No.18 - Sat. 8th November 2008; Central Midlands League Premier Division                         2.00pm at The Alley, Wood Lane, Church Warsop, Mansfield, Notts. (Att: 36; Admn: £2 and Prog: £1)

Matchday images (12)  >view> Church Warsop (1) 5 Phoenix Sports & Social (0) 1   Quick Rick takes the mick!  A superb second half performance by Warsop's Dean Rick had the locals singing 'down the Alley' on Saturday night. His four goals made all the difference as his side quickly extinguished the Phoenix flames in this exciting Central Midlands League Premier Division clash. But the Warsop boys didn't have it all their own way. In fact a late strike by Rick (44) at the end of the first half was all that separated the hosts from their Sheffield based opponents at half time. Up until that time it had been a close and keenly fought contest.   A few belated fireworks from the Warsop boss at the interval had the desired effect and did enough to spark his charges into goal scoring life. 'Super Deano' (as one local standing close to us described his hero) responded perfectly to the challenge by adding three more goals as his side attacked down the slope in the second period. His second (55) a sublime volley from close range was followed by a deft lob (67) and a close range toe poke (80). A pulled hamstring soon after put paid to any further participation which must have been welcome relief from the whole of the flagging Sports' rearguard. In between all of this Danny McLean (72) added another for Warsop and captain Smith netted a consolation (70) for Phoenix. This result means that the CML newcomers consolidate their league place near to the top of the table with a very encouraging playing record boasting only one defeat in eleven games.   The game played on a superb surface in cloudy conditions attracted 36 spectators including a number of 'hoppers who had travelled from both the local area and further afield. Notable attendees were a small contingent who had come up from London, namely Messrs. Aslan, Flood et al.      The journey up to Mansfield had been a good one until we reached a set of roadworks at the turning with Mansfield Woodhouse. The temporary traffic lights remained on red for what seemed an absolute age (don't they always do this when you're in a hurry?) and made it touch and go as to whether we would get to the game before the start of play. Thankfully some divine intervention as well as expert navigating by daughter led us to the The Alley and ensured we arrived comfortably (well with four minutes to spare) before the scheduled 2pm kick-off. An earlier phone call to the personable club secretary Darren Beswick secured our matchday programme (a terrific 28 pager, priced £1) which we picked up on the gate just as the players were walking onto the pitch. It really pays to be organised or so I've been told!!   When you live in the flat country - I mean Suffolk - it's inspiring to see a few hills on your football travels. The Alley is one of those grounds which is set in a wonderful open location. The village of Church Warsop is found in between the larger Nottinghamshire towns of Mansfield and Worksop and provides the appreciative traveller with terrific views of the surrounding wooded countryside all around. It's truly a verdant scene and one which makes it difficult to imagine that the area was once a thriving colliery village.    As you make your way up Wood Lane the ground can be seen on the left hand side. It is only a stone's throw from the Miners Welfare situated next door. Parking space here is tight and travellers would be advised to leave  their vehicles outside along the main street instead. From here a narrow footpath leads to the ground entrance where a low-roofed brick building to the left provides changing facilities. Obscured from view a large metal container at the end offers the hungry hopper a range of refreshments including a selection of hot drinks and some inexpensive filled rolls. Mrs W was particularly impressed by the cheese and pickle variety which also went down well with the other punters.   A concrete panel perimeter fence surrounds the playing area to give it a lovely enclosed feel. Unusually there is separate access for players and spectators through two gates to the left. You will notice immediately how much the pitch slopes down from this corner towards the far side and also down to the furthest goal on your left. A new path provides hard standing on this side and continues as far as the dugouts fashioned from breeze blocks with metal sheeting for roofing. This is the only cover. The pitch which is in superb condition is surrounded by a smart perimeter fence, another recent addition. A small park bench in the opposite corner provides the only seating. Interestingly this is placed facing away from the action. Jo thought this was a hoot but intelligently quipped that CML football really isn't that bad after all. She's learning fast!    According to the programme notes, the club was formed in 1932 and won the Notts Intermediate Cup in the late 50's and again in the late 70's before falling into decline. Resurrected as Sunday side in 2003-2004 the club soon gained success winning the Mansfield Sunday Premier League but sadly folded two years later. For the last couple of seasons the club ran an Under 16's boys team. Approached by personnel from neighbouring Welbeck Welfare the club reformed as a Saturday side and received full backing from the Welfare to restructure the club a year ago. A massive fundraising drive was set up to carry out the necessary work required to bring the facilities up to CML standard and with help from a local entrepreneur this became a reality. There are ambitious plans to develop the ground further. Watch this space as they say.   Church Warsop Football Club is a friendly, welcoming club and a visit here is highly recommended to all travellers. On the basis of this performance the club could be challenging for promotion come next May. Wouldn't this be a real success story? The slogan might read 'Dare to dream'. Now where have I seen that before?     FGIF Match Rating: 4.

edited 17/11/08