton (v James King Blisworth) played on 31/12/11...don't miss his ace report and photos here...a most friendly club!! To find out more about Rob's travels go to his excellent weblog All Roads Lead Somewhere by clicking on the following weblink: http://www.rambler77.net/ Tuesday 3rd January - Latest Images: Mike Latham - A Lincolnshire derby! Don't miss Mike's superb matchday pictures from a trip to Louth Town (v Grimsby Borough) in the Northern Counties East League Div 1 played yesterday...now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Tuesday 3rd January - Latest Images: WebEd - View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to watch Enfield Town (v Redbridge) in the Ryman League Div 1 North fixture played yesterday...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...
Bob adds (via E-Mail): 'Please find attached some photos from my first game of 2012, Godmanchester Rovers and C.U.P. in the Ridgeons League Division One. It was cold but sunny morning as the hosts were looking to complete the double over the visitors in the reverse of the boxing day fixture. A goal in each half from the home side duly meant a 2-0 victory and 6 pts over visitors C.U.P. towards Godmanchesters promotion challenge. Met up and had a good chat with Gary Spooner at this game'. 'No rush in leaving Godmanchester, so I let the other groundhoppers leave first for their various second games of the day. My second game and my 100th of the current season was very close by and was between Eynesbury Rovers and Potton United in the UCL Division One. Not the entertainment of the morning game and a much more physical encounter. Potton were unfortunate to lose their goalkeeper to injury after 25 minutes and with no substitute keeper on the bench saw the full back take over between the sticks for the remainder of the half. Potton went in 1-0 down at the break after an unfortunate own goal. In the second half Simon Pearce one of the central defenders took over the goal keeping gloves, probably the first time that I've seen a team use three different goalkeepers in a League or Cup game. A second goal in 69th minute gave Rovers a 2-0 win, their first win in 8 games'. Monday 2nd January - Latest Images: Andy Gallon - View the very best matchday photos from the Northern League Division 2 fixture at Thornaby (v Birtley Town) played today...now added to the new GIF album gallery...TT from this game to follow shortly... Monday 2nd January - Latest Images: Justin Holmes - Don't miss Justin's latest terrific matchday images taken at Cheltenham Town (v Rotherham United) in the Football League Division 2 and Chesham United (v Arlesey Town) in the Southern League Premier Division both played on 31/12/11...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT's from both games to follow... Monday 2nd January - Latest Images: Mike Latham - View Mike's latest superb selection of matchday photos taken during festive hops to CPD Gwalchmai (v Holyhead Hotspur) in the Welsh Monday 2nd January - Latest Images: Richard Barnes - View the latest ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to Bangor City (v Prestatyn Town) in the Welsh Premier League fixture played on 27/12/11... now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery... Monday 2nd January - Latest Images: Rob Campion - Check out the terrific matchday pictures from Rob's trip to Spratton (v James King Blisworth) in the Northants Combination Football League Div 1 played on 31/12/11... now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Rob adds (via E-Mail): 'Homer Simpson moment today - When we got to the ground found out my camera batteries were dead and I had no spare ones. Fortunately the kind people at the club let me put one on charge for 20 minutes and managed to get 60 shots off before it died again. Not sure whether you have been Spratton but it is a typical venue for this league with no facilities pitch side, though they have a decent social club on site'. Monday 2nd January - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - Don't miss Gary's exciting matchday pictures covering games at Sikh Hunters (v Tenbury United) in the West Midland Regional League Div 2 played on 24/12/11 and Glades Sporting (v Northfield Town) in the Midland Combination League Division 1 and Nuneaton Griff (v Coventry Copsewood) in Midland Combination League Premier Division both on 26/12/11...now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery... Gary adds (via E-Mail): '...pics from a Boxing Day double. First game at Glades Sporting FC. Hampton FC were also at home next door. Spectators at their game can be seen at the back on one of the pictures'. Monday 2nd January - Latest Images: WebEd - View the latest ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to Shipdham (v Bridgham United) in the Central & South Norfolk League Division 1 played on 31/12/11...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Monday 2nd January - Happy New Year: WebEd - May I take this opportunity in wishing all readers of and contributors to FGIF a very Happy New Year! I hope that you continue to enjoy your travels throughout 2012...as always please remember to send in your inspirational news and contributions to the site...it will be very much appreciated. Cheers, Martin!!
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Tuesday 3rd January - Latest Images: Bob Davies - Check out Bob's latest excellent matchday photos from a nice Bank Holiday double featuring Godmanchester Rovers (v Cambridge University Press) in the Eastern Counties League Div 1 and Eynesbury Rovers (v Potton United) in the United Counties League Div 1 both played yesterday...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...