Paulton Rovers v Barnstaple Town. Tuesday 21st March, 2017

Paulton 4 Barnstaple 3

We may be well in to March, but at Winterfield Road, home of Paulton Rovers, there were few signs of spring on this wild Tuesday night.

A lunch time pitch inspection had given the game the thumbs up, but as the rain lashed down as we drove south in to Somerset, Bryan and myself feared the worst.

Arriving at the ground just after 7.30, we were relieved to see our pal Ben outside the turnstiles who confirmed the games was on.

With both teams in lower mid table and probably safe from relegation, this had the look of a potential dead rubber and I worried we might witness a bit of a drab affair. As it turned out though, we would be treated to a seven goal thriller played at a high tempo, with plenty of full blooded tackles and a controversial winner to boot.
The game was a couple of minutes old as we came through the turnstiles and face to the face with the pitch. The entrance in to the ground is a lovely one. Having paid your money, you immediately find yourself at the top of a steep terrace in front of a goal. As the front row of the terrace is raised a couple of feet above the pitch, it means you are looking down at the action from a good height. The terrace was a fair size for this level (step 4) and covered with a metal roof painted in the club colour of maroon.

Paulton attack the raised terrace

Just as we entered, the home team had a penalty shout turned down in the goal mouth right in front of us with the ref seemingly of the opinion that there had been a dive in the box.
This was my first visit to watch Paulton Rovers and I was impressed with the set up. To our left as we came in was a big club house complete with two function rooms and a number of pool tables and a full size snooker table. On the same side of the pitch as the club house was two seated stands, one was a lovely looking raised stand, perched on top of some changing rooms. On the opposite side was a long and narrow terrace with brick benches built in to it, with a smart looking metal roof matching the one on the stand behind the goal. The only end to let the ground down a bit was behind the other goal, where there didn't seem to be anything other than a shiny metal fence.

Today's opposition, Barnstaple Town, had made the long trip up from North Devon. Under the management duo of Barry Yeo and Karl Baggaley, they are enjoying the most successful period in their history having enjoyed back to back promotions in the last two seasons, now finding themselves playing at their highest ever level. Paulton meanwhile were playing in the Southern Premier league until recently and reached the first round of the FA Cup in 2009/10. They generally have an impressive predigree for a team from a villiage, which although growing, still has a population of only about 5000.

It was the home team that made the early running, number 7, Sol Wheatley, was proving a threat down the right and managed to charge down the wing a number of times, sending in crosses that either just alluded the man in the box or didn't get the finish they deserved. 

Against the run of play though, Barnstaple scored with a well taken goal from striker, Kyle Paine.
Both teams were definitely up for it with a few tasty tackles flying in and it wasn't long before Paulton drew level from a corner from a header. Shortly after they were 2-1 up after Elliot Gibbons converted a cross.
By this time the rain had started coming down hard again and we sought refuge in the raised seated stand. Not only was the view great from up there, the wind sheilds on the sides and the generous protruding roof provided lots of shelter from the elements and it felt like we were watching the game from a cosy attic.

The rain continued to pour down at the break but lightened just in time for the restart. Almost straight away, Paulton extended their lead when Sol Wheately embarked on a run, starting not far in to the opposition half, he managed to power his way past numerous defenders, shrugging off challenges before he found him self in front of Oliver in the Barnstaple goal and easily able to fire past him.

Right about this time we walked round the pitch and took up a position in the terrace containing the dug outs (always a good place to watch from). Paulton's number one, the experienced Tony Ricketts, seemed pretty calm, though his side were 3-1 up. The Barnstaple bench was much more animated. Barry Yeo remained out of his seat issuing instructions as his team sought to get back in to the game. I was impressed with his approach, he was full of praise for his players and refrained from balling them out when they made a mistake, offering them encouragement and commending their effort instead. To their credit, Barnstaple started to come back in to it and were managing to enjoy more and more possession in the Paulton half.

They made it 3-2 when Ryan Turner headed home after a free kick from the left. Not long after they got a deserved equaliser when striker James Blake converted a cross from open play. From having been 3-1 down, Barnstaple were now looking for a winner and came very close from another free kick which led to Jenkins have his effort come back off a post.

The games most controversial moment came shortly after. Paulton had relieved a bit of pressure and won a free kick not far outside the Barnstaple box. A right foot effort came in on goal and was batted away at the near post by Oliver. From the resultant scramble, a shot came in from a tight angle from Radford which was seemingly cleared off the line. A second or so later however, the ref realised the linesman was signalling that the ball had crossed the line and awarded a goal. The Paulton players, none of whom I noticed celebrate or protest before that point, looked bemused and a bit embarrassed. After a couple of seconds they collectively decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth and ran back in to their own half to leave the Barnstaple players, whose bemusement had fast turned in to rage, confront the ref and linesman.

Yeo and lino in happier times. Before the 'ghost goal'

The goal rocked the away team. As much as Yeo implored them not to let the seeming injustice put them off, they looked less of a threat against a Paulton side reinvigorated by retaking the lead. There was still 20 minutes or so to go and whist Yeo continued to show unconditional positive regard for his players, it's safe to say the lino who gave the goal copped an earful. Unfortunately for him, the touchline he was patrolling was right infront of the dug outs which were themselves very tight to the pitch so he was regularly within spittle distance of the Barnstaple bench. He took the vow of silence approach. Probably the right thing to do. He seemed an old wily thick skinned campaigner but i was left pondering, not for the first time this season, who on earth would be a ref or linesman?

Barnstaple bench and players in shock.

Paulton managed to hold on for the victory, repelling the increasingly direct Barnstaple attacks and managing to get the ball in to the corners and keep it there. On the final whistle it was heartening to see the ref stick up for his mate, the three officials huddled together in the middle of the pitch and the ref politely and repeatedly implored the Barnstaple management to "go away" as they came over to vent their frustration. 

Another very enjoyable game in the Southern League Div One South and West. 

Bristol City v Huddersfield. Friday 17th March 2017

Bristol City 4 Huddersfield Town 0

We're a nosy species generally, us humans. So when my mate Dathan said he was coming to Bristol to watch his beloved Huddersfield Town at Ashton Gate, I jumped at the chance to cross the river and have close look at the neighbours recent home improvements.

Meeting up with fellow Bristolian Paul in city centre, we enjoyed a few beers on King Street before walking south and popping in to the Tobacco Factory for a break from the rain. Home and away fans were mixing happily. A friendly city fan came up to us and offered Dathan, who was wearing his Marcus Stewert era Huddersfield shirt, his hand: "Welcome to the land of 3 points". It seemed most City fans were resigning themselves for another defeat, after a promising start to the season they were now in the relegation zone. Having recently sacked their assistant manager, many felt the crows were circling for current boss, Lee Johnson. With automatic promotion chasing Huddersfield in town, managed by (the other) charismatic cap wearing German, David Wagner, few were expecting a change in fortunes tonight for the home team.

Just outside the ground we stopped off at a Clark's pie van and bought a meat pie each for £1.70. I can confidently say it was the best pie I've had this season. Please, please good people of Clark's, can you get a van on the Gloucester road for alternate Saturdays? 

I was last in the away end at Ashton gate in 2007 for the first leg of the JPT area final against Rovers. In the intervening decade, a lot has changed. After a proposed move to Ashton Vale hit the buffers, City supremo, Steve Lansdown set about transforming the existing stadium in to an arena fit for the Premier league. The centre piece of his plan is the giant two tiered stand that bears his name and opened this season. It holds an impressive 11,000 seats and now dominates the south Bristol sky line.

The Lansdown Stand Opposite the Lansdown stand is the classic looking Dolman stand, built in the 70's it's a smart two tiered stand with plenty of character, afforded a recent face lift it has also been extended to meet the new South stand with the corner filled in. That left the Ateyo stand behind the goal where we were with the large contingent who had come down from West Yorkshire.

Not long after the game started, it stopped again. An innocuous looking collision with a team mate, left Town midfielder Jonathon Hogg on the floor. Worryingly, he wasn't moving much and a 15 minute stoppage followed as he was carefully stretchered off with what turned out to be a fractured neck.

Soon after the restart, Lee Tomlin capitalised on a mix up in the Town back line and raced clear to round the keeper and slot home to give City the lead. 

Huddersfield looked to get back in to it and you could see they were a confident team, not afraid to knock it about patiently at the back starting with the keeper. They had a decent effort from a free kick that went just over the bar, but deep in to injury time the home team scored again through Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham. David Cotterill played a low ball in from the right, Abraham met it at the near post and gave the keeper no chance, his 22nd goal of the season.

After what had been a long half, it was time for a cup of tea. Arriving at the hatch I smugly noticed that pies were over twice the price inside the ground, the snack bar had the last laugh though as I forked out £7.50 for three teas, "Be careful - the lids don't really fit" said the lady serving as I trudged back in to the stand. 

Not only did our hot beverages have crap lids, I'd wipped the tea bags out far too quick for my Yorkshire friend, "Life's too short for weak tea" he said with plenty of conviction.

Taking stock of my surroundings it was hard not to be impressed by Ashton Gate. It now has the feel of a modern stadium but retains it's history and much of its character. Sitting in the traditional setting amongst tightly packed terraces it feels far more homely than an out of town new build ever could. "Aspirational" was the verdict on the giant Lansdown stand. The upper tier was completely empty except for a media contingent huddled up at the front. With a big catchment area, If City do make the promised land of the Premier league, I'm sure it will be close to full every week. 

As the second half progressed it was evident the home team and fans were very nervy about holding on to their lead with plenty of time wasting going on. Huddersfield continued to dominate possession but it was clear it was not going to be their night when City centre back, Aden Flint, scored with a lovely back heel flick to make it 3-0 with ten minutes to go. A few minutes later, it was 4-0 as David Cotterill converted a penalty. City have lost a lot of games from winning positions this season and even in the 90th minute when 4-0 up they were engaging in the type of time wasting you usually only see when a team are holding on to a 1-0. There was to be no comeback however and both sets of fans were left surprised and scratching their heads at the final whistle. It was nice to see the Huddersfield players come over and exchange applause with the away end. After all, this was a blip in what's been an incredible season that could still end in automatic promotion.

Due to family commitments I was unable to join Paul and Dathan at the Mem the next day, when they ticked off both of Bristol's two league grounds in less than 24 hours.

Melksham v Bristol Manor Farm. Monday, March 6th, 2017

 Melksham Town 2 Bristol Manor Farm 1

Monday Night Football: Gary Neville, Sky Sports and the big MNF motif spring to mind. It's rare for teams further down the non league pyramid to play on a Monday. I wasn't complaining though as this gave me a chance to visit a new ground and also check in with Bristol Manor Farm, who I last saw in pre season. New was definitely the right word with Melksham having only moved in to their shiny Oakfield home this January.

Having won the Western League in 2015, Melksham were hoping that their new ground would just about be ready as they moved up in to the Southern league. Disaster struck however when delays with the sign off meant they had to remain in their old ground for a further season. Anticipating the move, upkeep had fallen by the way side and they were denied the promotion.

There are often delays with new stadiums being ready in time; money dries up, building firms go bust, dispute with architects arise etc. The reason for the hold up with the Oakfield was a little more unusual; ecological surveyors discovered a colony of rare great crested newts living at the ground. This resulted in the delicious headline in the The Non League Paper: "Stadium problem is newts to Melksham Town". It also meant more than a year was lost as the newts were safely transferred to a suitably comfortable home elsewhere.

With my car in the garage for repairs, I took the train, alighting at Melksham station and setting off on foot towards the ground. The walk took me past a big tyre factory, down the high street and then through suburbia before arriving at the entrance of the drive way of the ground. The fact that there is no welcoming signage at the turn off from the road hints at it's newness. The driveway was long and it seemed ages before I eventually arrived in the car park. I'd lugged my heavy camera all the way and was rightly disappointed at my self when I realised I'd left the memory card at home again and was stuck with the phone camera. 

The Oakfield set up is vast. As well as the main football pitch, there are a number of training pitches on the complex. In addition, directly alongside the first team pitch is a new rugby pitch the other side of the main stand which is home to Melksham RFC.

The main stand consists of steep rows of covered seating leading up to the bar with the changing rooms below. The bar area is ample, stacked with plenty of flat screen T.V's, it also has a fully glass front so you can watch the game unimpeded in warmth and comfort. Brand new, and fitted with strip lighting and not much in the way of soft furnishings; it did feel a bit more like an airport departure lounge  rather than a football clubhouse, the views though were fantastic. The highlight of The Oakfield for me was the roof terrace, accessed via a side door from the bar, it offers a happy medium to the person who likes the idea of having the bar at arms length whilst enjoying a nice elevated view of the pitch, without double glazing muffling out the thrills and spills of the action below.

To the side of the seated area and the bar above, the main stand building continues with a windowless wall facing the pitch. I'd met my mate Jamie, a Melksham local at the ground, he told me that behind this wall is the rugby changing rooms and that their bit of the club house faces on to their pitch. An interesting design, and a good way of sharing facilities without the pitch taking a pounding from the two sports. I'd seen the result of an over used football / rugby pitch at Newport a few weeks ago and it wasn't pretty. 

The main stand aside, the rest of the ground was very open, boundaried off from the rest of the sprawling site with a neat 6 foot wooden fence. Opposite was a small covered stand with 3 or 4 rows of seats. There is plenty of room should the club wish to expand.

It had the feel of a very family friendly club and it was good to see lots of children and youngsters in attendance. During the game plenty of kids were enjoying an impromptu game themselves, using the back of the rugby changing rooms as a goal.

As well as marvelling at Melksham's impressive new home, I had come to watch a football match. Lee Lashenko's high flying league leaders - Bristol Manor Farm were in town. Melksham went in to the game in fourth position and looking to make amends for their defeat at the hands of Manor Farm in January in the FA Vase.

Watching the teams emerge from the roof terrace

The teams looked pretty evenly matched, Manor Farm's hit man Dean Stamp was ready to swing his deadly left foot when ever half a chance presented it self, but by and large the home team were able to keep him quiet in the early exchanges.

Melksham took the lead half way through the first period, a long free kick was played in to the box, partially cleared to the edge of the area where number 7, Dan Demkiv, hit a first time low drive in to the bottom corner.

489 people were in attendance tonight, a very impressive figure for a 9th tier (Step 5) game. It seems the new ground has really caught the imagination of the local community and I'm sure the club are planning to harness and maintain this level of interest and support. Manor Farms "Farmy Army" had also turned out in decent numbers and gave a good account of themselves on the terraces.

Melksham doubled their lead on 60 minutes, it was that man Demkiv again, I later learned that his brother, Callum, was also playing tonight and it was he who played a lovely weighted ball for Dan to run on to and tuck over the out rushing keeper.

Manor Farm's attempt to get back in to the game was not helped when they were reduced to ten men with 20 or so minutes to go. Despite the numerical disadvantage they continued to create chances and the Melksham keeper, Rob Brown, made a series of fine saves to keep them at bay. Eventually he was beaten in injury time when Stamp bundled home after a scramble in the box after Brown had parried away another shot. Melksham held on for the last couple of minutes, 2-1 at full time.

A very enjoyable game between two teams who look to be going places. Manor Farm will surely get promoted this year and Melksham will feel that if they can't win the league this year, this was a good marker to put down to show their intentions and ambitions for next year as they bed in to their new home.

Proceedings were bought to a close with a moment of class at the final whistle. Melksham keeper Rob Brown, turned and shook hands with a noisy half dozen members of the Farmy Army who had spent the second half a couple of yards behind him. They had spent the last 45 minutes loudly willing him to be beaten but had obviously managed to give vociferous support for their team, without crossing the line in to mindless abuse of the opposition A lovely touch and a credit to the fans and Mr Brown himself.

On the train home I saw on twitter that none other than the king of ground hopping - Tony Incenzo had been at the game! Sadly I'd not spotted him amongst the bumper crowd. Next time Tony.

Bolton Wanderers v Bristol Rovers. Tuesday 28th February 2017

Bolton 1 Bristol Rovers 1

With some annual leave to use before the end of the financial year, an overnight stay at Bolton watching Rovers in a ground they've never played at before seemed like a very good idea.

With a room at the Premier inn booked, I headed north. The drive up was pretty grim, the rain came down hard from Gloucester on wards and it was crawling pace for the last 20 miles or so. By the time I got in range of BBC Radio Manchester, the news came through that the games at nearby Rochdale and Macclesfield were off due to waterlogged pitches. Luckily this item was followed with confirmation that the game at the Macron was on. This meant I was spared the choice of driving straight home or trying to find something else to do in the Bolton area on a Tuesday night.

After a quick pint at the Beehive pub that went down a treat after such a long drive, I went off to the ground to have a poke around. I felt old when I realised that The Macron, as it is now called, is 20 years old. I can still remember being bemused when watching Bolton at Brunden Park on match of the day in the 90's, uniquely they had a supermarket that backed on to one of the ends of the pitch where a stand should have been. 

One of the older new grounds, The Macron has aged well, it's symmetrical and though filled in at the corners doesn't have the feeling of a generic bowl, thanks in large to an impressive roof and four two tiered stands that all rise and peak in the middle.

Situated next to a motorway and a big retail park, it also handily has it's own train station. I did a 

lap and took in a nice statue of club legend Nat Lofthouse as well as a smart remembrance book detailing the names of loyal fans who had died on this date - a nice touch. I was also intrigued to see that Bolton have set up their own Free School.
One thing I liked about the ground when walking round there was a door way every now and again giving you a teasing glimpse of the pitch and the stadium inside.

I met up with a mate who'd been working in Manchester and his mate from work, a Blackburn fan who'd come along for the evening. We all concurred that it was nice not to be ripped off for a change at a football league ground: Entry was £15 and a pie and pint £6. Thank you Bolton, the 848 Rovers fans who had made the long trip up from Bristol seemed appreciative.

Rovers fans looking to take advantage of pie and pint deal.

I'd been at the reverse fixture back in August when Bolton had beaten Rovers 2-1, they'd looked a quality side that night. Thus I wasn't surprised that they were now 4th in the league though was aware they'd recently lost highly rated young striker Zach Clough to Nottingham Forest and had generally stuttered a bit recently. Rovers meanwhile were on a strange run of 5 straight league draws. Since star striker Matty Taylor left for Bristol City a month ago, the goals had dried up but luckily the defence had tightened up considerably resulting in numerous stale mates.

                              

Looking at the programme it was noticeable that Bolton had the edge in terms of exoerience at a higher level. They had a few players with considerable premiership appearances including club captain and ex Liverpool midfielder Jay Spearing, ex Reading striker Adam Le Fondre and big defender David Wheater who has been with the club since their top flight days.

Barely had we taken our positions behind the goal in the South Stand when Bolton took the lead. Chris Long raced on to a ball down the right, chased down by Tom Lockyer, he reached it just before it went out of play and hit a first time cross that flashed across the Rovers goal, it ended up at the feet of a Bolton attacker at the far end of the box, as the Rovers keeper and defenders rushed out to him to try and block his shot, he coolly played it back across the goal to unmarked Josh Vella who was level with the penalty spot, Chris Lines had managed to get back on the goal line but was unable to block the shot - 1-0 Bolton.

Rovers had clearly set up with the intention of playing a pressing game high up the pitch with the Duracell bunny Stuart Sinclair playing at the front of a midfield three. They almost found an early equaliser when striker Ellis Harrison out muscled his way past Bolton keeper Howard who had come out of his box to try and head a long ball clear, Harrison kept the ball in play on the touch line and had an empty goal to aim at, from a very tight angle though he lacked the composure to convert and the ball skimmed past the post and out for a goal kick.

Not long after Sinclair had a shot that was blocked in box by a Bolton hand but no penalty was given, the ref seemingly had a good view but as the defender was only a yard away from Sinclair he got the benefit of the doubt. Bolton then had a chance to go 2-0 up with Lumley out of position but who ever shot could only find the side netting.

Jay Spearing went off injured at half time and the home side continued to look disjointed. Luke James had an early chance in the second half to score his first competitive goal for Rovers but flashed wide from a tight angle. I was in the crowd when James scored an incredible goal against a full strength Swansea team in pre season. The goal was so good that some of the Swansea players applauded. Since then the goals have been impossible to come by... with Taylor gone, the blue half of Bristol is willing him to fill his boots.

                            

Rovers continued to dominate, Another flurry of chances came when Bodin played a ball in to Sinclair whose dummy allowed Montano a clear sight of goal, Howard dived at his feet impressively and the loose ball fell to James whose shot was blocked on the line by a defender, Sinclair was there for the rebound but his shot was deflected over for another corner.

Eventually Rovers got the goal they deserved, picking the ball up from Sinclair, Billy Bodin hit a perfectly waited pass that split the Bolton defence and allowed substitute Byron Moore to chip over the on rushing Howard in to the empty net. The remaining 15 minutes saw a few more chances but it was to remain at 1-1. 

A thoroughly entertaining game to watch, especially as an away fan though as Darrell Clarke said after, disappointing that Rovers didn't take away all 3 points. The whole team to a man played well. James Clarke especially caught my eye, the right back / centre back has been out of favour for the majority of this season and has played most of his carer to date in non league football. Due to injuries he's suddenly been thrown in at left back and is more than holding his own.

                         

Being the culture vulture that I am, I tried to squeeze in a visit to Rivingon Pike before driving back the next morning. Groundhopping guru Gibbo had recommended the tower on top of the hill as a lovely spot affording wonderful views of the Stadium and surrounding country side below. It seemed like a good way to while away an hour as I waited for rush hour traffic to subside.

I failed to make it to Rivington Pike. The increasingly steep hill and bumpy terrain had me worrying about my tyres. By the time I threw in the towel I had only this uninspiring picture from half way up the hill to show for my efforts.

                             

All in all though, a very enjoyable trip to the North West. The few Bolton fans I spoke to, including a nice lad who served me in Subway the next morning, were very welcoming.

Nat Lofthouse