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INBOX NOTICES PRE-SEASON/AUGUST 2011 | ||||||||||
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Sunday 28th August - Latest Images: Justin Holmes - It's a trip to Wales for Justin as he brings us the latest photos from Ton Pentre (v Pontardawe Town) in the Welsh League Div 1 played yesterday...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly.... Sunday 28th August - Latest Images: Rob Campion - Rob makes it a memorable day as he takes in the East Midlands Counties League fixture at Oadby Town (v St Andrews) played yesterday...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... As Rob adds (via E-Mail): 'Find attached some photos from the game between Oadby and St. Andrews (3-1) in the East Midlands Counties League. There are another 30 on my Flickr album - link on blog. Really enjoyed being back at Oadby to watch a game for the first time in just over two years. Roll on Quorn next Saturday in the FA Cup!' Sunday 28th August - Latest Images: Paul Roth - View the very latest selection of tasty matchday photos following Paul's visit to Wymondham Town (v Norwich St Johns) in the Anglian Combination League Premier Division encounter played yesterday...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery....TT to follow shortly... Sunday 28th August - Latest Images: Bob Davies - It's United Counties League action for Bob as he attends the high-scoring Division 1 match at Huntingdon Town (v Potton United) played yesterday...check out his terrific matchday photos now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery... As Bob writes (via E-Mail): 'As promised here are the photos from yesterdays game at Huntingdon Town v Potton United. Since my last visit there about 8 years ago a new complex has been built and been in operation for about the last three years. New floodlights have also been erected and future plans for a seated stand to enable the Town to progress are in the pipeline. The game pitched a very much in form side against a team that had gone two weeks without a game and looked rusty from the off. No mercy from Huntingdon though and four goals in each half meant an emphatic 8-0 win for the home side'. Sunday 28th August - Latest Images: Andy Gallon - Check out Andy's superb ground, action and matchday images from Field FC (v Carlton Athletic) in a West Yorkshire League Premier Div fixture played yesterday...now added to the new GIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Sunday 28th August - Latest Images: Andy Gallon - Bradford Park Avenue FC memories! Don't miss Andy's selection of fascinating photos from Park Avenue former home of Bradford Park Avenue...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... As Andy writes (via E-Mail): 'When I'm in Bradford (as I was on Saturday for the Field game), I'm usually drawn to the iconic former Park Avenue ground. I was lucky enough to see the stadium largely intact just twelve months before it was demolished in 1980. We'd gone to see Yorkshire play Lancashire on the adjacent cricket ground, also now much reduced in status and facilities. My friend and I got bored with the cricket, gave our dads the slip and went to poke about in the naked ruin that used to be a football ground hosting First Division action. Here are some shots of Park Avenue as it is today, with only half the pitch extant (though with its grass cut tidily by the cricket groundsman) and grassy slopes where the Archibald Leitch-designed stands once were. The last Bradford (Park Avenue) game was played here in 1973. The (album) pictures show terracing still visible among the foliage at the Horton Park End; a floodlight pylon base in the Powell Avenue/Horton Park Avenue corner and a turnstile, with the five shillings asking price still visible on the outer wall, on Horton Park Avenue. The new (and as yet unfinished) mosque in the shots looking across the pitch from the old Main Stand side has been built on the site of Horton Park railway station, which was always very busy on football and cricket match days. This is the first time I've been to Park Avenue when the gates were open. The cricket groundsman was hard at work, and didn't object to me wandering about with the camera'. Sunday 28th August - Latest Images: WebEd - View the ground, action and matchday images from a visit to watch Kings Cliffe United (v Leverington Sports) in the Peterborough & District League Premier Div played yesterday...now added to the new GIF album gallery... Sunday 28th August - Salisbury Bank Holiday Monday Hoppertunity: Mike Turner - writes: 'Press release - Groundhoppers invited to Salisbury bank holiday Monday double-header: GROUNDHOPPERS are being invited to visit Salisbury on August Bank Holiday Monday to take in two key early-season fixtures. Friday 26th August - Programme Reviews: Bob Davies - Check out the matchday programme cover scans and info from Hitchin Town (Southern League Prem) v Hemel Hempstead Town played on 15/08/11; Stotfold (SSML Premier Div) v St Margaretsbury on 16/08/11; Burton Park Wanderers (United Counties League Div 1) v Potton United on 13/08/11; Royston Town (SSML Prem Div) v Hoddesdon Town (Herts Charity Cup) on 06/08/11; Arlesey Town (Southern League Premier Div) v Luton Town (Beds Premier Cup) on 09/08/11 and Wodson Park (SSML Div 1) v Hoddesdon Town on 17/08/11...all now added to the PR page for PS/August 2011... Friday 26th August - Programme Reviews: Simple Pieman - Check out the matchday programme cover scans and info from Harlow Town (Isthmian League Div 1 North) v Romford played on 20/08/11 and Heart of Midlothian (Scottish Premier League) v Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League, Play-Off Round, 1st Leg) on 18/08/11...both now added to the PR page for PS/August 2011... Friday 26th August - Programme Reviews: Andy Gallon - View the latest matchday programme cover scans and info from Thurnby Nirvana (East Midlands Counties League) v Desborough Town (FA Cup EPR) played on 20/08/11 and Blyth Spartans (Conference North) v FC Halifax Town on 16/08/11...now uploaded to the PR page for PS/August 2011... Thursday 25th August - TT No.18: Andy Gallon - 'Though a fairly open site, the presence of the hedges, and mature trees running the length of the east touchline, gives Aldborough Road a homely, intimate atmosphere'. Andy brings us inspirational words and pictures from his visit to Boroughbridge (v Knaresborough Town) in the West Yorkshire League Premier Division derby fixture played last night...another beautifully written report.... Thursday 25th August - TT No.17: Gyles Basey-Fisher - 'There is an athletics track around the pitch with two temporary terraces at each end, one open and one covered'. Gyles reports from the Conference South fixture at Chelmsford City (v Farnborough Town) played on 22/08/11...complete with some terrific matchday photos it's a cracking read... Thursday 25th August - Latest Images: Andy Gallon - It's West Yorkshire League action for Andy as he attends the Premier Division fixture at Boroughbridge (v Knaresborough Town) played last night...all the essential pictures now added to the new FIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly...top notch stuff... Thursday 25th August - Latest Images: Gyles Basey-Fisher - Gyles brings us a superb selection of ground, action and matchday images from his recent travels featuring games at: Brighton & Hove Albion (v Blackpool) in the Football League Championship played on 20/08/11; Chelmsford City (v Farnborough Town) in the Conference South on 22/08/11 and AFC Hornchurch (v Canvey Island) in the Isthmian League Premier Div on 23/08/11...all now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...TT for the match at Chelmsford City to follow shortly... Thursday 25th August - Latest Images Pete Collins - View Pete's excellent selection of matchday pictures from Hollands & Blair (v Ashford United) in the new Kent Invicta League played on 20/08/11...all now added to the new FIF album gallery... Pete adds (via E-Mail): 'Here are my photos from Kent Invicta League match between Hollands & Blair v Ashford United. H&B won 1-0. This was the first match for both teams in the newly formed step 6 league and also the first match for the reborn Ashford United from Ashford Town'.. Tuesday 23rd August - TT No.16: Justin Holmes - 'The Gundadular stadium is located about a 15 minute walk northwards up the hill from Tórshavn town centre, on a sporting complex and adjacent to the Tórsvøllur stadium, where the Faroe Islands national team plays some of their matches. The stadium has an artificial pitch'. For his second game on his Faroe Islands hop Justin heads to the capital city for the Meistaradeildin (Faroe Islands Premier League) fixture at HB Tórshavn v IF Fuglafjørður played on 16/08/11...another fabulous report with some breath-taking pictures... Tuesday 23rd August - TT No.15: Justin Holmes - 'The Sarpugerði stadium is located on the north-eastern coast of Eysturoy island, just outside the very small village of Norðragøta, and boasts one of the most dramatic settings for football I have encountered'. A Faroes Double! For his first game Justin changes his plans and takes in the Meistaradeildin (Faroe Islands Premier League) fixture at Vikingur Gøta (v HB Tórshavn) played on 14/08/11... complete with matchday photos this is a magnificent report... Monday 22nd August - Latest Images: Justin Holmes - Hot Off The Lens!! Check these out...Justin sends us the latest stunning photos from a trip to the Faroe Isles including ground, action and matchday pictures from Vikingur Gøta (v HB Tórshavn) and HB Tórshavn v IF Fuglafjørður both in the Meistaradeildin (Faroe Islands Premier League) played on 14/08 and 17/08 respectively...now fully uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...TT reports from both matches to follow shortly... Monday 22nd August - TT No.14: Andy Gallon - 'The ground is too open and undeveloped to be appealing. The bulk of the facilities are clustered at the top of a grassy bank behind the Willowbrook Park end goal'. Andy hits the early season FA Cup trail with a thoroughly entertaining Extra Preliminary Round tie at Thurnby Nirvana (East Midlands Counties League) v Desborough Town...with plenty of goals check out his mouth watering report and pictures here... Monday 22nd August - TT No.13: Paul Roth - ''. Paul brings us another one of his classic reports packed with everything you need to know about his matchday hop and more besides! It's a mixture of Eastern Europe and The Orient for Paul as he takes in the Middlesex County League Premier Division fixture at FC Romania (v Indian Gymkhana) played on 20/08/11...don't miss out his veritable feast of football fun in words and pictures... Monday 22nd August - TT No.12: Keith Aslan - 'The picturesque ground is surrounded on all four sides by trees, railed off on three sides, with a wooden snack bar in one corner'. Our intrepid reporter takes in the Sussex County League 3 fixture at Roffey (v Hurstpierpoint) played on 20/08/11...as always Keith pens a fascinating review containing all the essential ingredients that hoppers just love to read... Monday 22nd August - TT No.11: Rob Campion - 'This was a ground that I liked immediately with the pitch being set below road level with a stand set into the grass bank that runs along the near side.'. Rob ventures down into deepest Gloucestershire to watch Brimscombe & Thrupp (v Hook Norton) in the Hellenic League Div 1 West fixture played on 20/08/11...check out his words and pictures...to find out more about Rob's travels visit his excellent weblog All Roads Lead Somewhere by clicking on the following link: http://www.rambler77.net/ Monday 22nd August - Weblog Update: Richard Bysouth - Don't miss the latest matchday words and photos from a visit to Heart of Midlothian (v Tottenham Hotspur ) in the Europa League Qualifier 1st Leg played on 18/08/11...to find out more go to his excellent blog Flysouth Bysouth by clicking on the link shown below: http://flysouthbysouth.blogspot.com/2011/08/heart-of-midlothian-fc.html Monday 22nd August - Darlaston FC: Neil Chambers - writes: 'I am currently writing the history of Darlaston Town FC currently playing in the West Midlands League Premier Division. I would be delighted to hear from any of your readers/members who have photographs, programmes or anaecdotes about the club. I am self financing the book and expect to publish sometime in October. Regards, Neil WebEd - If readers can help Neil with any info please contact him at: chambers568@btinternet.com Sunday 21st August - Latest Images: Andy Gallon - It's A Cup action for Andy as he takes in the Extra Preliminary Round tie at Thurnby Nirvana (East Midlands Counties League) v Desborough Town...now fully added to the new FGIF album gallery...TT to follow shortly... Sunday 21st August - Latest Images: Bob Davies - A Herts Saturday Double! Bob brings us an exciting double selection of ground, action and matchday pictures from games at Colney Heath (v Langford) in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie and Codicote (v Sandridge Rovers) at the Gosling Stadium in the Herts Senior County League Premier Div both played yesterday...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...top notch stuff! Bob adds (via E-Mail): 'With the heavy rain that seemed to gain momentum as I made the short journey south down the A1, I decided that a bit of cover was in order for the first of the day's games. Hence a short diversion from my original game at London Colney Blues, to the F.A. Cup tie at Colney Heath, where the SSML Prem side were taking on SSML Div One side Langford. After a quiet and intense first half where both failed to create much in the way of serious chances, the second half was to prove a lot more entertaining. Colney Heath opened with a penalty six minutes after the break and doubled the lead in the 67th when player manager Kevin Cooper, a half time substitute, claimed his second of the game. Langford pulled one back with twelve minutes remaining but any though of comeback were dashed as Ricky Perks score a third for the home side on eighty four minutes'. 'From there is was a short run to the Gosling Stadium for the Herts Senior County League Premier Division game between Codicote and Sandridge Rovers. Another game that was goal less at the break but the home side scored twice after the break and hit the woodwork twice to gain a 2-0 win'.
Sunday 21st August - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - Our lens master has been busy over the last few days. Check out Gary's latest selection of photos from SC Paderborn (v SPVGG Greuther Furth) and MSV Duisburg (v Hansa Rostock) both in the Bundesliga 2 played on 13/08 and 14/08 respectively and Kidlington (v Hillingdon Borough) in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie played yesterday...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Sunday 21st August - Latest Images: Paul Roth - Don't miss the superb matchday photos from FC Romania (Middlesex County League Prem Div) v Indian Gymkhana played yesterday...now uploaded to the new FGIF album...TT to follow shortly... Sunday 21st August - Latest Images: Rob Campion - Check out the cracking matchday photos from a hop to Brimscombe & Thrupp (Hellenic League Div 1 West) v Hook Norton played yesterday...now uploaded to the new FGIF album...TT to follow shortly... Sunday 21st August - Latest Images: WebEd - View the ground, action and matchday images from matches at Panshanger (Herts Senior County League Div 1) v Bedmond Sports & Social played yesterday and Martham (Anglian Combination League Div 3) v Hemsby on 19/08/11...both now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Friday 19th August - Latest Images: Gyles Basey-Fisher - Four Match Special!! Check out Gyles photos from his latest hops to Forest Green Rovers (Conference National) v Stockport County played on 12/08/11; Weston Super Mare (Conference South) v Dartford on 13/08/11; Cardiff City (Football League Championship) v Bristol City on 14/08/11 and Uxbridge (Southern League Div 1 Central) v Slough Town on 16/08/11...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Friday 19th August - Latest Images: Mark Bembridge - View the latest ground action and matchday pictures following Mark's visit to Blackpool (Football League Championship) v Derby County played on 17/08/11... now fully uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery... Friday 16th August - Weblog Update: Richard Bysouth - Don't miss the latest matchday words and photos from a visit to Aldershot Town (v Torquay United) in the Football League 2 played on 16/08/11...to find out more go to his excellent blog Flysouth Bysouth by clicking on the link shown below: http://flysouthbysouth.blogspot.com/2011/08/aldershot-town-fc.html
Wednesday 17th August - TT No.10: Andy Gallon - 'Despite my misgivings, I’ll admit Croft Park is a very tidy little ground'. It's Conference action for Andy as he takes in the North fixture at Blyth Spartans (v FC Halifax Town) played last night...Read the matchday report here...you'll love it! Wednesday 17th August - Latest Images: Paul Roth - View the latest stunning ground, action and matchday pictures from Paul's visit to AFC Totton (Southern League Prem Div) v Oxford City played last night...now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Paul writes (via E-Mail): 'Alan Beecham and I sauntered down to Testwood Park, the new home of AFC Totton, last evening, for their Evostick League Southern Premier Division - that's how it should be annotated so I'm told - encounter with Oxford City FC (Res: 6-0, Att: 354, Entry:£9, Programme:£2 for 28 pages)'. Testwood Park is better than most-new builds, and our visit was enhanced no end by having seen the venue under floodlights. The one-sided match, and six goals, also helped alleviate some of my angst at the spectacle of an edifice so jejune and sterile.
Didn't take the opportunity to run the rule over Totton and Eling's smaller headquarters behind the main arena. I'll save that for later; much later!'.
Tuesday 16th August - Programme Review: Ian Wilks - View the latest programme cover scan and details from Ipswich Town (Football League Championship) v Hull City played on 13/08/11...now added to the PR page for PS/August 2012... Tuesday 16th August - Important Fixture Info re Codicote FC: Ian Moody - writes: 'Bob Brown from the Herts Senior County has put me touch with you, I am the football club secretary of Codicote Fc and our fixture this coming Saturday 20th August 2011 is a 5.30pm kick off at the Gosling Sports Park , Welwyn Garden City AL8 6XE due to a cycling event taking place earlier in the day, so if you know of any ground hoppers that would like to watch a second game, then perhaps you could point them in our direction' WebEd - Many thanks to Tony Incenzo for contacting FGIF and passing on this important fixture information... Tuesday 16th August - TT No.9: Andy Gallon - 'Today, their Derwent Park home is in an advanced (but delightful) state of decay. Rust and weeds are taking over. Average attendances for Wearside League matches are well below three figures. But the club, marooned mournfully in one of County Durham’s many bereft former coal mining villages, soldier on thanks to the efforts of a handful of never-say-die stalwarts'. For his opening game of the new season Andy travels to Annfield Plain (v Kirkbymoorside) for the Wearside League fixture played on 13/08/11...check out Andy's superb report complete with matchday photos... Tuesday 16th August - Programme News from Farnborough OBG FC: Colin Brazier - writes: 'Hi FGIF, just to let you know we plan to produce a match programme for every competitive home 1st team game this season, starting this Saturday. We hope to see some of you soon...All the best for the new season, from Colin Brazier, Farnborough OBG FC'. Travellers can visit the club's excellent website for more details at www.fobgfc.org Tuesday 16th August - Weblog Update: Richard Bysouth - View the latest matchday words and photos from a visit to Bishop's Stortford (v Colwyn Bay) in the Conference North fixture played on 13/08/11...to find out more go to his excellent blog Flysouth Bysouth by clicking on the link shown below: http://flysouthbysouth.blogspot.com/2011/08/bishops-stortford-fc.html Monday 15th August - Programme Review: Andy Gallon - Don't miss the latest programme cover scan and details from Annfield Plain (v Kirkbymoorside) in a Wearside League fixture played on 13/08/11...now added to the PR page for PS/August 2012... Monday 15th August - Programme Review: Simple Pieman - Check out the latest programme cover scan and details from Bishop's Stortford (v Colwyn Bay) in a Conference North Div fixture played on 13/08/11...now added to the PR page for PS/August 2012... Monday 15th August - Programme Review: WebEd - View the latest cover scan and details from CB Hounslow United (v Eversley) in a Combined Counties League Div 1 fixture played on 06/08/11...now added to the PR page for PS/August 2012... Monday 15th August - Latest mages: Andy Gallon - Pixel perfection! View Andy's latest ground photos from his trip to Annfield Plain (v Kirkbymoorside) in a Wearside League played on 13/08/11...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery... As Andy writes (via E-Mail): 'Three and a half months after my last game...it's welcome back to football! A decent match, too. Here are sixteen images of Wearside League club Annfield Plain's dilapidated, but impressively large, Derwent Park ground. A very interesting 'tick' to start the season! This club have been on my list for several years - had to wait for a convenient date to coincide with them issuing a programme'. Monday 15th August - TT No.8: Chris Freer - 'A compact main stand is flanked by a large changing rooms complex on one side, and a clubhouse bar on the other, whilst there’s shallow covered terracing behind each goal, and adequate space for another stand down the other side...'. It's Southern League action for Chris as our matchday reporter brings us the latest from the Division One Central fixture at St Neots Town (v Beaconsfield SYCOB) played on 13/08/11...another beautifully written acount that will appeal to hoppers everywhere! Monday 15th August - Latest Images: Bob Davies - View Bob's terrific ground, action and matchday pictures from his trip to Burton Park Wanderers (United Counties League Div 1) v Potton United played on 13/08/11...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Bob writes (via E-Mail): 'My match for Saturday was from the newly sponsored ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League. The game the Division One fixture between Burton Park Wanders and Potton United. It is the first game that I attended where they changed the entrance into the ground itself as a wasp nest was being "smoked out" on the outside of the clubhouse! Taking photos with some very miffed wasps flying about proved something of an ordeal! The game itself saw a tense first half with the home side having a lot of possession but the only goal coming in the closing seconds of the half scored by Potton. The visitors doubled their lead on the hour but a determined home response with some game changing substitutions saw them force a late comeback in the 78 and 83 minutes to claim a point'.
Monday 15th August - WebLog Update: Rob Campion - Don't miss the matchday words and photos from a hop to Derby Rolls Royce Leisure (v Allenton United) in the Midlands Regional Alliance fixture played on 13/08/11... check out more from Rob's visit on his excellent weblog All Roads Lead Somewhere by clicking on the link: http://www.rambler77.net/ As Rob adds (via E-Mail): 'One of the better grounds in the Midlands Regional Alliance - large social club on site with the pitch railed off on 2 1/2 sides and roped along another. There are permanent dugouts in place and there is hard standing on the dugouts side'. Monday 15th August - Latest Images: WebEd - View the latest ground, action and matchday photos from a visit to London Colney Blues (Herts County Senior League Div 1) v Panshanger played on 13/08/11...now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery... Monday 15th August - Weblog Update: Richard Bysouth - View the latest matchday words and photos from a visit to Cheshunt (v St Albans) in the Herts Charity Cup Quarter-Final played on 09/08/11...to find out more go to his excellent blog Flysouth Bysouth by clicking on the link shown below: http://flysouthbysouth.blogspot.com/2011/08/cheshunt-fc.html Monday 15th August - R No.1: WebEd - Report and photos from a visit to CB Hounslow United (v Eversley) in a Div 1 fixture played on 06/08/11...now added to the Ramblings Stats page 2011-12... Wednesday 10th August - Latest Images: Gyles Basey-Fisher - Our star snapper brings us the latest ground, action and matchday images from recent visits to Shrewsbury Town (Football League Div 2) v Plymouth Argyle played on 06/08/11 and Burnham Ramblers (Essex Senior League) v Witham Town played last night...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery...pixel perfection... Wednesday 10th August - Weblog Update: Richard Bysouth - View the latest matchday words and photos from a visit to Wycombe Wanderers (Football League Div 1) v Scunthorpe United played on 06/08/11...to find out more go to his excellent blog Flysouth Bysouth by clicking on the link shown below: http://flysouthbysouth.blogspot.com/2011/08/wycombe-wanderers-fc.html Monday 8th August - Latest Programme News: Keith Aslan - Our programme guru gets the ball rolling with some very early issues to hit the programme scene for the new season...go to the Programme News page for more... Monday 8th August - Latest Images: Bob Davies - It's an exciting 'Hertfordshire Double' for Bob as he takes in games at Baldock Town Reserves (v Tring Reserves) in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 3G at the Baldock Arena and Royston Town (v Hoddesdon Town) in the Herts Charity Shield Round 1 tie both played on 06/08/11...all the essential matchday images can be viewed in the new FGIF album gallery... Bob addds (via E-Mail): 'Please find attached a selection of photos taken at the Baldock Town Reserves v Tring Athletic Reserves, a Pre-Season Friendly played today. The match was played at the Baldock Arena, the home of Baldock Town for the new season. This ground was the home of the former Baldock Town side that played in the Southern League. The main pitch is 3G and surrounded, apart from an area by the dug in front of the small stand, by a large steel cage. The home side won an entertaining game 2-1. A kick off of 12.30 enabled an easy double, or so I thought as I headed for Barkway for the game between Buntingford Reserves and Arlesey Town Reserves. Only disappointment for a hoped new venue awaited, as once I arrived, the nets were up but nobody was home, so to speak. The game being called off as one of teams involved was unable to raise a side. So, it was off to the nearest venue, that happened to be Royston Town. Missed a few minutes of the first half and nearly a programme but one of the home officals got hold of one for me for which I was grateful. This game, I suppose, was my first competitive fixture of the season, a Herts Charity Shield game against Hoddesdon Town. The game itself had very little charity about it, littered with fouls and bookings which kept all the officials on their toes. Monday 8th August - Latest Images: WebEd - For my opening game of the season it's Combined Counties League action with a visit to CB Hounslow United (v Eversley) in a Div 1 fixture played on 06/08/11...view all the ground, action and matchday images, now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Monday 8th August - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - London Special!! Check out Gary's superb ground, action and matchday photos from a fantastic Saturday 'Double' featuring games at AFC Wimbledon (Football League Division 2) v Bristol Rovers and Raynes Park Vale (Combined Counties League Prem div) v Dorking both played on 06/08/11...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...top notch stuff! Monday 8th August - Latest Images: Rob Campion - View a cracking selection of matchday photos from a visit to Willington (Midlands Regional Alliance League Prem Div) v Rowsley 86 played on 06/08/11...now added to the new FGIF album gallery...check out more on Rob's travels throughout the season on his excellent weblog All Roads Lead Somewhere by clicking on the link: http://www.rambler77.net/ Monday 8th August - Weblog Update: Shaun Smith - Check out the very latest news, reports and photos from the last few days by logging onto the excellent 100 Football Grounds Club Blog and clicking on the brand new 100 FGC Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/groups/256289764388947/ Monday 8th August - Weblog Update: Richard Bysouth - Don't miss the matchday words and photos from a visit to Potters Bar Town (South Midlands League) v Leverstock Green in a Herts Charity Cup Quarter-Final played on 02/08/11...to find out more go to his excellent blog Flysouth Bysouth by clicking on the following link... http://flysouthbysouth.blogspot.com/2011/08/potters-bar-town-fc.html Wednesday 3rd August: Weblog Update: Simple Pieman - Read the very latest news from the excellent Pie and Mushy Peas blog...with a report and photos from Brighton & Hove Albion (Football League Championship) v Tottenham Hotspur played on 30/07/11...for more go to: http://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2011/08/brighton-hove-albion-tottenham-hotspur.html Wednesday 3rd August - Saffron Walden Town FC: Brian Buck - writes: an announcement from the club - 'Saffron Walden Town Football Club have informed the competition that in view of various developments in recent weeks their financial situation means that they cannot guarantee to complete the season in the Ridgeons League and they have decided to withdraw now rather than possibly disrupt the league by having to resign during the season. Wednesday 3rd August - Latest Images: Gyles Basey-Fisher - View the latest excellent ground, action and matchday photos from Fulbourn Institute (Cambs County League Prem Div) v Foxton in the Terry Willson Memorial Trophy Round 1) played last night...all now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery... Tuesday 2nd August - Important Website Contact Info: WebEd - It appears that several readers may have recently experienced recurring problems sending E-Mail to FGIF using: martin@wray4497.fsnet.co.uk (my old address). As a result please note from now on that all intended correspondence to FGIF should now be made using the usual dedicated E-Mail address: footballgroundsinfocus@fsmail.net as shown on the main FGIF Contacts info page. Readers are also reminded that messages can still be sent to us by using the FGIF Instant Messaging Service (IMS) in the normal way...go to the main Contact page for more... Tuesday 2nd August - Latest Images: Gyles Basey-Fisher - It's Scottish Football League Cup action for Gyles as he attends the First Round fixture at Annan Athletic (Scottish Football League Div 3) v Dunfermline Athletic played on 30/07/11...check out his excellent selection of matchday photos now fully uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery... Tuesday 2nd August - Weblog Update: Richard Bysouth - Don't miss the matchday words and photos from a visit to Leyton Orient (Football League Division 1) v Tottenham Hotspur in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 29/07/11...to find out more go to his excellent blog Flysouth Bysouth by clicking on the following link... http://flysouthbysouth.blogspot.com/2011/07/leyton-orient-fc.html Monday 1st August - Programme Review: Simple Pieman - View the latest from Brighton & Hove Albion (Football League Championship) v Tottenham Hotspur in a Pre-Season Friendly (official opening of the Amex Community Stadium) played on 30/07/11...now added to the PR page for PS/August 2011... Monday 1st August - Programme Review: Mark Farnell - Just added to the PR page for PS/August 2011... the programme cover scan and details from Lincoln City Ladies (Womens Super League) v Birmingham City Ladies... go to the Programme Reviews page for more... Monday 1st August - UK Non League Football Programme Database Updates: Steve Hardy - new programme details relating to Hibernian Ladies of the Scottish Womens Premier League (see Latest News bulletin No.1) and a new fully updated version of the Welsh Clubs catalogue have now been added to the UKNLFPD... Monday 1st August - TT No.7: Ian Brown - '...our first foray into the South of Scotland League and what a belter it turned out to be'. Read more from Ian's superb report following his hop into Scotland for Abbey Vale (v Creetown) in a South of Scotland League fixture played on 30/07/11...it's definitely top notch Scouse stuff!! Monday 1st August - TT No.6: Justin Holmes - 'To play on the same pitch as a La Liga team would be a wonderful occasion..'. A chance too good to miss! Don't miss Justin's terrific report from a memorable trip to Westleigh Park for Havant and Waterlooville (Conference South) v Real Betis in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 30/07/11...also includes some magical matchday pix...another cracking read... Monday 1st August - TT No.5: Rob Campion - 'My first impression of the stadium was simply "wow''...'. Suitably impressed by his matchday experience, Rob packs in loads of valuable information and the vital reports from his visit to the Emirates Stadium (home of Arsenal FC) for the Emirates Cup 2011 competition featuring Arsenal, Boca Juniors, New York Red Bulls and Paris St Germain played on 30/07/11...it really is a fantastic review...for further reports and photos from Rob's travels throughout the season travellers must check out his excellent weblog All Roads Lead Somewhere by clicking on the link: http://www.rambler77.net/ Monday 1st August - Weblog Update: Richard Bysouth - Check out all the essential matchday words and photos from a visit to Charlton Athletic (Football League Division 1) v FC Den Bosch in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 30/07/11...to find out more go to his excellent blog Flysouth Bysouth by clicking on the following link... http://flysouthbysouth.blogspot.com/2011/07/charlton-athletic-fc.html Monday 1st August - Latest Images: Justin Holmes - What a 'Real' bonus! Ground, action and matchday images from Justin's hop to Havant and Waterlooville (Conference South) v Real Betis in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 30/07/11...go to the new FGIF album gallery for more...TT to follow shortly... Monday 1st August - Latest Images: Bob Davies - Check out Bob's excellent ground, action and matchday photos from his visit to Lea Sports PSG (Beds County Football League) v Kent Athletic in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 29/07/11...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery.... Bob adds (via E-mail): 'Please find attached a selection of photos from the Pre-Season Friendly played on Friday evening. Lea Sports PSG are members of the Bedfordshire County League. Their opponents were Kent Athletic from the Spartan South Midlands League Division 2. The current home of Lea Sports PSG is the Pirton recreation ground in Walnut Tree Road, for directions click the following link: http://www.leasportspirton.com/Datafiles/directions.pdf. The result on a warm but cloudy evening was a 3-2 win for the home side in an entertaining contest'. Monday 1st August - Latest Images: Rob Campion - View Rob's superb selection of matchday images from a visit to the Emirates Stadium (home of Arsenal FC) for the Emirates Cup 2011 competition featuring Arsenal, Boca Juniors, New York Red Bulls and Paris St Germain...all now uploaded to the new FGIF albums gallery...TT to follow shortly... Thursday 28th July - Website Update: WebEd - A NEW WEBPAGE FOR FGIF!! I am thrilled to announce that a brand new web page has now been added to our site. With the kind help, support and dedication from well-respected programme guru and groundhopper Steve Hardy, all readers and programme collectors alike can now log on to the excellent UK Non League Football Programme Database.
The project which has taken Steve many years to compile and update, painstakingly catalogues every known Non-League club that has ever issued a programme. The Database features many 1000's of clubs and represents English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish, Ladies and Sunday League football clubs that have produced programmes.
As you will no doubt agree this catalogue provides not only an invaluable wealth of information but offers a valuable resource for those who, like Steve, are passionate about their football programmes and collecting them. Steve also regularly intends to add new clubs to the catalogue and makes an appeal to all readers for help... As Steve writes: 'This catalogue needs to be as accurate as possible. I would ask that if you have any additions, corrections, earlier known dates of issue, new programmes then please contact me asap with the necessary details. Please also let me know if you have a spare copy of any such programme that I could either buy from you or exchange for a programme new to your collection. If you would like to write an article for inclusion on the Latest News section then please do so as I would welcome contributions from fellow collectors. Get in touch now!!'.
WebEd - I hope that all visitors enjoy reading Steve's new web page and find the content both interesting and informative. Thanks Steve for sharing your thoroughly absorbing hobby and programme catalogue with us and for making the new UK Non-League Football Programme Database a reality...
To log on to the Database please click on the UKNLPD tab on the Home page and follow the links. In his latest News Bulletin (No.1) Steve takes a close look at the Scottish Womens Premier League programme scene and brings us details of those clubs who are currently issuing in this competition. Look out for further updates and news articles over the coming weeks.
Tuesday 26th July - Latest Images: Gyles Basey-Fisher - It's a Scottish weekend double for Gyles as he attends matches at Forfar Athletic (Scottish Football League Div 2) v Buckie Thistle in the Ramsdens Cup 1st Round tie played on 23/07/11 and Dundee United (v Kilmarnock) in the Scottish Premier League played on 24/07/11...check out all the essential ground, action and matchday images now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...pixel perfection! Tuesday 26th July - Weblog Update: Richard Bysouth - Check out all the matchday words and photos from a visit to Dartford Town (Conference South) v Crawley Town in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 23/07/11...go to his excellent blog Flysouth Bysouth by clicking on the following link...http://flysouthbysouth.blogspot.com/ Monday 25th July - TT No.4: Justin Holmes - 'Being built in the mid-nineties, it is certainly one of the dullest stadia I can remember, lacking any character, although on the positive side, it is very neat and tidy and views are flawless from anywhere in the ground, with the stands close to the pitch and no obstructions of view'. It's a Pre-Season trip to Sixfields for Justin as he takes in the fixture between Northampton Town and Reading played on 23/07/11...read his superb report and view the matchday pictures here... Monday 25th July - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - Don't miss these exceptional ground, action and matchday photos from Gary's hop to Scotland for the Ramsden's Cup 1st Round tie at Brechin City (v Falkirk) played on 23/07/11...all pix now fully uploaded into the new FGIF album gallery...go to the Albums tab above for more... Sunday 24th July - Latest Images: Bob Davies - It's a local hopping feast of football for Bob as he completes a terrific Bedfordshire TREBLE!! Check out the superb ground, action and matchday pictures covering Pre-Season games at Ickwell & Old Warden (Beds County League Div 1) v Great Barford; Cadecote Reserves (Beds County League Div) v Potton United Reserves and Biggleswade United (South Midlands League) v Wootton Blue Cross at Clifton FC all played yesterday...all now added to the new FGIF album gallery...pixel pleasure!! Go to the Albums tab above... Bob writes (via E-Mail): 'The chance do get in three new venues in close proximity was too good to miss... The first visit of the day was the game between Ickwell and Old Warden (Beds League Div.1) v Great Barford (Beds League Div.2) with an 11am k.o. because of a scheduled cricket game in the afternoon. Set on the village green of the very picturesque village there are not many teams (other the Fulham perhaps) that have a preservation order on the dressing rooms! The dressing rooms in question used to house the village blacksmith but have now been converted inside for the clubs changing area. There is also a post box attached in the wall that I assume is still in use. The game itself so the home side quickly into a 3 goal lead with the visitors failing to reduce the deficit by half time after having a penalty saved. Into the second half and the goals flowed as the Divisional gap between the sides becoming very apparent. The final score score being an overwhelming 8-1.
On the final whistle it was less that a five minute journey back down the road to Upper Caldecote. This particular match was the first part of a double header between Caldecote FC (Beds League Premier) and Potton United. The part of the double header that we would be watching was between the reserve sides of both clubs kicking off at 1pm. The match took place on the second pitch at the venue with the main pitch being situated in front of the impressive club house, with this part of complex also used for the cricket. This was a much more competitive game with both sides being evenly matched. A 1-1 score line at half time was followed by another goal apiece in the second for a final score of 2-2.
The final part of the football feast took place at Clifton FC and featured the game between Biggleswade United (SSML Prem) and Wootton Blue Cross (UCL Div 1). This is another pleasant venue and probably the most competitive game of the treble. Biggleswade United took a first half lead from the penalty spot and should have doubled this but had another spot kick saved.
The second half saw further spot kicks awarded, that saw Wootton equalise and then Biggleswade score the winner in a 2-1 final scoreline.
Clifton incidentally will be playing their Beds League Division 2 fixtures at Biggleswade United's Second Meadow ground next season. Wootton Blue Cross will also have Beds League ground sharers as Eastcotts FC will playing first team games at Wootons, Weston Park ground'.
Sunday 24th July - TT No.3: Keith Aslan - 'The ground, home of former North West Counties League club Leyland Motors, is only a 10 minute walk from the station through what seemed like a pleasant little town'. It's a trip to the County Ground in Leyland for Keith as he takes in the Lancs FA Senior Cup Final between Blackburn Rovers v Preston North End played yesterday...check out his ace report here... Sunday 24th July - TT No.2: Rob Campion - 'The venue is a large sports ground that consists of three football pitches, cricket pitch and tennis courts. The one that Siemens and Boots used is furthest away from the clubhouse.' Read all about Rob's mid-day hop to Radford FC (East Midlands Counties League) v Bilborough Pelican in a Pre-Season Friendly played yesterday....go to the latest TT index for more...for further reports and photos from Rob's travels check out his excellent weblog All Roads Lead Somewhere by clicking on the link: http://www.rambler77.net/ Sunday 24th July - Latest Images: Rob Campion - Don't miss Rob's latest ground, action and matchday photos from Carlton Town (Northern Premier League Div 1 South) v Staveley Miners Welfare in a Pre-Season Friendly played yesterday...go to the new FGIF album gallery for more...top notch stuff! Sunday 24th July - Latest Images: Mark Bembridge - View Mark's matchday photos from his latest hop to Morecambe (Football League Div 2) v Derby County in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 22/07/11...go to the new FGIF album gallery for more...pixel paradise! Sunday 24th July - DJJ No.34: Dave DJ Johnston - Check out Dave's most recent Jottings as he pens a superb report from a trip to watch the AFC Asian Cup 2011 played in Qatar in January...complete with terrific ground photos involving matches in the group stages of the competion...it is one of the best reviews ever...you'll love it! Go to the DJJ Index by clicking on the menu link above... Sunday 24th July: August Bank Holiday Double-Header in Salisbury: Mike Turner - the opportunity to watch TWO games in Salisbury...firstly a noon kick-off at Downton FC (v Laverstock & Ford) in the Wessex League followed by Salisbury City (v Havant & Waterlooville) in the Blue Square Premier...for more details about this superb footballing feast hoppers can click here... Mike, editor of Sport4Saisbury, writes: 'Wondered if you'd be kind enough to use any of this on your website..nice bit of local co-operation gone on between clubs/local businesses to make this happen. Lovely part of the country to visit on a Bank Holiday weekend too! Many thanks. Regards Mike Turner (Email: mike.turner@sport4salisbury.com) Tuesday 19th July - DJJ No.33: Dave DJ Johnston - Don't miss Dave's latest Jottings as he brings us all the essential words and ground pictures from a trip to the Moldova and Transnistria made last October...it's a fascinating read and one which will appeal to all enthusiasts of overseas football! Go to the DJJ Index by clicking on the menu link above... Tuesday 19th July - Latest Images: Gyles Basey-Fisher - Check out Gyles' superb matchday photos from a windswept Gorleston FC (Eastern Counties League) v Norwich City in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 16/07/11.. . now added to the new FGIF album gallery... Tuesday 19th July - Latest Images: Pete Collins - It's raining goals! Check out the latest ground, action and matchday images from Pete's trip to watch Tonbridge Angels (Conference South) v Brentford in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 16/07/11...now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery...pixel paradise! Monday 18th July - TT No.1: Justin Holmes - 'The Carlisle Grounds is, according to the club's official website, the oldest sporting venue of all clubs in the League of Ireland. So it came as a disappointment to find a ground that, whilst is neat and functional, lacks any character and is rather unmemorable'. Our first TT for 2011-12 as Justin takes in the League of Ireland Premier Division fixture at Bray Wanderers (v Derry City) played on 15/07/11...also contains matchday photos making it a superb read... Monday 18th July - Mens U17 International Tournament Info: Brian Buck - writes: Played in Cambridgeshire; Northants & Herts between 23rd – 29th August 2011 - feat. England; Portugal; Italy and Czech Republic Preliminary Schedule
Wed 24th August - Czech Republic v Portugal at Histon FC (3pm); England v Italy at Cambridge United (7pm); Thur 25th Aug - REST DAY; Fri 26th Aug - Portugal v Italy at Northampton Town FC (3pm); England v Czech Republic at Bishop's Stort (7pm); Sun 28th Aug - Czech Republic v Italy at Cambridge United FC (2pm); England v Portugal at Northampton Tn (2pm) Monday 18th July - Latest Images: Justin Holmes - Check out Justin's latest matchday photos from a visit to Bray Wanderers (v Derry City) in the League of Ireland Premier Division fixture played on Friday 15/07/11...go to the new FGIF albums gallery for more...pixel paradise...TT to follow shortly...
Monday 18th July - Latest Images: Gary Spooner - Our super snappers heads to the Amex Arena for the opening game at the brand new stadium...check out Gary's ace ground, action and matchday photos from the Sussex Senior Cup Final 2011 featuring Brighton & Hove Albion (v Eastbourne Borough) played on 16/07/11...now added to the new FGIF albums gallery...top notch stuff! Monday 18th July - Latest from Erith and Dartford Town FC: Simon Kidby - writes: 'Please see attached link which relates to the Appointment of Gary Abbott as our new First Team Manager, quite a coup! For more go to: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/erithanddartfordtownfc/news/non-league-legend-appointed-ma-340093.html Many thanks, Simon Kidby, Commercial Director & Club Secretary, Erith & Dartford Town FC - website address: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/erithanddartfordtownfc/ Monday 11th July - Programme Review: Simple Pieman - View the lastest programme cover scan and details from University College Dublin (League of Ireland Premier Div) v Derry City played on 24/06/11...now fully uploaded to the PR page for PS/August 2011...go to the Programme Reviews page for more... Monday 11th July - Programme Review: Mark Farnell - Check out the lastest programme cover scan and details from the Womens World Cup Tournament 2011 played in Germany from 26/06/11 to 17/07/11...includes matches featuring England v Mexico and New Zealand...now added to the PR page for PS/August 2011...go to the Programme Reviews page for more... Monday 11th July - Weblog Update: Simple Pieman - Read the very latest news from the excellent Pie and Mushy Peas blog...with a report and photos from University College Dublin (League of Ireland Premier Div) v Derry City played on 24/06/11...for more go to: http://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2011/06/university-college-dublin-fc.html. Sunday 10th July - Website Update: WebEd - Latest News...the FGIF Club Index 2010-11 - showing a record 706 entries - has now been fully completed and a link to it added to the FGIF Archive page... COMING SOON...A NEW WEBPAGE FOR 2011-12...Steve Hardy's UK Football Programme Database featuring archived programme details and listings of every known non league club programme in the UK, together with the earliest date of issue covering thousands of clubs featuring English; Scottish; Welsh; Northern Ireland; Ladies and Sunday league football...definitely a paper chasers' dream....not to be missed...watch this space for more details... Sunday 10th July - Latest Images: Mark Bembridge - Check out the first selection of photos for 2011-12 as Mark takes in the Pre-Season Friendly at Hinckley United (Conference North) v Notts County played yesterday... all the ground, action and matchday pictures have now been added to the new FGIF album gallery... Sunday 10th July - Terry Willson Memorial Trophy 2011:Brian Buck - writes: ' 'Terry Willson Memorial Trophy 2011. All matches to be played at Fulbourn recreation Ground
1st Round B= Fulbourn v Foxton on Tuesday 2nd August - 18:30KO D= Comberton United v Linton Granta on Thursday 4th August - 18:30KO Semi Finals - AvC on Monday 8 August - 18:15KO and BvD on Tuesday 9 August - 18:15KO
Final - Winners SF1 v Winners SF2 on Friday 12 August - 18:15KO'.
Sunday 10th July - Programme Review: Simple Pieman - Just added to the new PR page for PS/August 2011...the programme cover scan and details from Fulham (Premier League) v Nes Sóknar Ítróttarfelag in the UEFA Europa League First Qualifying round 1st Leg tie...go to the Programme Reviews page for more...
Sunday 10th July - Local (Eastern) Football News: Brian Buck - writes: 'Some local football news for you, some of which you may know already: Eastern Counties League: This season Cambridge University Press will be groundsharing at Histon. Histon Reserves have pulled out of the league and fined heavily for doing so late. They tried to get into the Football Combination, but were not elected. Now they have put a youth team into the Ridgeons League. They will train at CUP.
Herts Senior County League: Baldock Town have dropped the 'Letchworth' part from their name and have reverted to their original name. The reason for this is that this season they will be playing home games at their original Norton Road ground, although this is now 'owned' by Hitchin Town. It's a 3G pitch these days. It's caged and spectators are now allowed inside it.
Bedfordshire County League: Both Blunham and Dunton will play their first team home matches on the second pitch at Bigglewade Town, the one Bedford FC used for four games at the end of last season. Generally Blunham will play on the same day as Bigglewade Town are at home, but games can be staged at the same time as the second pitch has seperate changing facilities outside of the main ground'.
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Tuesday 30th August - A Big Thankyou: WebEd - I would like to say a massive thankyou to all contributors who have kindly sent in news, reports, programme scans and info to FGIF since the start of the season, it really is very much appreciated. Keep it coming! Cheers, Martin