Havelse 4, Werder Zwei 1 (12/08/2018 18:00) - Regionalliga Nord

A fourth tier game between TSV Havelse and the second team (U23s) of Werder Bremen was a little disappointing to be honest.
It is the nature of German football that second teams of 'the big boys' get to have 'training matches' against the first teams of smaller clubs in a competitive situation. This is beneficial to the big clubs, as the youngsters get to experience games in the stadium environment, and perhaps to the smaller clubs in financial terms, but for me it all seems artificial.
The Bremen boys played some nice passing football and showed off their skills to their coach. Havelse let them, but not in the final third of the pitch. Werder could not get through the 'red wall'.
Werder's young defence was a lot more fragile and were at fault for the first three goals:
1) a deflection past the 'keeper from a left wing cross;
2) a free header from a right wing corner; and
3) a poor clearance straight to the main striker who tucked the ball away past the 'keeper's left hand.
By the 80 minute mark I had seen enough, I left and I missed the last two goals (I had to consider the Sunday transport timetable and my need for a nice curry).
The Hannover suburb of Garbsen has a great little team in TSV Havelse. And it is reasonably well supported. Their hardcore fans (wearing Santa hats (in August)) in the 'Hannover Airport Tribune' were noisy throughout and they must be delighted that their team sits proudly at the top of the league table.
All in all it was a nice afternoon out in the northern German sunshine and our beer was so nice that the local wasps wanted to drink it too.

FC Britannia 5, Field Lane FC 2 (29/04/18 10:45) - Derbyshire FA Sunday Senior Cup Final

Chesterfield's FC Britannia cemented their claim to being Derbyshire's finest Sunday League side with a resounding victory over Derby's Field Lane FC, at one of my favourite grounds, Christchurch Meadow (now the Marston's Stadium) in Belper.

Britannia, the current holders of this cup, were again riding high in the Chesterfield and District League and Field Lane were sitting in a position to challenge for the Derby Taverner's League title - as they both served up a footballing treat for 65 supporters on this very cold April day.

Unfortunately for Field Lane, Britannia had too much about them to lose their grip on this title. From their powerful 'keeper, through their solid defence and skilful midfield, to their clinical finishers' Britannia looked to be a class above and never looked like losing.

Castle Donington Town 1, Rowsley '86 9 (nine) (28/04/18 14:00) - MRA League Cup Semi-Final

An unplayable pitch handed Castle Donington a home advantage in this semi-final of the Midlands Regional Alliance Cup at the tidy Moira Dale facility.

Rowsley, the best Derbyshire team that doesn't play in the FA pyramid, were hot favourites and in the end they didn't disappoint. But Castle Donington kept the game close for 40 minutes, although they always looked second best.

A late goal in the first-half meant that the half-time score was 0:2 but Rowsley came out all guns blazing in the second-half and scored with the first attack, thanks to some fantastic wing play and a great cross. 

Castle Donington's hopes were raised with a goal that made it 1:3 but then Rowsley ran riot; every subsequent attack seeming to yield a goal. 

A day of goals, questionable officiating and umbrellas left me happy that I decided to go to North West Leicestershire with my father. 

Alfreton Town 0, Chesterfield FC XI 1 (24/04/18 19:45) - Derbyshire FA Senior Challenge Cup Final

My fifth consecutive Derbyshire Senior Cup Final saw me return to the stadium at which I witnessed my first; the Impact Arena in Alfreton. On that day Ilkeston beat Glossop but today tier 6 Alfreton had 'home advantage' against the development squad of Football League side Chesterfield FC.

I was very much anticipating an even affair in this game, unlike the two finals I had witnessed between Gresley and Matlock in which the Gladiators put the Moatmen to the sword. And very even the game was between the two young sides, with Chesterfield edging it thanks to, what looked like, a glancing header from a free-kick in the 2nd minute.

Both sides could have bagged a few goals on this chilly, damp April night but Chesterfield lifted the trophy as their senior team had relegation out of the Football League confirmed, due to results of other games being played in League 2.

SG Aumund-Vegesack 6, VFL Bremen 1 (24/02/2018 14:00) - Bremenliga (Oberliga - Tier 5)

The chance to see another Bremen Oberliga game took us to the pretty riverside suburb of Vegesack, on a cold but bright Saturday afternoon. 

We parked in the Vegesack Stadion's car park as a youth team game was being completed on the all weather pitch. 

We were told, by the man on the gate as we paid our €4 entrance fee, that the day's main event would also be played on plastic, the recent cold weather having hardened the adjacent stadium's grass surface to an unplayable condition.

It was unfortunate that the game could not have been played on the adjacent grass playing surface as the old stadium looked quite quaint with its small old stand, old running track and steel barrier around the periphery.

After buying a coffee in the smokey clubhouse we chose our vantage point... looking into the low sun, in line with SAVs first-half penalty spot. I was quite glad that I had brought a baseball cap with me to shield my eyes, and my companion was glad that he had brought his sunglasses. 

Literally as soon as the match had kicked off the gulf in class (SAV, mid-table and VFL, fighting a relegation battle) became evident; SAV scored straight away. The older faces in the SAV team had brought with them the experience and composure that seemed to be lacking amongst the fresh-faced VFL ranks. 

A quarter of the way through the match the home team were 2.0 up and the game looked dead and buried. But from this point (for half an hour anyway) the game became quite even. Three factors came into play 1) a busy midfielder was introduced by the visitors 2) the strong cold wind in the faces of the VFL players dropped and 3) SAV 'took their foot off the gas'. VFL, after forcing some chances and hitting the post, got a deserved goal on the stroke of half time. 

A bratwurst and mustard sauce took the chill off the halftime inactivities and we were ready for the secondhalf. We, the 40 or so spectators, and VFL were ready but the home team took an age to come out of their dressing room. I imagine that the SAV manager must have been ripping into his players and throwing tea cups at them for allowing VFL back into the game.

VFL's resistance broke after 15 minutes of secondhalf play and SAV ran out comfortable winners thanks to standout performances from their experienced left sided midfield player and their busy right wing-back.

The goals are detailed thus:

1.0 Husmann (1'). VFL lost the ball straight from their kick-off, SAV stormed forward firing a shot to the 'keepers left. The 'keeper, under pressure, spilt the ball at the foot of a SAV striker who rolled the ball into the empty net. VFL's claims for off-side are waved away by the referee.

2.0 Prigge (28'). A route 1 ball. A ball played up the middle to the on-running striker who lobbed the 'keeper.

2.1 Hirsig (44'). A free-kick out left delivered to the far post, a header back across the middle for an easy tap in.

3.1 Husmann (61'). A good cross from the left to the far side, played back into the middle for an easy close in finish.

4.1 Bosse (75'). Corner from the right and a free header past the 'keepers right hand.

5.1 Martens (87'). Good attacking run and a fired in cross from the right corner of the 18 yard box across the goal for a close finish at the far post.

6.1 Steege (91'). Corner to the far post and a stooping free-header.

Hilton Harriers 3, Linby Colliery Welfare 0 (06/01/2018 14:30) - CMFL South

A rainy week meant that a lot of the lower non-league fixtures had been postponed due to waterlogged pitches. The Mease Pavilion ground similarly suffered at the hands of Storm Eleanor, and as such this fixture was switched to the 3G artificial surface of the Etwall Leisure Centre. This being the case, today meant that I got to see a new 'ground' and to see Hilton playing in their new league.

Harriers joined the Central Midlands League set up in the summer, from the Staffordshire County League, and have done very well in the first half of the season. Only clubs with better budgets and facilities sit above them in league.

The first half was fairly even until the final moments when the Linby 'keeper had a rush of blood and charged down a Hilton striker. The penalty was converted and the game changed.

Two goals further goals in the early stages of the second half killed the game off and Hilton ran out comfortable winners.

Bremer SV 1, Habenhauser 1 (02/12/2017 13:00) - Bremenliga (Oberliga - Tier 5)

When visiting friends in Germany I try to catch a game if I can. The consensus was, however, that 50 euros to watch a poor Werder Bremen team was way too expensive. This left me looking around for other games to watch and so I settled on catching an Oberliga game. For a brief discussion on the German football pyramid - see below.

After seeing friends in Bremen, myself and my Hannover based friend made way to the Stadion am Panzenberg, to see a 'Bremen Premier League' game. Unfortunately, due to the the wet playing surface, a sign at the turnstile told us that the match had been relocated to the plastic pitch of their training ground, some 10 minutes away. Thankfully we had given ourselves plenty of time and we made it to Hohweg with sufficient minutes left prior to kick-off to grab a gluwein from the club bar.

Having paid our €6 to enter 'the ground' we stood with our backs to the wire fencing, 3 metres from the unbarriered playing surface. From this vantage point it was clear to see that this facility would not be of sufficient standard to host an English Step 7 game.

The home team, sitting proudly at the head of the table, were hosting a mid-table team, but we were initially confused as to which team was which as Bremer were wearing their red away strip.

The match itself was quite entertaining with lots of chances for both sides. Bremer looked like the better footballing side throughout but had to come from behind to get a well deserved point.

The first corner of the game on 20 minutes brought the visitors their goal. Near post, and unmarked, a player confidently glanced a header past the 'keeper.

It took Bremer a further 50 minutes to get their equaliser. A lovely ball was dinked into the box ahead of the onrushing striker who slotted the ball past the 'keeper from 9 yards out, slightly to the left of centre.

It is always difficult to make comparisons, but the standard looked like an English Tier 9 equivalent.

After standing in near freezing conditions for 90 minutes we were happy to get back to a warm car. Unfortunately on the way back home our warm car was pranged by a driver of a Volkswagon.

The German football pyramid is different from the English system. It is complicated by the German federal state system.

The Bundesliga and Zweite Bundesliga equate to our Premier League and League Championship respectively but then significant differences are seen.

The Dritte Liga (our Football League 1st Division (tier 3)) can contain the second teams of bigger clubs. And second teams, and even third teams, of bigger clubs can appear in the two steps below this level.

The Regionalliga sits at tier 4. As the name suggests it is regionalised (unlike the English tier 4). It is made up of 5 leagues (4 regional leagues and the de-facto Bavarian federal state 'premier league'). If this were the case in England an English Regionalliga would consist of teams from League 2, Conference National, Conference North, and Conference South and the second teams of bigger clubs.

Sitting below the Regionalliga are the 14 Oberliga leagues (some of which are the de-facto federal state premier leagues).

End of season play-offs decide promotions from the Regionalliga. Winning a league is not enough to guarantee promotion.

Some Oberliga league winners get automatic promotion to the Regionaliga, while others have to enter a play-off competition. This is due to the fact that some Oberliga are weaker than others.

Below tier 5 the system is even less clearly defined than the English system, as each federal state run leagues under their jurisdiction. Typically there are the Verbansliga, Landesligas (federal divisions), Bezirksligas (county leagues) and Kreisliga (district leagues).

Derbyshire Teams and their Grounds 2017/2018

By the end of 2015 I had seen all the Derbyshire teams that play in the top 9 tiers of the English football pyramid, at home, in league action.

By the end of 2016 I had seen all Derbyshire (first) teams that feature in the top 11 tiers (professional and semi-professional standard) play some sort of competitive fixture (either home or away).

For the sake of completeness I thought that watching a game on all of the grounds, that the tier 10 and 11 teams call home, would be a fitting way to wrap up my Derbyshire odyssey.

But just what is a Derbyshire team?

From my point of view here are the determining factors:

1) Do the team play their home games within the ceremonial county boundary? and, if not,
2) Does the team have an affiliation to a Derbyshire location AND are affiliated the Derbyshire Football Association?

My definition makes Sheffield FC a Derbyshire team as criteria 1 is satisfied. My definition makes Ashbourne FC a Derbyshire team as criteria 2 is satisfied (although they play their home games in Staffordshire).

By autumn 2017 I had seen all current Derbyshire teams play and had seen games played on the grounds that they call 'home'. Below is a list of the Derbyshire first teams, their current league and level (as of the 2017/18 season) and their 'home' grounds I have seen games on.

Derby County (T2 - Football League Championship)
- Pride Park and The Baseball Ground
Chesterfield (T4 - Football League, League 2)
- Saltergate and The Proact Stadium 
Alfreton Town (T6 - National League, North)
- The Impact Arena, North Street
Buxton (T7 - Northern Premier League, Premier Division)
- Silverlands
Mickleover Sports (T7 - Northern Premier League, Premier Division)
- Don Amott Arena
Matlock Town (T7 - Northern Premier League, Premier Division)
- Causeway Lane
Glossop North End  (T8 - Northern Premier League, First Division North)
- Arthur Goldthorpe Stadium, Surrey Street
Sheffield FC (T8 - Northern Premier League, First Division South)
- Coach and Horses Ground, The Home of Football
Belper Town (T8 - Northern Premier League, First Division South)
- Christchurch Meadow
Gresley (T8 - Northern Premier League, First Division South)
- Moat Ground
Heanor Town (T9 - Midland Football League, Premier Division)
- Town Ground
Long Eaton United (T9 - Midland Football League, Premier Division)
- Grange Park
South Normanton Athletic (T9 - Midland Football League, Premier Division)
- Lees Lane
Staveley Miners Welfare (T9 - Northern Counties East League, Premier Division)
- Inkersall Road
Shirebrook Town (T10 - Northern Counties East League Division One)
- Langwith Road
Dronfield Town (T10 - Northern Counties East League Division One)
- Stonelow Fields
FC Bolsover (T10 - Northern Counties East League Division One)
- Langwith Road
Ilkeston Town phoenix club of Ilkeston FC (T10 - Midland Football League, Premier Division One)
- New Manor Ground
Belper United (T10 - East Midlands Counties League)
- Christchurch Meadow and Anderson Electrical Arena (Asterdale)
Graham Street Prims (T10 - East Midlands Counties League)
- Asterdale
Borrowash Victoria (T10 - East Midlands Counties League)
- Anderson Electrical Arena (Asterdale)
Stapenhill (T10 - East Midlands Counties League)
- Edge Hill
Holbrook Sports (T10 - East Midlands Counties League)
- Shaw Lane
New Mills (T10 - North West Counties League, First Division)
- Church Lane
Clay Cross Town (T11 - Central Midlands League North Division)
- Mill Lane
Tideswell United (T11 - Central Midlands League North Division)
- Tideswell Sports Complex
Mickleover RBL (T11 - Central Midlands League South Division)
- Poppyfields
Hilton Harriers (T11 - Central Midlands League South Division)
- The Mease Pavilion and Etwall Leisure Centre
AFC Kilburn (T11 - Central Midlands League South Division)
- Kilburn Welfare
Swanwick Pentrich Road (T11 - Central Midlands League South Division)
- Highfield Road
Pinxton (T11 - Central Midlands League South Division)
- Van Elle Welfare Arena
Holbrook St Michaels (T11 - Central Midlands League South Division)
- Holbrook Park
Ashbourne (T11 - Staffordshire County Senior League Premier Division)
- Hillsfield (Rocester)
Sandiacre Town (T11 - Nottinghamshire Senior League)
- St Giles Park
Whaley Bridge (T11 - Cheshire Football League)
- Park Road

In addition I have seen:

South Normanton Town (T11 - Central Midlands League South Division)
Technically the second team of South Normanton Athletic that play on the same ground

But not:

Staveley, Dronfield and Matlock 'official' reserve teams who also play in the CMFL.

Teams that have either fallen from Tier 11 or have disbanded since 2014 are:

Chapel Town (now play in the Manchester League at Tier 12 - not seen)
Mickleover Royals (disbanded - not seen)
Gamesley FC (disbanded - seen in the Derbyshire Senior Cup in Belper)
Glapwell FC (disbanded and became FC Bolsover - not seen)
Allenton United (disbanded and reformed to play in the MRA for a season - saw in the MRA at Moorways in Derby)
Aston United (left the Nottinghamshire Senior League - seen in the Derbyshire Senior Cup and used to play at Ilkeston's ground)

Dronfield Town 0, Grimsby Borough 2 (04/10/2017 19:45) - NCEL Division 1

I watched Dronfield play previously in a Derbyshire Senior Cup game at Hilton's Mease Pavilion ground. I had never been to their Stonelow ground but a midweek game in the Step 6 Northern Counties East League Division One allowed me to rectify this oversight.

Although I had already seen all the Derbyshire first teams that play in the top eleven tiers of English football, I had not seen games played on all of their grounds. Today allowed me to complete a fairly unique double.

The game itself saw 18th place Dronfield host 4th place Grimsby Borough at a Stonelow ground that was quite tidy with a small stand that was filled with spectators that appeared to be, mostly, from Grimsby. The pitch slightly sloped away, width ways, from the stand and a smell of mothballs filled the air, reminding me of the gasworks clean-up jobs by company gets involved in.

The rain came down and the pitch got skiddy. Tackles went flying in and the referee was kept busy with the issuing of yellow cards.

Grimsby looked the better side throughout but it took them 'til mid-way through the second half to take the lead. A diagonal, defence splitting, pass from the right was perfectly weighted for the striker to run onto, and from 8 yards out, to the left of goal, it was calmly dispatched.

Ten minutes from time and the win was sealed. A cross from the left wing found the striker on the penalty spot and a composed finish saw the ball fly past the left hand of the 'keeper.

A stroll up hill back to the car park and an hours' drive got me home.

Holbrook Sports 1, Radford 0 (30/09/2017 15:00) - EMC League

Another trip to a new venue took me to Holbrook's APC Sealants Shaw Lane Ground to see Sports host Radford in a Step 6, East Midlands Counties League fixture.

Holbrook had started the league season better than Radford (6 wins out of 10 and 3 wins out of 10 respectively) and had a good cup win under their belt, the dispatching of Step 5 side Heanor Town from the FA Vase competition. I was therefore confident that the Derbyshire team would overcome their Nottingham challengers today.

On arrival at the ground the slope of the pitch was most notable, and then that the ground met the bare minimum Step 6 standard. We were, however, very glad of the covered areas that the requirements demand as it was a showery autumnal afternoon.

Sports chose to take advantage of the slope at the toss; a decision that paid off as they went into the interval a goal to the good. The goal for scored by the fast and skillful number 10, who, after a defensive headed clearance arrived in front of him on the edge of the box, struck an unstoppable left foot volley past the 'keeper.

Radford had the better of the second-half, with the advantage of the slope with them, but they were unable to convert the chances that they made and when the target was hit the excellent Sports 'keeper managed to keep the ball out.

Myself and my father were impressed with the skill and energy of both teams and despite the rain we were very much entertained.

Ashbourne 4, Hanley Town 2 (20/09/2017 19:30) - Staffordshire Senior County League

Ashbourne FC are another one of those Derbyshire clubs that I have seen play as an away side. I had not been to the ground that they call 'home'. Tonight was a great opportunity to rectify that.

Their former home, the 'Ashbourne Recreation Ground', was not of 'Step 7' standard and as such their progression has necessitated a 'home' venue suitable for the eleventh tier of English football; and so, for the time being, Ashbourne play at Rocester's Hillsfield Ground, seven miles southwest of 'The Gateway to Dove Dale', in Staffordshire.

Like Belper Town's Christchurch Meadow, Hillsfield sits in the shadow of a Mill, an Arkwright Mill of 1782. The ground itself is tidy and sufficient for the needs of the both Ashbourne FC and their landlords, 'The Romans', a Midland League (Step 5) team.

I was not expecting a classic by any means. Both Ashbourne and Hanley had made very average starts to the season, with the teams 5th from bottom and 3rd from bottom respectively.

A small crowd of 20 or so were treated to six goals shared, albeit unevenly, between two very youthful teams. Both teams had energy but were lacking in the strength, experience and composure that one sees in a typical Central Midlands League game.

Ashbourne had the territorial advantage for the majority of the 90 minutes but it was Hanley, playing on the break with fast moves, that had the better chances early-doors. A flicked header lead to chance from the edge of the box and a decent effort struck the crossbar. Minutes later Hanley were ahead from a free-kick.

Ashbourne deservedly levelled before the interval and then pretty much bossed the second-half.

The goals are described thus:

0:1 A free-kick in a central position, some 30 yards out, was fiercely struck and a deflection took the ball past the 'keeper's left hand.
1:1 Following some good build up play down the right, a lovely flicked pass inside the box opened up the defence for the striker to find the far corner of the goal, across the 'keeper, from 9 yards out.
2:1 A shot from 25 yards thundered against the cross bar, came down and out with the 'keeper floundering. Number 9 followed up the shot and calmly nodded the ball, unchallenged, past the 'keeper.
3:1 In a left of centre position, 20 yards out, a spinning right foot shot beat the 'keeper low down at the near post.
4:1 A good run down the right was followed by a driving cross. Number 10, running onto the cross, fired home low to the 'keeper's right from 6 yards.
4:2 A shot from a central position in a crowded box found its way through the (otherwise exemplary) 'keeper.

Pinxton 2, Linby Colliery Welfare 1 (16/09/2017 15:00) - CMFL South

With the addition of Kilburn, made the other week, I have seen all Derbyshire (first) teams (that feature in the top 11 tiers of the English footballing pyramid) play competitive fixtures. Some of teams I have seen play have been as 'away teams' and as such I have not seen their home grounds.

The grounds missing from my 'hop' list are Dronfield's, Ashbourne's and Holbrook Sports'. I have been to South Normanton's ground (albeit for an amateur game) and Aston United (who have dropped out of competitive football this season) used to ground-share with Ilkeston, and so these have been ticked off my list.

The game today allows me to tick off Pinxton's Van Elle Arena.

Here, I should mention Renishaw Rangers. Renishaw is a Derbyshire village; their Chesterfield and District Sunday League side has been allowed into the CMFL North Division because they have managed to get the keys to a ground beyond the Derbyshire border. The fact that they do not play home games in Derbyshire and also as they are affiliated to the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA, I am discounting them as a pukka 'Derbyshire' team.

In addition to seeing Pinxton's ground I was looking forward to seeing a decent game. Both teams had made good starts to the season (Pinxton 2nd and Linby 3rd in the table prior to kick-off).

I was very impressed with Pinxton's ground; a very flat surface cut into the hill behind the social club. The match attracted a decent sized crowd on this intermittently sunny and overcast day.

In the first half Pinxton had the territorial advantage but Linby took the lead shortly before half-time. Pinxton looked dead and buried on 50 minutes when the substitute was shown a straight red for kicking out at an opponent who had put in a good tackle against him.

Pinxton were now the team playing on the break, soaking up pressure and thanking their lucky stars for some poor Linby finishing. But, with their Heanor Town recruits of Cooper and Keano, Pinxton pulled the game out of the bag with two good goals.

The goals are described thus:

0:1 The tricky number 10, on the angle of the box, played a lovely ball through to the big number 9, out left at an angle 8 yards out from goal. The low shot went under a defender and beat the 'keeper at the near post.
1:1 A similar goal to the first. A ball from the right to the unmarked number 15 was nicely controlled and passed into the net across the 'keeper.
2:1 A poor clearance from the 'keeper left him stranded on the edge of the box as his cleared ball landed at the feet of a Pinxton player, some 40 yards out. The 'keeper could just watch as a looping shot sailed back over his head and into the net.

AFC Kilburn 2, Aslockton & Orston 1 (02/09/2017 15:00) - CMFL South

As Kilburn had applied to play in the Central Midlands League, from the Midlands Regional Alliance, and had been accepted, it meant that this was a team that I needed to see, having seen all Step 7 + Derbyshire teams to date.

I drove up to the Leedale Park ground in Kilburn, on a lovely late summer afternoon, to watch their clash with their Notts. visitors. Both clubs are new to the league (from lower standards) and as such I wasn't expecting a classic to be played out at this lovely little ground.

The game started out quite evenly but as the visitors tired Kilburn began to dominated (and they could have won more comfortably if they took their two good late chances) and eventually deserved their first win out of the four they had played to date.

At the ground I bumped into Groundhopper Chris and it was, as always, nice to catch up with the league gossip.

The goals are described thus:

1:0 Ball cleared from the Aslockton box, only as far as the Kilburn defensive midfielder, number 6, who, with a lovely right footed volley from 25 yards, found the top corner beyond the right hand of the 'keeper.
1:1 A foul in the box, on the Aslockton right, gave the visitors a penalty. A right footed strike found the back of the net to the right of the 'keeper.
2:1 Poor defending, following a cross from the Kilburn left, resulted in the Kilburn number 7 being handed a good shooting chance. From 10 yards out , to the right of goal, number 7 struck the ball sweetly over the 'keeper.

Bad jokes and a review of my season 2016/17

Somebody asked me if I liked 'Steps "5, 6, 7, 8"'. "Of course I do", I replied...



"I like The Midland Football League Premier Division, The East Midlands Counties League, The Central Midlands Football League and The Midlands Regional Alliance - the leagues below the Northern Premier League".

For the uninitiated, my response related to local teams in the lower reaches of the English footballing pyramid. Although I did see a few Midland Football League Premier Division / Northern Counties East League Division 1 (Step 5) and East Midlands Counties League (Step 6) games in the season, I spent a lot of time watching teams of the Central Midlands Football League (Step 7) by doing a 'Road to the League Cup Final' challenge. For completeness, the results of the games I saw are shown below:

R1: Swanwick Pentrich Road 3, Askern FC 1
R2: Holbrook St Michaels 1, Swanwick Pentrich Road 4
QF: Swanwick Pentrich Road 2, FC Bolsover 3 (AET)
SF: FC Bolsover 0, Hucknall Town 4
FR: Selston FC 2, Hucknall Town 0

Technically there is no 'Step 8' but for this review I am classing 'Step 8' (Tier 12) as the recognised feeder league to the Central Midlands Football League (Step 7) - The Midlands Regional Alliance (MRA), a Saturday league serving Derby and the surrounding area.

The sole MRA league game I watched was the Premier Division game between Allenton United and Shirebrook Rangers. Unfortunately, Allenton went on to default their last few games and resign from the league, a shame rather than a Tragedy. On a more cheerful note I did witness Castle Donington Cobras (of MRA Division 1) lift a County Cup by beating Gresley Reserves in Mickleover. In that latter game the Cobras 'keeper put a Gresley forward in hospital; an incident that is Better Best Forgotten. I also watched them beat their local rivals Melbourne Dynamo to lift the MRA Junior Cup.

Teams join the MRA to get the highest standard of Saturday football they can and also to use it as a spring board for loftier ambitions, such as Selston FC, winners of the CMFL cup and Division South this season. Such teams often come from Sunday or junior leagues.

There are three further Derbyshire FA affiliated leagues serving adult footballers in Derby which fall outside the recognised footballing pyramid. These are the Derby Church League, the Derby City League and the Derby Taverners Sunday Football League.

I watched the City League and Taverners League cup finals and felt that Woodlands OB, Golden Pheasant (wearing a kit of a Deeper Shade of Blue), FC Chadd 2013 and Arboretum could all hold their own in the MRA, if they ever wanted to move across. Furthermore I felt that there was enough talented players in those four teams that a very useful team could be compiled from them. This was an approach taken by FC Bolsover (winners of the Central Midlands Football League (CMFL) North Division 2016/17).

Glapwell FC (who became (in essence) FC Bolsover) took some of the more talented players of the Chesterfield and District Sunday League to challenge in the CMFL. They ended up winning the CMFL North Division in 2015/16. At the end of that season they folded and the players and management rebadged themselves as FC Bolsover.

I watched FC Bolsover three times in 2016/17 and I also watched the Derbyshire FA Sunday Senior Cup final played out between, Chesterfield District teams, FC United of Bolsover and Britannia FC. Players featuring for both Sunday league teams I recognised as FC Bolsover regulars.

At the end of the season both the management team and Chairman of FC Bolsover left the club and there was a feeling that FC Bolsover, like Glapwell before, may fold, which would have been One for Sorrow. However, it looks as though the former Chairman's son has taken charge. Could this be a case of Better the Devil You Know? or could there be a footballing Buzz in the town next season? With this news I am sure that there were no Tears on the Dancefloor at the FC Bolsover end of season party.

As I started out watching Derbyshire football a couple of years ago the Last Thing on My Mind was to see a lot of 'parks' football. It's not a standard that would Light Up the World but at the end of the day it is still the beautiful game.

Melbourne Dynamo 1, Castle Donington Cobras 2 - AET (08/05/17 19:30) - Midland Regional Alliance Junior Cup Final

Tonight's game, at Long Easton United's Grange Park ground, promised to be a battle-royal. Cobras pipped Melbourne to the MRA Division 1 title and as such this game offered Dynamo the chance of some revenge in this cup competition for MRA Division 1 and 2 sides.

Cobras, who I was impressed with when I saw them beat Gresley in the Derbyshire Divisional Cup final, have had a great season. They already had a cup and league title under their belts and this game gave them the chance of winning their third piece of silverware.

It was a fairly even game with Melbourne, all in blue, starting the more brightly. Cobras, in their vivid lime away shirts, finished the game stronger however, and this was decisive.

Dynamo took the lead mid-way through the first half. Cobras were unable to clear their lines and the ball fell to the unmarked number 8 on the edge of the D. As the ball came down, over the striker's shoulder, he unleashed a hooked lobbed shot beyond the reach of the 'keepers left hand.

Cobras had chances to level in the remainder of the first-half but it stayed 1:0 until ten minutes into the second half. Following some good work down the right an accurate cross from the angle of the 18 yard box  picked out the number 6, 6 yards out at the far post, and with a lovely controlled header the ball was guided past the keeper's right hand.

Cobras spurned their chances to win it in normal time and it took until stoppage time in extra time for the game to be decided. The Dynamo 'keeper, under pressure, could only flap away a clearance and the ball fell to Cobra's number 7, 19 yards out, right of centre. A right footed shot across the 'keeper, to his right, found the back of the net and scenes of wild celebrations ensued.

The quality of football was a great advertisement for the Midlands Regional Alliance and I am sure it won't be too long until we see a team representing Castle Donington back at Step 7 level or higher again. 

Littleover HM 0, Heanor Whitegates 3 (05/05/17 19:30) - The Dick Windle Trophy Final

The winners of the Alfreton and District Sunday Football League cup competition are awarded the Dick Windle Trophy; and this year's final was a Littleover (Derby) - Heanor match up at South Normanton Athletic's Lees Lane ground.

Littleover Half Moon were a very successful Derby Sunday League side before falling out with the league. They now play in the Alfreton and District Sunday Football League, and were crowned league champions for the season 2015/16. This year the best that they can hope to achieve is second place. In the current league standings Moon are third and Heanor fifth.

Although I have seen both South Normanton Athletic (East Midlands League - Step 6) and their unofficial reserve team, South Normanton Town (Central Midlands League - Step 7), play, I hadn't been to their ground before, and so this game, on my way home on a Friday evening, was too interesting an occasion to miss.

A decent turnout of over 80 witnessed the match and were treated to three goals (meeting my ideal criteria of £1 per goal entrance fee). Unfortunately all goals were scored by the slight underdogs.

Heanor had the advantage of the slight slope in the first half and it only took them 5 minutes to take the lead. A ball from the right wing found the striker 16 yards out, in a right of centre position, and a calm right foot shot was placed low past the 'keepers right hand.

Heanor went two goals up midway through the half. Good work down the left flank drew the 'keeper out of position and a square ball into the box found a striker free, some 13 yards out with the goal at his mercy. A straight forward side foot found the back of the net.

At 2:0 at half-time Moon were still in the game but immediately after the restart the match was effectively over when the Litttleover 'keeper weakly cleared the ball straight to a striker 30 yards from goal. The striker raced on ten yards and fired the ball under the onrushing goalie.

After the third goal the game was fairly even. Moon struck the woodwork twice and had a number of wayward potshots from distance.

In the final moments of the game Heanor were down to 10 men and some unseemly scenes were witnessed. A bad tackle, worthy of the player's second yellow, caused the Moon's manager to rush onto the field to confront the offending player.

Heanor were worthy winners, but I was impressed with the very quick and very left footed Moon winger who liked to run at, and past, players, but unfortunately he lacked a bit of quality when it came to delivering the final ball.

Matlock Town 5, Gresley FC 0 (02/05/17 19:45) - Derbyshire FA Senior Challenge Cup Final

Tonight I was back at Chesterfield's ground to see my fourth Derbyshire FA Senior Challenge Cup Final, which was a replay of the 2014/15 final. On that occasion Matlock ran out comfortable 7:0 winners against a weak Gresley side who had their minds still on a league promotion chance.

Step 7 Matlock were pre-match favourites again against their Step 8 opponents tonight, having dispatched the county's best non-league side, Alfreton, in the semi-final. Matlock have had a fair season overall, finishing comfortably mid-table in the Northern Premier League Premier Division. Gresley on the other hand struggled in the First Division South but easily avoided a relegation dogfight.

I have recently moved offices to Rotherham and my friend has recently moved house to Chesterfield, and so this worked well for a dinner after work in Chesterfield and for cajoling my mate along to the game.

Following our pub-chain burger meal we took our place in the stands (on posh padded seats) with the Gresley fans (in order to boost the Gresley numbers), just as I had done two years previous. And just as two years previous I witnessed Gresley get totally outclassed by Matlock (much to the delight of the majority of the 715 spectators). This time, however, Gresley had no excuses.

Matlock started the game more brightly and created a couple of half chances before Gresley hit the woodwork amidst a goal-line scramble; Gresley's diminutive number 8 playing a role in the chance, just as he was key in all Gresley's moves. The little number 8 was Gresley's standout player with his pace and fleetness of foot.

Matlock were never in any real danger though, and shortly after Gresley's chance that struck the woodwork, they went ahead. With Matlock 2:0 up at half-time Gresley were still in the game but immediately after the interval Matlock scored again and then Gresley were in damage limitation mode. Matlock ran out deserving winners and demonstrated why they were a league higher up the pyramid.

Of the small number of Gresley fans that made the trip up north, a handful of them had obviously had too much to drink, and they came out with such classic chants as "You're just a small town near Buxton" and "Matlock Town, You're Having a Bath".

The goals are described thus:

1.0 Gresley were unable to clear their lines and the ball fell kindly the number 9 who, with a 22 yard right foot strike to the 'keeper's right, found the net, even though the 'keeper managed to get a hand to the ball.
2.0 An out-swinging corner from Matlock's right found number 8 unmarked on the far edge of the
six yard box. A header through the 'keepers hands found the back of the net.
3.0 Number 11 got to the by-line, left of goal, and whipped a cross to the near post. Number 9, three yards out by the near post, got to the ball ahead of the 'keeper and defender and managed to clip the ball into the net.
4.0 A free-kick, 22 yards out left of centre, was struck right-footed through the wall by the number 3, and nestled in the back of the net low to the 'keepers right.
5.0 The ball was played out wide right to the number 7 who, 14 yards out, took a stride to steady himself, before unleashing a bullet of a shot high into the net.

Selston FC 2, Hucknall Town 0 (30/04/17 15:00) - Road to the Final - Cup Final

Askern, Holbrook St. Michaels, Swanwich Pentrich Road and FC Bolsover have all fallen by the way side on my road to the Central Midland Football League Buckingham Insurance Cup Final; and so my 'Road to the Final' challenge has left me watching two Nottinghamshire clubs battling it out for the league cup trophy at Alfreton Town's ground.

Hucknall and Selston are representatives of the Central Midland Football League South Division, with Selston recently claiming the championship title.

Selston FC's recent rise has been impressive. The senior team reformed in 2006 and joined the Midlands Regional Alliance (at Division 2 level)  before moving across to the Nottinghamshire Senior League in 2011. 2015 saw them move to the Central Midlands League, the level they were at before they disbanded in 2003. Season 2017/18, with the necessary works that have been undertaken on their Parish Hall ground, will see them grace Step 6, a fantastic achievement.

I got to the ground in reasonable time but, for the first time of my many visits to the Impact Arena, I was unable to park close. I then realised that this game was going to see a bumper crowd. 553 supporters attended this game, and like this morning's game, it was good to see a good number of younger fans in attendance. 

The game itself was slightly less duller than the renditions of the National Anthem and Abide With Me that were piped out of the P.A. before kick-off but in the end the game went with the form team.

The teams were very evenly matched but in the first-half but Selston looked more dangerous with balls over the top and through the channels. Both sides struck the woodwork but the scoreline remained goalless after the first 45 minutes.

In the second-half both teams tried pot shots from outside the box and both teams saw headers, resulting from corners, go over. Hucknall, cheered on by the bigger number of supporters who were proudly wearing yellow, looked slight favourites to nick the winning goal.

As minute number 90 approached Selston, however, won a freekick 25 yards out down their right wing. The ball was whipped in, through the crowded box, to find number 10, Carl Moore, 12 yards out on the left. Moore unleashed a bullet of a shot to beat the 'keeper.

Hucknall pushed on to get a stoppage time equaliser but this left them exposed to a break out. As a Hucknall move broke down some quick play down the left from Selston, and a quality ball through to the centre, found Wayne Cooke through on goal. From a central position, some 18 yards out,  Cooke placed a shot passed the 'keepers left hand into the top right hand corner of the net.

Woodlands Old Boys 0, Golden Pheasant 0 - GP Win 4:2 on Pens. (30/04/17 10:30) - Derby Taverners Bob Ellerington Memorial Trophy Final

Golden Pheasant (currently 5th in the Premier Division of Derby's Taverners League) returned to defend their cup title, at Borrowash Victoria's ground, against Woodlands Old Boys (the current league leaders and champions elect) in this Shelton Lock vs. Allestree match up.

WOB were hoping to put some smiles on the faces of the Allestree faithful this morning as it has been a pretty lean couple of years in that corner of the city with Allestree FC winning only 4 games in their last two Midlands Regional Alliance Premier Division seasons. In the end WOB were unable to push for the win, but at least they will, in all likelihood, win the league.

60 or so supporters, mainly friends and family, watched this evenly matched game that was played in a good spirit.

Pheasant looked more likely to open the scoring with their numbers 10 and 11 working well down the left channel. Through this route Pheasant managed to get the ball in the net but it was disallowed for offside. WOB got back into the game and looked the better side in the last 60 minutes. They may have got a penalty before half-time when their big forward, number 24, went down in the box after his heals were clipped. No foul was flagged for by the linesman and the number 24 received a yellow card for swearing at the linesman for the decision.

I recognised the referee as he used to be a steward at Derby County when I was a turnstile man there, but he didn't show any bias towards WOB, even though they were playing in an old yellow Derby County training strip.

WOB created more pressure and half chances than Pheasant in the second-half but couldn't take any of them.

The game went straight to penalties after the 90 minutes. Pheasant scored their first two whereas WOB missed. WOB scored penalties 3 and 4 leaving the Pheasant 'keeper with a chance to win the cup with penalty number 5. It was a golden strike by the Golden Pheasant 'keeper, low to the opponent 'keepers' right.

A great win for Pheasant and I hope that there will be a free bar waiting for them.

During the game it was great to see the children of the players running about with footballs. I hope the action on the pitch inspires them to continue with their love of the beautiful game.

FC Britannia 2, FC United of Bolsover 0 (23/04/17 10:45) - Derbyshire FA Sunday Senior Cup Final

I took in an early game today, involving a trip to one of my favourite grounds, Christchurch Meadow, Belper. At stake was the title of being the best Sunday league team in Derbyshire. FC Brittania had already pipped FC United of Bolsover to the Chesterfield and District Sunday League crown, but could they claim the bigger prize?

FCUB was set up in 2015 and entered the Chesterfield League as a tier 2 club. In their first season they won promotion as champions and won the league cup whereas FC Britannia has been an ever present at the tier 1 level for a number of years now.

As someone who has followed the Central Midlands Football League side FC Bolsover this season some of the playing and coaching staff of United looked familiar, including the big number 9. I am not sure if there is any official connect between the Bolsover teams, but there is some sort of connection nonetheless.

As FC Bolsover entertained me this season I was willing United on in this North Derbyshire derby.  The crowd, of 166 supporters, seemed evenly split in their favouritism.

The game sprang to life in the fifth minute when the ball was played through the left channel. The United 'keeper dashed from his line and took the onrushing Britannia striker out. A penalty was awarded. The Britannia left back, Danny Ragan, sent the 'keeper the wrong way with a right foot spot kick, low to his right.

United seemed to be back in the game on twenty minutes. Britannia's Josh Aitken was given his marching orders after Brittany Smith, running the line, saw him swing his elbow in an off the ball incident.

From this point onward Britannia were happy to sit back, soak up the pressure and play on the break. And this they did well with the big shot stopper producing a commanding performance between the sticks.

Both teams created further chances for themselves but the game was effectively over on the 52 minute mark. Britannia broke well down the right and the winger whipped in a ball across the 6 yard box. The defender, under pressure, and in line with the far post, sliced his clearance into the top corner of the net beyond the reach of the 'keepers right hand.

For me 10 man FC Britannia were deserving winners.

I hope that both Bolsover teams can do slightly better next season.